Forget Tesla! This 1 TSX Stock Is a Better Driverless Auto Play

The future is of automotive is more than just clean and green; it’s also driverless. And Tesla isn’t the only promising company in this arena.

| More on:

The minds of most people jump to Google and Tesla when we think about autonomous driverless vehicles, but the reality is that the concept, as well as the prototypes for driverless vehicles, goes way farther back. The first self-driving car was introduced by General Motors in a 1939 exhibit, and the concept was turned into a reality by 1958.

It was a rudimentary machine that required special metal spikes embedded in the roadway. It was revolutionary but not practical. But now, thanks to Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and signal processing, the dream of driverless vehicles seem much more achievable. Many prototypes have been roaming the roads for several years, gathering data for their successors.

But a driverless car is so much more than a simple automotive. It’s a complex machine fitted with cutting-edge sensors, navigation, communication, and processing. And when the dawn of driverless cars finally becomes a reality, technology companies that have helped make driverless cars a reality will probably see unprecedented growth as well.

BlackBerry and Tesla

BlackBerry (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB) doesn’t manufacture cars as Tesla does, but it does create software that’s used by 175 million vehicles around the globe. The BlackBerry QNX software takes the performance of Electronic Control Units of modern vehicles to the next level and offers significantly more sophistication than generic ECU firmware does.

And like Tesla, which has taken several steps towards self-driving vehicles, especially with its improved autopilot, BlackBerry has entered the self-driving market as well. The BlackBerry QNX is well suited to serve as the software-backbone of an autonomous vehicle, and it’s already deployed in a prototype: Lincoln MKZ.

Unlike Tesla, which benefits directly from a sharp rise in EV sales and probably will be at the front of the line once the driverless industry starts rewarding these companies, BlackBerry might see more mature growth. If more driverless vehicle manufacturers start leveraging BlackBerry QNX and securing contracts with the company, it’s likely to see its revenues improve and stock grow.

The stock

While BlackBerry is nowhere near its former glory valuation or its recent spike, the stock is still not underpriced. The revenue has been declining for the last two quarters, but the balance sheet is still strong. BlackBerry is also entering the smartphone market with its new range of phones. It’s no longer BlackBerry’s core competency or competitive edge, but it’s an avenue that might pay off in the long run.

It means that a strong position in the autonomous vehicle market isn’t the only thing going in BlackBerry’s favour. BlackBerry might prove to be a very profitable long-term bet, but that’s highly contingent on the autonomous vehicle market’s timeline, global adaptability, and other software products available that offer the same (or better) features as BlackBerry QNX does.

Foolish takeaway

BlackBerry is currently trading at a 54% discount compared to its spiked price. Waiting for the stock to be undervalued over time might not be prudent, but it might also not be the time to invest heavily in BlackBerry. But the company should be on your radar. Any major contract or positive news in the autonomous vehicle industry might boost BlackBerry’s valuation.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Tesla. Tom Gardner owns shares of Tesla. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry and BlackBerry.

More on Tech Stocks

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

Better Buy: Shopify Stock or Constellation Software?

Let's dive into whether Shopify (TSX:SHOP) or Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are the better options for growth investors in this current…

Read more »

nvidia headquarters with nvidia sign in front
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Just Delivered a Beat-and-Raise Quarter. There’s 1 Red Flag Investors Shouldn’t Ignore.

The chipmaker continued to benefit from robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI). But can it last?

Read more »

GettyImages-1473086836
Tech Stocks

Why Super Micro Computer Stock Is Soaring Today

The volatile stock is getting a boost from Nvidia.

Read more »

Snowflake logo in snowflake office on wall_snowflake-1
Tech Stocks

Here’s Why Snowflake Stock Skyrocketed Today

Shares of the data company are up 32% for the day.

Read more »

man touching magnifying glass button on floating search bar internet google search engine
Tech Stocks

Why Alphabet Stock Was Sliding Today

The parent company of Google is facing heat from U.S. regulators.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Tech Stocks

Top Canadian AI Stocks to Watch in 2025

Celestica (TSX:CLS) stock and another Canadian AI stock are worth watching closely this holiday season.

Read more »

Nvidia Voyager Headquarters
Tech Stocks

Why Nvidia Stock Rallied (Again) on Tuesday

The chipmaker is expected to report earnings this evening.

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks That Are Screaming Buys in November

The market might be soaring, but there are still lots of deals to be had. Here are three discounted stocks…

Read more »