Do You Want Outsized Gains? 1 TSX Meme Stock Is a Better Buy Than GameStop (NYSE:GME)

Investors must know how to differentiate meme stocks from worthy investments. Unlike GameStop and AMC, BlackBerry stock is a must-buy because of its visible growth potentials.

| More on:

Two meme stocks hogged the headlines in 2021 and continue to create a scene at Wall Street. Video game retailer GameStop (NYSE:GME) and movie theatre chain AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) were on the brink of collapse in the 2020 pandemic year. Hedge funds were shorting both stocks hoping to make big bucks when the stock prices drop.

However, GameStop and AMC found a new lease on life when an army of retail investors known as Reddit traders came to their aid. Suddenly the prices of the struggling stocks soared through the roof. As of June 7, 2021, GameStop is up 1,386.25% year to date, while AMC is ahead by 2,494.34%.

BlackBerry (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB), a Canadian stock, is cross-listed in the NYSE and counts as among the potential targets of retail investors. However, the TSX tech stock doesn’t enjoy the same astronomical gains as GameStop and AMC. At $19.01 per share, the year-to-date gain is only 125.24%. The trailing one-year price return is 162.87%.

Popularity, not fundamentals

GameStop and AMC have surged because of immense popularity, not operational performance. Reddit retail traders zeroed in on the video game retailer because it had the highest interest among short-sellers. The young investors flocked to GameStop and started a short squeeze. As a result, hedge funds lost billions of dollars.

The hesitation of GameStop to move toward digital gaming from the traditional brick-and-mortar setup was costly. Sales were stagnant for years, and it became inevitable that underperforming stores would be shut down for good. Now, the company can liquidate debts and pursue digital transformation.

AMC also had a high level of short interest, so Reddit traders saw an opportunity. Unlike GameStop, America’s largest movie exhibition company was teetering on insolvency. The company was frantically sourcing funds to stay afloat and avoid bankruptcy. It resorted to an at-the-market equity program.

Now, AMC is the star of meme stocks. To curb wild trading, TD Ameritrade said increased margin requirements on GameStop and AMC to 100%. Investors must purchase all the securities with cash. The SEC joined the fray and keeping a close watch on potential market disruptions, manipulative trading, and other forms of misconduct.

Slick moves

BlackBerry is caught in the meme frenzy, although it has visible growth potential. The tech stock outperforms the TSX because of some slick moves. It has a significant collaboration with Amazon Web Services that will soon bear fruit. The automotive software BlackBerry IVY should cement its position, if not revolutionize, the auto industry.

On June 7, 2021, BlackBerry announced that BITECH Automotive in China would adopt its QNX Neutrino Realtime Operating System (RTOS). Changan Automobile has started mass production of its new SUV, which will feature the digital cluster that BlackBerry and BITECH will jointly develop.

Before you forget, BlackBerry also leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions. The $10.75 billion Waterloo-based company is now of the leaders in endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems globally.

Viable long-term play

Some market analysts warn that BlackBerry might be the next meme stock that the Reddit army will pump up. However, with or without the social media-induced investing, the company is making headway on several fronts. This TSX stock is a viable long-term play.

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.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon. Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

OpenText stock has fallen in the last few years, but that could mean this top tech stock remains an undervalued…

Read more »

AI microchip
Tech Stocks

Celestica Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Celestica's stock price has rallied 950% in the last five years. Will the AI boom send it even higher in…

Read more »

data analyze research
Tech Stocks

2 Ridiculously Cheap Growth Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in 2024

Well Health Technologies is a cheap growth stock to buy for its record-breaking results, massive revenue growth, and profitability.

Read more »

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Tech Stocks

4 Reasons to Buy Kinaxis Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

Kinaxis stock has a strong past. But there is even more to look forward to from this top tech stock.

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

The Future of AI: Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Now

Here are two of the best AI-focused stocks in Canada that you can consider adding to your portfolio before it’s…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Tech Stocks

2 TFSA Stocks to Buy Right Now With $7,000

Are you looking for growth stocks that can help you maximize the tax-free withdrawals of the TFSA? This article is…

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Tech Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $1,000

Not all tech stocks are the risky investments that many think they are. Which is why we're focusing on the…

Read more »