BlackBerry (TSX:BB) Stock: Is it Time to Buy?

BlackBerry (TSX:BB) stock has had a great year, but it has struggled with consistency for years. Here are three top growth stocks I’d buy instead.

BlackBerry (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB) stock has generously rewarded investors in 2021. Despite a recent pullback, year to date, its stock is still up 52%. Year over year, the stock is up over 100%. Yet returns have largely been propelled by euphoric Reddit traders. Of course, BlackBerry has a lot of buzzwords associated with its business, like the internet of things, electric vehicles, and cybersecurity.

BlackBerry stock has failed to earn shareholders consistent returns for years

For years, BlackBerry’s financial and operational results have failed to consistently meet the market’s expectations. Since 2016, the company actually has negative revenue and earnings growth.

Management often states that it is right around the corner of something “great,” but operationally, it often falls short. Regardless, its management team is happy to accept very rich compensation packages that generally come at shareholders’ expense.

Perhaps, it may one day really turn the corner. Yet, recent results don’t really indicate that. Given the run up in its stock price, BlackBerry is a pretty expensive stock. So, is it a buy today? Probably not.

Consequently, I believe there are likely better growth opportunities. Here are three Canadian technology stocks I would consider for long-term wealth-compounding positions instead.

Forget BlackBerry stock: This stock still has years of upside

If you want a growth stock that has garnered market leading returns for years, then you don’t get any better than Constellation Software (TSX:CSU). Since inception, this stock has returned nearly 40% annual average returns. Talk about consistency and execution!

As this company reaches a market capitalization of nearly $41 billion, growth gets harder. Yet if you even cut its return of invested capital in half, you could still end up with +20% potential annual returns.

Given the quality of its balance sheet, its expert management team, its highly competitive software businesses, and a history of strong returns, this stock could still outperform BlackBerry and other tech stocks for years to come.

Lightspeed POS: A top commerce platform

Lightspeed POS (TSX:LSPD)(NYSE:LSPD) stock may not have a long history like Constellation or BlackBerry. Yet quarter after quarter, it does what it says it will do and consistently hits or exceeds the market’s expectations.

While it is not yet profitable, Lightspeed has been investing heavily in growth. In fact, since the pandemic, revenue growth has accelerated from around 35% annually to 85% last year and potentially 100% this year.

The fact is, Lightspeed is much more than a point-of-sales business today. It operates a global omni-channel sales platform for retail, restaurant, and hospitality merchants. Omni-channel sales are essential in today’s digital world. Consequently, Lightspeed should continue to have a large addressable market to capture for many years forward.

Descartes System: Steady market-leading returns

If you want to pay for a pricey stock like BlackBerry, you might as well buy one that is much higher on the quality scale. Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG)(NASDAQ:DSGX) is just that. It provides software and networking solutions for the global supply chain and logistics industries.

Its software is absolutely crucial across the logistics supply chain. It helps streamline customs procedures, shipping protocols/regulations, and provides route management that save shippers tons of money.

Consequently, it garners very consistent recurring revenues and nice +70% margins. Descartes has decent organic growth, but it has mostly supplemented growth by acquiring smaller logistics software businesses. It has a great management team, a strong balance sheet, and tailwinds like e-commerce pushing growth forward. As a result, this is a top growth stock I would buy over BlackBerry any day.

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 Robin Brown owns shares of Constellation Software, DESCARTES SYS, and Lightspeed POS Inc. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Constellation Software and Lightspeed POS Inc. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry.

More on Tech Stocks

investment research
Tech Stocks

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

Is OpenText stock poised for a 2025 comeback? AI ambitions, a 3.8% yield, and cash flow power make it a…

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

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Tech Stocks

Canadian Tech Stocks to Buy Now for Future Gains

Not all tech stocks are created equal. In fact, these three are valuable options every investor should consider.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Tech Stocks

2 Rapidly Growing Canadian Tech Stocks With Lots More Potential

Celestica (TSX:CLS) and Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are Canadian tech darlings worth watching in the new year.

Read more »

BCE stock
Tech Stocks

10% Yield: Is BCE Stock a Good Buy?

The yield is bigger than it's ever been in the company's history. That might not be a good thing.

Read more »

Happy shoppers look at a cellphone.
Tech Stocks

So You Own Shopify Stock: Is it Still a Good Investment?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock has had a run, but there's still room to the upside.

Read more »

A person uses and AI chat bot
Tech Stocks

AI Where No One’s Looking: Seize Growth in These Canadian Stocks Before the Market Catches Up

Beyond flashy headlines about generative AI, these two Canadian AI stocks could deliver strong returns for investors who are willing…

Read more »