BLACKBERRY LTD. $9.21

BLACKBERRY LTD. $9.21 (Toronto symbol BB; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 521.2 million; Market cap: $4.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.0; No dividends paid; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative; www.blackberry.com) provides secure wireless communication services, mainly to businesses and government agencies. In the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016, BlackBerry’s revenue fell 35.2%, to $2.2 billion from $3.3 billion a year earlier (all amounts except share price and market cap in U.S. dollars). Smartphones supplied 40% of total revenue, followed by the fees it charges wireless carriers to access its networks (37%). The software it installs on its clients’ email servers contributed 23% of revenue. Without unusual items, the company lost $0.19 a share, compared to a profit of $0.08 in 2014. BlackBerry holds cash of $2.6 billion, or $5.03 a share. Its longterm debt of $1.3 billion is a manageable 27% of its market cap. The company continues to focus on expanding its security software operations. Thanks to acquisitions, revenue from this division nearly doubled in the most recent fiscal year. About 70% of its software revenue comes from recurring licensing deals, which cuts its risk. As well, BlackBerry said it will shut down its smartphone division if it continues to lose money. BlackBerry is still a hold.

A professional investment analyst for more than 30 years, Pat has developed a stock-selection technique that has proven reliable in both bull and bear markets. His proprietary ValuVesting System™ focuses on stocks that provide exceptional quality at relatively low prices. Many savvy investors and industry leaders consider it the most powerful stock-picking method ever created.