This stock offers limited prospects

Article Excerpt

You should remain wary of stocks that attract broker/media attention because of high-profile products or services and their business models. Here’s a closer look at one stock with risks that prospective investors should take into consideration: BLACKBERRY LIMITED, $5.04, (Toronto symbol BB; TSI Rating: Extra Risk) (Shares outstanding: 583.7 million; Market cap: $3.0 billion; No divds.) is a Waterloo-based provider of cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) software. BlackBerry recently announced that it intends to separate its cybersecurity and IoT businesses into two independent, publicly traded companies. As part of the separation, it will pursue an IPO for the IoT business, which includes its QNX automotive embedded software. After the IPO, the public would likely hold less than 50% of the new issue—with BlackBerry retaining the rest. The company feels that by separating the two business units, it will let both segments pursue growth initiatives to meet their specific needs and goals. It could also let investors evaluate both businesses more easily. Spinoffs are often a way…