Shares of the company rose more than 10 per cent in premarket trading following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in its evolving business model.
Once a dominant player in the global smartphone market, BlackBerry has successfully transitioned into a software-focused company, concentrating on connected devices and autonomous systems. The firm said it has now completed its turnaround plan, emerging with a stronger balance sheet and clearer strategic direction.
A key driver of growth has been its QNX division, which develops secure, real-time operating systems used in mission-critical embedded systems, particularly in the automotive sector. Revenue from the unit rose 20 per cent to $78.7 million in the fourth quarter, while its royalty backlog climbed to დაახლოებით $950 million.
Chief Executive Officer John Giamatteo said the division’s deep integration into safety-critical environments provides resilience against broader technological disruption.
“Our business is much more immune to ‘SaaSmageddon’ because these are highly regulated, complex, mission-critical solutions,” he said, noting that such systems are less vulnerable to competition from generic artificial intelligence products.
BlackBerry’s secure communications segment also posted steady growth, with revenue rising 8 per cent to $72.5 million. The unit derives roughly three-quarters of its income from government clients, underscoring its strong position in regulated markets.
Chief Financial Officer Tim Foote said the company plans to ramp up investment in its QNX business over the next fiscal year, particularly in sales and marketing, as it expands into adjacent sectors such as robotics, physical AI, and medical technologies.
Giamatteo added that BlackBerry is exploring strategic options to accelerate growth, including targeted acquisitions and potential share buybacks.
For the first quarter, the company expects revenue in the range of $132 million to $140 million, ahead of analysts’ forecast of $129.9 million, according to data from London Stock Exchange Group. In the fourth quarter, BlackBerry reported revenue of $156 million, surpassing expectations of $144.4 million.
The outlook highlights growing demand for secure, embedded software solutions as industries increasingly rely on connected and autonomous technologies.