Nyse Order Imbalance 3164187.0 Shares On Sell Side

BlackBerry (BB) closed the most recent trading day at $2.31, moving +0.87% from the previous trading session. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.74%.

The cybersecurity software and services company's shares have seen a decrease of 4.98% over the last month, not keeping up with the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 3.99% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.16%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of BlackBerry in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on December 19, 2024. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.02, reflecting a 300% decrease from the same quarter last year.

For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$0.02 per share and a revenue of $603 million, signifying shifts of -140% and -29.31%, respectively, from the last year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for BlackBerry. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the company's business performance and profit potential.

Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. BlackBerry currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

The Computer - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 55, which puts it in the top 22% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Zacks Investment Research

BlackBerry Limited shares are trading relatively flat in the morning session on Thursday.

Yesterday, the company announced that Hyundai Mobis, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group , has selected BlackBerry QNX to power its next-generation digital cockpit platform.

Hyundai Mobis will use BlackBerry’s QNX Hypervisor for Safety and QNX Advanced Virtualization Frameworks (QAVF) for its next-generation digital cockpit platform.

“With BlackBerry QNX technology underpinning our next generation digital cockpit platform, together we are helping to deliver a smarter and more technologically sophisticated future for drivers and passengers alike, without sacrificing safety, security or reliability,” said Sung-Hoon Lee, SVP of Sales Division at Hyundai Mobis.

QNX’s foundational software supports digital cockpits and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to infotainment systems and domain controllers at lower cost.

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“We’re confident that automakers worldwide will embrace Hyundai Mobis’ cutting-edge digital cockpit platform as they enhance the safety and personalization of the in-car experience,” said Dhiraj Handa, VP, Asia Pacific region at BlackBerry QNX.

On October 31, BlackBerry announced an expansion of its long-standing collaboration by inking a pact of BlackBerry QNX with Intel Corporation.

Last month, the company announced details of profitability for its IoT and Cybersecurity divisions, including strategic options for the Cylance business.

BlackBerry projected FY25 cyber revenues between $350 million and $365 million and optimistic about achieving break-even results, signaling a potential turnaround after previous challenges.

In a press release dated September 26, the company said it expects FY25 revenues of $591 million – $616 million.

According to Benzinga Pro, BB stock has lost 39% in the past year.

Price Action: BB shares are trading higher by 0.31% to $2.297 at last check Thursday.

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Itron, Inc. ITRI has teamed up with Verizon Communications Inc. VZ to incorporate its Network Continuity solutions into Itron's Intelligent Connectivity platform, leveraging VZ’s multi-network embedded SIM (eSIM) technology. With this communications flexibility, utilities can ensure uninterrupted cellular connectivity across their entire service area, boosting operational efficiency, Itron highlighted.

Based in New York, Verizon offers communication services in the form of local phone service, long-distance, wireless and data services. The company’s eSIM technology is a digital SIM embedded directly into mobile devices, allowing users to connect to cellular networks without needing a physical SIM card. Many modern devices now feature eSIM as an alternative to or in addition to traditional removable SIM cards.

To improve connectivity for utilities in remote areas, Itron has partnered with Verizon to create an eSIM solution based on global mobile standards from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). The new eSIM solution delivers consistent and resilient network performance when combined with Itron’s Gen5 Cellular Access Point, ensuring seamless operations. Remote management of eSIMs also helps utilities safeguard their networks for future advancements and emerging technologies.

These partnerships will help Itron meet the growing demand for advanced, resilient communication technologies in the utility sector. The company’s strong market position in this sector will boost its long-term financial performance.

Itron, Inc. Price and Consensus

Itron, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Itron, Inc. Quote

Headquartered in Liberty Lake, WA, Itron is a technology and services company and one of the leading global suppliers of a wide range of standard, advanced and smart meters and meter communication systems, including networks and communication modules, software, devices, sensors, data analytics and services to the utility and municipal sectors.

Itron's Networked Solutions segment remains a key growth driver, contributing 67.7% to total revenues of $416.7 million for the third quarter of 2024, marking an 8% year-over-year increase. This revenue growth was fueled by the expansion of new initiatives and ongoing deployments.

ITRI’s Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance

ITRI currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Shares of the company have gained 85.9% in the past year compared with the sub-industry's growth of 23.2%.

BCE Inc.’s BCE subsidiary Bell Canada recently inked a definitive agreement to acquire Ziply Fiber, a premium fiber Internet provider in the Pacific Northwest United States, to boost its North American fiber footprint and unlock new opportunities in the U.S. broadband market.

The deal, valued at nearly C$7 billion, including C$5 billion in cash and the assumption of around C$2 billion in net debt at the close of the transaction, is anticipated to be settled in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Upon the deal closure, Ziply Fiber will continue to run as a separate business unit under Bell, headquartered in Kirkland, WA.

BCE, Inc. Price and Consensus

BCE, Inc. price-consensus-chart | BCE, Inc. Quote

The initiative positions BCE for higher growth and diversification by strengthening its foothold in the vast, underserved U.S. fiber market. Post the acquisition deal settlement, Ziply Fiber will offer BCE access to a significant customer base and expansion potential. Since Ziply’s formation in 2020, it has grown rapidly, expanding its fiber footprint across four U.S. states.

With over 1.3 million locations already connected, Ziply plans to reach more than 3 million locations within the next four years. This will aid BCE’s goal of reaching more than 12 million fiber locations across North America by the end of 2028, solidifying its position as the third-largest fiber Internet provider in the region.

Synergies stemming from the buyout are expected to provide substantial benefits to customers across Canada and the United States. The joined forces are likely to address the rapid demand for high-speed, reliable Internet services by leveraging their technological expertise and product innovation. The acquisition values Ziply Fiber based on an enterprise value metric of 14.3 times its 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA, which includes run-rate synergies.

BCE’s Buyout Funding Strategy

The acquisition cost of C$5 billion in cash will largely be funded through proceeds from BCE’s sale of its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (“MLSE”). In September 2024, BCE finalized an agreement to sell its ownership stake in MLSE to Rogers Communications Inc. for C$4.7 billion. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is anticipated to close in mid-2025.

Almost C$4.2 billion of the acquisition's cash element will come from BCE’s divestiture of MLSE, with the remaining funds sourced through a discounted Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRP). BCE has secured a $3.7 billion delayed-draw term loan facility as backup financing to ensure the acquisition progresses smoothly in case the MLSE divestiture closes after the Ziply transaction. Upon completion of this acquisition and other pending divestitures, including Northwestel and BCE’s ownership stake in MLSE, its leverage ratio is expected to remain stable. This financial planning aligns with BCE’s commitment to maintaining investment-grade credit ratings and a prudent long-term debt management strategy.

To support shareholder value, BCE has confirmed maintaining its annual common share dividend at C$3.99 per share through 2025. However, with this significant acquisition, BCE plans to pause any dividend growth until its dividend payout and net debt leverage ratios align with its target ranges.

To further bolster its financial position, BCE is amending its DRP. This amendment will allow the issuance of new shares from BCE’s treasury at a 2% discount to the average market price. By encouraging shareholders to reinvest dividends in BCE stock, this approach aims to retain cash for strategic initiatives and provide BCE with the financial flexibility needed to support this acquisition. This plan offers participating shareholders an opportunity to acquire additional BCE shares without incurring any commission or brokerage fees, thus maximizing shareholders’ value. The DRP amendment is currently subject to final terms and approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

BCE’s Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance

BCE currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of the company have lost 26.4% in the past year compared with the sub-industry's decline of 2.8%.

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks from the broader technology space are Cirrus Logic, Inc. CRUS, BlackBerry Limited BB and Ubiquiti Inc. UI. BB and UI presently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), whereas CRUS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Double-digit year-over-year revenue growth across Cybersecurity and IoT businesses is boosting Blackberry’s performance. It delivered an earnings surprise of 131.3%, on average, in the trailing four quarters. In the last reported quarter, BB pulled off an earnings surprise of 100%.

Ubiquiti’s excellent global business model, which is flexible and adaptable to evolving market changes, helps it overcome challenges and maximize growth. UI delivered an earnings surprise of 4.2% in the last reported quarter.

Cirrus Logic’s performance is driven by increasing shipments in the smartphone market. Steady momentum in the laptop market and standout next-generation flagship smartphone design cushion the top line. CRUS delivered an earnings surprise of 55%, on average, in the trailing four quarters.

Zacks Investment Research

In the latest market close, BlackBerry (BB) reached $2.27, with a +0.44% movement compared to the previous day. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 0.41% gain on the day. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.69%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.8%.

Shares of the cybersecurity software and services company witnessed a loss of 2.59% over the previous month, trailing the performance of the Computer and Technology sector with its loss of 0.01% and the S&P 500's loss of 0.97%.

The upcoming earnings release of BlackBerry will be of great interest to investors. The company's earnings report is expected on December 19, 2024. On that day, BlackBerry is projected to report earnings of -$0.02 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 300%.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$0.02 per share and a revenue of $603 million, demonstrating changes of -140% and -29.31%, respectively, from the preceding year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for BlackBerry. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged. BlackBerry currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

The Computer - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 82, this industry ranks in the top 33% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Zacks Investment Research

Juniper Networks, Inc. JNPR recently announced that Thailand’s national carrier, Thai Airways, is utilizing Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform to upgrade its headquarters' network infrastructure. This modernization allows the airline to improve efficiency and reliability, enabling Thai Airways to offer quality experiences for operators and customers across all its services.

As a prominent gateway to Asia, Thai Airways identified the need to strengthen its corporate network to support post-pandemic travel demand. Thus, the airline partnered with Juniper to implement its innovative technology, making Thai Airways the first in Thailand to deploy Wi-Fi 6E using Juniper AP45 access points and Juniper EX Series Ethernet switches to enhance its core, distribution and access networks.

Mist AI plays a crucial role in this initiative, employing AIOps developed over nine years to deliver insights into user experiences. This advanced technology allows for proactive issue resolution, which could cut network-related trouble tickets by as much as 90%. By consolidating the management of both wired and wireless networks, Juniper’s Mist Wired and Wireless Assurance cloud services enhance the efficiency of Thai Airways' business-essential systems. This integration reduces the need for manual intervention while guaranteeing reliable and secure connections for every device and user.

Furthermore, the Marvis Virtual Network Assistant empowers the airline's IT team to swiftly identify and address network issues through an intuitive conversational interface. It not only pinpoints root causes but also offers effective insights and prescriptive solutions. Since this upgrade, Thai Airways has seen a notable drop in problems and user complaints, significantly reducing the time spent on network operations. This allows the airline to concentrate on enhancing value and services for its customers.

Juniper Networks, Inc. Price and Consensus

Juniper Networks, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Juniper Networks, Inc. Quote

Thai Airways is also considering expanding the implementation of Juniper’s solutions to its hubs at Thailand’s two major international airports. These new deployments may exceed the current scale of the network already established at the airline's headquarters.

Juniper’s AI Solutions Witness Healthy Uptake

As companies focus on digital transformation and network upgrades to enhance operational efficiency, Juniper’s AI-native networking solutions are gaining solid traction.

In October 2024, JATCO Ltd., one of the major players in the automotive transmission industry, selected Juniper’s portfolio to upgrade its Wi-Fi network, leveraging Mist AI’s data science and machine learning for optimal performance.

In the same month, South Korea-based lighting technology firm Seoul Semiconductor also implemented Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform to enhance wired and wireless access, aiming to boost productivity and lower costs. The growing demand for Mist AI systems cushioned Juniper’s top line in the second quarter of 2024. This rising adoption of its AI-native networking solutions is likely to boost its revenues by capitalizing on this emerging network modernization trend.

Based in Sunnyvale, CA, Juniper is a leading provider of networking solutions and communication devices. In January 2024, Hewlett Packard Enterprise entered a definitive agreement to acquire Juniper for an all-cash transaction of $40.00 per share, totaling an equity value of approximately $14 billion. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in late 2024 or early 2025.

JNPR’s Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance

JNPR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of the company have gained 48.7% in the past year compared with the sub-industry's growth of 69.4%.