BlackBerry's fortunes looking up with fourth quarter profit
The company said it's now looking to stabilise its business in the coming months


BlackBerry's fourth quarter results show the company is finally on an upwards hike after its move away from consumer devices towards business services - where its roots once lay.
BlackBerry reported a net profit of $28 million (18 million) in its fourth quarter that ended February 28 2015, compared with a year-earlier loss of $148 million (100 million).
Service success made up for almost half (47 per cent) of the profitability, while 42 per cent came from hardware sales - including revenues from sales of 1.3 million BlackBerry smartphones - and 10 per cent from software.
BlackBerry chief executive John Chen said: "Our focus this past year was on getting our financial house in order while creating a multi-year growth strategy and investing in our product portfolio. We now have a very good handle on our margins, and our product roadmaps have been well received."
However, the company's focus will shift in the next year, as it continues to build its user base and make money.
Chen explained on the company's results conference call: "The second half of our turnaround focuses on stabilisation of revenue with sustainable profitability and cash generation."
He said the secret of the company's 2014/2015 success was high margins on its business-centric services that allow organisations, including governments, to securely manage multiple employee devices.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
However, BlackBerry's revenues were lower than predicted by analysts who estimated the company would post $790 million (530 million). However, its total revenues came in at $660 million (443 million)
BlackBerry said it will continue making some hardware, including the BlackBerry Leap smartphone that was announced at Mobile World Congress, but it will clearly focus them on business users and startups rather than consumers.

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.
Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.
As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.
-
Asus ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH review
Reviews A stunning foldable 17.3in OLED display – but it's too expensive to be anything more than a thrilling tech demo
By Sasha Muller
-
How the UK MoJ achieved secure networks for prisons and offices with Palo Alto Networks
Case study Adopting zero trust is a necessity when your own users are trying to launch cyber attacks
By Rory Bathgate
-
BlackBerry Keyone review: can it push your buttons?
Reviews BlackBerry's keyboard-based phone fails to switch on the charm
By Adam Shepherd
-
BlackBerry signs another smartphone licensing deal
News Partnership with Optiemus Infracom opens up India market to BlackBerry
By Clare Hopping
-
BlackBerry acquires Good Technology for less than half its $1bn valuation
News Analyst warns start-up valuation stories usually “end in tears”
By Joe Curtis
-
BlackBerry rubbishes talk of Samsung acquisition
News BlackBerry sources claim the firm is not for sale
By Khidr Suleman
-
Lenovo to acquire BlackBerry, sources claim
News Although mostly rumours at the moment, the PC manufacturer may be about to make its BlackBerry acquisition official
By Clare Hopping
-
BlackBerry concludes company restructure with internal memo
News BlackBerry has finished its recent restructuring, with an internal memo sent to employees detailing changes
By Caroline Preece
-
TfL's BYOD adoption up 500 per cent since 2010
News Transport for London FOI request reveals how many staff are embracing BYOD.
By Rene Millman
-
BlackBerry's patents could generate a bidding war
News Apple, Google, Lenovo, Microsoft and Samsung all touted as suitors for patents valued at around $3bn.
By Khidr Suleman