BlackBerry's QNX division announced support for the Hailo-8 AI Accelerator on QNX SDP 8.0, signaling on-device AI acceleration for automotive software. The move could expand QNX's AI capabilities and attract automaker customers seeking efficient, real-time inference. The news drove BB shares higher by about 6.5% on Thursday, signaling positive near-term sentiment.
BlackBerry is pivoting toward secure communications and automotive software via QNX, with 275 million vehicles equipped and a robotics backlog of $950 million. CEO John Giamatteo emphasizes physical AI as a growth lever for factory robotics and autonomous driving, signaling a longer-term upside as enterprise demand grows for safety-centric AI systems.
BlackBerry's CEO emphasized robotics as a fast-growing extension of QNX, noting 275 million vehicles run QNX and a $950 million backlog with robotics included. He cited an expanded Nvidia partnership to deploy QNX in robotics, medical devices, and industrial applications, signaling a broader physical AI growth trajectory. While immediate revenue visibility is unclear, the strategic focus suggests longer-term margin and services upside.
BlackBerry (BB) shares rose about 10.5% to $12.60, hitting a new 52-week high on Monday. The move seems momentum-driven with no disclosed catalysts, implying a short-term breakout rather than a fundamental upgrade. Investors should watch for volume and follow-through to gauge sustainability.
BlackBerry lifts its annual revenue forecast on continued QNX momentum after completing its turnaround. The upgrade implies stronger revenue visibility and potential margin support, reinforcing investor confidence. The roughly 8% premarket move suggests enthusiasm for the software platform’s growth trajectory and could persist if QNX momentum holds into upcoming results.
BlackBerry reported Q1 FY2027 with revenue of $152.9M, up 26% YoY, and adjusted EBITDA of $36.3M (+144%). GAAP operating income was $15.3M, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of GAAP net income and the first cash-positive quarter in nine years (excludes a prior patent sale). The company highlighted momentum in QNX and Secure Communications, expansion opportunities in software-defined vehicles, and renewed its NCIB buyback program, guiding FY27 revenue to $594–$621M and adjusted EBITDA to $119–$139M.