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BlackBerry Narrows Non-GAAP Loss per Share to ($0.02) on Broad-Based Operational Progress in Fiscal 2015 Second Quarter

September 26, 2014

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Sept. 26, 2014) - BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB), a global leader in mobile communications, today reported financial results for the three months ended August 30, 2014 (all figures in U.S. dollars and U.S. GAAP, except where otherwise indicated).

Q2 Highlights:

  • Cash and investments balance of $3.1 billion at the end of the fiscal quarter, up $11 million from the prior quarter
  • Normalized cash use of $36 million in the quarter, compared to $255 million in the prior quarter
  • Non-GAAP gross margin of 47.5%, driven by positive non-GAAP hardware gross margin
  • Breakeven non-GAAP operating margin
  • The EZ Pass Program has resulted in a total of 3.4 million licenses issued for BES10, a nearly three-fold increase from last quarter, with 25% of total licenses traded in from competitors' Mobile Device Management platforms
  • 91 million monthly active BBM users, up from 85 million in the prior quarter
  • Created the BlackBerry Technology Solutions unit, encompassing QNX (embedded software), Certicom (cryptography), Paratek (antenna tuning), the patent portfolio and the Internet of Things strategy
  • Announced an agreement to acquire Secusmart, a leader in high-security voice and text encryption, and recently announced the acquisition of Movirtu, a provider of virtual SIM solutions, after the end of the quarter

Q2 Results

Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 was $916 million. The revenue breakdown for the quarter was approximately 46% for hardware, 46% for services and 8% for software and other revenue. During the second quarter, the Company recognized hardware revenue on approximately 2.1 million BlackBerry smartphones. During the second quarter, approximately 2.4 million BlackBerry smartphones were sold through to end customers, which included shipments made and recognized prior to the second quarter and which reduced the Company's inventory in channel.

Non-GAAP loss for the second quarter was $11 million, or $0.02 per share. GAAP net loss for the second quarter was $207 million, or a $0.39 loss per share. The GAAP net loss includes a non-cash charge associated with the change in the fair value of the Debentures of $167 million (the "Q2 Fiscal 2015 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment") and pre-tax restructuring charges of $33 million related to the restructuring program. The impact of these adjustments on GAAP net loss and loss per share is summarized in a table below.

Total cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments was $3.1 billion as of August 30, 2014. The Company used $36 million in the second quarter, excluding net receipts of $47 million related to non-strategic operations during the quarter. Purchase obligations and other commitments amounted to approximately $1.6 billion as of August 30, 2014, with purchase orders with contract manufacturers representing approximately $344 million of the total.

"We delivered a solid quarter against our key operational metrics, and we are confident that we will achieve breakeven cash flow by the end of FY15," said John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry. "Our workforce restructuring is now complete, and we are focusing on revenue growth with judicious investments to further our leadership position in enterprise mobility and security, driving us towards non-GAAP profitability during FY16."

Outlook

The Company continues to anticipate maintaining its strong cash position, while increasingly looking for opportunities to prudently invest in growth. The Company continues to target break-even cash flow results by the end of fiscal 2015.

Reconciliation of GAAP gross margin, gross margin percentage, loss before income taxes, and net loss to Non-GAAP gross margin, gross margin percentage, loss before income taxes, net loss and loss per share:
(United States dollars, in millions except per share data)
Gross
margin(1)
(before
taxes)
Gross
margin
%(1)
(before
taxes)
Loss
before
income
taxes
Net
loss
Loss per
share
As reported $ 425 46.4 % $ (218 ) $ (207 ) $ (0.39 )
Adjustments:
Restructuring charges (2) 10 1.1 % 33 29
Q2 Fiscal 2015 Debenture Fair Value Adjustment (3) - - % 167 167
Adjusted $ 435 47.5 % $ (18 ) $ (11 ) $ (0.02 )
Note: Non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP gross margin percentage, non-GAAP loss before income taxes, non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP loss per share do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and thus are not comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP measures enables the Company and its shareholders to better assess the Company's operating results relative to its operating results in prior periods and improves the comparability of the information presented. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures in the context of the Company's GAAP results.
(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reported GAAP gross margin of $425 million or 46.4% of revenue. Excluding the impact of the restructuring charges included in cost of sales, the non-GAAP gross margin was $435 million, or 47.5%.
(2) During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company incurred charges related to the restructuring program of $33 million pre-tax, or $29 million after tax, of which $10 million were included in cost of sales, $19 million were included in research and development and $4 million were included in selling, marketing, and administration expenses.
(3) During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded the Q2 Fiscal 2015 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment of $167 million. This adjustment was presented on a separate line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Supplementary Geographic Revenue Breakdown
(United States dollars, in millions except per share data)
For the quarter ended
August 30, 2014 May 31, 2014 March 1, 2014 November 30, 2013 August 31, 2013
North America $ 297 32.4 % $ 276 28.6 % $ 297 30.4 % $ 340 28.5 % $ 414 26.3 %
Europe, Middle East and Africa 368 40.2 % 414 42.9 % 412 42.2 % 549 46.0 % 686 43.6 %
Latin America 111 12.1 % 125 12.9 % 127 13.0 % 135 11.3 % 196 12.5 %
Asia Pacific 140 15.3 % 151 15.6 % 140 14.4 % 169 14.2 % 277 17.6 %
Total $ 916 100.0 % $ 966 100.0 % $ 976 100.0 % $ 1,193 100.0 % $ 1,573 100.0 %

Conference Call and Webcast

A conference call and live webcast will be held beginning at 8 am ET, which can be accessed by dialing 1-888-503-8168 or by logging on at http://ca.blackberry.com/company/investors/events.html. A replay of the conference call will also be available at approximately 10 am by dialing 1-647-436-0148 and entering pass code 8015758# or by clicking the link above. This replay will be available until midnight ET October 10th, 2014.

About BlackBerry

A global leader in mobile communications, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The Company trades under the ticker symbols "BB" on the Toronto Stock Exchange and "BBRY" on the NASDAQ. For more information, visit www.BlackBerry.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding: BlackBerry's expectations regarding maintaining its strong cash position while investing in growth opportunities, and the anticipated opportunities and challenges in fiscal 2015; BlackBerry's ability to achieve break-even cash flow results by the end of fiscal 2015 and reach profitability in fiscal 2016; BlackBerry's plans, strategies and objectives, including the anticipated benefits of recently announced strategic initiatives; anticipated demand for and the timing of, new product and service introductions, and BlackBerry's plans and expectations relating to its existing and new product and service offerings, including BES 10, BES 12, BlackBerry 10 smartphones, services related to BBM and QNX software products; the ability to achieve further reductions in operating expenditures and maintain the cost savings realized through the restructuring program; BlackBerry's anticipated levels of decline in service revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2015; BlackBerry's expectations for software revenue in fiscal 2015 and 2016; BlackBerry's expectations regarding adjusted gross margin percentage for the next several quarters; BlackBerry's anticipated income tax recovery rate for the remainder of fiscal 2015; BlackBerry's expectations with respect to the sufficiency of its financial resources; BlackBerry's estimates of purchase obligations and other contractual commitments; and assumptions and expectations described in BlackBerry's critical accounting estimates and significant accounting policies. The terms and phrases "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions
made by BlackBerry in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that BlackBerry believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause BlackBerry's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of BlackBerry's Annual Information Form, including: risks related to BlackBerry's ability to implement and realize the benefits of its strategic initiatives, including a return to its core strengths of enterprise and security, changes to its Devices business, including the partnership with Foxconn, and the planned transition to an operating unit organizational structure consisting of the Devices business, Enterprise Services, BlackBerry Technology Solutions, including the QNX embedded business, and Messaging; BlackBerry's ability to maintain existing enterprise customer relationships and to transition such customers to the BES 10 and
BES 12 platforms and deploy BlackBerry 10 smartphones, and the risk that current BES 10 and BES 12 test installations may not convert to commercial installations; BlackBerry's ability to enhance its current products and services, or develop new products and services in a timely manner or at competitive prices, including risks related to new product introductions; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures and investments which may negatively affect the Company's results of operations; risks related to intense competition, rapid change and significant strategic alliances within BlackBerry's industry, including recent and potential future strategic transactions by its competitors or carrier partners, which could continue to weaken its competitive position; risks related to BlackBerry's ability to adapt to, and realize the anticipated benefit of, recent management changes; and the risk that uncertainty relating to BlackBerry's previously disclosed announcements concerning its operational restructuring, recent management changes and workforce reductions, may adversely impact BlackBerry's business, existing and future relationships with business partners and end customers of its products and services, and its ability to attract and retain key employees. These risk factors and others relating to BlackBerry are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of BlackBerry's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section of BlackBerry's MD&A (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry's forward-looking statements. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The BlackBerry family of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of BlackBerry Limited. BlackBerry, BBM, QNX and related trademarks are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, Company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

BlackBerry Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in millions except share and per share amounts) (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three months ended For the six months ended
August 30,
2014
May 31,
2014
August 31,
2013
August 30,
2014
August 31,
2013
Revenue$916 $966 $1,573 $1,882 $4,644
Cost of sales
Cost of sales 484 494 1,013 978 3,042
Inventory write-down 7 21 627 28 627
Supply commitment charges - - 307 - 307
491 515 1,947 1,006 3,976
Gross margin 425 451 (374) 876 668
Gross margin % 46.4% 46.7% (23.8)% 46.5% 14.4%
Operating expenses
Research and development 186 237 360 423 718
Selling, marketing and administration 195 400 527 595 1,200
Amortization 75 81 171 156 351
Debentures fair value adjustment 167 (287) - (120) -
623 431 1,058 1,054 2,269
Operating income (loss) (198) 20 (1,432) (178) (1,601)
Investment loss, net (20) (26) (6) (46) (1)
Loss before income taxes (218) (6) (1,438) (224) (1,602)
Recovery of income taxes (11) (29) (473) (40) (553)
Net income (loss)$(207)$23 $(965)$(184)$(1,049)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic$(0.39)$0.04 $(1.84)$(0.35)$(2.00)
Diluted$(0.39)$(0.37)$(1.84)$(0.41)$(2.00)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (000's)
Basic 527,218 526,742 524,481 526,980 524,320
Diluted 527,218 658,228 524,481 651,980 524,320
Total common shares outstanding (000's) 527,430 526,908 524,639 527,430 524,639
BlackBerry Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in millions except per share data) (unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As atAugust 30,
2014
March 1,
2014
Assets
Current
Cash and cash equivalents$1,523 $1,579
Short-term investments 1,178 950
Accounts receivable, net 658 972
Other receivables 162 152
Inventories 113 244
Income taxes receivable 124 373
Other current assets 297 505
Deferred income tax asset 38 73
Assets held for sale 31 35
4,124 4,883
Long-term investments 329 129
Restricted cash 68 -
Property, plant and equipment, net 582 1,101
Intangible assets, net 1,433 1,439
$6,536 $7,552
Liabilities
Current
Accounts payable$217 $474
Accrued liabilities 870 1,214
Deferred revenue 435 580
1,522 2,268
Long term debt 1,507 1,627
Deferred income tax liability 32 32
3,061 3,927
Shareholders' Equity
Capital stock and additional paid-in capital 2,438 2,418
Treasury stock (173) (179)
Retained earnings 1,210 1,394
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - (8)
3,475 3,625
$6,536 $7,552
BlackBerry Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in millions except per share data) (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
Six Months Ended
August 30,
2014
August 31,
2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss$(184)$(1,049)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization 362 756
Deferred income taxes 35 (32)
Income taxes payable - (3)
Stock-based compensation 22 38
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 119 29
Debentures fair value adjustment (120) -
Other 13 10
Net changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable, net 314 610
Other receivables (10) 49
Inventories 131 (338)
Income taxes receivable 249 135
Other current assets 199 (231)
Accounts payable (257) 66
Accrued liabilities (311) 154
Deferred revenue (145) 292
Net cash provided by operating activities 417 486
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of long-term investments (214) (220)
Proceeds on sale or maturity of long-term investments 14 180
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (48) (200)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 348 5
Acquisition of intangible assets (266) (603)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (9) (7)
Acquisition of short-term investments (1,252) (917)
Proceeds on sale or maturity of short-term investments 1,024 930
Net cash used in investing activities (403) (832)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common shares 4 -
Tax deficiencies related to stock-based compensation - (2)
Purchase of treasury stock - (16)
Transfer to restricted cash (68) -
Net cash used in financing activities (64) (18)
Effect of foreign exchange loss on cash and cash equivalents (6) (4)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the period (56) (368)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,579 1,549
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$1,523 $1,181
As at August 30, 2014 May 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents$1,523 $1,710
Short-term investments 1,178 975
Long-term investments 329 333
Restricted cash 68 69
$3,098 $3,087
Investor Contact:
BlackBerry Investor Relations
+1-519-888-7465
investor_relations@blackberry.com