BlackBerry Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid Share Buy Back Program

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackBerry (BB) has announced a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) share buyback program, receiving approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange. The program allows for the repurchase of up to 27,855,153 common shares, representing approximately 4.7% of the outstanding public float as of May 5, 2025.

The buyback will be executed through various exchanges including TSX, NYSE, and alternative trading systems, with daily purchases through TSX limited to 721,194 shares. The NCIB will run from May 12, 2025 to May 11, 2026. BlackBerry expects to generate positive operating cash flow during fiscal 2026 and believes the share repurchase program represents an appropriate use of available funds when share prices don't reflect the company's underlying value.

[ "Authorization to repurchase 27.8M shares (4.7% of float) demonstrates confidence in company's financial position", "Expected positive operating cash flow in fiscal 2026 supports buyback program", "Program will help offset dilution from equity incentive plans", "Strengthened balance sheet in fiscal 2025 enables share repurchase initiative" ]

Positive

• None.

Negative

• No guarantee on the number of shares that will actually be purchased
• Previous 12 months saw no share repurchases, indicating potential hesitation in executing buybacks

Insights

Financial Analyst

BlackBerry's 4.7% share repurchase program signals improved financial stability but represents cautious capital management rather than transformative development.

BlackBerry has announced a Normal Course Issuer Bid share repurchase program allowing it to buy back up to 27,855,153 common shares, representing 4.7% of its outstanding public float. This program provides flexibility to repurchase shares between May 12, 2025, and May 11, 2026, with no obligation to purchase any specific amount.

This marks BlackBerry's first share repurchase initiative in at least 12 months, coinciding with management's statement that they've "delivered on commitments to strengthen the balance sheet" in fiscal 2025 and expect "positive operating cash flow" in fiscal 2026. These improvements in financial health appear to have created capacity for potential capital returns.

Management's assertion that "the market price may not fully reflect underlying business value" suggests they potentially view current shares as undervalued. However, the careful program structure—emphasizing its optional nature and alignment with broader capital allocation strategies—indicates a measured approach rather than aggressive capital deployment.

The dual purpose of offsetting equity incentive plan dilution while opportunistically repurchasing shares represents balanced financial management. With 597,096,623 shares outstanding, this authorization provides meaningful but not dramatic potential impact on share count.

For investors, this development signals improving financial stability while preserving flexibility for BlackBerry's ongoing business execution. The modest authorization size and contingent implementation reflect prudent capital management rather than a fundamental shift in business strategy or outlook.

WATERLOO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 8, 2025 / BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) today announced that it has received acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") for a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") share buy back program. The program allows for the repurchase of up to 27,855,153 of its common shares, representing approximately 4.7% of the outstanding public float as of the close of business on May 5, 2025.

Under the NCIB, BlackBerry can purchase its common shares through the TSX, other Canadian stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), and/or alternative trading systems in Canada and the United States. Subject to regulatory approval, purchases of its common shares may also be made by BlackBerry by way of private agreements or share repurchase programs under issuer bid exemption orders issued by securities regulatory authorities. Any BlackBerry common shares purchased through the NCIB will be cancelled.

As of the close of business on May 5, 2025, BlackBerry had 597,096,623 common shares outstanding and the public float was 596,180,623 common shares. The average daily trading volume on the TSX for the 6 months ending on April 30, 2025 was 2,884,777 common shares. Daily purchases through the TSX will be limited to 721,194 common shares, other than block purchases. In the past 12 months, BlackBerry has not repurchased any of its outstanding securities.

The NCIB will commence on May 12, 2025 and will terminate on the earliest of: (A) May 11, 2026, (B) such date as BlackBerry may determine, and (C) the date on which the maximum number of common shares that may be purchased under this NCIB has been reached by BlackBerry.

The purchase price of any common shares purchased by BlackBerry under the NCIB will be the market price at the time of acquisition. The purchase price of any common shares purchased by BlackBerry under issuer bid exemption orders issued by securities regulatory authorities will be determined through negotiations with arm's length third parties and is expected to be at a discount to or around the market price.

BlackBerry delivered on its commitment to strengthen its balance sheet in fiscal 2025 and expects to generate further positive operating cash flow during fiscal 2026. BlackBerry believes that, from time to time, the market price of its common shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of its business and its future prospects. In such circumstances, the purchase by BlackBerry of its common shares may represent an appropriate use of available funds, since a portion of BlackBerry's excess cash can be invested for an attractive, risk-adjusted return on capital through the NCIB. Common shares purchased under the NCIB will also help to offset the dilutive effect of common shares issued under BlackBerry's equity incentive plan.

Having an NCIB in place at this time will provide BlackBerry with the flexibility to purchase its common shares for cancellation where this aligns with its investment and capital allocation strategies. BlackBerry does not expect that any decision to allocate cash to purchase its common shares will affect its long-term strategy. The actual number of common shares that will be purchased under the NCIB, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by BlackBerry, subject to the limits imposed by the TSX, the NYSE and applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States. There cannot be any assurances as to how many common shares, if any, will ultimately be purchased by BlackBerry under the NCIB.

About BlackBerry
BlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company's high-performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security, and reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure, and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by BlackBerry Limited 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, including but not limited to BlackBerry's beliefs regarding the value of its shares and the investment community's perception thereof, and regulatory requirements. 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 those described in the "Risk Factors" section of BlackBerry's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedarplus.ca 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.

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

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Investor Contact:
BlackBerry Investor Relations
+1 (519) 888-7465
investorrelations@BlackBerry.com

Media Contact:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com

SOURCE: BlackBerry

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What is the size of BlackBerry's (BB) 2025 share buyback program?

BlackBerry's 2025 share buyback program allows for the repurchase of up to 27,855,153 common shares, representing approximately 4.7% of the outstanding public float.

When does BlackBerry's (BB) 2025 share buyback program start and end?

The buyback program starts on May 12, 2025, and ends on May 11, 2026, or earlier if the maximum number of shares is purchased.

How many BB shares can BlackBerry purchase daily through TSX?

BlackBerry can purchase up to 721,194 common shares daily through the Toronto Stock Exchange, excluding block purchases.

Why is BlackBerry (BB) implementing a share buyback program in 2025?

BlackBerry believes its share price may not fully reflect the company's value and future prospects. The buyback aims to invest excess cash effectively and offset dilution from equity incentive plans.

How many shares has BlackBerry (BB) repurchased in the past 12 months?

BlackBerry has not repurchased any of its outstanding securities in the past 12 months prior to this announcement.