BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) will host an enterprise event on November 13th in San Francisco, where some of its new hardware and software will be showcased by the Canadian firm. CEO John Chen will be present along with other executives during the event.
What to expect?
It is expected that the Canadian smartphone maker would unveil its much anticipated BlackBerry Enterprise Server 12 (BES 12) at the event. Just a week or so ago, the company launched BlackBerry Passport, an unusual looking smartphone that has been reasonably well received.
The company has also recently showcased its Classic for Blackberry loyalists who want a BlackBerry phone with its usual form, but with new features and improved software. The Classic smartphone has a QWERTY keyboard as well as touchscreen, which according to some market watchers may also debut in this event.
The wait could also be over for users of OS 10 devices waiting for OS 10.3.1. The company is making efforts to be visible in the highly competitive market, a strategy that will help it to stay afloat in the mobile marketplace.
BlackBerry Passport facing supply delays
Just recently, analyst Todd Coupland of CIBC World Markets said that Blackberry is struggling to meet the demand for Passport due to the unconventional size of the phone. Coupland said that the early demand of Passport were meeting expectations.
“Shipments, however, are being held back by supply constraints for unique screens and keyboards that will limit any upside in fiscal Q3,” said Coupland. Analyst noted that the demand for BB7 and Z30 devices of BlackBerry will drop eventually. According to Coupland, the demand for devices will be around 2.3 million units from 1.6 million units for the third quarter. The analyst reduced his estimates for the fourth quarter from 2.5 million units to 1.5 million units.
BlackBerry’s CEO is expecting a long-term annual shipment of 10 million units, and Coupland believes that the company will not be able to achieve its goal until 2017.
Coupland maintained a Sector Underperformer rating for BlackBerry with a price target of $6.25 per share. On Tuesday, BlackBerry shares closed down 1.46% at $10.15, while year to date shares of the Canadian firm are up around 40%.
