BlackBerry announced their Q4 and year-end results for fiscal 2013. In what was a year of turmoil, job losses and limited device releases, BlackBerry declared Q4 a profit of $98 million (19 cents a share), but revenues were $2.7 billion, down 36% ($4.2 billion) when compared to Q4 2012. BlackBerry noted that they shipped about 6 million BlackBerry smartphones and approximately 370,000 BlackBerry PlayBooks.
This quarter ended March 2, 2013 and BlackBerry launched the new BlackBerry 10 OS and the BlackBerry Z10 in a few countries within this timeframe, specifically in Canada on February 5th. Included in the 6 million smartphones shipments were 1 million BlackBerry Z10 devices. The worldwide BlackBerry subscriber base is now sitting at 76 million, down from 79 million last quarter.
Thorsten Heins, President and CEO of BlackBerry said “With the launch of BlackBerry 10, we have introduced the newest and what we believe to be the most innovative mobile computing platform in the market today. Customers love the device and the user experience, and our teams and partners are now focused on getting those devices into the hands of BlackBerry consumer and enterprise customers… We are also excited about the new, dynamic culture at BlackBerry, where we are laser-focused on continuing to drive efficiency and improve the Company’s profitability while driving innovation. We have built an engine that is able to drive improved financial performance at lower volumes, which should allow us to generate additional benefits from higher volumes in the future.”
Finally, Mike Lazaridis, one of the co-founders and past co-CEO’s of the company, has decided to retire as Vice Chair and Director. He’ll put his energy and money into his new Quantum Valley Investments that focusses on quantum computing. Certainly and end of an era.
Lazaridis said “With the launch of BlackBerry 10, I believe I have fulfilled my commitment to the Board. Thorsten and his team did an excellent job in completing BlackBerry 10. We have a great deal of which to be proud. I believe I am leaving the company in good hands. I remain a huge fan of BlackBerry and, of course, wish the company and its people well.”
Source: MarketWire
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