Which Tech Stock Is a Better Buy: BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB) or Sierra Wireless Inc. (TSX:SW)?

Blackberry Inc. (TSX:BB) (NYSE:BBRY) offers strong long-term capital gains potential, but Sierra Wireless Inc. (TSX:SW) (NYSE:SWIR) may be the better pick at this time.

| More on:
Silhouette of businessman sit on chair and hold a cigar and looking at the city in night.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Are you looking for sizable capital gains for your portfolio regardless of dividend income?

If you’re looking for massive returns, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you’ve been on the sidelines watching cannabis stocks rise and rise and rise, but not feeling comfortable to join the party, don’t despair.

There are other stocks that provide us with the opportunity to make sizeable long-term gains.

I’m referring to tech stocks that are taking part in a major secular trend: the increasing use of technology in the world.

BlackBerry Inc. (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BBRY)

BlackBerry stock is down 22% in the last year and up 29% year-to-date, as this tech stock struggles with the realities of being a turnaround company that has refocused its business out of necessity and for a better future.

Cybersecurity, or the protection of internet-connected systems, will explode in the next few years as more and more machines are connected and as the Internet of Things industry hits its growth projections of more than doubling by 2021 (relative to 2017 levels).

BlackBerry recognizes and is acting on this trend.

With its $1.4 billion acquisition of Cylance, a next-generation cybersecurity provider, BlackBerry is positioning itself for this growth.

Recurring revenue is increasing, almost $2 billion of cash sits on the balance sheet, and the company’s Cylance acquisition is accretive to EPS within the year.

Strong future growth awaits BlackBerry, as it stands to benefit greatly from its exposure to the cybersecurity business.

Sierra Wireless Inc. (TSX:SW)(NYSE:SWIR)

Sierra Wireless stock is down 19% in the last year and down 10% year-to-date, as the company has struggled with slowing revenue growth and mounting net losses, and as 2019 company guidance came in well below expectations.

For those of you who are looking to determine whether this a great long-term buy opportunity, let’s look at the company’s balance sheet.

Sierra has almost $60 million in cash on its balance sheet and no debt, leaving the company with plenty of wiggle room and flexibility regarding future acquisitions and capital spending.

Sierra Wireless has spent countless quarters burning through its cash, but in 2018, the company is generating healthy amounts of free cash flow, which bodes well for everyone.

In 2018, Sierra generated almost $28 million in free cash flow.

The stock trades at 0.6 times sales and at book value.

Conclusion

Being involved in the early stages of the cybersecurity and internet of things industries, BlackBerry and Sierra Wireless aren’t without risks.

But they have strong balance sheets with good cash balances and little to no debt, as well as free cash flow generation, which gives them both flexibility in the pursuit of their dreams.

Sierra Wireless stock is cheaper than BlackBerry stock with lower uncertainty, so I would favour that one at this time.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Karen Thomas has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Sierra Wireless. The Motley Fool owns shares of BlackBerry. BlackBerry is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Tech Stocks

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Tech Stocks

Why Shopify Stock Sold Off Last Week

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) sold off heavily last week. A bad earnings release may have been the culprit.

Read more »

Hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair with arrow up.
Tech Stocks

2 Phenomenal Growth Stocks Down 30-60% That Could Rally in the Next Bull Market

Is it time to buy growth stocks? The worst of the interest rate hike and inflation is over, and now…

Read more »

stock market
Tech Stocks

2 Best Tech Stocks to Buy Before the Next Bull Market

Tech stocks such as Roku and Nuvei can help long-term investors generate outsized gains in 2023 and beyond.

Read more »

Wireless technology
Tech Stocks

Tucows Stock Trades Near its 6-Year Low: Is it a Buy?  

Tucows stock fell 63% in the tech stock sell-off and has failed to show any recovery. Is this domain and…

Read more »

Male IT Specialist Holds Laptop and Discusses Work with Female Server Technician. They're Standing in Data Center, Rack Server Cabinet with Cloud Server Icon and Visualization
Tech Stocks

Is Converge Stock a Buy?

A relatively new tech stock could soar higher with the pause in rate hikes, although a resumption of the cycle…

Read more »

online shopping
Tech Stocks

Up by 25%: Is Shopify Stock Finally a Buy in 2023?

The strong rebound in the TSX’s top tech stock remains uncertain. Investors will have to wait before it delivers stellar…

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

2 TSX Tech Stocks Innovating Hard in AI

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock and another intriguing Canadian gem make good use of AI technologies.

Read more »

worry concern
Tech Stocks

Shopify Stock: Incredible Bargain or Deceptive Trap?

Shopify has quickly shifted from a market darling to something else. Is it a safe buy or risqué bet?

Read more »