BlackBerry (BB) shares surged 8.78% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, building on the momentum from Tuesday's extended trading session. The former smartphone giant, now focused on cybersecurity and IoT solutions, saw its stock price jump following two significant developments.
The primary catalyst for the stock's rise was the announcement that Zinwa Technologies, a Chinese tech firm, plans to launch the Zinwa Q25, a modern smartphone that pays homage to the iconic BlackBerry Classic design. This unexpected revival of the beloved QWERTY keyboard and trackpad, combined with contemporary specifications, has rekindled investor interest in BlackBerry's enduring brand appeal. While BlackBerry is not directly involved in the project, the market's enthusiastic response suggests potential new revenue streams through licensing agreements or renewed brand interest.
Adding to the positive sentiment, BlackBerry raised its annual revenue forecast for fiscal year 2026, citing steady demand for its cybersecurity services amid growing online threats. The company now expects revenue between $508 million and $538 million, up from its earlier forecast of $504 million to $534 million. This increase reflects the resilience of the cybersecurity sector, which remains a top investment priority for companies despite broader economic uncertainties. The raised guidance, particularly in the secure communications segment, has further bolstered investor confidence in BlackBerry's strategic shift towards software and services.