BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB)’s OS gained a sliver of market share, rising from 1.13% in March to 1.20% in April, according to a monthly report released by Net Applications. Although only a minimal increase, this could be seen as a first sign of improvement in the company’s long-term fortunes.
A report written by David Eller and published by the MotleyFool asks the titular question and comes up with a positive answer.
The data from Net Applications include tablets as well. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is again on the top with 51% of the pile, leaving Android far behind at 38%. Apple is the producer of every device running on the iOS platform, but Android powers handsets and tablets manufactured by several other companies including Samsung, LG, Motorola and others.
It would be great news for BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) if it manages to gain stability in the market share even after its split with T-Mobile following the trade-in program launched in February. The carrier announced a new program where customers could trade BlackBerry devices at discount in return of a new iPhone 5S. However, soon after the announcement, ties between BlackBerry and T-Mobile soured and the two companies ended their partnership.
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) stock has been highly volatile this year as the company posted better than expected results, but disappointed on sales. Following the most recent results, a three-week sell-off was triggered in the stock, taking it down 22.5% in mid April. BlackBerry, however, continued aggressive cost cutting in executing their turnaround strategy.
Reducing cost, retaining customers is the key for BlackBerry
The Canadian company should continue to follow the strategy of containing costs and at the same time retaining its corporate customers and expanding in emerging markets. The recent partnership with Foxconn will also help BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) to bring down costs as the manufacturer increases the number of units manufactured. Also, CEO Chen has guided towards a greater focus software and service once cash flow becomes positive. If BlackBerry succeeds in turning around its smartphone business, then there is a strong possibilities that a large system vendor purchases the division.
The Net applications report is generally positive regarding BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB)’s ongoing turnaround. “However, small indications of improvement preview larger, more tangible data points. If nothing else, it may show that market share isn’t continuing to slide,” according to Eller.
