UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 ________________________
FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 20212023

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from     to

Commission file number 001-38232
 ______________________________________________________
BlackBerry Limited
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada98-0164408
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2200 University Ave East
WaterlooOntarioCanadaN2K 0A7
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(519) 888-7465
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common SharesBBNew York Stock Exchange
Common SharesBBToronto Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o 






Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes  x   No  o 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer  oSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
                
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. x

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. o

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes ☐   No  x

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on August 31, 2020,2022, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of the common shares as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $2.9$3.4 billion. The registrant had 565,542,886582,181,485 shares of common shares issued and outstanding as of March 26, 2021.28, 2023.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement for its 20212023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year ended February 28, 2021.2023.







BLACKBERRY LIMITED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
PART I
Item 1Business
Item 1ARisk Factors
Item 1BUnresolved Staff Comments
Item 2Properties
Item 3Legal Proceedings
Item 4Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6Selected Financial Data[Reserved]
Item 7Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
Item 7AQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9AControls and Procedures
Item 9BOther Information
Item 9CDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Part III
Item 10Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11Executive Compensation
Item 12Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16Form 10-K Summary
Signatures

3





Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the “Company” and “BlackBerry” include BlackBerry Limited and its subsidiaries.

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The Company
The Company provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The Company secures more than 500 million endpoints including more than 175215 million cars on the road today.vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the Company leverages artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems.
The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (“OBCA”) on March 7, 1984 and commenced operations at that time. The Company has amalgamated with several of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the last amalgamation occurring through the filing of articles of amalgamation under the OBCA on November 4, 2013. The Company’s common shares trade under the ticker symbol “BB” on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”).
Intercorporate Relationships
The Company has threefour material subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company in each case as at February 28, 2021.

2023.
Name of SubsidiaryJurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization
BlackBerry CorporationDelaware, U.S.A.
BlackBerry UK LimitedEngland and Wales
Cylance Inc.Delaware, U.S.A.
Secusmart GmbHDuesseldorf, Germany
Internet of Things Security Software Industry
As the digital transformation of enterprises continues to advance, workforces are becoming more distributeddecentralized, mobile and mobile,remote, and data and applications are increasingly migrating to the cloud. As part of this trend, the number of connected endpoints is growing rapidly, as is their complexity and the volume of sensitive data that they process and store. These endpoints, which include smartphones, laptops, desktops, servers, vehicles, industrial equipment and other connected devices in the Internet of Things (“IoT”), increasingly operate beyond the traditional network security perimeter and present an expanding attack surface to cyber adversaries. During fiscal 2020, the decentralization of the enterprise was accelerated by the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many organizations to pivot to substantially remote and mobile work models.
At the same time, the threat environment for enterprises and manufacturers has become increasingly hostile as the number of adversaries grows and the scale and sophistication of their attacks, increasingly focused on the endpoint, continue to develop. Today’s malicious actors are often well-trained and well-funded criminal organizations, state-sponsored agents and international hacking collectives with the capability of employing advanced techniques to penetrate endpoints and encrypt, destroy or exfiltrate data. These groups have been responsible for highly publicized breaches that have exposed personal information and intellectual property, disrupted operations and infrastructure, extracted ransoms and caused significant financial and reputational damage to organizations across a broad range of industries.
Against this backdrop, regulators are enacting new measures to ensure that enterprises are held accountable for their management of cybersecurity risk. In particular, changes to data privacy laws in the United States, Europe and other jurisdictions are compounding the challenges faced by organizations by increasing their responsibilities for securing their data as well as that of their customers.
This landscape of growing vulnerability and accountability has created opportunities for secure communications platforms, endpoint cybersecurity and management solutions, embedded systems, enterprise applications, analytic tools and related services that help enterprises to secure their connected endpoints, enhance functional safety, maintain data privacy and demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations.
4




Strategy
The Company is widely recognized for its intelligent security software and services and believes that it delivers the broadest set of security capabilities in the market to connect, protect and manage IoT endpoints. The Company leverages its extensive technology portfolio to offer best-in-class cybersecurity, safety and reliability to enterprise customers primarily in government and regulated industries, to small and medium-sized businesses, and to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in automotive, medical, industrial and other core verticals.
The Company’s goal is to offer smarter security solutions that are more effective, require fewer resources to support and produce a better return on investment for customers than competing offerings. To achieve this vision, the Company continues to extend the functionality of its AI-focused BlackBerry Spark® software platform through organic investments and strategic acquisitionssafety-certified QNX® Neutrino® real time operating system and partnerships.is commercializing its new BlackBerry IVY™ intelligent vehicle data platform.
The Company’s go-to-market strategy focuses principally on generating revenue from enterprise software and services as well as from embedded software designs with leading OEMs and licensing.Tier 1 suppliers. The Company intends to drive revenue growth and to achieve margins that are consistent with those of other enterprise software companies.
Products and Services
The Company is organized and managed as one operating segment. The Company has multiple products and services from which it derives revenue, which are structured in twothree groups: SoftwareCybersecurity, IoT (collectively with Cybersecurity, “Software and Services,Services”) and Licensing and Other. Software and Services
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity business consists of the Company’s BlackBerry Spark, software platform businessBlackBerry® SecuSUITE® and BlackBerry IoT Solutions business. Licensing and Other consists primarily of the Company’s patent licensing business and service access fees (“SAF”)BlackBerry® AtHoc®.
Software and Services
BlackBerry Spark
The Company’s core secure software and services offering is its BlackBerry Spark software platform, which integrates a unified endpoint security (“UES”) layer with BlackBerry unified endpoint management (“UEM”) to enable secure endpoint communications in a zero trustzero-trust environment. BlackBerry UES is a set of complementary cybersecurity products offering endpoint protection platform (“EPP”), endpoint detection and response (“EDR”), mobile threat defense (“MTD”), zero-trust network access (“ZTNA”) and user and entity behavior analytics (“UEBA”) capabilities. The BlackBerry Spark platform is informed by the Company’s AI and machine learning capabilities, continuous innovations, professional cybersecurity services and threat research, industry partnerships and academic collaborations. The Company is currently executing on a robust scheduleplatform features industry-leading threat prevention modules to help organizations cope with the significant growth of product launches for BlackBerry Spark to deliver a comprehensive security approach operatingcyberattacks and operates on a single agent across all endpoints, administered from a single console, leveraging a single crowd-sourced threat data repositorylake and managed in one cloud environment. BlackBerry Spark solutions are available through the BlackBerry Spark® Unified Endpoint SecurityBlackBerry® Cyber Suite and the BlackBerry Spark® Unified Endpoint Management Suite, which are also marketed together as the BlackBerry Spark® Suites,Suite, offering the Company’s most comprehensive range of tailored cybersecurity and endpoint management options.
The BlackBerry Spark UES Suite offers leading Cylance® AI and machine learning-based cybersecurity solutions, including: BlackBerry® Protect,CylancePROTECT®, an EPP and available MTD solution that uses machine learningan automated, prevention-first approach to prevent suspicious behavior andprotect against the execution of malicious code on an endpoint; BlackBerry® Optics,CylanceOPTICS®, an EDR solution that provides both visibility into and prevention of malicious activity on an endpoint; BlackBerry® Guard,CylanceGUARD®, a managed detection and response solution that provides 24/7 threat hunting and monitoring; CylanceGATEWAY™, an AI-empowered ZTNA solution, and BlackBerry® Persona,CylancePERSONA™, a UEBA solution that provides continuous authentication by validating user identity in real time. The combined platform features industry-leading threat prevention modulesThese solutions are designed to help organizations copeprovide a continuous state of resilience for the Company’s customers and support the outcomes they require by: (i) complementing, extending, or fully managing security capabilities with the significant growthCompany’s experts and extended technology ecosystem, (ii) enabling the workforce in a way that is fast, easy and satisfying, while providing security visibility, controls and peace of cyberattacks.mind; and (iii) reducing complexity and overhead costs associated with security operations. The Company also offers incident response, compromisedcompromise assessment and containment services to assist clients with forensic analysis, state of existing systems and remediation of attacks.
In addition, the Company offers the The BlackBerry Cyber Suite, a UEM-agnostic version of its BlackBerry Spark® UES Suite which organizations will be able to integratenatively integrates with BlackBerry® UEM and also works with UEM softwaresolutions from other leading vendors.
The BlackBerry Spark UEM Suite includes the Company’s BlackBerry®BlackBerry UEM, BlackBerry® Dynamics™ and BlackBerry® Workspaces solutions. BlackBerry UEM is a central software component of the Company’s secure communications platform, offering a “single pane of glass”, or unified console view, for managing and securing devices, applications, identity, content and endpoints across all leading operating systems. BlackBerry Dynamics offers a best-in-class development platform and secure container for mobile applications, including the Company’s own enterprise applications such as BlackBerry® Work and BlackBerry® Connect for secure collaboration.
The Company also offers the BlackBerry® Spark SDK to promote the evolution of a platform ecosystem by enabling enterprise and independent software vendor (“ISV”) developers to integrate the security features of BlackBerry Spark into their ownplatform also includes BBM Enterprise, an enterprise-grade secure instant messaging solution for messaging, voice and video.
BlackBerry SecuSUITE is a certified, multi-OS voice and text messaging solution with advanced encryption, anti-eavesdropping and continuous authentication capabilities, providing a maximum level of security on conventional mobile devices for government and web applications.businesses.
5




BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert are secure, networked critical event management solutions that enable people, devices and organizations to exchange critical information in real time during business continuity and life safety operations. The platforms securely connect with a diverse set of endpoints to distribute emergency mass notifications, improve personnel accountability and facilitate the bidirectional collection and sharing of data within and between organizations. BlackBerry AtHoc serves the requirements of the public sector market while BlackBerry Alert targets the commercial sector.
IoT Solutions
The BlackBerry IoT Solutions business consists of BlackBerry Technology Solutions (“BTS”) and Secure Communications.
BlackBerry Technology SolutionsIVY.
The principal component of BTS is BlackBerry QNX, a global provider of real-time operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, development tools, and professional services for connected embedded systems in the automotive, medical, industrial automation and other markets. A recognized leader in automotive software, BlackBerry QNX offers a growing portfolio of safety-certified, secure and reliable platform solutions and is focused on achieving design wins with automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”),OEMs, Tier 1 vendors and automotive semiconductor suppliers. These solutions include the Neutrino® operating system and the BlackBerry QNX® CAR platform, the most advanced embedded software platform for the autonomous vehicle market, as well as other products designed to alleviate the challenges of compliance with ISO 26262, the automotive industry’s functional safety standard. Additionally, the Company’s secure automotive over-the-air software update management service allows OEMs to manage the life cycle of the software and security in their vehicles.
The Company recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (“AWS”) to develop and market BlackBerry IVY™, an intelligent vehicle data platform leveraging BlackBerry QNX’s automotive capabilities. BlackBerry IVY will allow automakers to safely access a vehicle’s sensor data, normalize it, and apply machine learning to generate and share predictive insights and inferences. Automakers and developers will be able to use this information to create responsive in-vehicle services that enhance driver and passenger experiences. BlackBerry IVY will support multiple vehicle operating systems and multi-cloud deployments in order to ensure compatibility across vehicle models and brands. The Company expects to release an early access version of BlackBerry IVY in October 2021, followed by a commercial release in February 2022 with installations of BlackBerry IVY to begin in 2023 model year vehicles.
BlackBerry QNX is also a preferred supplier of embedded systems for companies building medical devices, train-control systems, industrial robots, hardware security modules, building automation systems, green energy solutions, and other mission-critical applications.
In addition to BlackBerry QNX, BTS includes BlackBerry Certicom® cryptography and key management products, and the BlackBerry Radar® asset monitoring solution.
BlackBerry Certicom leverages patented elliptic curve cryptography to provide device security, anti-counterfeiting and product authentication solutions. BlackBerry Certicom’s offerings include its managed public key infrastructure (“PKI”) platform, key management and provisioning technology that helps customers to protect the integrity of their silicon chips and devices from the point of manufacturing through the device life cycle. BlackBerry Certicom’s secure key provisioning, code signing and security credential management system services protect next-generation connected cars, critical infrastructure and IoT deployments from product counterfeiting, re-manufacturing and unauthorized network access.
BlackBerry Radar is a family of asset monitoring and telematics solutions for the transportation and logistics industry. The BlackBerry Radar solution includes devices and secure cloud-based dashboards for tracking containers, trailers, chassis, flatbeds and heavy machinery, for reporting locations and sensor data, and for enabling custom alerts and fleet management analytics.
BTS solutions also includeThe Company has partnered with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (“AWS”) to develop and market BlackBerry Jarvis™,IVY, an intelligent vehicle data platform leveraging BlackBerry QNX’s automotive capabilities. BlackBerry IVY allows automakers to safely access a cloud-based binary static application security testingvehicle’s sensor data, normalize it, and apply machine learning at the edge to generate and share predictive insights and inferences. Automakers and developers will be able to use this information to create responsive in-vehicle services that enhance driver and passenger experiences. BlackBerry IVY supports multiple vehicle operating systems and hardware, as well as multi-cloud deployments in order to ensure compatibility across vehicle models and brands. The Company recently announced the first design win for BlackBerry IVY and expects to release the platform that identifies vulnerabilitiesfor general availability in deployed binary software used in automobiles and other embedded applications, and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM®) Enterprise, an enterprise-grade secure instant messaging solution for messaging, voice and video.
Secure Communications
Secure Communications consists of BlackBerry® AtHoc®, BlackBerry® Alert and SecuSUITE.
BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert are secure critical event management solutions that enable people, devices and organizationsMay 2023, with in-vehicle installations to exchange critical information in real timebegin during business continuity and life safety operations. The platforms securely connect with a diverse set of endpoints to distribute emergency mass notifications, improve personnel accountability and facilitate the bidirectional collection and sharing of data within and between organizations. BlackBerry AtHoc serves the requirements of the public sector market while BlackBerry Alert targets the commercial sector.
SecuSUITE® for Government is a certified, multi-OS voice and text messaging solution with advanced encryption, anti-eavesdropping and continuous authentication capabilities, providing a maximum level of security on conventional mobile devices for public authorities and businesses.2025 model year.
The BlackBerry SparkCybersecurity and BlackBerry IoT Solutions groups are both complemented by the enterprise and cybersecurity consulting services offered by the Company’s BlackBerry® Professional Services business. BlackBerry Professional Services provides platform-agnostic strategies to address mobility-based challenges, providing expert deployment support, end-to-end delivery (from system design to user training), application consulting, and experienced project management. The Company’s
6



cybersecurity consulting services and tools, combined with its other security solutions, help customers identify the latest cybersecurity threats, test for vulnerabilities, develop risk-appropriate mitigations, maintain IT security standards and techniques, and defend against the risk of future attacks.
Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company intends to describe the Software and Services group as consisting of the Company’s Cyber Security business and the BTS business. Cyber Security will consist of BlackBerry Spark together with BlackBerry AtHoc, BlackBerry Alert and SecuSUITE, and the BlackBerry IoT Solutions and Secure Communications nomenclature will no longer apply or be used.
6




Licensing and Other
Licensing and Other consists primarily of the Company’s patent licensing business and legacy service access fees (“SAF”).
The Company’s Licensing business is responsible for the management and monetization of the Company’s global patent portfolio. The patent portfolio continues to provide a competitive advantage in the Company’s core product areas as well as providing leverage in the development of future technologies and licensing programs in both core and adjacent vertical markets. The Company owns rights to an array of patented and patent pending technologies which include, but are not limited to, operating systems, networking infrastructure, acoustics, messaging, enterprise software, automotive subsystems, cybersecurity, cryptography and wireless communications.As of February 28, 2021,2023, the Company owned approximately 38,00037,500 worldwide patents and applications.
In fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Teletry under which Teletry may sublicense a broad range of the Company’s patents to a majority of global smartphone manufacturers. The Company also continues to operate its own licensing program outside of Teletry’s sublicensing rights and intends to increase recurring revenue from this program. The Company's technology licensing revenue from Teletry represented approximately 22% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 2021.
In addition, in recent years, the Company has licensed its device security software and service suite and related brand assets to outsourcing partners who design, manufacture, market and provide customer support for BlackBerry-branded handsets featuring the Company’s secure Android™ software. The Company also entered into licensing arrangements with manufacturers of other devices with embedded BlackBerry cybersecurity technology.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021,2022, the Company enteredannounced its entry into exclusive negotiationsa patent sale agreement with a North American entityCatapult IP Innovations (“Catapult”) for the potentialsale of substantially all of the Company’s non-core patent assets. On March 21, 2023, the Company announced that Catapult had been unable to secure financing that would have enabled it to complete the transaction on acceptable amended terms and that, as a result, the Company had terminated its agreement with Catapult. The Company also announced its entry into a new patent sale agreement with Malikie Innovations Limited for the sale of a portionsimilar portfolio of non-core patent assets for $170 million in cash on closing, an additional $30 million in cash by no later than the third anniversary of closing and potential future royalties in the aggregate amount of up to $900 million (the “Malikie Transaction”). Closing is subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions. Pursuant to the terms of the patent portfolio relatingMalikie Transaction, the Company will receive a license back to the patents being sold, which relate primarily to non-core or legacy mobile devices, messaging and wireless networking technologies.networking. The Company expects to retain rights toMalikie Transaction will not impact customers’ use these patents if a transaction is completed and does not intend to sell patents associated withof any of the Company’s current Software and Services business. Negotiations are ongoing and there can be no assurance that the Company will reach a definitive agreementproducts, solutions or that a transaction will be consummated.services.
The Company’s Other business generatesgenerated revenue from SAF charged to subscribers using the Company’s legacy BlackBerry 7 and prior BlackBerry operating systems.systems, for which support and maintenance ceased as of January 4, 2022.
Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Customers
The Company primarily generates revenue from the licensing of enterprise software and sales of associated services, including its endpoint management and cybersecurity solutions, BlackBerry QNX software for the embedded market, technology licensing and professional consulting services. The Company focuses on strategic industries with vertical-specific use cases, including regulated enterprise markets such as financial services, government, healthcare, professional services and transportation, and other markets where embedded software and critical infrastructure are important, such as utilities, mining and manufacturing.
The Company licenses the BlackBerry Spark platform, including its individual components and complementary third-party applications, through a geographically-dispersed direct sales force, value-added resellers, managed security service providers and alliance partners. The Company continues to build its global BlackBerry Partner Program for resellers and distributorspartner programs to bolster its direct sales and marketing efforts.
The Company also licenses its enterprise software and services through global wireless communications carriers, which are able to bill separately for BlackBerry UEM services, and other distribution partners around the world.
The Company licenses BlackBerry QNX and BlackBerry Certicom technology and provides professional engineering services to OEM customers in the automotive, mobile and other embedded software markets via a direct sales force and indirectly through channel partnerships. The licenses are primarily monetized as royalties on units shipped and through project development seats, tools and maintenance fees.
The Company markets and sells its BlackBerry Radar secure asset monitoring products and services to enterprise users through its internal sales force as well as through third party distribution channels.
7



Competitive Strengths
Key competitive factors important to the Company across its businesses include product features (including security features), relative price and performance, product quality and reliability, compatibility across ecosystems, service and support, and corporate reputation. The Company believes that it delivers the broadest set of security capabilities and visibility in the market, covering users, devices, networks, apps and data.
BlackBerry SparkCybersecurity
The BlackBerry Spark platform establishes the most completecomprehensive security controls in any connected IoT environment and meets a growing market demand for a comprehensive solution that integrates unified endpoint security and endpoint management capabilities in a single console with visibility across all endpoints. The platform is differentiated through its use of a zero-trust architecture that uniquely combines intelligent security with a user experience that requires little to no support from end users or IT administrators, simplifying management and reducing costs.
7




The BlackBerry Cyber Suite leverages Cylance AI, machine learning and automation to provide improved cyber threat prevention and remediation, and can help users to understand risks, make contextual decisions and dynamically apply policy controls with no user interruption, mitigating risks before they materialize. The Company trains its AI model against data lakes containing billions of files so that it learns to autonomously convict, or not convict, files prior to their execution. Unlike traditional signature-based cybersecurity technology, this prevention-oriented approach is able to protect enterprises from malicious zero-day payloads before they are deployed, and even when protected endpoints are offline. Additionally, detection and response decisions are pushed down to the endpoint, minimizing response latency so that a minor security event can be addressed before it becomes a widespread incident. BlackBerry Protect has earned Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (“FedRAMP”) authorization.
The BlackBerry Spark UEM Suite includes leading unified endpoint management, secure business productivity, application containerization, secure collaboration and digital rights management capabilities. BlackBerry UEM has earned National Information Assurance Partnership (“NIAP”) certification and is the onlyan approved mobile device management solution on the U.S. Department of Defense Information Network’s Approved Product List. The Company also provides a full development solution for the creation and retrofitting of apps for use in a container and offers an extensive library of secure enterprise applications.
The Spark platform is also differentiated by the inclusion of a sophisticated network operations center in the BlackBerry infrastructure is also a key differentiator.infrastructure. The Company pioneered the use of this architecture to route messages reliably and efficiently to and from mobile devices, and over time has expanded capabilities to enable end-to-end secure communications between endpoints and applications and enterprise networks.
BlackBerry SecuSUITE technology has been certified to be compliant with the Common Criteria protection profile for VoIP applications and SIP servers. It has also earned NIAP certification and NATO Communications and Information Agency security accreditation, and has been placed on the National Security Agency’s Commercial Solutions for Classified Program component list of products certified for use on classified systems.
The BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert platforms are mobile and scalable, integrate with legacy systems and support on-premise and cloud-based deployments. With available incident management and encrypted end-to-end instant messaging capabilities, the platforms offer a suite of secure crisis communication services to meet the growing number of use cases for emergency or mass notifications. BlackBerry AtHoc has received FedRAMP certification and is the leading provider of network-centric, interactive crisis communication to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other governmental bodies. BlackBerry AtHoc helps to protect more than 75% of U.S. government personnel.
IoT Solutions
In the embedded software industry, systems are becoming increasingly connected and complex, with software being used for functions that were previously performed by hardware, driving new functional safety considerations. BlackBerry QNX is recognized for attaining the highest levels of security certifications and approvals for many of its embedded products and is the leader in safety-certified, secure and reliable software for the automotive industry. BlackBerry QNX is a trusted supplier of operating systems, hypervisors, development tools and support to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 vendors and to the general embedded market. BlackBerry QNX technology is embedded in over 175215 million cars.
The BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert platforms are mobile and scalable, integrate with legacy systems and support on-premise and cloud-based deployments. With available incident management and encrypted end-to-end instant messaging capabilities, the platforms offer a suite of secure crisis communication services to meet the growing number of use cases for emergency or mass notifications. BlackBerry AtHoc has received FedRAMP certification and is the leading provider of network-centric, interactive crisis communication to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other governmental bodies. BlackBerry AtHoc helps to protect more than 70% of U.S. government personnel.
The Company’s SecuSUITE technology has been certified to be compliant with the Common Criteria protection profile for VoIP applications and SIP servers. It has also earned NIAP certification and has been placed on the National Security Agency’s Commercial Solutions for Classified Program component list of products certified for use on classified systems.vehicles.
Competition
The Company is engaged in markets that are highly competitive and rapidly evolving. Frequent new product introductions and changes to endpoints, operating systems, applications, security threats, industry standards and the overall technology landscape result in continuously evolving customer requirements for mobile solutions. The Company competes with a broad range of vendors in each of its businesses. See “Competitive Strengths” above for a discussion of how the Company believes it differentiates itself from competitors in its various businesses.
8



With the BlackBerry UEM Suite, the Company competes primarily with providers of enterprise software solutions. BlackBerry’s UES Technology, including the BlackBerry Cyber Suite, competes with various types of providers, including: traditional signature-based antivirus vendors and identity management; vendors whose business focuses almost solely on EPP; EDR vendors, which primarily focus on continuous monitoring and human response to advanced security threats; companies that provide endpoint systems management; and large network security providers, which have entered the market primarily through acquisition. The Company’s BlackBerry QNX automotive business competes principally with providers of embedded software that employ customized Linux open-source operating systems for the transportation and logistics industry, and with Google’s Android Automotive OS. See Part 1, Item 1A “Risk Factors - The Company faces intense competition”.
Product Design, Engineering and Research and Development
The Company’s research and development (“R&D”) strategy seeks to provide broad market applications for products derived from its technology base.drive innovation to continuously enhance the Company’s product portfolio and introduce exciting solutions to the market.
The Company dedicates a major portion of its R&D investments to the development of software products and services for the BlackBerry Spark platformits Cybersecurity and BlackBerry IoT solutions that meet the needs of both enterprise IT departments and end users.solutions. Solutions include leading security capabilities at each level of the platform in order to address
8




the needs of customersenterprise IT departments and end users for securing devices, applications, content and work data at rest and in transit.
The Company makes significant investments to support its cybersecurity solutions and is committed to hiring and retaining top data scientists and engineers in the areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning. R&D investments at BlackBerry QNX are increasingly focused on software innovations for autonomous and connected vehicles.
The Company’s investment in longer term research is, in part, supported by taking advantage of specific government financial assistance programs where available. For example, the Company participates in the Strategic Innovation Fund program of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. For additional information, see Note 1110 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Third Party Software Developers
The Company offers the BlackBerry Development Platform, an enterprise-grade toolset which enables application developers and ISVs to build secure, powerful and customized solutions for almost every use case and to commercialize them on the BlackBerry® Marketplace for Enterprise Software, which contains over 130 enterprise applications and solutions. The platform includes the BlackBerry Dynamics software development kit (“SDK”), which allows developers to integrate BlackBerry security into their enterprise applications, resulting in a managed application where corporate data is protected. The platform also includes SDKs for BlackBerry UEM, BlackBerry Workspaces, BlackBerry AtHoc and other products.
The primary development platform for BlackBerry QNX-based systems is the QNX® Software Development Platform (SDP), which includes the QNX Neutrino Realtime Operating System and the QNX Momentics® Tool Suite. The QNX SDP is complemented by QNX® Hypervisor, QNX® OS for Safety, QNX® Hypervisor for Safety, QNX® Acoustics Management Platform and QNX® Platform for Digital Cockpits and other products.
To support BlackBerry UES products, the Company offers the BlackBerry Endpoint ISV Technology Integration program featuring an application programming interface (“API”) development platform that enables developers and ISVs to develop robust extensible security integrations for BlackBerry UES, creating results-based offerings for targeted use cases. Completed integrations are shared with the user community and promoted to market partners and AWS Marketplace opportunities.
During fiscal 2021,In addition, the Company launched the beta program for its Spark SDK, a new in-app protection solution powered by the Company’s enterprise security assessment framework. The Spark SDK enables mobile app developers to enhance their iOS and Android applications with a rich set of security capabilities to prevent device, application or user level attacks. The Company also expanded its developer partner program with the introduction ofmaintains the BlackBerry AtHoc Development Partner Program, which invites partners to integrate with the BlackBerry AtHoc service and allows them to create alerts based on more event types or to leverage alerting capabilities based on critical events from within other systems.
The Company also offers BlackBerry® Spark Communications Services to applicationprimary development platform for BlackBerry QNX-based systems is the QNX® Software Development Platform (SDP), which includes the QNX Neutrino Realtime Operating System and the QNX Momentics® Tool Suite. The QNX SDP is complemented by QNX® Hypervisor, QNX® OS for Safety, QNX® Hypervisor for Safety, QNX® Acoustics Management Platform and QNX® Platform for Digital Cockpits and other products.
Expanding the Company’s automotive product portfolio, the BlackBerry IVY platform includes an in-vehicle runtime for cost-efficient data processing and a set of SDKs which enables developers to integrate the secure messaging, voiceprocess vehicle signals and video capabilities of BBM Enterprise into their applicationsgenerate meaningful insights that are used to unlock new use cases on both BlackBerry QNX and services.Linux-based vehicle platforms.
Intellectual Property
The protection of intellectual property is an important part of the Company’s operations. The policy of the Company is to apply for patents and to acquire and/or seek other appropriate proprietary or statutory protection when it develops valuable new or improved technology. The Company believes that the rapid pace of technological change in the industries in which the Company operates makes patent and trade secret protection important, and that this protection must be supported by other means including the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, new product introductions and frequent product enhancements.
9



The Company believes that its patent portfolio continues to provide a competitive advantage in its core product areas as well as provide leverage in the development of future technologies. The Company does not believe that it is dependent upon a single patent or even a few patents and instead primarily depends upon its extensive know-how, innovative culture, and technical leadership.
The Company protects its technology through a combination of patents, designs, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual arrangements. The Company seeks to patent key concepts, components, protocols, processes and other inventions that it considers to have commercial value or that will likely give the Company a technological advantage. Although the Company applies for patent protection primarily in Canada, Europe and the United States, the Company has filed, and will continue to file, patent applications in other countries where there exists a strategic technological or business reason to do so. To broadly protect the Company’s inventions, the Company has a team of in-house patent attorneys and also consults with outside patent attorneys who interact with employees, review invention disclosures and prepare patent applications on a broad array of core technologies and competencies. As a result, the Company owns rights to an array of patented and patent pending technologies which include, but are not limited to, cybersecurity, cryptography, machine learning, artificial intelligence, operating systems, networking infrastructure, acoustics, messaging, enterprise software, automotive subsystems, cybersecuritynetworking infrastructure and wireless communications. As of February 28, 2021,2023, the Company owned approximately 38,00037,500 worldwide patents and applications. The Company does not expect that the sale of its portfolio of primarily legacy patents under the Malikie Transaction will negatively impact its strategy of protecting its new innovations through patent filings.
9




It is the Company’s general practice to enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with its employees, consultants, contract manufacturers, customers, potential customers and others to attempt to limit access to, and distribution of, its proprietary information. In addition, the Company generally enters into agreements with employees that include an assignment to the Company of all intellectual property developed in the course of employment.
In fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Teletry under which Teletry may sublicense a broad range of the Company’s patents to a majority of global smartphone manufacturers. The Company also continues to operate its own licensing program outside of Teletry’s sublicensing rights.
The Company does not rely primarily on patents or other intellectual property rights to protect or establish its market position; however, it is prepared to enforce its intellectual property rights in certain technologies when attempts to negotiate mutually agreeable licenses are not successful. The Company also enters into inbound licensing agreements related to technology and intellectual property rights, including agreements to obtain rights that may be necessary to produce and sell products.
Regulatory EnvironmentEnvironmental, Social and Governance
The Company observes the highest ethical standards in its operations and has adopted policies and practices that require the same of its business partners. The Company’s business is based on trust, and the Company maintains its position as a global leader in data security and privacy by developing new technologies, complying with established and evolving regulatory frameworks, acting with integrity and adhering to responsible business practices. See also “Ethical Business Conduct and Code of Business Standards and Principles” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company is committed to operating in a sustainable way that respects the environment, the Company’s employees and business partners, and the communities in which the Company operates around the world. To honor this commitment, the Company maintains a variety of programs to identify, execute and maintain sustainable initiatives and to reduce its direct and indirect environmental impact. In fiscal 2022, these programs enabled the Company to achieve carbon neutrality across its Scope 1, Scope 2 and material Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and the Company maintained its carbon neutral status as at the end of fiscal 2023.
In fiscal 2020, the Company joined the United Nations Global Compact (“UNGC”) and committed to the ten principles of the UNGC and to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant to the Company’s business. In its procurement activities, the Company engages with its suppliers to conduct due diligence into the source of the so-called “conflict minerals” (which currently include the minerals from which gold, tantalum, tin, and tungsten are derived) that are necessary to the functionality or production of the Company’s hardware products, principally for the BlackBerry Radar business. The Company also seeks to make a positive impact in the communities in which it operates by investing in strategic charitable partnerships, supporting charitable endeavours by employees, and building community relationships through local offices.
The Company has formalized a number of policies to reflect its commitment to responsible business practices, including a Privacy Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct, Human Rights Policy, Equal Employment Policy and Supplier Diversity Policy, and periodically issues a corporate responsibility report. Through the report, the Company provides visibility on its environmental, social and governance initiatives such as mitigating its corporate carbon footprint and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water sanitation and fostering diversity. These documents and policies relating to the Company’s corporate responsibility initiatives can be viewed on the Company’s website at https://www.blackberry.com/us/en/company/corporate-responsibility and are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Foreign and domestic laws and regulations apply to many aspects of the Company’s business.
The Company collects and uses a wide variety of information for various purposes in its business, including to help ensure the integrity of its services and to provide features and functionality to customers. This aspect of the Company’s business is subject to a broad array of evolving privacy and data protection laws, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, the proposed Canadian Consumer Privacy Protection Act, regional privacy frameworks such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Privacy Framework, and national and state laws within the United States, including the California Privacy Rights Act. These laws impose strict operational requirements and can provide for significant penalties for non-compliance. Elements of these evolving laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation and enforcement, remain unclear and the Company may be required to modify its practices to comply with them in the future.
The Company is also subject to numerous international trade laws and regulations, including, without limitation, tariffs, trade sanctions, export controls and technology transfer restrictions, as well as anti-corruption legislation such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act.
Additionally, the Company is subject to domestic and international laws relating to environmental protection and the proliferation of hazardous substances. In parts of Europe, North America, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, the Company is obligated to comply with substance restrictions, packaging regulations, energy efficiency ratings and certain product take-back and recycling requirements, principally for the BlackBerry Radar business. The U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act also requires the Company to comply with certain due diligence and disclosure obligations with respect to the use of conflict minerals. Furthermore, the Company may be subject to a variety of local laws unknown to the Company in foreign jurisdictions where customers are located.
10




Any actual or perceived failure to comply with these requirements may result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses or registrations, loss of approved status, private litigation, regulatory or governmental investigations, administrative enforcement actions, sanctions, civil and criminal liability, and constraints on the Company’s operations. It is also possible that current or future laws or regulations could be interpreted or applied in a manner that would prohibit, alter, or impair the Company’s existing or planned products and services, or that could require the Company to undertake costly, time-consuming or otherwise burdensome compliance measures.
10



Corporate Responsibility
The Company observes the highest ethical standards in its operations and has adopted policies and practices that require the same of its business partners. The Company’s business is based on trust, and the Company maintains its position as a global leader in data security and privacy by developing new technologies, complying with established and evolving regulatory frameworks, acting with integrity and adhering to responsible business practices. See also “Ethical Business Conduct and Code of Business Standards and Principles” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company is committed to operating in a sustainable way that respects the environment, the Company’s employees and business partners, and the communities in which the Company operates around the world. To honor this commitment, the Company maintains a variety of programs to identify, execute and maintain sustainable initiatives and to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the product lifecycle. In fiscal 2020, the Company joined the United Nations Global Compact (“UNGC”) and committed to the ten principles of the UNGC and to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant to the Company’s business. In its procurement activities, the Company engages with its suppliers to conduct due diligence into the source of the so-called “conflict minerals” (which currently include the minerals from which gold, tantalum, tin, and tungsten are derived) that are necessary to the functionality or production of the Company’s hardware products, principally for the BlackBerry Radar business. The Company also seeks to make a positive impact in the communities in which it operates by investing in strategic charitable partnerships, supporting charitable endeavours by employees, and building community relationships through local offices.
The Company has formalized a number of policies to reflect its commitment to responsible business practices, including a Privacy Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct, Human Rights Policy, Equal Employment Policy and Supplier Diversity Policy, and periodically issues a corporate responsibility report. Through the report, the Company provides visibility on its environmental, social and governance initiatives such as mitigating its corporate carbon footprint and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water sanitation and fostering diversity. These documents and policies relating to the Company’s corporate responsibility initiatives can be viewed on the Company’s website at https://www.blackberry.com/us/en/company/corporate-responsibility and are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Information about our Executive Officers
The Company made twoone executive officer appointmentsappointment during fiscal 2021,2023, naming Tom Eacobacci as President and Marjorie DickmanPhil Kurtz as Chief Government Affairs and Public PolicyLegal Officer.
The following table sets forth the name, province or state, and country of residence of each executive officer of the Company and their respective positions and offices held with the Company and their principal occupations during the last five years.
Name and ResidenceCurrent Position with CompanyPrincipal Occupation During the Last Five Years (other than Current Position with Company)
John S. Chen
California, USA
Chief Executive Officer; Executive Chair/Director (since 2013)
Randall Cook
California, USA
Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
General Counsel, Calypso Technology (2017 to 2018)
Marjorie Dickman
Washington D.C., USA
Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy OfficerGlobal Director and Associate General Counsel, IoT and Automated Driving Policy, Intel (2017-2020); Global Director and Managing Counsel, IoT and Automated Driving Policy, Intel (2015-2017)
Thomas EacobacciFlorida,Mattias Eriksson
Illinois, USA
President, IoTSenior Vice President Americas, Citrix (2018-2020)and Head of Product, HERE Technologies (2019-2020); VP Sales Strategy & Operations, Citrix (2014-2017)Senior Vice President, Head of Core Map Group, HERE Technologies (2016-2019)
John Giamatteo
Texas, USA
Sai Yuen (Billy) Ho
California, USA
President, Cybersecurity
Executive Vice
President Product Engineering, BlackBerry Sparkand Chief Revenue Officer, McAfee (2013-2020)
Phil Kurtz
Ontario, Canada
Chief Legal Officer and Corporate SecretaryVice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (2021-2022); Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary (2015-2021)
Steve Rai
Ontario, Canada
Chief Financial OfficerDeputy Chief Financial Officer (2019), Vice President and Corporate Controller (2014-2019)
Nita White-Ivy
California, USA
Chief Human Resources Officer
11



Mark Wilson
California, USA
Chief Marketing OfficerSenior Vice President, Marketing, BlackBerry Limited (2014 to 2017)
Human Capital
The Company’s 3,4973,181 regular employees, contract workers and student workers as of February 28, 20212023 work as a team in 2120 countries worldwide, of whichwith approximately 51% are53% in Canada, 32% are27% in the U.S., and the remaining 17% are20% outside of North America. None of the Company’s employees in Canada or the United States are represented by a labour union; however, employees of certain foreign subsidiaries in Europe are represented by works councils.
The Company offers employees a fair, equitable and competitive total rewards program, designed to recognize and reward both individual and company performance. The Company provides a range of financial and benefit programs such as its employee share purchase program, employee recognition programs, retirement savings plans, family-friendly leave policies, health and wellness programs, employee and family assistance program, as well as corporate discounts, all designed to support the overall wellness of the Company’s employees and their families.
The Company embraces a diverse and inclusive workplace, providing a welcoming environment in which every individual is valued and respected, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, veteran status, disability status or any other protected element of diversity. The Company recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as business imperatives and commits to attract, develop, and retain the best and brightest talent. The Company strives to maintain an environment where people are valued, have a sense of belonging, and feel they can bring their authentic selves to work, every day. The Company is committed to maintaining a respectful and productive work environment free from discrimination and harassment, supported by diversity and inclusiontraining in unconscious bias training,and inclusive language, outreach and partnership programs likesuch as the Company’s Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Indigenous students awards programs,
11




and development opportunities such as the Taking the Stage program for female and aspiring leaders. The Company does not tolerate, condone, or ignore workplace discrimination or harassment or any unlawful behavior and investigates all complaints regarding such conduct in a timely manner.
The Company believes career development is unique and personal for each employee. The Company offers career development and growth in many forms such as job shadowing, job rotation, stretch assignments, enhanced scope or responsibility, networking, lateral movement, promotions, and volunteering. The Company encourages opportunities for employees to broaden their scope and understanding of the business, and to build additional skills to attain their career aspirations. Employees are supported in their growth and development through the Company’s tuition and educational reimbursement programs, subsidies for professional association memberships, a global mentorship program, career planning services,resources, and various training programs.
The Company is honored that its determination to support smart,have the efforts of our talented and dedicated creative employees who are driven to succeed has been recognized through numerous awards, including Forbes Canada’s Best Employers (2022), Best & Brightest Companies to Work For (2016 - 2020)for in the Nation (2016-2022), Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in Wellness (2016 - 2020)(2016-2022), Canada’s Top 100 Employers for Young People (2021-2023), Canada’s Top 100 Greenest Employers (2016 - 2020)(2016-2022), Great Place to Work Germany (2022), Great Place to Work – Ireland’s Best Workplaces in Tech (2022), and Singapore Health Award (2022), among others. The Company also takes pride in its award-winning paid co-op and intern student program, through which the Company invests in the personal and professional development of the next generation of BlackBerry talent.
Building upon its culture of teamwork, the Company is a proud and committed civic leader. BlackBerry employees are passionate, mobilized and empowered by their involvement in corporate-run community initiatives to actively participate in volunteer activities and environmentally friendly initiatives where they live and work. Together with its team of community-minded employees, the Company believes there is great potential to make lasting local impacts.
Available Information
Our internet address is www.blackberry.com. Our website is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as an inactive textual reference only. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of March 1, 2020, the Company began reporting with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a domestic issuer instead of a foreign private issuer. Prior to that date, the Company was a foreign private issuer and, in compliance with SEC regulations, furnished its interim financial statements on Form 6-K and filed its Annual Report on Form 40-F. The Company continues to be a reporting issuer subject to continuous disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws.
Access to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and 40-F, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and 6-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K, supplemental financial information, earnings press releases, and amendments to these reports filed with or furnished to the SEC may be obtained free of charge as soon as is reasonably practical after we electronically file or furnish them through the Investors section of our website at www.blackberry.com/ca/en/company/investors. In addition, our filings with the SEC may be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) may be accessed through the CSA’s System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) at www.sedar.com. Except for the documents specifically incorporated by reference intoin this Annual Report on Form 10-K, information contained on the SEC or CSA
12



websites is not incorporated by reference in thethis Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered to be a part of the Annual Report. All statements made in any of our securities filings, including all forward-looking statements or information, are made as of the date of the document in which the statement is included, and we do not assume or undertake any obligation to update any of those statements or documents unless we are required to do so by applicable law.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investors in the Company’s securities should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in MD&A (as defined below) and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K Form for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021.2023. Any of the following risks, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is unaware or the Company currently deems immaterial, may also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Company’s Business
The Company may not be able to enhance, develop, introduce or monetize products and services for the enterprise market in a timely manner with competitive pricing, features and performance.
The industries in which the Company competes are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, frequent market price reductions, constant improvements in features and short product life cycles. The
12




Company’s future success depends upon its ability to enhance and integrate its current products and services, including the BlackBerry Spark platform,Suite, to provide for their compatibility with evolving industry standards and operating systems, to address competing technologies and products developed by other companies, and to continue to develop and introduce new products and services offering enhanced performance and functionality on a timely basis at competitive prices.
The process of developing new technology is complex and uncertain, and involves time, substantial costs and risks, which are further magnified when the development process involves multiple operating platforms. The development of next-generation technologies that utilize new and advanced features, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, involves making predictions regarding the willingness of the market to adopt such technologies over legacy solutions. The Company may be required to commit significant resources to developing new products, software and services before knowing whether such investment will result in products or services that the market will accept.
The Company’s inability, for technological or other reasons, some of which may be beyond the Company’s control, to enhance, develop, introduce and monetize products and services in a timely manner, or at all, in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition or could result in its products and services not achieving market acceptance or becoming obsolete. In addition, if the Company fails to deliver a compelling customer experience or accurately predict emerging technological trends and the changing needs of customers and end users, or if the features of its new products and services do not meet the demands of its customers or are not sufficiently differentiated from those of its competitors, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially harmed.
The Company may not be able to maintain or expand its customer base for its software and services offerings to grow revenue or achieve sustained profitability.
The Company has focused its strategy on software and services to grow revenue and generate sustainable profitability, including by commercializing the BlackBerry Spark platform.Suite and its component solutions.
For the Company to increase its software and services revenues, it must continually grow its customer base by attracting new customers or, in the case of existing customers, deploying software and services across more endpoints or attracting additional users in such existing customers’ businesses. The Company also needs to sell additional software and services over time to the same customers, or have customers upgrade their level of service. If the Company is unable to promote a compelling value proposition to customers and its efforts to sell or upsell software or services as described above are not successful, its results of operations could be materially impacted. Further, although recent attacks on prominent enterprises have increased market awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, if the general level of cyberattacks declines or customers perceive that it has declined, the Company’s ability to attract new customers and expand its sales to existing customers could be harmed.
Existing customers that purchase the Company’s software and services have no contractual obligation to renew their subscriptions or purchase additional solutions after the initial subscription or contract period. The Company’s customers’ expansion and renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including the perceived need for such additional software and services, the level of satisfaction with the Company’s software and services, features or functionality, the reliability of the Company’s software and services, the Company’s customer support, customer budgets and other competitive factors, such as pricing and competitors’ offerings. For smaller or simpler deployments, the switching costs and time are relatively minor compared to traditional enterprise software deployments and such a customer may more easily decide
13



not to renew with the Company and switch to a competitor’s offerings. For larger deployments, particularly with enterprise customers in highly regulated industries such as financial services, government, healthcare and transportation, the Company is subject to risks related to increased customer bargaining power, longer sales cycles, regulatory changes, compliance with procurement requirements and contractual performance covenants, and enhanced customer support obligations.
The Company must invest significant time and resources in providing ongoing value to these customers and in enhancing its reputation as an enterprise software vendor. If these efforts fail, or if the Company’s customers do not renew for other reasons, or if they renew on terms less favourable to the Company, the Company’s revenue may decline and its results of operations could be materially impacted.
The Company’s ability to grow software and services revenue is also dependent on its ability to expand its distribution capabilities with partners, resellers and licensees and its ability to maintain a qualified direct sales force, which requires significant time and resources, including investment in systems and training. From time to time, the Company may choose to reorganize its go-to-market teams in an effort to better leverage its sales resources and improve customer service. These reorganizations, which may include investments in educating the Company’s sales force, can cause short-term disruptions and may negatively impact sales. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in implementing its sales and distribution strategy. See also the Risk Factor entitled “The Company’s success depends on its relationships with resellers and distributors”.
13




The Company faces intense competition.
The Company is engaged in markets that are highly competitive and rapidly evolving, and has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, intense competition from a number of companies. No technology has been exclusively or commercially adopted as the industry standard for many of the products and services offered by the Company. Accordingly, both the nature of the competition and the scope of the business opportunities afforded by the markets in which the Company competes are uncertain.
The Company’s competitors, including new market entrants, may implement new technologies before the Company does, deliver new products and services earlier, or provide products and services that are disruptive or that are attractively priced or enhanced or better quality compared to those of the Company, making it more difficult for the Company to win or preserve market share.
Some of the Company’s competitors have greater name recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, public relations, sales, distribution and other resources than the Company does. In particular, some of the Company’s competitors may be able to leverage their relationships with enterprise customers based on other products or incorporate functionality into existing products to gain business in a manner that discourages users from purchasing the Company’s solutions, including by selling at zero or negative margins, product bundling or offering closed technology platforms. In the automotive sector, some of the Company’s OEM and Tier 1 customers have accelerated internal development of embedded solutions. In addition, competition may intensify as the Company’s competitors enter into business combinations or alliances and established companies in other market segments expand to become competitive with the Company’s business.
The impact of the competition described above could result in fewer customer orders, loss of market share, pressure to reduce prices, commoditization of product and service categories in which the Company participates, reduced revenue and reduced margins. If the Company is unable to compete successfully, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company must obtain and maintain certain product approvals and certifications from governmental authorities, regulated enterprise customers and network carrier partners in order to remain competitive, meet contractual requirements and enable its customers to meet their certification needs. Failure to maintain such approvals or certifications for the Company’s current products or to obtain such approvals or certifications for any new products on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.competitive position. In addition, independent industry analysts often issue reports regarding endpoint security solutions and the perception of the Company’s solutions in the marketplace, especially as compared to those of the Company’s competitors, may be significantly influenced by these reports. If these reports are negative, less frequent or less positive than reports on the Company’s competitors’ products, the Company’s competitive position may be harmed.
The occurrence or perception of a breach of the Company’s network cybersecurity measures or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential or personal information could significantly harm its business.
The Company is continuously exposed to cyber threats through the actions of outside parties, such as hacking, viruses, and other malicious software, denial of service attacks, industrial espionage and other methods designed to breach the Company’s network or data security. The Company is also exposed to risk as a result of process, coding or human errors and through attempts by third parties to fraudulently induce employees to provide access to confidential or personal information. Although malicious attempts to gain unauthorized access to such information affect many companies across various industries, the
14



Company is at a relatively greater risk of being specifically targeted because of its reputation for security and the nature of its network operations, and because the Company has been involved in the identification of organized cyber adversaries. Such attempts may intensify as a by-product of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Company devotes significant resources to network security, encryption and authentication technologies and other measures, including security policies and procedures, vulnerability testing and awareness training, to mitigate cyber risk to its systems, endpoints and data. In addition, the Company engineers novel security and reliability features, deploys software updates to address vulnerabilities, and maintains a security infrastructure that protects the integrity of the Company’s network, products and services. The Company also mitigates risk by actively monitoring external threats, reviewing best practices and implementing appropriate internal controls, including incident response plans. However, the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to disable or degrade service are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated in nature, and frequently are not recognized or identified until after they have been deployed against a target. The Company may not be able to anticipate these techniques, to implement adequate preventative measures or to identify and respond to them in a timely manner, and the Company’s efforts to do so may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating margins, the user experience or compatibility with third party products and services.
Although to date the Company has not experienced any material financial or other losses relating to technology failure, cyberattacks or security breaches, there is no assurance that the Company will not experience material loss or damage in the future. If the network and product security measures implemented by the Company or its partners, including third-party data
14




center operators, cloud service providers and product manufacturers are breached, or perceived to be breached, or if the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the Company’s data, including intellectual property and legally protected personal data, is compromised, the Company could be exposed to significant litigation, service disruptions, investigation and remediation costs, regulatory sanctions, fines and contractual penalties. In addition, any such event could materially damage the Company’s reputation, which is built in large measure on the security and reliability of BlackBerry products and services, and could result in the loss of investor confidence, channel partners, competitive advantages, revenues and customers, including the Company’s most significant government and regulated enterprise customers. While the Company maintains cybersecurity insurance, the Company’s coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses or types of claims that may arise from cyber incidents, and any incidents may result in the loss of, or increased costs of, the Company’s insurance.
The Company’s business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders.
Publicly-traded companies have increasingly become subject to campaigns by investors seeking to advocate certain governance changes or corporate actions such as financial or operational restructuring, asset divestitures or even sales of the entire company. Activist shareholders have publicly advocated for certain governance and strategic changes at the Company in the past, and the Company could be subject to additional shareholder activity or demands in the future. Given the challenges the Company has encountered in its business in recent years, the Company’s current strategic direction or leadership may not satisfy such shareholders who may attempt to promote or effect changes. Responding to proxy contests, media campaigns and other tactics by activist shareholders would be costly and time-consuming, disrupt the Company’s operations and divert the attention of the Board and senior management from the pursuit of the Company’s business strategies, which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and prospects. If individuals are elected to the Board with a specific agenda to increase short-term shareholder value, it may adversely affect or undermine the Company’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives. Perceived uncertainties as to the Company’s future direction as a result of shareholder activism could also result in the loss of potential business opportunities and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners.
The Company’s success depends on its continuing ability to attract new personnel, retain existing key personnel and manage its staffing effectively.
The Company’s success is largely dependent on its continuing ability to identify, attract, develop, motivate and retain skilled employees, including members of its executive team, top research developers and experienced salespeople with specialized knowledge. Competition for such people is intense, continuous, and increasing in the industries in which the Company participates, and the Company has experienced solicitations of its employees by its competitors.
Competition for highly skilled personnel is intense, especially in the San Francisco Bay area and in the Waterloo, Ontario area, where the Company has a substantial presence and need for highly skilled personnel. The Company is also substantially dependent on the continued service of its existing engineering personnel because of the complexity and specialization of its products and services. Also, to the extent that the Company hires employees from mature public companies with significant financial resources, the Company may be subject to allegations that such employees have been improperly solicited, or that they have divulged proprietary or other confidential information or that their former employers own such employees’ inventions or other work product.
To attract and retain critical personnel, the Company may experience increased compensation costs that are not offset by increased productivity or higher prices for our products and services. Also, the Company’s financial results and share price performance (particularly for senior employees for whom equity-based compensation is a key element of their total compensation), among other factors, may impact the Company’s ability to attract new, and retain existing, employees. In addition, the Company’s ability to hire and retain qualified personnel may be negatively impacted by the Company’s policies with respect to remote, on-site or hybrid work arrangements, as these may not meet the needs or expectations of employees or may be perceived as less favourable compared to other companies’ policies. Any failure by the Company to attract and retain key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, during periods of internal reorganization, the Company may experience losses of business continuity and accumulated knowledge, internal compliance gaps or other inefficiencies, including litigation claims by terminated employees. If the Company does not maintain appropriate staffing, develop effective business continuity and succession programs, mitigate turnover and effectively utilize employees with the right mix of skills and experience across the functions necessary to meet the current and future needs of its business, the financial and operational performance of the Company could suffer.
A failure or perceived failure of the Company’s solutions to detect or prevent security vulnerabilities could materially adversely affect the Company’s reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
The techniques used by cyber adversaries to breach network and endpoint security measures are sophisticated and change frequently, and the Company’s products and services may not protect users against all cyberattacks. At the same time, the Company’s products and services are highly complex and may contain design defects, bugs or security vulnerabilities that are
15




difficult to detect and correct. Such internal defects and a variety of external factors, including misconfigurations, errors introduced through collaborations with the Company’s engineering partners or the failure of customers to address risks identified by our platform, could impair the effectiveness of the Company’s solutions and cause them to fail to secure endpoints and prevent attacks or function as intended. In addition, the Company’s solutions may falsely indicate a cyber threat that does not actually exist, which may negatively impact customers’ trust in the Company’s solutions.
Real or perceived defects, errors or vulnerabilities in the Company’s software and services, or the failure of the Company’s platform solutions to detect or prevent cyber incidents, could result in the delay or denial of their market acceptance and may harm the Company’s reputation, financial condition and results of operations. If errors are discovered, correcting them could require significant expenditures by the Company and the Company may not be able to successfully correct them in a timely manner or at all.
The Company’s products and services frequently involve the transmission, processing and storage of data, including proprietary, confidential and personally-identifiable information, and a security compromise, misconfiguration or malfunction involving the Company’s software could result in such information being accessible to attackers or other third parties. Real or perceived security breaches against a customer using the Company’s solutions could cause damage or disruption to the customer and subject the Company to liability, and may result in the customer and the public believing that the Company’s solutions are ineffective, even if they were not implicated in failing to block the attack. Further, a breach of an artificial intelligence and machine learning-based solution offered by another endpoint security provider could cause the market to lose confidence in next-generation security software generally, including the Company’s solutions.
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Throughout fiscal 2021, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and related public health measures, including orders to shelter-in-place, travel restrictions and mandated business closures, have adversely affected workforces, organizations, consumers and economies leading to an economic downturn and increased market volatility.
15



The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the normal operations of the Company and the businesses of many of the Company’s customers, suppliers and distribution partners. Throughout most of fiscal 2021, the Company mandated remote working, utilizing virtual meetings and suspending employee travel, to protect the health and safety of its employees, contractors, customers and visitors. The Company also shifted customer, industry and other stakeholder events to virtual-only experiences, and may similarly alter, postpone or cancel other events in the future. The Company has a limited history with substantially remote operations and the long-term impacts of it are uncertain.
In fiscal 2021, the economic downturn and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures undertaken to contain its spread negatively affected the Company’s QNX automotive software business and caused volatility in demand for the Company’s products and services, adversely affected the ability of the Company’s sales and professional services teams to work with customers, and increased sales cycle times. The uncertainty also resulted in the Company making significant judgments related to its estimates and assumptions concerning the impairment of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and certain operating lease right-of-use assets and associated property, plant and equipment.
The COVID-19 pandemic and related global chip shortage have had and, in fiscal 2022, may continue to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s QNX automotive software business in particular and on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition on a consolidated basis. While the Company does not expect the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic impact to materially adversely affect the Company’s liquidity position, the Company continues to evaluate the current and potential impact of the pandemic on its business, results of operations and consolidated financial statements, including potential asset impairment. The Company also continues to actively monitor developments and business conditions that may cause it to take further actions that alter business operations as may be required by applicable authorities or that the Company determines are in the best interests of its employees, customers, suppliers and stockholders.
The ultimate impact of COVID-19 will depend on, among other things, the pandemic’s duration and severity, governmental restrictions which may be sustained or additional measures which may be imposed in response to the pandemic, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the pandemic (including the availability and distribution of vaccines), the impact of the global chip shortage and global economic conditions. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business may not be fully reflected until future periods.
The Company’s success depends on its continuing ability to attract new personnel, retain existing key personnel and manage its staffing effectively.
The Company’s success is largely dependent on its continuing ability to identify, attract, develop, motivate and retain skilled employees, including members of its executive team, top research developers and experienced salespeople with specialized knowledge. Competition for such people is intense, continuous, and increasing in the industries in which the Company participates, and the Company has experienced solicitations of its employees by its competitors.
Competition for highly skilled personnel is intense, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the Waterloo, Ontario area, where the Company has a substantial presence and need for highly skilled personnel. The Company is also substantially dependent on the continued service of its existing engineering personnel because of the complexity of its products and services. Also, to the extent that the Company hires employees from mature public companies with significant financial resources, the Company may be subject to allegations that such employees have been improperly solicited, or that they have divulged proprietary or other confidential information or that their former employers own such employees’ inventions or other work product.
To attract and retain critical personnel, the Company may experience increased compensation costs that are not offset by increased productivity or higher prices for our products and services. Also, the Company’s financial results and share price performance (particularly for those employees for whom equity-based compensation is a key element of their total compensation), among other factors, may impact the Company’s ability to attract new, and retain existing, employees. Any failure by the Company to attract and retain key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, during periods of internal reorganization, the Company may experience losses of business continuity and accumulated knowledge, internal compliance gaps or other inefficiencies, including litigation claims by terminated employees. If the Company does not maintain appropriate staffing, develop effective business continuity and succession programs, mitigate turnover and effectively utilize employees with the right mix of skills and experience across the functions necessary to meet the current and future needs of its business, the financial and operational performance of the Company could suffer.
The Company’s success depends on its relationships with resellers and channel partners.
The Company’s ability to maintain and expand its market reach, particularly with small and medium-sized businesses, is increasingly dependent on establishing, developing and maintaining relationships with third party resellers and channel partners. The Company makes training available to its partners and develops sales programs to incentivize them to promote and deliver the Company’s current and future products and services and to grow its user base.
16



If the Company is not able to effectively identify and establish new relationships with successful resellers and channel partners, or to maintain or enhance existing relationships without giving rise to conflicts between channels, or if the Company’s partners do not act in a manner that will promote the success of the Company’s products and services, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Many resellers and channel partners sell products and services of the Company’s competitors and may terminate their relationships with the Company with limited or no notice and limited or no penalty. If the Company’s competitors offer their products and services to the resellers and channel partners on more favorable contractual or business terms, have more products and services available, or those products and services are, or are perceived to be, in higher demand by end users, or are more lucrative for the resellers and channel partners, there may be continued pressure on the Company to reduce the price of its products and services, or those resellers and channel partners may stop offering the Company’s products or de-emphasize the sale of its products and services in favor of the Company’s competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Litigation against the Company may result in adverse outcomes.
In the course of its business, the Company is subject to potential litigation claims and enforcement actions arising from its public disclosure. The Company is committed to providing a high level of disclosure and transparency and provides commentary that highlights the trends and uncertainties that the Company anticipates. Given the highly competitive and dynamic industry in which the Company operates and the evolution of the Company’s business strategy over time, the Company’s financial results may not follow any past trends, making it difficult to predict the Company’s financial results. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements and may not meet the expectations of analysts or investors, which can contribute to the volatility of the market price of the Company’s common shares.
In addition, the Company receives general commercial claims related to the conduct of its business and the performance of its products and services, including product liability and warranty claims, employment claims, claims for breaches of contractual covenants and other litigation claims, which may potentially include claims relating to improper use of, or access to, personal data. Liability claims related to product defects, bugs or vulnerabilities could give rise to class action litigation or to the withdrawal of certifications, and the Company may be subject to such claims either directly or indirectly through indemnities that it provides to certain of its customers. The Company’s exposure to product liability risk may increase as the Company continues to commercialize its software innovations for autonomous and connected vehicles.
In addition, the Company is subject to potential litigation claims and enforcement actions arising from its public disclosure. The Company is committed to providing a high level of disclosure and transparency and provides commentary that highlights the trends and uncertainties that the Company anticipates. Given the highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry in which the Company operates and the recent transition in the Company’s business strategy, the Company’s financial results may not follow any past trends, making it difficult to predict the Company’s financial results. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements and may not meet the expectations of analysts or investors, which can contribute to the volatility of the market price of the Company’s common shares.
Litigation resulting from these claims and from actions asserted by the Company could be costly and time-consuming and could divert the attention of management and key personnel from the Company’s business operations. The complexity of the technology involved and the inherent uncertainty of commercial, class action, securities, employment and other litigation
16




increases these risks. In recognition of these considerations, the Company may enter into settlements resulting in material expenditures, the payment of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operation and financial condition. IfSimilarly, if the Company is unsuccessful in its defense of material litigation claims or is unable to settle the claims, the Company may be faced with significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against it that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, BlackBerry brand, results of operations and financial condition. Administrative or regulatory actions against the Company or its employees could also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, BlackBerry brand, results of operations and financial condition. See also “Legal Proceedings”Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding certain legal proceedings in this Annual Reportwhich the Company is involved.
Adverse macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on Form 10-K.the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing global semiconductor shortage have had and may continue to have a material adverse impact on production-based royalties for the Company’s QNX automotive software business. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and resulting global sanctions against Russia have exacerbated the disruption of automotive supply chains and its impact on the Company’s business.
Economic weakness or inflation resulting directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, as well as higher interest rates implemented in response to inflation and resulting fears of recession, may negatively impact consumer demand for automobiles and is contributing to reduced spending on and longer sales cycles for cybersecurity solutions, which in turn maycontinue to adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition on a consolidated basis. Because all components of the Company’s budgeting and forecasting are dependent upon estimates of economic activity in the markets that the Company serves and demand for its products and services, economic uncertainties make it difficult to estimate future income and expenditures.
Although the Company does not believe that inflation had a direct effect on its operations in fiscal 2023, higher interest rates implemented in response to inflation contributed to the non-cash goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges of $476 million (the “Fiscal 2023 ImpairmentCharge”) recorded by the Company in the fourth quarter of the year.
Network disruptions or other business interruptions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and harm its reputation.
The Company’s operations rely to a significant degree on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of complex technology systems and networks, which are in some cases integrated with those of carrier partners, cloud service providers, and third-party data centre operators. The Company’s network operations and technology systems are potentially vulnerable to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including by fire, earthquake, power loss, telecommunications or computer systems failure, cyber attack, human error, terrorist acts, war, and the threatened or actual suspension of BlackBerry services at the request of a government for alleged non-compliance with local laws or other events. The increased number of third party applications on the Company’s network may also enhance the risk of network disruption or cyber attack for the Company. There may also be system or network interruptions if new or upgraded systems are defective or not installed properly, or if data centre operators fail to meet agreed service levels.
The Company has experienced network events in the past, and any future outage in a network or system or other unanticipated problem that leads to an interruption or disruption of BlackBerry services could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition, and could adversely affect the Company’s longstanding reputation for reliability. As the Company moves to handle increased data traffic and support more applications or services, the risk of disruption and the expense of maintaining a resilient and secure network services capability may significantly increase.
17



The Company may not be successful in fostering an ecosystem of third-party application developers.
The Company believes decisions by customers to purchase its products, including the forthcoming BlackBerry IVY platform, depend and will depend in part on the availability and compatibility of software applications and services that are developed and maintained by third-party developers. The Company may not be able to convince third parties to develop and maintain applications for its cybersecurity software and embedded solutions platforms. The loss of, or inability to maintain these developer relationships may materially and adversely affect the desirability of the Company’s products and, hence, the Company’s revenue from the sale of its products.
The Company’s products and services are dependent upon interoperability with rapidly changing systems provided by third parties.
The Company’s platform depends on interoperability with operating systems, such as those provided by Apple, Google and Microsoft, as well as automotive OEMs. Operating systems are upgraded frequently in response to consumer demand and, in order to maintain the interoperability of its platform, the Company may need to release new software updates at a much greater pace than a traditional enterprise software company that supports only a single platform. In addition, the Company typically
17




receives limited advance notice of changes in features and functionality of operating systems and platforms, and therefore the Company may be forced to divert resources from its preexisting product roadmap to accommodate these changes.
If the Company fails to enable IT departments to support operating system upgrades upon release, the Company’s business and reputation could suffer. This could further disrupt the Company’s product roadmap and cause it to delay introduction of planned products and services, features and functionality, which could harm the Company’s business. Furthermore, some of the features and functionality in the Company’s products and services require interoperability with APIs of other operating systems, and if operating system providers decide to restrict the Company’s access to their APIs, that functionality would be lost and the Company’s business could be impaired.
Operating system providers have included, and may continue to include, features and functionality in their operating systems that are comparable to elements of the Company’s products and services, thereby making the Company’s platform less valuable. The inclusion of, or the announcement of an intent to include, functionality perceived to be similar to that offered by the Company’s products and services in mobile or embedded operating systems may have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to market and sell its products and services.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing
The Company may not be able to obtain rights to use third-party software and is subject to risks related to the use of open source software.
Many of the Company’s products include intellectual property which must be licensed from third parties. The termination of any of these licenses, or the failure of such third parties to adequately maintain, protect or update their software or intellectual property rights, could delay the Company’s ability to offer its products while the Company seeks to implement alternative technology offered by other sources (which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms) or develop such technology internally (which would require significant unplanned investment on the Company’s part).
In addition, certain software that the Company uses may be subject to open source licenses. Use and distribution of open source software may entail greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality of the code. Some open source licenses contain requirements that the Company make available source code for modifications or derivative works created by the Company based upon the type of open source software used. If the Company combines its proprietary solutions with open source software in a certain manner, the Company could, under certain of the open source licenses, face claims from third parties claiming ownership of or demanding the public release of the source code of the Company’s proprietary solutions, or demanding that the Company offer its solutions to users at no cost. This could allow the Company’s competitors to create similar solutions with lower development effort and time and ultimately could result in a loss of revenue to the Company. The Company could also be subject to litigation by parties claiming that what the Company believes to be licensed open source software infringes their intellectual property rights.
The terms of many open source licenses have not been interpreted by U.S. courts, and there is a risk that such licenses could be construed in a manner that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on the Company’s ability to commercialize its products and services. In such an event, the Company could be exposed to litigation or reputational damage, and could be required to obtain licenses from third parties in order to continue offering its products and services or to re-engineer its products or services, or discontinue their sale in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, any of which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and operating results.
18



Failure to protect the Company’s intellectual property could harm its ability to compete effectively and the Company may not earn the revenues it expects from intellectual property rights.
The Company’s commercial success is highly dependent upon its ability to protect its proprietary technology. The Company relies on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights, all of which offer only limited protection. Despite the Company’s efforts, the steps taken to protect its proprietary rights may not be adequate to preclude misappropriation of its proprietary information or infringement of its intellectual property rights. Detecting and protecting against the unauthorized use of the Company’s products, technology proprietary rights, and intellectual property rights is expensive, difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce or defend the Company’s ability to police such misappropriation or infringementintellectual property rights and could result in substantial costs and diversion of management resources, either of which could harm the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and there is uncertain. Theno assurance that the Company will be successful. Further, the laws of certain countries in which the Company’s products and services are sold or licensed do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of Canada or the United States.
With respect to patent rights, the Company cannot be certain whether any of its pending patent applications will result in the issuance of patents or whether the examination process will require the Company to narrow its claims. Furthermore, any patents issued could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented and may not provide proprietary protection or a competitive advantage. In addition, a number of the Company’s competitors and other third parties have been issued patents, and may have filed patent applications or may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights, for technologies similar to those that the Company has made or may make in the future. Public awareness of new technologies often lags behind actual discoveries, making it difficult or impossible to know all relevant patent applications at any particular time. Consequently, the Company cannot be certain that it was the first to develop the technology covered by its pending patent applications or that it was the first to file patent applications for the technology. In addition, the disclosure in the Company’s patent applications may not be sufficient to meet the statutory requirements for patentability in all cases. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company’s patent applications will result in patents being issued.
While the Company enters into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with its employees, consultants, contract manufacturers, customers, potential customers and others to attempt to limit access to, and distribution of, proprietary and confidential information, it is possible that:
some or all of its confidentiality agreements will not be honored;
third parties will independently develop equivalent technology or misappropriate the Company’s technology or designs;
disputes will arise with the Company’s strategic partners, customers or others concerning the ownership of intellectual property;
unauthorized disclosure or use of the Company’s intellectual property, including source code, know-how or trade secrets will occur; or
contractual provisions may not be enforceable.
In addition, the Company expends significant resources to patent and manage the intellectual property it creates with the expectation that it will generate revenues by incorporating that intellectual property in its products or services. The Company is also monetizingmonetizes its patent portfolioassets through outbound patent licensing, and derives a significant portion of its Licensing and Other revenue from its agreement with Teletry. Although the Company operates its own direct licensing program, it may not be possible for the Company to offset any reduction in revenue from Teletry in the short term, or at all. In addition, changeslicensing. Changes in the law may weaken the Company’s ability to collect
18




royalty revenue for licensing its patents. Similarly, licensees of the Company’s patents may fail to satisfy their obligations to pay royalties, or may contest the scope and extent of their obligations. Finally, the royalties the Company can obtain to monetize its intellectual property may decline because of the evolution of technology, changes in the selling price of products using licensed patents, or the difficulty of discovering infringements.
If the Malikie Transaction is completed successfully, the consideration payable to the Company from the sale of its non-core patent portfolio will include potential future royalty payments. The royalties, if any, that may be earned by the Company from the Malikie Transaction in any particular fiscal year or in the aggregate over the term of the royalty arrangement are difficult to predict, particularly given that any such royalties will depend entirely upon the business success of a third party. The aggregate proceeds that the Company ultimately receives from the Malikie Transaction are expected to be less than $900 million.
The Company may not be able to obtain rights to use third-party software and is in ongoing, exclusive negotiations with a North American entity forsubject to risks related to the potential saleuse of a portionopen source software.
Many of the Company’s patent portfolio relating primarilyproducts include intellectual property which must be licensed from third parties. The termination of any of these licenses, or the failure of such third parties to non-coreadequately maintain, protect or legacy mobile devices, messagingupdate their software or intellectual property rights, could delay the Company’s ability to offer its products while the Company seeks to implement alternative technology offered by other sources (which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms) or develop such technology internally (which would require significant unplanned investment on the Company’s part). The use of third-party software in the Company’s products could also expose the Company and wireless networking technologies. These negotiationsits customers to security vulnerabilities.
In addition, certain software that the Company uses may be subject to open source licenses. Use and distribution of open source software may entail greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality of the code. Some open source licenses contain requirements that the Company make available source code for modifications or derivative works created by the Company based upon the type of open source software used. If the Company combines its proprietary solutions with open source software in a certain manner, the Company could, under certain of the open source licenses, face claims from third parties claiming ownership of or demanding the public release of the source code of the Company’s proprietary solutions, or demanding that the Company offer its solutions to users at no cost. This could allow the Company’s competitors to create similar solutions with lower development effort and time and ultimately could result in a loss of revenue to the Company. The Company could also be subject to litigation by parties claiming that what the Company believes to be licensed open source software infringes their intellectual property rights.
The terms of many open source licenses have hadnot been interpreted by U.S. courts, and may continue to have an adverse effectthere is a risk that such licenses could be construed in a manner that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on the Company’s ability to monetizecommercialize its patent portfolio,products and services. In such an event, the ultimate impact of any definitiveCompany could be exposed to litigation or reputational damage, and could be required to obtain licenses from third parties in order to continue offering its products and services or to re-engineer its products or services, or discontinue their sale transaction on Licensing and Other revenue and on the monetization of the Company’s patent portfolio is difficult to predict.
Detecting and protecting against the unauthorized use of the Company’s products, technology proprietary rights, and intellectual property rights is expensive, difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce or defend the Company’s intellectual property rights and could result in substantial costs and diversion of management resources, eitherevent re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, any of which could harmmaterially and adversely affect the Company’s business financial condition and results of operations, and there is no assurance that the Company will be successful.
19



operating results.
The Company could be found to have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others.
Companies in the software and technology industries, including some of the Company’s current and potential competitors, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently engage in litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. Although the Company believes that third-party software included in the Company’s products is licensed from the entity holding the intellectual property rights and that its products do not infringe on the rights of third parties, third parties have and are expected to continue to assert infringement claims against the Company in the future. The Company may be subject to these types of claims either directly or indirectly through indemnities that it provides to certain of its customers, partners and suppliers against these claims. As the Company continues to develop software products and expand its portfolio using new technology and innovation, its exposure to threats of infringement may increase.
Many intellectual property infringement claims are brought by entities whose business model is to obtain patent-licensing revenues from operating companies such as the Company. Because such entities do not typically generate their own products or services, the Company cannot deter their claims based on counterclaims that they infringe patents in the Company’s portfolio or by entering into cross-licensing arrangements.
Regardless of whether patent or other intellectual property infringement claims against the Company have any merit, they could:
adversely affect the Company’s relationships with its customers;
be time-consuming and expensive to evaluate and defend, including in litigation or other proceedings;
result in negative publicity for the Company;
19




divert management’s attention and resources;
cause product delays or stoppages;
subject the Company to significant liabilities;
require the Company to develop possible workaround solutions that may be costly and disruptive to implement; and
require the Company to cease certain activities or to cease selling its products and services in certain markets.
In addition, any such claim may require the Company to enter into costly royalty agreements or obtain a license for the intellectual property rights of third parties. Such licenses may not be available or they may not be available on commercially reasonable terms.
Any of the foregoing infringement claims and related litigation could have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s business and operating results, as well as the Company’s ability to generate future revenues and profits. See also “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risks Related to Assets, Indebtedness and Taxation
The Company faces substantial asset risk, including the potential for charges related to its long-lived assets and goodwill.
The Company’s long-lived assets include items such as the Company’s network infrastructure, operating lease right-of-use assets and certain intellectual property. As at February 28, 2021, the Company’s long-lived assets had a carrying value of approximately $882 million. Under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to fully recover the current carrying value of these assets depends on the successful execution of its strategies. If it is determined that sufficient future cash flows do not exist to support the current carrying value, the Company will be required to record an impairment charge for long-lived assets in order to adjust the value of these assets to the newly established estimated value.
Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. As at February 28, 2021, the Company’s goodwill had a carrying value of approximately $849 million. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company tests goodwill for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. These events and circumstances may include a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate, a significant decline in the Company’s share price, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant disposal activity and the testing of recoverability for a significant asset group. If any such events or circumstances arise, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge in the value of its goodwill. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recorded total non-cash goodwill impairment charges of
20



$594 million in the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company has incurred indebtedness, which could adversely affect its operating flexibility and financial condition.
The Company has, and may from time to time in the future have, third-party debt service obligations pursuant to its outstanding indebtedness, which currently includes $365 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% unsecured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”).Debentures maturing on November 13, 2023. The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have important consequences, including that:
the Company’s ability to obtain additional debt financing may be limited;
a portion of the Company’s cash flow from operations or other capital resources will be dedicated to the payment of the principal of, and/or interest on, indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, strategic initiatives or other business purposes; and
the Company’s earnings under U.S. GAAP may be negatively affected to the extent that any indebtedness, such as the 1.75% Debentures, are accounted for by the Company at fair value and include embedded derivatives which fluctuate in value from period to period.
If the Company’sCompany cannot maintain an adequate cash balance or positive cash flow from operations, declines significantly, the Company may be unable to pay amounts due under its outstanding indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs and it may be required to refinance all or part of its then existing indebtedness, (including the Debentures), sell assets, reduce or delay capital expenditures or seek to raise additional capital, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to restructure or refinance the 1.75% Debentures on terms as favourable as those currently in place. The Company’s ability to restructure or refinance the 1.75% Debentures, as well as the Company’s business and financial condition more generally, may be adversely impacted if the current instability in the banking sector worsens or becomes persistent.
The 1.75% Debentures are subject to restrictive and other covenants that may limit the discretion of the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to certain business matters. These covenants place restrictions upon, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness or provide guarantees in respect of obligations, create liens or other encumbrances, pay dividends, merge or consolidate with another entity and enter into any speculative hedging transaction. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the Company’s outstanding indebtedness, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, certain of the Company’s competitors may operate on a less leveraged basis, or without such restrictive covenants, and therefore could have greater operating and financing flexibility than the Company.
There canThe Company faces substantial asset risk, including the potential for charges related to its long-lived assets and goodwill.
The Company’s long-lived assets include items such as the Company’s network infrastructure, operating lease right-of-use assets and certain intellectual property. Under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be no assurancerecoverable. The Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to fully recover the current carrying value of these assets depends on the successful execution of its strategies. If it is determined that sufficient future cash flows do not exist to support the current carrying value, the Company will be ablerequired to repay, restructure or refinance its indebtedness, includingrecord an impairment charge for long-lived assets in order to adjust the Debentures, as principal amounts become due, or that it will be ablevalue of these assets to do so on terms as favourable as those currently in place. Ifthe newly established estimated value.
Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is unable to refinance its indebtednesstests goodwill for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter, or is only able to refinance indebtedness on less favourable terms, thismore frequently if events or changes in
20




circumstances indicate that the asset may havebe impaired. These events and circumstances may include a material adverse effect onsignificant change in legal factors or in the business climate, a significant decline in the Company’s business, resultsshare price, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of operationskey personnel, significant disposal activity and financial condition.the testing of recoverability for a significant asset group. If any such events or circumstances arise, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge in the value of its goodwill.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company recorded the Fiscal 2023 ImpairmentCharge. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tax provision changes, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities could materially impact the Company’s financial condition.
The Company is subject to income, indirect (such as sales tax, sales and use tax and value-added tax) and other taxes in Canada and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining its worldwide liability for income, indirect and other taxes, as well as potential penalties and interest. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although the Company believes that its tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the final determination of any tax audits will not be materially different from that which is reflected in historical income, indirect and other tax provisions and accruals. Should additional taxes or penalties and interest be assessed as a result of an audit, litigation or changes in tax laws, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s current and future results and financial condition. In addition, there is a risk of recoverability of future deferred tax assets.
The Company’s future effective tax rate will depend on the relative profitability of the Company’s domestic and foreign operations, the statutory tax rates and taxation laws of the related tax jurisdictions, the tax treaties between the countries in which the Company operates, the timing of the release, if any, of the valuation allowance, and the relative proportion of research and development incentives to the Company’s profitability.
Canada, together with approximately 140 other countries comprising the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (“OECD”) and the G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”), approved in principle in 2021 certain base erosion tax initiatives, including the introduction of a 15% global minimum tax which is intended to be effective in 2023. Canada has not yet released any domestic legislation in respect of the introduction of the global minimum tax. In November 2022, the Department of Finance Canada released for public comment revised draft legislative proposals which, if enacted, may limit the deductibility of interest and financing expenses for Canadian tax purposes. The revised draft legislative proposals are generally intended to apply in respect of taxation years beginning on or after October 1, 2023. The Company will continue to monitor the BEPS and interest deductibility limitation proposals and any impact on the Company, which may result in an increase in future taxes and an adverse effect on the Company.
Under U.S. federal income tax laws, if a company is, or for any past period was, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”), there could be adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders even if the Company is no longer a PFIC. While the Company does not believe that it is currently a PFIC, there can be no assurance that the Company was not a PFIC in the past and will not be a PFIC in the future.
21



Risks Related to Regulation
The use and management of user data and personal information could give rise to liabilities as a result of legal, customer and other third-party requirements.
User data and personal information is increasingly subject to new and amended legislation and regulations in numerous jurisdictions around the world that are intended to protect the privacy and security of personal information, as well as the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of such information.
The interpretation of privacy and data protection laws and their application to the Internet and mobile communications in a number of jurisdictions is unclear and evolving. There is a risk that these laws may be interpreted and applied in conflicting ways from country to country and in a manner that is not consistent with the Company’s current data protection practices. Complying with these varying international requirements could cause the Company to incur additional costs and change the Company’s business practices. In addition, because the Company’s services are accessible worldwide, certain foreign jurisdictions may claim that the Company is required to comply with their laws, even where the Company has no local entity, employees, or infrastructure. Non-compliance could result in penalties or significant legal liability and the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. See also “Regulatory Environment” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company’s customers, partners and members of its ecosystem may also have differing expectations or impose particular requirements for the collection, storage, processing and transmittal of user data or personal information in connection with BlackBerry products and services. Such expectations or requirements could subject the Company to additional costs, liabilities or negative publicity, and limit its future growth. In addition, governmental authorities may require access to limited data stored
21




by the Company through lawful access demands and capabilities, which could subject the Company to legal liability, unforeseen compliance cost and negative publicity. Even a perception that the Company’s products or practices do not adequately protect users’ privacy or data collected by the Company, made available to the Company or stored in or through the Company’s products, or that they are being used by third parties to access personal or consumer data, could impair the Company’s sales or its reputation and brand value.
Government regulations applicable to the Company’s products and services, including products containing encryption capabilities, could negatively impact the Company’s business.
Certain government regulations applicable to the Company’s products and services may provide opportunities for competitors or limit growth. The impact of potential incremental obligations may vary based on the jurisdiction, but regulatory changes could impact whether the Company enters, maintains or expands its presence in a particular market, and whether the Company must dedicate additional resources to comply with these obligations.
Various countries have enacted laws and regulations, adopted controls, license or permit requirements, and restrictions on the export, import, and use of products or services that contain encryption technology. In addition, from time to time, governmental agencies have proposed additional regulations relating to encryption technology, such as requiring certification, notifications, review of source code, or the escrow and governmental recovery of private encryption keys. Governmental regulation of encryption technology, including the regulation of imports or exports, could harm the Company’s sales in one or more jurisdictions and adversely affect the Company’s revenues. Complying with such regulations could also require the Company to devote additional research and development resources to change the Company’s software or services or alter the methods by which the Company makes them available, which could be costly. In addition, failure to comply with such regulations could result in penalties, costs and restrictions on import or export privileges or adversely affect sales to government agencies or government funded projects.
Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) expectations and standards expose the Company to risks that could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and performance.
Standards for identifying, measuring and reporting ESG matters continue to evolve, including requirements for ESG-related disclosures that may be required of public companies by the securities and other applicable regulators. If the Company’s ESG practices or disclosures do not meet evolving investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, then the reputation of the Company, its ability to attract or retain employees, and its attractiveness as an investment, business partner, acquiror or service provider could be negatively impacted. Further, the Company’s failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill ESG objectives or to satisfy applicable reporting standards on a timely basis, or at all, could have similar negative impacts or expose the Company to government enforcement actions and private litigation.
Failure of the Company’s suppliers, subcontractors, channel partners and representatives to use acceptable ethical business practices or to comply with applicable laws could negatively impact the Company’s business.
The Company expects its suppliers, subcontractors, licensees and other partners to operate in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding working conditions, labour and employment practices, environmental compliance, anti-corruption, and patent and trademark licensing, as detailed in the Company’s Supplier Code of Conduct. However, the Company does not directly control their labour and other business practices. If one of the Company’s suppliers or subcontractors violates applicable labour, anti-corruption or other laws, or implements labour or other business practices that are regarded as unethical, or if a supplier or subcontractor fails to comply with procedures designed by the Company to adhere to existing or proposed regulations, the delivery of BlackBerry products could be interrupted, orders could be canceled, relationships could be terminated, the Company’s reputation could be damaged, and the Company may be subject to liability. Any of these events could have a negative impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
22



The Company is subject to risks related to regulations regarding health and safety, hazardous materials usage and conflict minerals.
The Company must comply with a variety of laws, standards and other requirements governing, among other things, health and safety, accessibility, hazardous materials usage, packaging and environmental matters, and its products must obtain regulatory approvals and satisfy other regulatory concerns in the various jurisdictions in which they are sold. The Company is also subject to SEC disclosure requirements applicable to issuers that have contracted to manufacture products containing certain minerals that are mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. There can be no assurance that the direct or indirect costs of complying with such laws, standards and requirements will not adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Any failure to comply with such laws, standards and requirements may subject the Company to regulatory or civil liability, fines or other additional costs, and reputational harm.
General Risk Factors
Acquisitions, divestitures, investments and other business initiatives may negatively affect the Company’s results of operations.
The Company has acquired and continues to seek out opportunities to acquire or invest in, businesses, assets, products, services and technologies that expand, complement or are otherwise related to the Company’s business or provide opportunities for growth. In addition, the Company is increasingly collaborating and partnering with third parties to develop technologies, products and services, as well as seek new revenue through partnering arrangements.
These activities involve significant challenges and risks, including: that they may not advance the Company’s strategic objectives or generate satisfactory synergies or return on investment; that the Company may have difficulty integrating and managing new employees, business systems, development teams and product offerings; the potential loss of key employees of an acquired business; additional demands on the Company’s management, resources, systems, procedures and controls; disruption of the Company’s ongoing business; and diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns.
22




Acquisitions, investments or other strategic collaborations or partnerships may involve significant commitments of financial and other resources of the Company. If these fail to perform as expected, or if the Company fails to enter into and execute the transactions or arrangements needed to succeed, the Company may not be able to bring its products, services or technologies to market successfully or in a timely manner, which would have a material adverse impact on results of operations.
Furthermore, an acquisition may have an adverse effect on the Company’s cash position if all or a portion of the purchase price is paid in cash, and common shares issuable in an acquisition would dilute the percentage ownership of the Company’s existing shareholders. Any such activity may not be successful in generating revenue, income or other returns to the Company, and the financial or other resources committed to such activities would not be available to the Company for other purposes. In addition, the acquisitions may involve unanticipated costs and liabilities, including possible litigation and new or increased regulatory exposure, which are not covered by the indemnity or escrow provisions, if any, of the relevant acquisition agreements.
As business circumstances dictate, the Company may also decide to divest itself of assets or businesses. The Company may not be successful in identifying or managing the risks involved in any divestiture, including its ability to obtain a reasonable purchase price for the assets, potential liabilities that may continue to apply to the Company following the divestiture, potential tax implications, employee issues or other matters. The Company’s inability to address these risks could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s business is subject to risks inherent in foreign operations, including fluctuations in foreign currencies.
Sales outside of North America account for a significant portion of the Company’s revenue. The Company maintains offices in a number of foreign jurisdictions and intends to continue to pursue growth in select international markets. The Company is subject to a number of risks associated with its foreign operations that may increase liability and costs, lengthen sales cycles and require significant management attention. These risks include:
compliance with the laws of the United States, Canada and other countries that apply to the Company’s international operations, including import and export legislation, trade sanctions, lawful access, and privacy, anti-corruption and consumer protection laws;
unexpected changes in foreign regulatory requirements;
reliance on third parties to establish and maintain foreign operations;
instability in economic or political conditions;
foreign exchange controls and cash repatriation restrictions;
tariffs and other trade barriers;
increased credit risk and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;
23



potential adverse tax consequences;
uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the protection of intellectual property or secured technology;
litigation in foreign court systems;
cultural and language differences; and
difficulty in managing a geographically dispersed workforce.
In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than its U.S. dollar functional currency. The majority of the Company’s revenue is denominated in U.S. dollars; however, some revenue, and a substantial portion of operating costs and capital expenditures are incurred in other currencies, primarily Canadian dollars, euros and British Pounds. For more details, please refer to the discussion of foreign exchange and income taxes in the Company’s MD&A for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021.2023.
All of the above factors may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition and there can be no assurance that the policies and procedures implemented by the Company to address or mitigate these risks will be successful, that Company personnel will comply with them, or that the Company will not experience these factors in the future.
Environmental events may negatively affect the Company.
A significant portion of the Company’s personnel, including a majority of its senior leadership team, is based in California, in areas known for seismic activity and wildfires. The Company also has operations in numerous locations around the world that expose the Company to additional diverse environmental risks. A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire or flood could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and operations and could cause the Company to incur costs to repair damages to its facilities, equipment and infrastructure. The Company’s offices and remote working locations
23




have historically experienced, and are projected to continue to experience, climate-related events including drought, heat waves, ice storms, power shortages, and wildfires and resultant air quality impacts. The increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events on the infrastructure of the Company and its suppliers, as well as public infrastructure, have the potential to disrupt the business of the Company, its suppliers and its customers.
Although the Company maintains incident management and disaster response plans, they may prove to be inadequate in the event of a major disruption caused by a natural disaster or geopolitical incident and the Company may be unable to continue its operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in its development activities, lengthy interruptions in service, breaches of data security and loss of critical data, and the Company’s insurance may not cover such events or may be insufficient to compensate the Company for the potentially significant losses it may incur.
The Company expects its quarterly revenue and operating results to fluctuate.
The Company’s revenues can change from one quarter to the next, including due to unexpected developments late in a quarter, such as lower-than-anticipated demand for the Company’s products and services, issues with new product or service introductions, an internal systems failure, or challenges with one of the Company’s distribution channels or other partners (including licensees and manufacturers).
Gross margins on the Company’s products and services vary across product lines and can change over time as a result of product transitions, pricing and configuration changes, and cost fluctuations. In addition, the Company’s gross margin and operating margin percentages, as well as overall profitability, may be materially adversely impacted as a result of a shift in product/service, geographic or channel mix, component cost increases, price competition, or the introduction of new products and services, including those that have higher cost structures or reduced pricing.
The market price of the Company’s common shares is volatile.
The market price of the Company’s outstanding common shares has been and continues to be volatile. The market price of the Company’s shares may fluctuate significantly in response to the risks described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, as well as numerous other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including: (i) announcements by the Company or its competitors of new products and services, acquisitions, customer wins or strategic partnerships; (ii) forward-looking financial guidance provided by the Company, any updates to this guidance, or the Company’s failure to meet this guidance; (iii) quarterly and annual variations in operating results, which are difficult to forecast, and the Company’s financial results not meeting the expectations of analysts or investors; (iv) recommendations by securities analysts or changes in earnings estimates; (v) the performance of other technology companies or the increasing market share of such companies; (vi) results of existing or potential litigation; (vii) market rumours; (viii) trading in derivative securities based on the Company’s common shares; or (ix) speculative trading that is not primarily motivated by Company announcements or the condition of the Company’s business. In addition, dilutive share issuances could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s outstanding common shares.
In addition, broad market and industry factors may decrease the market price of the Company’s common shares, regardless of the Company’s operating performance. The stock market in general, and the securities of technology companies in particular, have often experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations.fluctuations, including, in recent years, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, rising inflation and higher interest rates. Periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of the Company’s securities may prompt securities class action litigation against the Company which, if not resolved swiftly, can result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources. See also the Risk Factor entitled “Litigation against the Company may result in adverse outcomes” and the “Legal Proceedings” section in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Adverse economic, geopolitical and environmental conditions may negatively affect the Company.
A slowdown in capital spending by end users of the Company’s products and services, coupled with existing economic and geopolitical uncertainties globally and in the Company’s target vertical markets, could substantially reduce the demand for the Company’s products and services and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current and future conditions in the domestic and global economies remain uncertain, and it is difficult to estimate the level of economic activity for the economy as a whole. It is even more difficult to estimate growth in various parts of the economy, including the markets in which the Company participates. Because all components of the Company’s budgeting and forecasting
24



are dependent upon estimates of economic activity in the markets that the Company serves and demand for its products and services, economic uncertainties make it difficult to estimate future income and expenditures.
In addition, acts of terrorism, political unrest, the outbreak of hostilities and armed conflicts within or between countries have created and may continue to create uncertainties that may affect the global economy. If economic or geopolitical uncertainties, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, cause customers to reduce their IT budgets or to reduce or cancel orders for the Company’s products and services, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
A significant portion of the Company’s personnel, including a majority of its senior leadership team, is based in California, in areas known for seismic activity and wildfires. The Company also has operations in numerous locations around the world that expose the Company to additional diverse environmental risks. A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire or flood could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and operations and could cause the Company to incur significant costs to repair damages to its facilities, equipment and infrastructure.
Although the Company maintains incident management and disaster response plans, they may prove to be inadequate in the event of a major disruption caused by a natural disaster or geopolitical incident and the Company may be unable to continue its operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in its development activities, lengthy interruptions in service, breaches of data security and loss of critical data, and the Company’s insurance may not cover such events or may be insufficient to compensate the Company for the potentially significant losses it may incur.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company’s headquarters are located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The Company’s main campus in Waterloo consists of three leased buildings with approximately 479,000 square feet. The remaining lease term is fourapproximately two years with the option to renew for an additional five years. The Company also operates facilities in the United States, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East for engineering, sales, marketing, research and development, our data center, and operations, among other general and administrative purposes.
The Company’s other significant leaseleased properties include the following:
Ottawa facility, located in Ontario, Canada, totaling approximately 147,000 square feet;
Irvine facility, located in California, United States, totaling approximately 133,000 square feet;
Mississauga facility, located in Ontario, Canada, totaling approximately 75,000 square feet;
San Ramon facility, located in California, United States, totaling approximately 50,000 square feet;
Mountain ViewBrampton facility, located in California, United States,Ontario, Canada, totaling approximately 36,0006,706 square feet; and
Cambridge facility, located in Ontario, Canada, totaling approximately 16,9255,107 square feet; andfeet.
24



Brampton facility, located in Ontario, Canada, totaling approximately 6,706 square feet.
The following table sets forth the location and approximate square footage of the Company’s leased facilities as of February 28, 2021:2023:
(Square feet in thousands)
Location
North America1,1091,050 
Europe, Middle East and Africa14760 
Asia Pacific2927 
Total1,2851,137 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Note 1110 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which the Company is involved.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
25





PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company’s common shares are listed and posted for trading on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbol “BB”.
On February 28, 2021,2023, there were 8061,019 registered holders of record of our common shares.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
The Company had no unregistered sales of equity securities during fiscal 20212023 that were not previously reported.
Share Repurchases
The Company did not repurchase any shares during fiscal 2021.2023.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph shows the cumulative total shareholder return of $100 invested in the common shares compared to the S&P/TSX Composite Index,index, and the peer group index (S&P 500 Information Technology index) for the period of February 29, 201628, 2018 to February 26, 2021.28, 2023.
The performance of the Company’s common shares as set out in the graph is based upon historical data and is not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common shares. The graph lines merely connect measurement dates and do not reflect fluctuations between those dates.
bbry-20210228_g1.jpg
Base Period
2/29/20162/28/20172/28/20182/28/20192/28/20202/26/2021
BlackBerry Limited$100$89.12$155.44$111.40$66.20$128.68
S&P TSX Capped Composite100119.74120.08124.41126.46140.43
S&P 500/Information Technology100130.85175.92183.57229.30339.45
bbry-20230228_g1.jpg
Base Period
2/28/20182/28/20192/28/20202/28/20212/26/20222/28/2023
BlackBerry Limited$100.00$71.66$42.59$82.78$56.59$31.96
S&P TSX Capped Composite100.00103.60105.31116.95136.81130.94
S&P 500/Information Technology100.00104.35130.35192.96227.26200.27
This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

26




Ownership and Exchange Controls
There is currently no law, governmental decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or which would affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments by us to non-resident holders of the Company’s common shares, other than withholding tax requirements.
There is currently no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by the Company’s articles or by-laws on the right of non-residents to hold or vote the Company’s common shares, other than those imposed by the Investment Canada Act (Canada) and the Competition Act (Canada). These acts will generally not apply except where a control of an existing Canadian business or company, which has Canadian assets or revenue, or enterprise value (as applicable) over a certain threshold, is acquired and will not apply to trading generally of securities listed on a stock exchange.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents
The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (together with the regulations thereto, the “Tax Act”) to a beneficial holder of the Company’s common shares who, for the purposes of the Tax Act and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “Treaty”), and at all relevant times, (i) is not and is not deemed to be a resident in Canada, (ii) is a resident of the United States for the purposes of the Treaty and is entitled to the full benefits thereunder, (iii) holds all common shares as capital property, (iv) deals at arm’s length with and is not affiliated with the Company, and (v) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the common shares in connection with a business carried on in Canada (each such holder, a “U.S. Resident Holder”). This summary is not generally applicable to a U.S. Resident Holder that is: (i) an insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere, or (ii) an “authorized foreign bank,” each as defined in the Tax Act. Such U.S. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors.
Generally, a U.S. Resident Holder’s common shares will be considered to be capital property of a U.S. Resident Holder provided the U.S. Resident Holder does not hold such shares in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities and has not acquired them in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Tax Act, the current administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency published in writing prior to the date hereof, and the Treaty. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Tax Proposals”), and assumes that all Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed. However, no assurances can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted as proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative policy or assessing practice whether by legislative, administrative or judicial action or decision, nor does it take into account tax legislation or considerations of any province, territory or foreign jurisdiction, which may differ from those discussed herein.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed to be, legal, business or tax advice to any particular holder or prospective holder of the Company’s common shares, and no opinion or representation with respect to the tax consequences to any holder or prospective holder of the common shares is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of the Company’s common shares should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the common shares in their particular circumstances.
Dividends
Dividends paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, on the Company’s common shares to a U.S. Resident Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividends, subject to reduction under the provisions of the Treaty. Under the Treaty, the rate of Canadian withholding tax applicable to a U.S. Resident Holder that is the beneficial owner of dividends is generally reduced to 15% of the gross amount of the dividends, and, if such U.S. Resident Holder is a company that owns at least 10% of the Company’s voting shares at the time of the dividends, the rate of Canadian withholding tax is reduced to 5% of the gross amount of the dividends. U.S. Resident Holders who may be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax on dividends pursuant to the Treaty should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to taking all appropriate steps in this regard.
Disposition of Common Shares
A U.S. Resident Holder who disposes or is deemed to dispose of a common share will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on such disposition, unless the common share constitutes “taxable Canadian property,” within the meaning of the Tax Act, of the U.S. Resident Holder at the time of the disposition and the U.S. Resident Holder is not entitled to relief under the Treaty.
Generally, a common share of a particular U.S. Resident Holder will not be “taxable Canadian property” of such U.S. Resident Holder at any time at which such common share is listed on a “designated stock exchange,” within the meaning of the Tax Act (which includes the TSX and NYSE) unless, at any particular time during the 60-month period that ends at that time, both of the
27




following conditions are met concurrently: (a) 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of the Company were owned by or belonged to one or any combination of (i) the U.S. Resident Holder, (ii) persons with whom the U.S. Resident Holder did not deal at arm’s length for purposes of the Tax Act, and (iii) partnerships in which the U.S. Resident Holder or a person described in (ii) holds a membership interest directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships; and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the common share was derived, directly or indirectly, from one or any combination of: (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (ii) “Canadian resource properties” (as defined in the Tax Act), (iii) “timber resource properties” (as defined in the Tax Act), and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of (b)(i) to (iii), whether or not the property exists. A common share may also be deemed to be “taxable Canadian property” in certain circumstances as set out in the Tax Act. In the case of a U.S. Resident Holder to whom a common share of the Company represents “taxable Canadian property”, under the Treaty, such a U.S. Resident Holder will generally not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on a capital gain realized on the disposition of such share unless the value of such share is derived principally from real property situated in Canada (within the meaning of the Treaty).
In the event that a common share is “taxable Canadian property,” within the meaning of the Tax Act, to a U.S. Resident Holder at the time of disposition, such U.S. Resident Holder should consult its own tax advisor as to the Canadian federal income tax consequences of the disposition.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The Company has elected to early adopt the amendment to Item 301 of Regulation S-K and is no longer required to provide five years of selected financial data.[RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) of BlackBerry Limited, for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021.2023. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All financial information in this MD&A is presented in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Readers should carefully review Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” and other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other securities regulators. A number of factors may materially affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. These factors include but are not limited to those set forth in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any one of these factors, and other factors that we are unaware of, or currently deem immaterial, may cause our actual results to differ materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. Please refer to our MD&A included in our Annual Report on 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 202028, 2022 for a comparative discussion of our Fiscal 2020fiscal 2022 financial results as compared to our Fiscal 2019,fiscal 2021 financial results, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information about the Company which is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021 (the “Annual Report”), can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This MD&AAnnual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to:
the Company’s plans, strategies and objectives, including its intentions to increase and enhance its product and service offerings;offerings and to patent new innovations, and to complete the sale of a portfolio of its non-core patent assets;
the Company’s expectations with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global semiconductor shortage, as well as other macroeconomic factors including inflation and interest rates, on its results of operations and financial condition;
the Company’s expectations with respect to its revenue and billings in fiscal 2022 and with respect to2024, the impactannual recurring revenue of its Cybersecurity business in fiscal 2024, installations of the COVID-19 pandemic onBlackBerry IVY™ platform and the Company’s business, resultssale of operations and financial condition on a consolidated basis, includingsubstantially all of its liquidity position;non-core patent assets;
the Company’s estimates of purchase obligations and other contractual commitments; and
the Company’s expectations with respect to the sufficiency of its financial resources.
The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “intend”, “believe”, “target”, “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this MD&A,Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections in Part I, Item 1 “Business” entitled “Products and Services - IoT”, “Products and Services - Licensing and Other”, “Intellectual Property” and “Human Capital”, and in the sections of this MD&A entitled “Business Overview - COVID-19”, “Key“Business Overview - Russia Ukraine Conflict”, “Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Key Metrics - Annual Recurring Revenue”, “Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Key Metrics - TCV Billings”, “Results of Operations - Fiscal year ended February 28, 2021 2023
28




compared to fiscal year ended February 29, 202028, 2022 - Revenue - Revenue by Product and Service”Segment”, “Financial Condition“Results of Operations - Aggregate Contractual Obligations”Three months ended February 28, 2023 compared to the three months ended February 28, 2022 - Revenue - Revenue by Segment” and “Financial Condition - Debenture FinancingContractual and Other Funding Sources ”.Obligations”. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are
28



appropriate in the circumstances, including but not limited to, the Company’s expectations regarding its business, strategy, opportunities and prospects, the launch of new products and services, general economic conditions, particularly in light ofthe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, competition, and the Company’s expectations regarding its financial performance. Many factors could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in thethis Annual Report on Form 10-K.
All of these factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Any statements that are forward-looking statements are intended to enable the Company’s shareholders to view the anticipated performance and prospects of the Company from management’s perspective at the time such statements are made, and they are subject to the risks that are inherent in all forward-looking statements, as described above, as well as difficulties in forecasting the Company’s financial results and performance for future periods, particularly over longer periods, given changes in technology and the Company’s business strategy, evolving industry standards, intense competition and short product life cycles that characterize the industries in which the Company operates. See the “Strategy” subsection in Part I, Item 1 “Business” of thethis Annual Report.Report on Form 10-K.
The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Business Overview
The Company provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The Company secures more than 500 million endpoints including more than 175215 million cars on the road today.vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the Company leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption and embedded systems. The Company’s common shares trade under the ticker symbol “BB” on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (“OBCA”) on March 7, 1984.
The Company continued to execute on its strategy in fiscal 20212023 and announced the following significant achievements:
Products and Innovation:
Announced an agreement with AWS to developDemonstrated BlackBerry IVY™ running on three commercially-available automotive platforms at CES 2023 and market the new BlackBerry IVY intelligent vehicle data platform;announced general availability for May 2023;
Launched BlackBerry Spark® Suites, offering enterprises a rangeQNX® Accelerate, making the QNX® Neutrino® real time operating system (RTOS) and QNX® OS for Safety available in the cloud and through AWS Marketplace;
Released QNX® Hypervisor 2.2 for Safety, the latest edition of tailored cybersecuritythe Company’s safety-certified, real-time embedded hypervisor product, certified to the highest level of functional safety for both automotive and endpoint management optionsmedical device software;
Strengthened QNX® Advanced Virtualization Framework for Android Automotive OS to help protect data, minimize risk,simplify and reduce cost and complexity;accelerate building IVI systems on the QNX® Hypervisor;
Achieved the certification of QNX® OS for Safety 2.2 to the highest integrity level of the functional safety standard for the railway industry;
Launched CylanceGATEWAY, BlackBerry’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) service offering;
Released CylanceAVERT™, a data loss detection module that provides data access and leakage visibility via CylanceGATEWAY™;
Released Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), a professional threat intelligence service to help customers prevent, detect, and effectively respond to cyberattacks;
Recognized as a 2023 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) tools, including as the only vendor to be placed in the upper right quadrant;
Named as a ‘Leader’ for a third consecutive year in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide UEM Software 2022 Vendor Assessment;
Announced that NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) awarded security accreditation to SecuSUITE for Government for global use in official NATO secure communications; and
Awarded updated NIAP/Common Criteria and CSfC certification for BlackBerry Cyber Suite,SecuSUITE® for Government.
29




Customers and Partners:
Announced an agreement to sell substantially all of BlackBerry’s non-core patent assets to Malikie Innovations Limited, a subsidiary of Key Patent Innovations Limited, for a combination of cash at closing and potential future royalties in the industry’saggregate amount of up to $900 million;
Announced first comprehensive AI-powered UES solution;BlackBerry IVY design win as Dongfeng Motor selected PATEO digital cockpit for the next-generation all-electric VOYAH Model;
Selected by Volkswagen Group’s software company, Cariad, for its VW.OS, part of a unified software platform to be deployed across all Volkswagen Group brands;
Entered into a multi-year agreement with Magna International Inc. to collaborate on next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) solutions for global automakers;
Selected by Chongqing Yazaki to power a digital LCD cluster for the Chinese market, including deployment within next-generation vehicles from Geely Auto and Dongfeng Liuzhou Auto;
Selected by BDStar Intelligent & Connected Vehicle Technology Co., Ltd. (BICV) to power an intelligent digital cockpit, featuring augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and hologram functions for the new Renault Jiangling all-electric sedan;
Jointly developed a digital LCD instrument cluster with BiTECH for Changan’s next-generation high-end UNI-V Coupe;
Selected by Dayin Technology to develop acoustic solutions for Great Wall Motors’ premium, next-generation vehicles;
Announced that BlackBerry QNX software is embedded in more than 175over 215 million cars on the road;
Announced that BlackBerry® UES was validated by MITRE ATT&CK APT29, which examines the ability to detect sophisticated tactics and techniques used by APT29, a group that cybersecurity experts believe operates on behalf of the Russian government;
Announced that an independent Frost & Sullivan study reported that the Company’s solutions can secure all IoT endpoints against upwards of 96% of all cyberthreats;
Launched BlackBerry Persona, the industry’s first UEBA solution using AI technology for continuous authentication;
Launched BlackBerry Protect® Mobile, an MTD solution to protect against mobile malware and phishing attacks;
Launched Zoom™ for BlackBerry®, a secure, containerized version of the Zoom app enabled by BlackBerry Dynamics;
Announced that BlackBerry UEM has achieved National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified Program (CSfC) approval;
Announced that BlackBerry UEM achieved National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) and U.S. Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) approvals;
Announced that the BlackBerry® Government Mobility Suite has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) authorization;
Launched QNX® OS for Safety 2.2 and announced its certification by TÜV Rheinland to IEC 61508 SIL3 (industrial), ISO 26262 ASIL D (automotive), and IEC 62304 Class C (medical devices) functional safety standards;
Launched BlackBerry QNX® Hypervisor 2.2, the latest edition of the Company’s real-time embedded hypervisor;
Launched QNX® Black Channel Communications Technology, a new software solution that OEMs and embedded software developers can use to ensure safe data communication exchanges within their safety-critical systems;vehicles;
Launched the BlackBerry® Alert next-generation critical event management solution for the commercial sector;Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards with MotorTrend;
Introduced AtHoc® Managed ServiceCollaborated with LeapXpert to enable organizations of any sizethe BlackBerry® Dynamics™ platform to maintain crisisprovide secure communications capability;
29



Announced the launch of BlackBerry® AtHoc® Public Safety Edition to support local governmentsthrough leading messaging applications such as iMessage, WhatsApp and universities with critical event management programs;SMS;
AnnouncedPartnered with Midis Group to expand go-to-market activities in Eastern Europe, the integration of BlackBerry AtHoc with Microsoft Teams;Middle East, and Africa; and
AnnouncedExpanded BlackBerry SecuSUITE secure communications partner network in Asia Pacific, with the integrationaddition of the BlackBerry AtHoc service with ServiceNow’s Now platform for rapid crisis communicationsNSI Global, Praesidum Group and IT service management;Teletrol-One.
Environmental, Sustainability and Corporate Governance:
Announced a dedicated European Union market version of BlackBerry AtHoc to comply with data residency mandates;
Announced enhancements to BlackBerry Radar® devices to help transportation businesses improve asset utilizationAppointed Phil Kurtz as Chief Legal Officer and visibility;
Announced that BlackBerry is making available PE Tree, a free open-source tool for cybersecurity professionals that significantly reduces the timeCorporate Secretary; and effort required to reverse engineer malware;
Announced a collaboration with Intel to deliver a new release of BlackBerry Optics to stop cryptojacking malware;
Released the 2021Company’s 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report.
Pearlstein Settlement
On April 7, 2022, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement in principle to settle the consolidated securities class action lawsuit captioned Pearlstein v. Blackberry Limited, et al., Case No. 13 Civ. 7060 (CM) (KHP) pending against the Company and certain of its former officers in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. A formal settlement agreement was signed on June 9, 2022, and contemplated an aggregate cash payment by the Company of $165 million to settle the claims brought on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired BlackBerry Threat Report, detailing a sharp rise in cyberthreats facing organizations sinceshares on the onsetNASDAQ between March 28, 2013 and September 20, 2013. The Stipulation of Settlement was executed effective June 7, 2022. On June 14, 2022, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary approval of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Released proprietary research uncovering attacks by BAHAMUT, a massive hack-for-hire group targeting governments, businesses, human rights groupssettlement and influential individuals;
Released new research that examines how five related Chinese Advanced Persistent Threat groups have compromised Linux servers, Windows systemsscheduled the final approval hearing for September 29, 2022. On September 29, 2022, the Court granted final approval of the settlement and mobile Android devices for nearly a decade; and
Announced feature updates to its SecuSUITE for Government and BlackBerry AtHoc solutions.
Customers and Partners:
Launchedentered final judgment. While the BlackBerry IVY Innovation Fund to drive innovation and new products using BlackBerry IVY;
AnnouncedCompany believes that the U.S. Air Force chose BlackBerry Sparkallegations in the case were without merit, it also believes that eliminating the distraction, expense and risk of continued litigation was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company accrued $165 million associated with this settlement within the line Litigation settlement on the consolidated statement of operations. On June 29, 2022, the Company paid $1 million of the settlement amount. The remaining $164 million was paid on September 6, 2022.
Goodwill Impairment
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, as part of its process for secure productivity;
Announced expanded partnership with Baidusetting the annual operating plan for fiscal 2024, the Company updated its estimates of long-term future cash flows to power high-definition map technology for autonomous driving;
Announced that Scania AB chose BlackBerry QNX to provide the safety-critical operating systemreflect lower revenue and hypervisorEBITDA growth rate expectations and a reduction in its next generation of heavy goods vehicles;
Announced the development of an autonomous driving domain controller for the Xpeng P7 intelligent electric sports sedan with Desay SV Automotive;
Teamed up with Desay SV Automotive to launch a virtual smart cabin domain controller in Chery’s Tiggo 8 Plus and Jetour X90 models;
Announced that QNX Black Channel Communications Technology will berevenue multiples used in Motional’s driverless vehicle platform;
Announced that StradVision will utilize the QNX® Software Development Platform within a number of next generation advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles from South Korean automakers;
Announced that the Neutrino operating system will power ADAS systems in Canoo’s next generation electric vehicles;
Announced that BlackBerry QNX technology will power the innovative digital cockpit in ARCFOX αT, a high-end, intelligent, electric SUV;
Announced that Plus has selected BlackBerry QNX technology for the global commercial deployment of their automated driving system for Class 8 trucks;
Announced expanded partnerships with Vodafone and TELUS to offer BlackBerry AtHoc as their secure critical event management and crisis communications solution;
Partnered with Bell to become Bell’s preferred MTD solution provider, delivering BlackBerry Protect to Canadian enterprise customers;
Launched the BlackBerry Partner Program to unify the BlackBerry Enterprise Partner Program and BlackBerry Cylance Partner Programs into one comprehensive structure;
Announced that the BlackBerry Enterprise Partner Program and the BlackBerry Cylance Partner Program both received a 5-Star rating from CRN for the fourth consecutive year;
Expanded the leadership positionvaluation of the BlackBerry AtHoc crisis communication systemSpark reporting unit. These changes in estimates, combined with the global economic weakness and inflation resulting directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, higher interest rates implemented in response to inflation, and a broad-based stock market decline impacting the Company’s market capitalization, resulted in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge of $245 million (the “Fiscal 2023 Goodwill Impairment Charge”) in the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit, which is included within the U.S. federal government;
Announced that BlackBerry AtHoc introduced Derived Credentials and FedRAMP authorization on AWS GovCloudCompany’s Cybersecurity segment. For additional information, see Note 3 to better support U.S. Federal agencies;
Announced that the German Development Agency chose BlackBerry AtHoc as its emergency mass notification system;
Entered into a partnership with Dedrone, a market and technology leader in airspace security, to deliver advanced counter-drone technology to secure the world’s most critical sites;
Announced that Sliced Tech will host SecuSUITE for Government for Australian government and enterprise customers;
Announced that BlackBerry Radar added more than 12 new channel partners including two within Mexico, expanding the company’s asset monitoring solutions outsideConsolidated Financial Statements. The estimated fair values of the U.S. and Canada forCompany’s other reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values as at the first time;annual goodwill impairment test date.
30



Entered into a partnership with ZTR to offer railcar owners, operators and suppliers a powerful new digital monitoring solution;
Announced that BlackBerry® Jarvis™ was named “Best In Breed” binary analysis tool for embedded software by an Internal Research & Development (IRAD) program study;
Announced the success of a joint cybersecurity skills-based education program with Girl Guides of Canada; and
Entered into a partnership with University of Windsor to develop and deliver a cybersecurity curriculum for the University’s Graduate Master’s Program in Applied Computing.
Environmental, Sustainability and Corporate Governance:
Announced that the Company received eleven “Employer of Choice” and “Best Place to Work” Awards in 2020;
Expanded the Company’s commitment to the United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals;
Extended the Company’s partnership with the American Red Cross by donating BlackBerry AtHoc software to support community safety and resilience;
Appointed Thomas Eacobacci as President; and
Appointed Marjorie Dickman as Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer.

Debt Redemption and New Issuance
On September 1, 2020, the Company redeemed its outstanding 3.75% unsecured convertible debentures (the “3.75% Debentures”) for a redemption amount of approximately $615 million (the “Redemption Amount”), which settled all outstanding obligations of the Company in respect of the 3.75% Debentures.
On September 1, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of $365 million principal amount of new 1.75% unsecured convertible debentures maturing on November 13, 2023 (the “1.75% Debentures” and collectively with the 3.75% Debentures, the “Debentures”) to Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd., in its capacity as investment manager of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax") and another institutional investor on a private placement basis. Fairfax agreed to acquire $330 million principal amount of the 1.75% Debentures and receives interest at the same rate as the other holder of the 1.75% Debentures. The 1.75% Debentures have terms that are substantially identical to those of the 3.75% Debentures except that the 1.75% Debentures are convertible into common shares at a price of $6.00 per common share, bear a lower rate of interest at 1.75% per annum, are subject to a higher approval threshold for extraordinary resolutions and mature in 2023. Additionally, the 1.75% Debentures cannot be converted to the extent that, after giving effect to the conversion, the holder would beneficially own or exercise control or direction over more than 19.99% of the Company’s then issued and outstanding shares. Quarterly and annual interest expense on the 1.75% Debentures is and will be approximately $2 million and $6 million, respectively.
COVID-19
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) as pandemic and extraordinary actions have been taken by international, federal, state, provincial and local governmental authorities to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19 in regions throughout the world. The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures, including orders to shelter-in-place, travel restrictions and mandated business closures, have adversely affected workforces, organizations, consumers and economies leading to an economic downturn and increased market volatility.
The pandemic has disrupted the normal operations of the Company and the businesses of many of the Company’s customers, suppliers and distribution partners. To protect the health and safety of the Company’s employees, contractors, customers and visitors, throughout most of fiscal 2021, the Company mandated remote working, utilizing virtual meetings and suspending employee travel, to protect the health and safety of its employees, contractors, customers and visitors. The Company also shifted customer, industry and other stakeholder events to virtual-only experiences, and may similarly alter, postpone or cancel other events in the future. The Company has a limited history with substantially remote operations and the long-term impacts of it are uncertain.
In response to certain anticipated and ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has also implemented a series of temporary cost reduction measures to further preserve financial flexibility. These actions include the postponement of certain discretionary spending, taking advantage of the broad-based employer relief provided by governments in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions, temporarily suspending certain company matching contributions to employee retirement savings plans and deferring increases in the base salaries of many employees and executives. These cost reduction measures and their estimated savings for the year ended February 28, 2021 included measures impacting employee salaries and benefits of approximately $18 million, a reduction in travel spending of approximately $18 million, and a reduction in discretionary selling and administrative expenses relating to marketing and facilities of $14 million. In addition, the Company has recorded approximately $53 million in offsets to salaries for amounts under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) and has deferred approximately $6 million of payments related to payroll taxes in the United States under the U.S. CARES Act, which amounts have been accrued. The Company estimates that savings from temporary cost reduction measures and governmental
31



assistance related to COVID-19 will be lower in fiscal 2022 and will primarily depend on the speed and extent of the easing of pandemic-related restrictions and the extent of ongoing government programs.Long-Lived Asset Impairment (“LLA Impairment”)
In fiscal 2021, the economic downturn and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures undertaken to contain its spread negatively affected the Company’s QNX automotive software business, caused volatility in demand for many of the Company’s products and services, adversely affected the ability of the Company’s sales and professional services teams to meet with customers and provide service, negatively impacted expected spending from new customers and increased sales cycle times.
Although the Company experienced higher quarterly Software & Services revenue inDuring the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared2023, market conditions and changes in the Company’s estimates as described above under “Goodwill Impairment” provided indicators of potential impairment in the Company’s UES asset group, which is primarily composed of intangible assets recognized in the acquisition of Cylance and is included within the Company’s Cybersecurity segment. The Company performed the two-step impairment testing process as described in Note 1, utilizing the income approach using a discounted future cash flow model and market-based approaches, and concluded that the carrying values of the Company’s UES asset group exceeded their fair values, necessitating an impairment charge of $231 million. None of the Company’s other asset groups demonstrated indicators of potential impairment. During fiscal 2023, the Company also recorded a $4 million impairment charge relating to right-of-use assets for a total LLA impairment charge of $235 million (the “Fiscal 2023 LLA Impairment Charge”). For additional information, see Note 3 to the first quarter of fiscal 2021 when the Consolidated Financial Statements.
COVID-19 pandemic first materially negatively impacted the Company’s operations and observed a partial recovery in global automotive production volumes by the end of the fiscal year, theMacroeconomic Factors
The COVID-19 pandemic and relatedensuing global chipsemiconductor shortage have had and in fiscal 2022, may continue to have a material adverse impact on production-based royalties for the Company’s QNX automotive software business in particularbusiness.The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and resulting global sanctions against Russia have exacerbated the disruption of automotive supply chains and its impact on the Company’s business, resultsbusiness.
Economic weakness or inflation resulting directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of operationsUkraine, as well as higher interest rates implemented in response to inflation and financial condition on a consolidated basis.resulting fears of recession, may negatively impact consumer demand for automobiles and is contributing to reduced spending and longer sales cycles for cybersecurity solutions, which in turn may continue to adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company does not expect the COVID-19 pandemic andbelieve that inflation had a direct effect on its related economic impact to materially adversely affect the Company’s liquidity position.
The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operational and financial performance will depend on, among other things, the pandemic’s duration and severity, the governmental restrictions that may be sustained or imposedoperations during fiscal 2023; however, higher interest rates implemented in response to inflation negatively impacted the pandemic, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the pandemic (including the availability and distribution of vaccines), the impactCompany’s estimates of the global chip shortage and global economic conditions. The long-term impactfair values of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business may not be fully reflected until future periods.
The Company continues to evaluate the current and potential impact of the pandemic on its business, results of operations and consolidated financial statements, including potential asset impairment. The Company also continues to actively monitor developments and business conditions that may cause it to take further actions that alter business operations as may be required by applicable authorities or that the Company determines arereporting units which, among other factors, resulted in the best interestsFiscal 2023 Goodwill Impairment Charge.
Refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on form 10-K for a discussion of its employees, customers, suppliersthese factors and stockholders.other risks.
Fiscal 20212023 Summary Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of operations data, as well as certain consolidated balance sheet data, as at and for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 2020,28, 2022, and February 28, 2019:2021:
As at and for the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions, except for share and per share amounts)
As at and for the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions, except for share and per share amounts)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
RevenueRevenue$893 $1,040 $(147)$904 $136 Revenue$656 $718 $(62)$893 $(175)
Gross marginGross margin643 763 (120)698 65 Gross margin419 467 (48)643 (176)
Operating expensesOperating expenses1,750 912 838 638 274 Operating expenses1,144 469 675 1,750 (1,281)
Investment income (loss), netInvestment income (loss), net(6)(7)17 (16)Investment income (loss), net21 (16)(6)27 
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes(1,113)(148)(965)77 (225)Income (loss) before income taxes(720)19 (739)(1,113)1,132 
Provision for (recovery of) income taxesProvision for (recovery of) income taxes(9)(13)(16)20 Provision for (recovery of) income taxes14 (9)16 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(1,104)$(152)$(952)$93 $(245)Net income (loss)$(734)$12 $(746)$(1,104)$1,116 
Earnings (loss) per share - reportedEarnings (loss) per share - reportedEarnings (loss) per share - reported
BasicBasic$(1.97)$(0.27)$0.17 Basic$(1.27)$0.02 $(1.97)
DilutedDiluted$(1.97)$(0.32)$0.00 Diluted$(1.35)$(0.31)$(1.97)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (000’s)Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (000’s)Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (000’s)
BasicBasic561,305 553,861 540,477 Basic578,654 570,607 561,305 
Diluted (1)
Diluted (1)
561,305 614,361 616,467 
Diluted (1)
639,487 631,440 561,305 
Total assets$2,818 $3,888 $(1,070)$3,968 $(80)
Total long-term financial liabilities$720 $— $720 $665 $(665)

(1)Diluted earnings (loss)loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis for fiscal 2021 does not include the dilutive effect of the Debentures (as defined below) as to do so would be anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis for fiscal 20212023, fiscal 2022 and 2020fiscal 2021 does not include the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation as to do so would be anti-dilutive. See Note 98 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 for calculation of the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding.
31




The following tables show information by operating segment for the three months and year ended February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022. The Company reports segment information in accordance with U.S. GAAP Accounting Standards Codification Section 280 based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by the CODM for making decisions and assessing performance of the Company’s reportable operating segments. See “Business Overview - Segment Reporting” for a description of the Company’s operating segments, as well as Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment Totals
February 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,Change
20232022202320222023202220232022
Segment revenue$88 $122 $(34)$53 $52 $$10 $11 $(1)$151 $185 $(34)
Segment cost of sales36 47 (11)10 (1)50 60 (10)
Segment gross margin$52 $75 $(23)$43 $44 $(1)$$$— $101 $125 $(24)
 For the Year Ended
 (in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment Totals
February 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,Change
20232022202320222023202220232022
Segment revenue$418$477$(59)$206$178$28$32$63$(31)$656$718$(62)
Segment cost of sales185194(9)373071223(11)234247(13)
Segment gross margin$233$283$(50)$169$148$21$20$40$(20)$422$471$(49)
The following tables reconcile the Company’s segment results for the three months and year ended February 28, 2023 to consolidated U.S. GAAP results:

 For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2023
(in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment TotalsReconciling ItemsConsolidated U.S. GAAP
Revenue$88 $53 $10 $151 $— $151 
Cost of sales36 10 50 51 
Gross margin (1)
$52 $43 $$101 $(1)$100 
Operating expenses599 599 
Investment income, net(6)(6)
Loss before income taxes$(493)
 For the Year Ended February 28, 2023
(in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment TotalsReconciling ItemsConsolidated U.S. GAAP
Revenue$418 $206 $32 $656 $— $656 
Cost of sales185 37 12 234 237 
Gross margin (1)
$233 $169 $20 $422 $(3)$419 
Operating expenses1,144 1,144 
Investment income, net(5)(5)
Loss before income taxes$(720)

(1) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of selected U.S. GAAP-based measures to adjusted measures for the three months and year ended February 28, 2023.
32




StatementsThe following tables reconcile the Company’s segment results for the fiscalthree months and year ended February 28, 20212022 to consolidated U.S. GAAP results:
 For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2022
(in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment TotalsReconciling ItemsConsolidated U.S. GAAP
Revenue$122 $52 $11 $185 $— $185 
Cost of sales47 60 61 
Gross margin (1)
$75 $44 $$125 $(1)$124 
Operating expenses(22)(22)
Investment loss, net
Income before income taxes$145 
 For the Year Ended February 28, 2022
(in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment TotalsReconciling ItemsConsolidated U.S. GAAP
Revenue$477 $178 $63 $718 $— $718 
Cost of sales194 30 23 247 251 
Gross margin (1)
$283 $148 $40 $471 $(4)$467 
Operating expenses469 469 
Investment income, net(21)(21)
Income before income taxes$19 

(1) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for calculationa reconciliation of selected U.S. GAAP-based measures to adjusted measures for the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding.three months and year ended February 28, 2022.
Financial Highlights
The Company had approximately $804$487 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments as of February 28, 2021.2023 (Fiscal 2022 - $770 million).
In fiscal 2021,2023, the Company recognized revenue of $893$656 million and incurred a net loss of $1.10 billion,$734 million, or $1.97$1.27 basic loss per share and $1.35 diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis. In fiscal 2020, the Company recognizedbasis (fiscal 2022 - revenue of $1.04 billion$718 million and incurred a net lossincome of $152$12 million, or $0.27$0.02 basic earnings per share and $0.32$0.31 diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis.share). The net loss was primarily due to the Fiscal 2023 Goodwill Impairment Charge and Fiscal 2023 LLA Impairment Charge, as discussed above in “Business Overview - Goodwill Impairment” and “Business Overview - Long-Lived Asset Impairment”.
The Company recognized adjusted revenuenet loss of $919 million and adjusted net income of $101$103 million, or adjusted earningsloss of $0.18 per share, on a non-GAAP basis in fiscal 2021. The Company recognized adjusted revenue of $1.10 billion and2023 (fiscal 2022 - adjusted net incomeloss of $74$55 million and adjusted earningsloss of $0.13$0.10 per share, in fiscal 2020.share). See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Debentures Fair Value Adjustment
As previously disclosed, the Company elected the fair value option to account for its outstanding 1.75% unsecured convertible debentures (the “1.75% Debentures”) and its previously outstanding 3.75% outstanding convertible debentures (the “3.75% Debentures” and together with the Debentures;1.75% Debentures, the “Debentures”); therefore, periodic revaluation has been and continues to be required under U.S. GAAP. The fair value adjustment does not impact the terms of the Debentures such as the face value, the redemption features or the conversion price.
As of February 28, 2021,2023, the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures was approximately $720$367 million versus the principal value of $365 million. For the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, the Company recorded a non-cash chargeloss relating to changes in fair value from instrument specific credit risk of $4$1 million in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) and a non-cash chargeincome relating to changes in fair value from non-credit components of $258$26 million (pre-tax and after tax) (the “Q4 Fiscal 20212023 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment”) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. In fiscal 2021,2023, the Company recorded non-cash income relating to changes in fair value from instrument-specific credit risk of $13$2 million in OCI and a non-cash chargeincome relating to changes in fair value from non-credit components of $372$138 million (pre-tax and after tax) (the “Fiscal 2021
33




2023 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment”) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See Note 76 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the Debentures.
The following table shows the impact of the changes in fair value of the Debentures for the three months and year ended February 28, 2021:
Three Months EndedFor the Year Ended
  February 28, 2021February 28, 2021
Income associated with the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit components on the 3.75% Debentures recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”)$— $15 
Realized charges associated with the change in fair value from credit components released from AOCL on redemption of the 3.75% Debentures— 
Charge associated with the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit components on the 1.75% Debentures recorded in AOCL(4)(8)
Total non-cash income (charges) recorded in AOCL$(4)$13 

Three Months EndedFor the Year Ended
  February 28, 2021February 28, 2021
Charge associated with the change in fair value from non-credit components on the 3.75% Debentures recorded in the consolidated statements of operations$— $(19)
Realized charges associated with the change in fair value from credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations on redemption of the 3.75% Debentures— (6)
Charge associated with the change in fair value from non-credit components on the 1.75% Debentures recorded in the consolidated statements of operations(258)(347)
Total non-cash charges recorded in the consolidated statements of operations$(258)$(372)

33



Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and information contained in this MD&A is presented on that basis. On March 30, 2021,2023, the Company announced financial results for the three months and fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, which included certain non-GAAP financial measures including adjusted revenue, adjusted Software and Services revenue,non-GAAP ratios, including adjusted gross margin, adjusted gross margin percentage, adjusted operating expense, adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income margin percentage, adjusted EBITDA margin percentage, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted income (loss) per share, adjusted research and development expense, adjusted selling, marketing and administrative expense, and adjusted amortization expense.expense, adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income (loss) margin percentage, adjusted EBITDA margin percentage and free cash flow (usage).
In the Company’s internal reports, management evaluates the performance of the Company’s business on a non-GAAP basis by excluding the impact of certain items below from the Company’s U.S. GAAP financial results. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios provide management, as well as readers of the Company’s financial statements, with a consistent basis for comparison across accounting periods and is useful in helping management and readers understand the Company’s operating results and underlying operational trends. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company discontinued its use of software deferred revenue acquired and software deferred commission expense acquired adjustments in its non-GAAP financial measures due to the quantitative decline in the adjustments over time. For purposes of comparability, the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures for the three months ended and year ended February 28, 2021 have been updated to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Debentures fair value adjustment. The Company has elected to measure its outstanding 1.75% Debentures outstanding at fair value in accordance with the fair value option under U.S. GAAP. Each period, the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures is recalculated and resulting non-cash income and charges from the change in fair value from non-credit components of the 1.75% Debentures are recognized in income. The amount can vary each period depending on changes to the Company’s share price.price, share price volatility and credit indices. This is not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance, and may not be meaningful in comparison towhen comparing the Company’s past operating performance.performance against that of prior periods.
Restructuring charges. The Company believes that restructuring costs relating to employee termination benefits, facilities and facilitiesother costs pursuant to the Resource AllocationCost Optimization Program (“RAP”) entered into in order to transition the Company from a legacy hardware manufacturer to a licensing driven software businessreduce its annual expenses amongst R&D, infrastructure and other functions do not reflect expected future operating expenses, are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance, and may not be meaningful in comparison to the Company’s past operating performance.
Software deferred revenue acquired. The Company has acquired businesses whose net assets include deferred revenue. In accordance with U.S. GAAP reporting requirements, the Company recorded write-downs of deferred revenue under arrangements pre-dating each acquisition to fair value, which resulted in lower recognized revenue than the original transaction price until the related service obligations under such arrangements are fulfilled. Therefore, U.S. GAAP revenues after the acquisitions will not reflect the full amount of revenue that would have been reported if the acquired deferred revenue was not written down to fair value, prior to the renewal of these arrangements. The Company believes that reversing the acquisition-related deferred revenue write-downs (so that the full amount of revenue booked by the acquired businesses is included) provides a more appropriate representation of revenue in a given period and, therefore, provides readers of the Company’s financial statements with a more consistent basis for comparison across accounting periods. The Company also believes that the adjustment is more useful in helping readers to understandwhen comparing the Company’s operating results and underlying operational trends, especially in future periods when the contracts underlying the acquired deferred revenue are renewed at amounts more consistent with their transaction price. As the impacted contracts renew over time, the associated reversalperformance against that of the acquisition write-downs will trend to zero. Given the extent of the quantitative decline in this adjustment over time through the end of fiscal 2021, the Company plans to discontinue its usage of this non-GAAP measure beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
Software deferred commission expense acquired. The Company has acquired businesses whose net assets include deferred commissions. In accordance with U.S. GAAP reporting requirements, the Company recorded write-downs of deferred commissions under arrangements pre-dating each acquisition to fair value, which in most cases is nil. Therefore, U.S. GAAP commission expense after the acquisitions will not reflect commission expense that would have been reported if the acquired deferred commissions were not written down to fair value. The Company believes that reversing the acquisition-related deferred commission write-downs (so that the full amount of commission expense is included) provides a more appropriate representation of commission expense in a given period and, therefore, provides readers of the Company’s financial statements with a more consistent basis for comparison across accountingprior periods. The Company also believes that the adjustment is more useful in helping readers to understand the Company’s operating results and underlying operational trends, especially in future periods when the Company recognizes commissions on the renewals of the contracts underlying the acquired deferred commissions. As the impacted contracts renew over time, the associated reversal of the acquisition write-downs will trend to zero. Given the extent of the quantitative decline in this adjustment over time through the end of fiscal 2021, the Company plans to discontinue its usage of this non-GAAP measure beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
Stock compensation expenses. Equity compensation is a non-cash expense and does not impact the ongoing operating decisions taken by the Company’s management.
34



Amortization of acquired intangible assets. When the Company acquires intangible assets through business combinations, the assets are recorded as part of purchase accounting and contribute to revenue generation. Such acquired intangible assets depreciate over time and the related amortization will recur in future periods until the assets have been fully amortized. This is not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance, and may not be meaningful in comparison towhen comparing the Company’s past operating performance.
Business acquisition and integration costs. The Company incurs costs associated with business acquisitions, including legal costs, audit and accounting fees, and other acquisition and integration expenses. These expenditures do not relate to the ongoing operation of the business and they tend to vary significantly based on the circumstances of each transaction. This is not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance and may not be meaningful in comparison to the Company’s past operating performance.
Acquisition valuation allowance. The Company records an income tax valuation allowance associated with business acquisitions. This is not indicativeagainst that of the Company’s core operating performance, and may not be meaningful in comparison to the Company’s past operating performance.
Settlements, net.The Company believes that settlements, net is an unusual item related to legacy operations which is not reflective of the Company’s ongoing operating expense or core operating performance and may not be meaningful in comparison to the Company’s past and future operating performance.prior periods.
Long-lived asset impairment charge.charge. The Company believes that long-lived asset impairment charges do not reflect expected future operating expenses, are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance, and may not be meaningful in comparison towhen comparing the Company’s past operating performance.performance against that of prior periods.
Goodwill impairment charge. The Company believes that goodwill impairment charges do not reflect expected future operating expenses, are non-cash, and may not be meaningful when comparing the Company’s operating performance against that of prior periods.
Litigation settlement.The Company believes that litigation settlements do not reflect expected future operating expenses, are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance, and may not be meaningful in comparison towhen comparing the Company’s past operating performance.performance against that of prior periods.
On a U.S. GAAP basis, the impactimpacts of these items isare reflected in the Company’s income statement. However, the Company believes that the provision of supplemental non-GAAP measures allowallows investors to evaluate the financial performance of the Company’s business using the same evaluation measures that management uses and is therefore a useful indication of the Company’s performance or expected performance of future operations and facilitates period-to-period comparison of operating performance. As a result, the Company considers it appropriate and reasonable to provide, in addition to U.S. GAAP measures, supplementary non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items from the presentation of its financial results.

34




Reconciliation of non-GAAP based measures with most directly comparable U.S. GAAP based measures for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021
Readers are cautioned that adjusted revenue, adjusted Software and Services revenue, adjusted gross margin, adjusted gross margin percentage, adjusted operating expense, adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income margin percentage, adjusted EBITDA margin percentage, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted income (loss) per share, adjusted research and development expense, adjusted selling, marketing and administrative expense, and adjusted amortization expense, adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income (loss) margin percentage, adjusted EBITDA margin percentage and free cash flow (usage) and similar measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in the context of the U.S. GAAP results, which are described in this MD&A and presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
35



A reconciliation of the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to adjusted financial measures is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Revenue$210 $282 $255 
Software deferred revenue acquired (1)
Adjusted revenue$215 $291 $257 
Gross margin$152 $212 $206 
Software deferred revenue acquired (1)
Restructuring charges— — 
Stock compensation expense
Adjusted gross margin$158 $223 $210 
Gross margin %72.4 %75.2 %80.8 %
Software deferred revenue acquired (1)
0.6 %0.7 %0.1 %
Restructuring charges— %— %0.4 %
Stock compensation expense0.5 %0.7 %0.4 %
Adjusted gross margin %73.5 %76.6 %81.7 %

(1) See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Software and Services revenue to adjusted Software and Services revenue

For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Gross margin$100 $124 $152 
Stock compensation expense
Adjusted gross margin$101 $125 $153 
Gross margin %66.2 %67.0 %72.4 %
Stock compensation expense0.7 %0.6 %0.5 %
Adjusted gross margin %66.9 %67.6 %72.9 %
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP operating expense (income) for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, November 30, 2020,2022, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to adjusted operating expense is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021November 30, 2020February 29, 2020February 28, 2019For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023November 30, 2022February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Operating expense$465 $276 $253 $178 
Operating expense (income)Operating expense (income)$599 $111 $(22)$465 
Restructuring chargesRestructuring charges— — Restructuring charges— — — 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense16 11 15 13 Stock compensation expense16 
Debenture fair value adjustment (1)
258 95 (6)
Software deferred commission expense acquired(3)(4)(3)— 
Debentures fair value adjustment (1)
Debentures fair value adjustment (1)
(26)(56)(165)258 
Acquired intangibles amortizationAcquired intangibles amortization32 32 35 18 Acquired intangibles amortization15 22 22 32 
Business acquisition and integration costs— — 
Goodwill impairment chargeGoodwill impairment charge— — 22 — Goodwill impairment charge245 — — — 
LLA impairment chargeLLA impairment charge22 — — LLA impairment charge231 — — 22 
Settlements, net— — — (9)
Adjusted operating expenseAdjusted operating expense$140 $142 $172 $152 Adjusted operating expense$118 $137 $117 $137 

(1) See “Fiscal 20212023 Summary Results of Operations - Financial Highlights - Debentures Fair Value Adjustment”.
3635




Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) and U.S. GAAP basic earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic earnings (loss) per share is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Three Months Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Basic earnings (loss) per shareBasic earnings (loss) per shareBasic earnings per share
Net income (loss)$(315)$(0.56)$(41)$(0.07)$51 $0.09
Software deferred revenue acquired
Restructuring charges— 
Stock compensation expense17 17 14 
Debenture fair value adjustment258 (6)
Software deferred commission expense acquired(3)(3)— 
Acquired intangibles amortization32 35 18 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 
Goodwill impairment charge— 22 — 
LLA impairment charge22 — 
Settlements, net— — (9)
Acquisition valuation allowance— — (21)
Adjusted net income$16 $0.03$51 $0.09$60 $0.11
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Software and Services revenue for the three months ended February 28, 2021, February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 to adjusted Software and Services revenue is reflected in the tables below:
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Software and Services Revenue$160 $170 $147 
Software deferred revenue acquired
Adjusted Software and Services revenue$165 $179 $149 
For the Three Months Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Basic loss per shareBasic earnings per shareBasic earnings (loss)
per share
Net income (loss)$(495)$(0.85)$144 $0.25$(315)$(0.56)
Restructuring charges— — 
Stock compensation expense10 17 
Debentures fair value adjustment(26)(165)258 
Acquired intangibles amortization15 22 32 
Goodwill impairment charge245 — — 
LLA impairment charge231 — 22 
Adjusted net income (loss)$(13)$(0.02)$$0.01$14 $0.02
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP research and development, selling, marketing and administration, and amortization expense for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to adjusted research and development, selling, marketing and administration, and amortization expense is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Research and developmentResearch and development$48 $60 $52 Research and development$48 $47 $48 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expenseStock compensation expense
Adjusted research and developmentAdjusted research and development$45 $57 $49 Adjusted research and development$45 $45 $45 
Selling, marketing and administrationSelling, marketing and administration$92 $113 $110 Selling, marketing and administration$83 $64 $92 
Restructuring chargesRestructuring charges— Restructuring charges— — 
Software deferred commission expense acquired(3)(3)— 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense13 12 10 Stock compensation expense13 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 
Adjusted selling, marketing and administrationAdjusted selling, marketing and administration$82 $102 $90 Adjusted selling, marketing and administration$70 $62 $79 
AmortizationAmortization$45 $48 $31 Amortization$18 $32 $45 
Acquired intangibles amortizationAcquired intangibles amortization32 35 18 Acquired intangibles amortization15 22 32 
Adjusted amortizationAdjusted amortization$13 $13 $13 Adjusted amortization$$10 $13 
3736




Reconciliation of selected non-GAAP based measures with most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021
A reconciliation of the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to adjusted financial measures is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Revenue$893 $1,040 $904 
Software deferred revenue acquired (1)
26 59 12 
Adjusted revenue$919 $1,099 $916 
Gross marginGross margin$643 $763 $698 Gross margin$419 $467 $643 
Software deferred revenue acquired (1)
26 59 12 
Restructuring charges— 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expenseStock compensation expense
Adjusted gross marginAdjusted gross margin$674 $832 $716 Adjusted gross margin$422 $471 $648 
Gross margin %Gross margin %72.0 %73.4 %77.2 %Gross margin %63.9 %65.0 %72.0 %
Software deferred revenue acquired (1)
0.8 %1.4 %0.3 %
Restructuring charges— %0.5 %0.2 %
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense0.5 %0.4 %0.5 %Stock compensation expense0.4 %0.6 %0.6 %
Adjusted gross margin %Adjusted gross margin %73.3 %75.7 %78.2 %Adjusted gross margin %64.3 %65.6 %72.6 %
Operating expenseOperating expense$1,750 $912 $638 Operating expense$1,144 $469 $1,750 
Restructuring chargesRestructuring chargesRestructuring charges11 — 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense47 58 64 Stock compensation expense28 26 47 
Debenture fair value adjustment (2)
372 (66)(117)
Software deferred commission expense acquired(13)(16)— 
Debentures fair value adjustment (1)
Debentures fair value adjustment (1)
(138)(212)372 
Acquired intangibles amortizationAcquired intangibles amortization129 141 82 Acquired intangibles amortization82 115 129 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 12 
Goodwill impairment chargeGoodwill impairment charge594 22 — Goodwill impairment charge245 — 594 
LLA impairment chargeLLA impairment charge43 10 — LLA impairment charge235 — 43 
Settlements, net— — (9)
Litigation settlementLitigation settlement165 — — 
Adjusted operating expenseAdjusted operating expense$576 $754 $597 Adjusted operating expense$516 $540 $563 

(1)See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Software and Services revenue to adjusted Software and Service revenue
(2) See “Fiscal 20212023 Summary Results of Operations - Financial Highlights - Debentures Fair Value Adjustment”.



38



Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) and U.S. GAAP basic earnings (loss) per share for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to the adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic earnings (loss) per share is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Basic earnings (loss) per shareBasic earnings (loss) per shareBasic earnings per shareBasic loss per shareBasic earnings (loss) per shareBasic earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(1,104)$(1.97)$(152)$(0.27)$93 $0.17 Net income (loss)$(734)$(1.27)$12 $0.02 $(1,104)$(1.97)
Software deferred revenue acquired26 59 12 
Restructuring chargesRestructuring charges10 11 Restructuring charges11 — 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense52 63 68 Stock compensation expense31 30 52 
Debenture fair value adjustment372 (66)(117)
Software deferred commission expense acquired(13)(16)— 
Debentures fair value adjustmentDebentures fair value adjustment(138)(212)372 
Acquired intangibles amortizationAcquired intangibles amortization129 141 82 Acquired intangibles amortization82 115 129 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 12 
Goodwill impairment chargeGoodwill impairment charge594 22 — Goodwill impairment charge245 — 594 
LLA impairment chargeLLA impairment charge43 10 — LLA impairment charge235 — 43 
Settlements, net— — (9)
Acquisition valuation allowance— (1)(21)
Adjusted net income$101 $0.18$74 $0.13$131 $0.24
Litigation settlementLitigation settlement165 — — 
Adjusted net income (loss)Adjusted net income (loss)$(103)$(0.18)$(55)$(0.10)$88 $0.16
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Software and Services revenue for the years ended February 28, 2021, February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 to adjusted Software and Services revenue is reflected in the tables below:
37


For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Software and Services Revenue$621 $691 $559 
Software deferred revenue acquired26 59 12 
Adjusted Software and Services revenue$647 $750 $571 


Reconciliation of U.S GAAP research and development, selling, marketing and administration, and amortization expense for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 to adjusted research and development, selling, marketing and administration, and amortization expense is reflected in the tablestable below:
For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Research and development$215 $259 $219 
Restructuring charges— — 
Stock compensation expense11 13 12 
Adjusted research and development$204 $246 $205 
Selling, marketing and administration$344 $493 $409 
Restructuring charges
Software deferred commission expense acquired(13)(16)— 
Stock compensation expense36 45 52 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 12 
Adjusted selling, marketing and administration$319 $455 $338 
Amortization$182 $194 $136 
Acquired intangibles amortization129 141 82 
Adjusted amortization$53 $53 $54 
39



For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Research and development$207 $219 $215 
Stock compensation expense11 
Adjusted research and development$198 $211 $204 
Selling, marketing and administration$340 $297 $344 
Restructuring charges11 — 
Stock compensation expense19 18 36 
Adjusted selling, marketing and administration$310 $279 $306 
Amortization$96 $165 $182 
Acquired intangibles amortization82 115 129 
Adjusted amortization$14 $50 $53 
Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income (loss) margin percentage and adjusted EBITDA margin percentage for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 are reflected in the table below. These are non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios that do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)$(313)$(41)$28 Operating income (loss)$(499)$146 $(313)
Non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)Non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)Non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)
Software deferred revenue acquired
Restructuring chargesRestructuring charges— Restructuring charges— — 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense17 17 14 Stock compensation expense10 17 
Debenture fair value adjustment258 (6)
Software deferred commission expense acquired(3)(3)— 
Debentures fair value adjustmentDebentures fair value adjustment(26)(165)258 
Acquired intangibles amortizationAcquired intangibles amortization32 35 18 Acquired intangibles amortization15 22 32 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 
Goodwill impairment chargeGoodwill impairment charge— 22 — Goodwill impairment charge245 — — 
LLA impairment chargeLLA impairment charge22 — LLA impairment charge231 — 22 
Settlements, net— — (9)
Total non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)Total non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)331 92 30 Total non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)482 (138)329 
Adjusted operating income18 51 58 
Adjusted operating income (loss)Adjusted operating income (loss)(17)16 
AmortizationAmortization49 52 33 Amortization20 34 49 
Acquired intangibles amortizationAcquired intangibles amortization(32)(35)(18)Acquired intangibles amortization(15)(22)(32)
Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA$35 $68 $73 Adjusted EBITDA$(12)$20 $33 
Adjusted revenue (per above)$215 $291 $257 
Adjusted operating income margin % (1)
8%18%23%
RevenueRevenue$151 $185 $210 
Adjusted operating income (loss) margin % (1)
Adjusted operating income (loss) margin % (1)
(11%)4%8%
Adjusted EBITDA margin % (2)
Adjusted EBITDA margin % (2)
16%23%28%
Adjusted EBITDA margin % (2)
(8%)11%16%

(1) Adjusted operating income (loss) margin % is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income (loss) by adjusted revenuerevenue.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA margin % is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by adjusted revenuerevenue.

4038




Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income (loss) margin percentage and adjusted EBITDA margin percentage for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 are reflected in the table below.
For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Operating income (loss)$(1,107)$(149)$60 
Non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)
Software deferred revenue acquired26 59 12 
Restructuring charges10 11 
Stock compensation expense52 63 68 
Debenture fair value adjustment372 (66)(117)
Software deferred commission expense acquired(13)(16)— 
Acquired intangibles amortization129 141 82 
Business acquisition and integration costs— 12 
Goodwill impairment charge594 22 — 
LLA impairment charge43 10 — 
Settlements, net— — (9)
Total non-GAAP adjustments to operating income (loss)1,205 227 59 
Adjusted operating income98 78 119 
Amortization198 212 149 
Acquired intangibles amortization(129)(141)(82)
Adjusted EBITDA$167 $149 $186 
Adjusted revenue (per above)$919 $1,099 $916 
Adjusted operating income margin % (1)
11 %%13 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin % (2)
18 %14 %20 %
For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Operating loss$(725)$(2)$(1,107)
Non-GAAP adjustments to operating loss
Restructuring charges11 — 
Stock compensation expense31 30 52 
Debentures fair value adjustment(138)(212)372 
Acquired intangibles amortization82 115 129 
Goodwill impairment charge245 — 594 
LLA impairment charge235 — 43 
Litigation settlement165 — — 
Total non-GAAP adjustments to operating loss631 (67)1,192 
Adjusted operating income (loss)(94)(69)85 
Amortization105 176 198 
Acquired intangibles amortization(82)(115)(129)
Adjusted EBITDA$(71)$(8)$154 
Revenue$656 $718 $893 
Adjusted operating income (loss) margin % (1)
(14 %)(10 %)10 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin % (2)
(11 %)(1 %)17 %

(1) Adjusted operating income (loss) margin % is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income (loss) by adjusted revenuerevenue.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA margin % is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by adjusted revenuerevenue.

The Company uses free cash flow (usage) when assessing its sources of liquidity, capital resources, and quality of earnings. The Company believes that free cash flow (usage) is helpful in understanding the Company’s capital requirements and provides an additional means to reflect the cash flow trends in the Company’s business.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the three months ended February 28, 2023, February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2021 to free cash flow (usage) is reflected in the table below:
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(7)$10 $51 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment(2)(2)$(3)
Free cash flow (usage)$(9)$$48 
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the years ended February 28, 2023, February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2021 to free cash flow (usage) is reflected in the table below:
For the Fiscal Years Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(263)$(28)$82 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment(7)(8)(8)
Free cash flow (usage)$(270)$(36)$74 
For the year ended February 28, 2023, free cash usage includes $165 million paid in relation to the Pearlstein settlement discussed above in “Business Overview - Pearlstein Settlement”.

39




Key Metrics
The Company regularly monitors a number of financial and operating metrics, including the following key metrics, in order to measure the Company’s current performance and estimateestimated future performance. Readers are cautioned that billings, recurring revenue percentage, annual recurring revenue (“ARR”), dollar-based net retention rate (“DBNRR”), net customer churn rateCybersecurity total contract value (“TCV”) billings, recurring revenue percentage and free cash flowQNX royalty backlog do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Comparative breakdowns of certain key metrics for the three months ended February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022 are set forth below.
For the Three Months Ended (in millions)February 28, 2023February 28, 2022Change
Cybersecurity Annual Recurring Revenue$298 $347 $(49)
Cybersecurity Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate81 %91 %(10 %)
Cybersecurity Total Contract Value Billings$107 $125 $(18)
Recurring Software Product Revenue~ 90%~ 80 %10 %
Annual Recurring Revenue
The Company defines ARR as the annualized value of all subscription, term, maintenance, services, and royalty contracts that generate recurring revenue as of the end of the reporting period. The Company uses ARR as an indicator of business momentum for the Cybersecurity business.
Cybersecurity ARR was approximately $298 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and decreased compared to $313 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and decreased compared to $347 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 primarily due to customer churn in the BlackBerry Spark business.
The Company expects Cybersecurity ARR to return to sequential growth in the second half of fiscal 2024.
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
The Company calculates the DBNRR as of period end by first calculating the ARR from the customer base as at 12 months prior to the current period end (“Prior Period ARR”). The Company then calculates the ARR for the same cohort of customers as at the current period end (“Current Period ARR”). The Company then divides the Current Period ARR by the Prior Period ARR to calculate the DBNRR.
Cybersecurity DBNRR was 81% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and decreased compared to 84% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and compared to 91% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 primarily due to customer churn in the BlackBerry Spark business.
TCV Billings
The Company defines TCV billings as amounts invoiced less credits issued. The Company considers TCV billings to be a useful metric because billings drive deferred revenue, which is an important indicator of the health and visibility of the business, and represents a significant percentage of future revenue.
Both Software and Services and total CompanyCybersecurity TCV billings increasedwas $107 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 and increased compared to $103 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Software2023 and Services billings were consistent withdecreased compared to $125 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, but total2022 primarily due to elongated sales cycles in government causing some large deals to slip into later quarters.
The Company previously stated that it expected quarterly year-over-year Cybersecurity TCV billings decreased.growth throughout fiscal 2023 when compared to the same quarter in the prior year, with growth of between 8% to 12% in fiscal 2023 as a whole compared to fiscal 2022. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, Cybersecurity TCV billings decreased compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and Cybersecurity TCV billings decreased in fiscal 2023 as a whole compared to fiscal 2022, in each case primarily due to the reasons discussed in the paragraph immediately above.
The Company expects Cyber Security and BTSCybersecurity TCV billings for fiscal 2024 to be in the range of $430 million to $480 million. The Company also expects Cybersecurity TCV billings to grow by double-digit percentages.continue to exceed Cybersecurity revenue in fiscal 2024.
40




Recurring Software Product Revenue
The Company defines recurring software product revenue percentage as recurring software product revenue divided by total software and services revenue. Recurring software product revenue is comprised of subscription and term licenses, maintenance arrangements, royalty arrangements and perpetual licenses recognized ratably under ASC 606. Total software and services revenue is comprised of recurring product revenue, non-recurring product revenue and professional services. The Company
41



uses recurring software product revenue percentage to provide visibility into the revenue expected to be recognized in the current and future periods.
Total adjusted Software and Services product revenue, excluding professional services, was approximately 90% recurring in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and decreased from greater than 90% recurring in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 due to product mix.
Annual Recurring Revenue
The Company defines ARR as the annualized value of all subscription, term, maintenance, services, and royalty contracts that generate recurring revenue as of the end of the reporting period. The Company uses ARR as an indicator of business momentum for software and services.
Software and Services ARR was approximately $468 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and decreased compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2021 primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 on BTS, specifically on QNX production-based royalties. QNX royalties are included in the ARR calculation on a trailing four quarter basis.
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
The Company calculates the DBNRR as of any period end by first calculating the ARR from the customer base as at 12 months prior to the current period end (“Prior Period ARR”). The Company then calculates the ARR for the same cohort of customers as at the current period end (“Current Period ARR”). The Company then divides the Current Period ARR by the Prior Period ARR to calculate the DBNRR.
Software and Services DBNRR was 91% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 and increased compared to 90%approximately 80% recurring in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.2023 and fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Net Customer Churn RateQNX Royalty Backlog
The Company defines netthe royalty backlog of its QNX business as estimated future revenue from variable forecasted royalties related to the QNX business. The estimation of forecasted royalties is based on QNX’s royalty rates and on projections of anticipated volumes that are based on historical shipping experience and current customer churn rate asprojections that management believes are reasonable over the difference between the gross customer churn ratelifetime of a design. The QNX royalty backlog is calculated annually based on current projections of volumes and the new customer acquisition rate, divided by the numbermay not be indicative of active customers in the prior quarter, expressed as a percentage.actual future revenue. The Company uses net customer churn rate to evaluate the raterevenue that the Company will recognize is obtaining new customerssubject to offset customers lost dueseveral factors, including actual volumes and potential terminations or modifications to account cancellations or non-renewal of subscriptions.customer contracts.
Net Customer Churn RateThe Company’s QNX royalty backlog was approximately 1% in$640 million at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 consistent with2023 and increased compared to approximately $560 million at the thirdend of the first quarter of fiscal 2021.2023.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is a measure of liquidity calculated as net operating cash flow minus capital expenditures. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses free cash flow when assessing its sources of liquidity, capital resources, and quality of earnings. Free cash flow is helpful in understanding the Company’s capital requirements and provides an additional means to reflect the cash flow trends in the Company’s business. For the three months ended February 28, 2021, the Company’s net cash flow provided by operating activities was $51 million and capital expenditures were $3 million, resulting in the Company reporting free cash flow of $48 million.
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities was $82 million and capital expenditures were $8 million, resulting in the Company reporting free cash flow of $74 million.
The Company previously stated that it expected to generate positive free cash flow in fiscal 2021. The Company has generated positive free cash flow in fiscal 2021.
42



Results of Operations - Fiscal year ended February 28, 20212023 compared to fiscal year ended February 29, 202028, 2022
Revenue
Revenue by Product and ServiceSegment
Comparative breakdowns of revenue by product and service on a U.S. GAAP basissegment are set forth below.
 
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change
Revenue by Product and Service
Software and Services$621 $691 $(70)$559 $132 
Licensing and Other272 349 (77)345 
$893 $1,040 $(147)$904 $136 
% Revenue by Product and Service
Software and Services69.5 %66.4 %61.8 %
Licensing and Other30.5 %33.6 %38.2 %
100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
 
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Revenue by Segment
Cybersecurity$418 $477 $(59)$491 $(14)
IoT206 178 28 130 48 
Licensing and Other32 63 (31)272 (209)
$656 $718 $(62)$893 $(175)
% Revenue by Segment
Cybersecurity63.7 %66.4 %55.0 %
IoT31.4 %24.8 %14.5 %
Licensing and Other4.9 %8.8 %30.5 %
100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Software and ServicesCybersecurity
Software and Services revenue was $621 million, or 69.5% of revenue in fiscal 2021, a decrease of $70 million compared to $691 million, or 66.4% of revenue in fiscal 2020. The decrease in Software and ServicesCybersecurity revenue of $70$59 million was primarily due to a decrease of $75$47 million in recurring royaltiesrelating to product revenue in BlackBerry QNX, due to the slowdown in the automotive market related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conversion in the prior fiscal year of certain existing royalty-bearing licenses to fixed pricing from volume-based pricing,Spark, a decrease of $16$12 million relating to professional services a decrease of $9 million in BlackBerry AtHoc revenue and a decrease of $7$3 million relating to non-automotive OEM business, partially offset by an increase of $24$6 million relatedrelating to product revenue in BlackBerry Spark and an increase of $18 million related to the sale of Secusmart solutions.
Adjusted Software and Services revenue was $647 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $750 million in fiscal 2020, representing a decrease of $103 million. The $103 million decrease in adjusted Software and Services revenue was primarily attributable to the same reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis and due to a decrease of $33 million in the non-GAAP adjustment of deferred software revenue acquired to $26 million in fiscal 2021 from $59 million in fiscal 2020.
The Company previously stated that in fiscal 2021, the Company expected BlackBerry QNX revenue to be negatively impacted by a slowdown in automotive market related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of which could be partially offset by increased customer demand for the Company’s endpoint security and productivity solutions that support business continuity and remote working environments, including the BlackBerry Spark platform, SecuSUITE and BlackBerry AtHoc. This is reflected in the Company’s results as noted above, with the exception of BlackBerry AtHoc which also declined.Secusmart.
The Company previously stated that it expected SoftwareCybersecurity revenue in fiscal 2023 to be broadly consistent with fiscal 2022. Cybersecurity revenue in fiscal 2023 decreased compared to fiscal 2022 due to both elongated sales cycles in government causing some large deals to slip into later quarters and Services, excluding BTS, to have slight U.S. GAAP and adjusted revenue growthcustomer churn in the second halfBlackBerry Spark business.
The Company expects Cybersecurity revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Software2024 to increase sequentially and Services, excluding BTS, had slight U.S. GAAP and adjusted revenue growthbe in the second halfrange of fiscal 2021.
In fiscal 2022, the$100 million to $110 million. The Company expects that Cyber SecurityCybersecurity revenue and BTS revenue will be higher in the second half of the year than in the first half of the year, and that Cyber Security revenue will be between $495 million and $515 million. Assuming that the global chip shortage has been alleviated by the middle of fiscal 2022, the Company expects that BTS revenue will return to a pre-pandemic run-rate of approximately $50 million per quarter by that time and will be between $180 million and $200 million for fiscal 20222024 as a whole such that full-year Software and Services revenue willto be between $675in the range of $425 million and $715to $450 million.
4341




The Company previously disclosed long-term Cybersecurity revenue targets in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The Company expects to disclose updated long-term Cybersecurity revenue targets in the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
IoT
The increase in IoT revenue of $28 million was primarily due to an increase of $18 million in QNX development seat revenue and an increase of $15 million in BlackBerry QNX royalty revenue, partially offset by a decrease of $5 million relating to professional services.
The Company previously stated that it expected IoT revenue to be between $205 million and $210 million for fiscal 2023. IoT revenue was $206 million in fiscal 2023.
The Company expects IoT revenue to be in the range of $50 million to $53 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and expects IoT revenue to be in the range of $240 million and $250 million for fiscal 2024 as a whole.
Licensing and Other
Licensing and Other revenue was $272 million, or 30.5% of revenue in fiscal 2021, a decrease of $77 million compared to $349 million, or 33.6% of revenue in fiscal 2020. The decrease in Licensing and Other revenue of $77$31 million was primarily due to a decrease of $93 million in revenue from the BBM Consumer licensing arrangement and a decrease of $8 million from mobility licensing arrangements, partially offset by an increase of $16$23 million in revenue from the Company’s intellectual property (“IP”) licensing arrangements including its patent licensing agreement with Teletry, and an increase in $16 million in revenue generated from IP sales. SAF revenue, which is generated from users of BlackBerry 7 and prior BlackBerry operating systems, also decreased by $8 million, primarily due to a lower number of BlackBerry 7 users and lower revenue from those users compared to fiscal 2020.
The Company previously statedproposed patent portfolio sale transaction with Catapult IP Innovations, Inc. (the “Catapult Sale Transaction”) that it expects Licensing revenue to be modestly above $250 million in fiscal 2021, which is reflected in the above results.
The Company previously stated that it expected to generate total Company adjusted revenue of approximately $950 to $965 million in fiscal 2021, assuming a gradual re-opening of the global economy as the measures undertaken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic are reduced. Total adjusted revenue was $919 million in fiscal 2021 primarily due to the impact on the Company’s Licensing and Other business of the Company having entered into negotiationspending in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 for the potential sale2023 and associated restrictions on monetization activity and a decrease of a portion of the Company’s patent portfolio. $7 million in SAF revenue.
The Company has limited its patent monetization activities due to the negotiations and becauseexpects revenue from additional transactions that could have been completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 would have been treated as contingent revenue and deferredintellectual property licensing to future periods. Had negotiations not been in progress during the quarter, the Company believes that Licensing and Other revenue would have been higher.
Throughout the period in which negotiations or anticipated regulatory reviews related to the potential patent portfolio transaction are ongoing, the Company expects to continue to limit its monetization activities and expects to generate Licensing and Other revenue of $10 million to $15be approximately $5 million per fiscal quarter. If the sale process concludes in the middle of fiscal 2022 without the completion of a transaction, the Company will resume its prior monetization activities and expects that Licensing and Other revenue will be approximately $100 millionquarter in fiscal 2022. If a sale transaction is completed,2024, excluding the Company expects that Licensing and Other revenue will be significantly higher than $100 million in fiscal 2022 and the Company expects to use the transaction proceeds primarily to support the growth of the Software and Services business.Malikie Transaction.
U.S. GAAP Revenue by Geography
Comparative breakdowns of the geographic regions on a U.S. GAAP basis are set forth in the following table:
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Revenue by GeographyRevenue by GeographyRevenue by Geography
North AmericaNorth America$633 $743 $(110)$599 $144 North America$350 $413 $(63)$633 $(220)
Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope, Middle East and Africa197 221 (24)222 (1)Europe, Middle East and Africa222 234 (12)197 37 
Other regionsOther regions63 76 (13)83 (7)Other regions84 71 13 63 
$893 $1,040 $(147)$904 $136 $656 $718 $(62)$893 $(175)
% Revenue by Geography% Revenue by Geography% Revenue by Geography
North AmericaNorth America70.9 %71.4 %66.2 %North America53.4 %57.5 %70.9 %
Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope, Middle East and Africa22.1 %21.3 %24.6 %Europe, Middle East and Africa33.8 %32.6 %22.1 %
Other regionsOther regions7.0 %7.3 %9.2 %Other regions12.8 %9.9 %7.0 %
100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
North America Revenue
Revenue in North America was $633 million, or 70.9% of revenue, in fiscal 2021, reflecting a decrease of $110 million compared to $743 million, or 71.4% of revenue in fiscal 2020. The decrease in North AmericanAmerica revenue isof $63 million was primarily due to a decrease of $93$28 million in product revenue from the BBM Consumer licensing arrangement andin BlackBerry Spark, a decrease of $37$23 million in BlackBerry QNXLicensing and Other revenue due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”, a decrease of $11 million relating to professional services, a decrease of $9 million in BlackBerry AtHoc revenueSegment” and a decrease of $7$17 million relating to non-automotive OEM business, partially offset by an increase of $32 million in IP licensing and sale revenue due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service” and an increase of $18 million in product revenue in BlackBerry Spark.
44



Europe, Middle East and Africa Revenue
Revenue in Europe, Middle East and Africa was $197 million, or 22.1% of revenue, in fiscal 2021, reflecting a decrease of $24 million compared to $221 million, or 21.3% of revenue, in fiscal 2020. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a decrease of $30 million in BlackBerry QNX revenue, a decrease of $7 million in SAF revenue due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service” and a decrease of $5 million in professional services, partially offset by an increase of $18$7 million related to the sale of Secusmart solutions.in BlackBerry QNX royalty revenue.
Other RegionsEurope, Middle East and Africa Revenue
Revenue in other regions was $63 million, or 7.0% of revenue, in fiscal 2021, reflecting a decrease of $13 million compared to $76 million, or 7.3% of revenue, in fiscal 2020. The decrease in Europe, Middle East and Africa revenue isof $12 million was primarily due to a decrease of $8$19 million from mobility licensing arrangementsin product revenue in BlackBerry Spark and a decrease of $7$3 million in BlackBerry QNX revenue due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”, a decrease of $4 million in professional services and a decrease of $2 million in development seatSAF revenue, partially offset by an increase of $6 million inrelating to product revenue in Secusmart and an increase of $5 million in BlackBerry Spark.QNX development seat revenue.
Other Regions Revenue
The increase in Other regions revenue of $13 million was primarily due to an increase of $8 million in BlackBerry QNX development seat revenue and an increase of $6 million in BlackBerry QNX royalty revenue, partially offset by a decrease of $2 million in SAF revenue.
42




Gross Margin
Consolidated Gross Margin
Consolidated gross margin decreased by $120$48 million to approximately $643$419 million in fiscal 2021 from $763 million in fiscal 2020.2023 (fiscal 2022 - $467 million). The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenue infrom BlackBerry QNXSpark and Licensing and Other, partially offset by increasesan increase in revenue infrom BlackBerry QNX and Secusmart and BlackBerry Spark, due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”Segment”, as much of the Company’s cost of sales does not significantly fluctuate based on business volume.
Consolidated Gross Margin Percentage
Consolidated gross margin percentage decreased by 1.4%1.1%, to approximately 72.0%63.9% of consolidated revenue in fiscal 2021 from 73.4% of consolidated revenue in fiscal 2020.2023 (fiscal 2022 - 65.0%). The decrease was primarily due ato lower proportion of gross margin percentage associated with BlackBerry QNXin Spark and Licensing and Other due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by ProductSegment” as the cost of sales for these units is relatively fixed, partially offset by a change in mix, specifically higher contribution from BlackBerry QNX and Service”Secusmart due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Segment”.
Gross Margin by Segment
See “Business Overview” and “Fiscal 2023 Summary Results of Operations” for information about the Company’s operating segments and the basis of operating segment results.
For the Years Ended
 (in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment Totals
February 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,Change
20232022202320222023202220232022
Segment revenue$418$477$(59)$206$178$28$32$63$(31)$656$718$(62)
Segment cost of sales185194(9)373071223(11)234247(13)
Segment gross margin$233$283$(50)$169$148$21$20$40$(20)$422$471$(49)
Segment gross margin %56 %59 %(3 %)82 %83 %(1 %)63 %63 %— %64 %66 %(2 %)
Cybersecurity
The decrease in Cybersecurity gross margin of $50 million was primarily due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Segment”, as the cost of sales for most Cybersecurity products does not significantly fluctuate based on business volume, and to an increase in infrastructure costs allocated due to the Company no longer supporting or maintaining legacy device operating systems that previously were included under Licensing and Other for SAF.
The decrease in Cybersecurity gross margin percentage of 3% was primarily due to an increase in infrastructure costs allocated, partially offset by a higher gross margin percentage on professional services revenue in Secusmart.
IoT
The increase in IoT gross margin of $21 million was primarily due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Segment”, partially offset by an increase in salaries expense.
The decrease in IoT gross margin percentage of 1% was primarily due to an increase in salaries expense within cost of goods sold.
Licensing and Other
The decrease in Licensing and Other gross margin of $20 million was primarily due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Segment”, partially offset by a decrease in infrastructure costs due to the Company no longer supporting or maintaining legacy device operating systems.
Licensing and Other gross margin percentage was consistent with fiscal 2023.

43




Operating Expenses
The table below presents a comparison of research and development, selling, marketing and administration, and amortization expense for fiscal 20212023 compared to fiscal 20202022 and fiscal 20202022 compared to fiscal 2019.2021. The Company believes it is meaningful to provide a sequential comparison between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022.
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change
Revenue$893 $1,040 $(147)$904 $136 
Operating expenses
Research and development215 259 (44)219 40 
Selling, marketing and administration344 493 (149)409 84 
Amortization182 194 (12)136 58 
Impairment of goodwill594 22 572 — 22 
Impairment of long-lived assets43 10 33 — 10 
Debentures fair value adjustment372 (66)438 (117)51 
Settlements, net— — — (9)
Total$1,750 $912 $838 $638 $274 
Operating Expense as % of Revenue
Research and development24.1 %24.9 %24.2 %
Selling, marketing and administration38.5 %47.4 %45.2 %
Amortization20.4 %18.7 %15.0 %
Impairment of goodwill66.5 %2.1 %— %
Impairment of long-lived assets4.8 %1.0 %— %
Debentures fair value adjustment41.7 %(6.3)%(12.9)%
Settlements, net— %— %(1.0)%
Total196.0 %87.7 %70.6 %
45




For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Revenue$656 $718 $(62)$893 $(175)
Operating expenses
Research and development207 219 (12)215 
Selling, marketing and administration340 297 43 344 (47)
Amortization96 165 (69)182 (17)
Impairment of goodwill245 — 245 594 (594)
Impairment of long-lived assets235 — 235 43 (43)
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, net(6)— (6)— — 
Debentures fair value adjustment(138)(212)74 372 (584)
Litigation settlement165 — 165 — — 
Total$1,144 $469 $675 $1,750 $(1,281)
Operating Expense as % of Revenue
Research and development31.6 %30.5 %24.1 %
Selling, marketing and administration51.8 %41.4 %38.5 %
Amortization14.6 %23.0 %20.4 %
Impairment of goodwill37.3 %— %66.5 %
Impairment of long-lived assets35.8 %— %4.8 %
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, net(0.9 %)— %— %
Debentures fair value adjustment(21.0 %)(29.5 %)41.7 %
Litigation settlement25.2 %— %— %
Total174.4 %65.3 %196.0 %
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of selected U.S. GAAP-based measures to adjusted measures for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 2019.2021.
44




U.S. GAAP Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by $838$675 million, or 91.9%, to $1,750 million, or 196.0% of revenue143.9% in fiscal 2021,2023 compared to $912 million, or 87.7% of revenue, in fiscal 2020.2022. The increase was primarily attributabledue to an increasethe Fiscal 2023 Goodwill Impairment Charge of $572$245 million, in goodwill impairment,the Fiscal 2023 LLA Impairment Charge of $235 million, a $165 million litigation settlement, the difference between the Fiscal 20212023 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment and the fair value adjustment related to the Debentures incurred in fiscal 2020 (the “Fiscal 2020 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment”)2022 of $438$74 million, and an increasea decrease in benefits of $33 million in impairment of long-lived assets, partially offset by the benefit of $53$43 million in government subsidies resulting from claims filed for the CEWS programCanada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program programs (“COVID-19 subsidies”) to support the business through the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increase of $11 million in restructuring costs, partially offset by a decrease of $42$69 million in amortization expense, a decrease of $21 million in salaries and benefits expense,expenses and a decrease of $19$7 million in variablesales incentive plan costs.
Adjusted Operating Expenses
Adjusted operating expenses decreased by $178$24 million, or 23.6%4.4%, to $576$516 million in fiscal 2021,2023, compared to $754$540 million in fiscal 2020.2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the benefit of $53 million in CEWS funding, a decrease of $41$36 million in amortization expense, a decrease of $21 million in salaries and benefits expense,expenses, a decrease of $20$7 million in variablesales incentive plan costs and a decrease$6 million gain on sale of $19 million in travel expense,property, partially offset by a decrease in cost associated with a direct IP licensing arrangementbenefits of $18$43 million in fiscal 2020 which did not recur,COVID-19 subsidies and a decreasean increase of $15$5 million in marketing and advertisingbad debt expense.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits for technical personnel, new product development costs, travel, office and building costs, infrastructure costs and other employee costs.
Research and development expenses decreased by $44$12 million, or 17.0%, to $215 million, or 24.1% of revenue,5.5% in fiscal 2021,2023 compared to $259 million, or 24.9% of revenue, in fiscal 2020.2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $25$8 million in salaries and benefits expense, a decrease of $8 million in variable incentive plan costs, a decrease of $7 million in consulting fees,expenses and a decrease of $2$5 million in travel expense,consulting costs, partially offset by a decrease in benefits of $4$2 million in claims filed with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada relating to its Strategic Innovation Fund program’s investment in BlackBerry QNX.QNX (“SIF”).
Adjusted research and development expenses decreased by $42$13 million, or 17.1%6.2% to $204$198 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $246 million in fiscal 2020.2023 (fiscal 2022 - $211 million). The decrease was primarily due to the same reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis.
Selling, Marketing and Administration Expenses
Selling, marketing and administration expenses consist primarily of marketing, advertising and promotion, salaries and benefits, external advisory fees, information technology costs, office and related staffing infrastructure costs and travel expenses.
Selling, marketing and administration expenses decreasedincreased by $149$43 million, or 30.2%, to $344 million, or 38.5% of revenue,14.5% in fiscal 20212023 compared to $493 million in fiscal 2020, or 47.4% of revenue.2022. The decreaseincrease was primarily attributabledue to the benefit of $53 million in CEWS funding, a decrease in costs associated with direct IP licensing arrangementsbenefits of $18$43 million in fiscal 2020 which did not recur,COVID-19 subsidies, an increase of $11 million in restructuring costs, an increase of $5 million in bad debt expense and an increase of $3 million in travel expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $16 million in travel expense, a decrease of $16$13 million in salaries and benefits expense, a decrease of $15 million in marketing and advertising cost,expenses and a decrease of $11$8 million in variablesales incentive plan costs.
Adjusted selling, marketing and administration expenses decreasedincreased by $136$31 million, or 29.9%11.1%, to $319$310 million in fiscal 20212023 compared to $455$279 million in fiscal 2020.2022. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to the same reasons described above, on a U.S. GAAP basis.excluding the increase in restructuring costs.
4645




Amortization Expense
The table below presents a comparison of amortization expense relating to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets recorded as amortization or cost of sales for fiscal 20212023 compared to fiscal 20202022 and fiscal 20202022 compared to fiscal 2019.2021. Intangible assets are comprised of patents, licenses and acquired technology.
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
Included in Operating Expense Included in Operating Expense
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment$17 $18 $(1)$14 $Property, plant and equipment$$12 $(3)$17 $(5)
Intangible assetsIntangible assets165 176 (11)122 54 Intangible assets87 153 (66)165 (12)
TotalTotal$182 $194 $(12)$136 $58 Total$96 $165 $(69)$182 $(17)
Included in Cost of SalesIncluded in Cost of Sales
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019ChangeFebruary 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment$$$(2)$$— Property, plant and equipment$$$— $$(1)
Intangible assetsIntangible assets12 12 — Intangible assets(2)12 (4)
TotalTotal$16 $18 $(2)$13 $Total$$11 $(2)$16 $(5)
Amortization included in Operating Expense
Amortization expense relating to certain property, plant and equipment and intangible assets decreased by $12 million to $182 million for fiscal 2021, compared to $194 million for fiscal 2020. The decrease in amortization expense included in operating expense of $69 million was due to a decrease in intellectual property held and used related to the previously pending Catapult Sale Transaction and due to the lower cost base of assets.
Adjusted amortization expense was $53decreased by $36 million to $14 million in fiscal 2021, consistent with $532023 compared to $50 million in fiscal 2020.2022 due to the reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis.
Amortization included in Cost of Sales
AmortizationThe decrease in amortization expense relating to certain property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets employed in the Company’s service operations decreased byof $2 million to $16 million for fiscal 2021, compared to $18 million for fiscal 2020. The decrease in amortization expense was due to the lower cost base of assets.
Investment Income, (Loss), Net
Investment income, (loss), net, which includes the interest expense from the Debentures, decreased by $7$16 million to investment loss, net of $6 million in fiscal 2021, from investment income, net of $1$5 million in fiscal 2020.2023 compared to investment income, net of $21 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease in investment income, net iswas primarily due to gains recognized from a return of capital from a non-marketable equity investment in fiscal 2022 and lower average cash and investment balances, partially offset by a higher yield on cash and investments in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 and a decrease in average cash and investment balance during fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 as a result of the redemption of the 3.75% Debentures and issuance of the 1.75% Debentures, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense from the Debentures.2023.
Income Taxes
For fiscal 2021,2023, the Company’s net effective income tax recoveryexpense rate was approximately 1%, compared to a2% (fiscal 2022 - net effective income tax expense of approximately 3% for the prior fiscal year.37%). The Company’s net effective income tax rate reflects the change in unrecognized income tax benefits, if any, and the fact that the Company has a significant valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, and in particular, the change in fair value of the 1.75% Debentures, amongst other items, was offset by a corresponding adjustment of the valuation allowance. The Company’s net effective income tax rate also reflects the geographic mix of earnings in jurisdictions with different income tax rates.
The Company’s adjusted net effective income tax recovery rate was approximately 10%, compared to a net effective income tax expense of approximately 6% for the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase is due to current year taxable items that could not be offset with carried forward tax attributes such as tax losses.
47



Net LossIncome (Loss)
The Company’s net loss for fiscal 20212023 was $1.10 billion, reflecting an$734 million, or $1.27 basic loss per share and $1.35 diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis (fiscal 2022 - net income of $12 million, or $0.02 basic earnings per share and $0.31 diluted loss per share). The increase in net loss of $952$746 million compared to net loss of $152 million in fiscal 2020,was primarily due to an increase in operating expenses, due to the goodwill impairment and increase in debenture fair value adjustment, as described above in “Operating Expenses”, and a decrease in revenue as described above in “Revenue by ProductSegment” and Service”a decrease in gross margin percentage, as described above in “Consolidated Gross Margin Percentage”.
Adjusted net incomeloss for fiscal 20212023 was $101$103 million compared to $74 million in fiscal 2020, reflecting an(fiscal 2022 - adjusted net loss of $55 million). The increase in adjusted net incomeloss of $27$48 million was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenditures as described above in “Operating Expenses”, partially offset by a decrease in revenue as described above in “Revenue by Product and Service”Segment” and a decrease in gross margin percentage, as describedescribed above in “Consolidated Gross Margin PercentagePercentage”, partially offset by a decrease in operating expenses as described above in “Operating Expenses”.
46

”.
Basic and diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis was $1.97 in fiscal 2021, an increase in basic and diluted loss per share of $1.70 and $1.65, respectively, compared to basic loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis of $0.27 and diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis of $0.32 in fiscal 2020.

The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 561579 million common shares for basic loss per share and 639 million common shares for diluted loss per share respectively, for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021.2023. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 554571 million and 614 millioncommon shares for basic earnings per share and 631 million common shares for diluted loss per share respectively, for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020.
The Company previously stated that it expected to be profitable on a non-GAAP basis for fiscal 2021. The Company was non-GAAP profitable for fiscal 2021.28, 2022.
Common Shares Outstanding
On March 26, 2021,28, 2023, there were 566582 million voting common shares, options to purchase 20.5 million voting common shares, 2220 million restricted share units and 12 million deferred share units outstanding. In addition, 60.8 million common shares are issuable upon conversion in full of the 1.75% Debentures, as described in Note 76 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company has not paid any cash dividends during the last three fiscal years. 
Results of Operations - Three months ended February 28, 20212023 compared to the three months ended February 29, 202028, 2022
The following section sets forth certain unaudited consolidated statements of operations data, which is expressed in millions of dollars, except for share and per share amounts and as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 2019:2021:
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions, except for share and per share amounts)
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions, except for share and per share amounts)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
RevenueRevenue$210 $282 $(72)$255 $27 Revenue$151 $185 $(34)$210 $(25)
Gross marginGross margin152 212 (60)206 Gross margin100 124 (24)152 (28)
Operating expensesOperating expenses465 253 212 178 75 Operating expenses599 (22)621 465 (487)
Investment income (loss), netInvestment income (loss), net— (1)(5)Investment income (loss), net(1)— (1)
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes(313)(42)(271)32 (74)Income (loss) before income taxes(493)145 (638)(313)458 
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes(1)(19)18 
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes(1)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(315)$(41)$(274)$51 $(92)Net income (loss)$(495)$144 $(639)$(315)$459 
Earnings (loss) per share - reportedEarnings (loss) per share - reportedEarnings (loss) per share - reported
BasicBasic$(0.56)$(0.07)$(0.49)$0.09 $(0.16)Basic$(0.85)$0.25 $(1.10)$(0.56)$0.81 
Diluted (1)
Diluted (1)
$(0.56)$(0.07)$(0.49)$0.08 $(0.15)
Diluted (1)
$(0.85)$(0.03)$(0.82)$(0.56)$0.53 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (000’s)Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (000’s)Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (000’s)
BasicBasic566,089 556,668 547,272 Basic581,493 575,883 566,089 
Diluted (1)
Diluted (1)
566,089 556,668 615,593 
Diluted (1)
581,493 636,716 566,089 

(1)Diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis in the fourth quarter of 20212023 and 20202021 do not include the dilutive effect of the Debentures as to do so would be anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis in the fourth quarter of 20212023, 2022 and 20202021 do not include the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation as to do so would be anti-dilutive.
4847




Revenue
Revenue by Product and ServiceSegment
Comparative breakdowns of revenue by product and service on a U.S. GAAP basis are set forth below.
 
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change
Revenue by Product and Service
Software and Services$160 $170 $(10)$147 $23 
Licensing and Other50 112 (62)108 
$210 $282 $(72)$255 $27 
% Revenue by Product and Service
Software and Services76.2 %60.3 %57.6 %
Licensing and Other23.8 %39.7 %42.4 %
100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
 
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Revenue by Segment
Cybersecurity$88 $122 $(34)$122 $— 
IoT53 52 38 14 
Licensing and Other10 11 (1)50 (39)
$151 $185 $(34)$210 $(25)
% Revenue by Segment
Cybersecurity58.3 %65.9 %58.1 %
IoT35.1 %28.1 %18.1 %
Licensing and Other6.6 %6.0 %23.8 %
100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Software and ServicesCybersecurity
Software and Services revenue was $160 million, or 76.2% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, a decrease of $10 million compared to $170 million, or 60.3% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease in Software and Services revenueCybersecurity of $10$34 million was primarily due to a decrease of $6$19 million duerelating to the slowdownproduct revenue in the automotive market relatedSecusmart, a decrease of $13 million relating to the COVID-19 pandemicproduct revenue in BlackBerry Spark and the conversion in the prior fiscal year of certain existing royalty-bearing licenses to fixed pricing from volume-based pricing, a decrease of $4 million relating to professional servicesservices.
IoT
The increase in IoT revenue of $1 million was primarily due to an increase of $6 million in BlackBerry QNX royalty revenue and a decrease of $2 million relating to non-automotive OEM business, partially offset by an increase of $2 million related to the sale of Secusmart solutions and an increase of $1 million related to productin Blackberry QNX development seat revenue, in BlackBerry Spark.
Adjusted Software and Services revenue was $165 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021,partially offset by a decrease of $14$6 million comparedrelating to $179 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted Software and Services revenue decreased due to the reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis and due to a decrease of $4 million in the non-GAAP adjustment of deferred software revenue acquired to $5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 from $9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
The Company previously stated that it expected Software and Services to have sequential non-GAAP revenue growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Software and Services non-GAAP revenue decreased by approximately 2% sequentially in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 primarily due to lower than expected revenue from Secusmart and BlackBerry AtHoc.
The Company previously stated that it expected sequential BTS revenue growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. BTS revenue grew sequentially in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.professional services.
Licensing and Other
Licensing and Other revenue was $50 million, or 23.8% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, a decrease of $62 million compared to $112 million, or 39.7% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease in Licensing and Other revenue of $62$1 million was primarily due to a decrease of $71$1 million in revenue from the BBM Consumer licensing arrangement, partially offset by an increase of $10 million in revenue from the Company’s IP licensing and sale arrangements including its patent licensing agreement with Teletry.
49



SAF revenue.
U.S. GAAP Revenue by Geography
Comparative breakdowns of the geographic regions on a U.S. GAAP basis are set forth in the following table:
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Revenue by GeographyRevenue by GeographyRevenue by Geography
North AmericaNorth America$141 $213 $(72)$176 $37 North America$84 $100 $(16)$141 $(41)
Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope, Middle East and Africa53 53 — 61 (8)Europe, Middle East and Africa46 66 (20)53 13 
Other regionsOther regions16 16 — 18 (2)Other regions21 19 16 
$210 $282 $(72)$255 $27 $151 $185 $(34)$210 $(25)
% Revenue by Geography% Revenue by Geography% Revenue by Geography
North AmericaNorth America67.1 %75.5 %69.0 %North America55.6 %54.0 %67.1 %
Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope, Middle East and Africa25.2 %18.8 %23.9 %Europe, Middle East and Africa30.5 %35.7 %25.2 %
Other regionsOther regions7.7 %5.7 %7.1 %Other regions13.9 %10.3 %7.7 %
100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
48




North America Revenue
RevenueThe decrease in North America was $141revenue of $16 million or 67.1% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, reflecting a decrease of $72 million compared to $213 million, or 75.5% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Revenue in North America decreased compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020was primarily due to a decrease of $71$8 million in revenue from the BBM Consumer licensing arrangement, a decrease of $2 million in BlackBerry QNX revenue duerelating to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”, a decrease of $2 million in BlackBerry AtHoc revenueprofessional services and a decrease of $2$8 million related toin product revenue in BlackBerry Spark, partially offset by an increase of $10$2 million in IP licensing revenue due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”.BlackBerry QNX development seats revenue.
Europe, Middle East and Africa Revenue
RevenueThe decrease in Europe, Middle East and Africa revenue of $20 million was $53primarily due to a decrease of $17 million or 25.2% ofrelating to product revenue in the fourth quarterSecusmart, a decrease of fiscal 2021, consistent with $53$4 million or 18.8% ofin product revenue in the fourth quarterBlackBerry Spark and a decrease of fiscal 2020. An increase of $3$2 million relatedrelating to the sale of Secusmart solutions andprofessional services, partially offset by an increase of $1 million related to product revenue in BlackBerry Spark wereQNX royalty revenue.
Other Regions Revenue
The increase in Other regions revenue of $2 million was primarily due to an increase of $4 million in BlackBerry QNX development seat revenue, partially offset by a decrease of $3$1 million in BlackBerry QNX revenue due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service” and a decrease of $1 million relating to professional services.
Other Regions Revenue
Revenue in other regions was $16 million or 7.7% of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, consistent with $16 million or 5.7% of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. An increase $2 million related to product revenue in BlackBerry Spark was offset by a decrease of $2 million in revenue relating to professional services.Spark.
Gross Margin
Consolidated Gross Margin
Consolidated gross margin decreased by $60$24 million to approximately $152$100 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 from $212 million in the fourth2023 (fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.2022 - $124 million). The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenue from LicensingBlackBerry Spark and Other and BlackBerry QNX, partially offset by an increase in revenue from Secusmart due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”,Segment” as much of the Company’s cost of sales does not significantly fluctuate based on business volume.
Consolidated Gross Margin Percentage
Consolidated gross margin percentage decreased by 2.8%0.8%, to approximately 72.4%66.2% of consolidated revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 from 75.2% of consolidated revenue in the fourth2023 (fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.2022 - 67.0%). The decrease was primarily due to a lower gross margin percentage in IoT and BlackBerry Spark due to the reasons discussed below in “Gross Margin by Segment”, partially offset by a change in mix, specifically higher contribution from LicensingBlackBerry QNX.
Gross Margin by Segment
See “Business Overview - Segment Reporting” and Other (at a higher relative“Fiscal 2023 Summary Results of Operations” for information about the Company’s operating segments and the basis of operating segment results.
 
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment Totals
February 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,ChangeFebruary 28,Change
20232022202320222023202220232022
Segment revenue$88$122$(34)$53$52$1$10$11$(1)$151$185$(34)
Segment cost of sales3647(11)108245(1)5060(10)
Segment gross margin$52$75$(23)$43$44$(1)$6$6$$101$125$(24)
Segment gross margin %59 %61 %(2 %)81 %85 %(4 %)60 %55 %%67 %68 %(1 %)
Cybersecurity
The decrease in Cybersecurity gross margin percentage in each case)of $23 million was primarily due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by ProductSegment”, as the cost of sales for most Cybersecurity products does not significantly fluctuate based on business volume, and Service” and a higheran increase in infrastructure costs allocated due to the Company no longer supporting or maintaining legacy device operating systems.
The decrease in Cybersecurity gross margin contribution from BlackBerry Spark and Secusmart (at a lower relativepercentage of 2% was primarily due to an increase in infrastructure costs allocated.
IoT
The decrease in IoT gross margin percentage)of $1 million was primarily due to the reasons discussed above in “Revenue by Product and Service”.Segment”, partially offset by an increase in variable incentive plan costs.
The decrease in IoT gross margin percentage of 4% was primarily due to an increase in variable incentive plan costs.
5049




Licensing and Other
Licensing and Other gross margin of $6 million was consistent with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The decrease in revenue discussed above in “Revenue by Segment” was offset by a decrease in infrastructure costs due to the Company no longer supporting or maintaining legacy device operating systems.
The increase in Licensing and Other gross margin percentage of 5% was primarily due to a decrease in infrastructure costs due to the Company no longer supporting or maintaining legacy device operating systems.
Operating Expenses
The table below presents a comparison of research and development, selling, marketing and administration, and amortization expenses for the quarter ended February 28, 2021,2023, compared to the quarter ended November 30, 20202022 and the quarter ended February 29, 2020. The Company believes it is also meaningful to provide a sequential comparison between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and the third quarter of fiscal 2021.28, 2022.
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021November 30, 2020February 29, 2020February 28, 2019 February 28, 2023November 30, 2022February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
RevenueRevenue$210 $218 $282 $255 Revenue$151 $169 $185 $210 
Operating expensesOperating expensesOperating expenses
Research and developmentResearch and development48 53 60 52 Research and development48 52 47 48 
Selling, marketing and administrationSelling, marketing and administration92 83 113 110 Selling, marketing and administration83 89 64 92 
AmortizationAmortization45 45 48 31 Amortization18 26 32 45 
Impairment of long-lived assetsImpairment of long-lived assets22 — — Impairment of long-lived assets231 — — 22 
Impairment of goodwillImpairment of goodwill— — 22 — Impairment of goodwill245 — — — 
Debentures fair value adjustmentDebentures fair value adjustment258 95 (6)Debentures fair value adjustment(26)(56)(165)258 
Settlements, net— — — (9)
TotalTotal$465 $276 $253 $178 Total$599 $111 $(22)$465 
Operating Expense as % of RevenueOperating Expense as % of RevenueOperating Expense as % of Revenue
Research and developmentResearch and development22.9 %24.3 %21.3 %20.4 %Research and development31.8 %30.8 %25.4 %22.9 %
Selling, marketing and administrationSelling, marketing and administration43.8 %38.1 %40.1 %43.1 %Selling, marketing and administration55.0 %52.7 %34.6 %43.8 %
AmortizationAmortization21.4 %20.6 %17.0 %12.2 %Amortization11.9 %15.4 %17.3 %21.4 %
Impairment of long-lived assetsImpairment of long-lived assets10.5 %— %1.8 %— %Impairment of long-lived assets153.0 %— %— %10.5 %
Impairment of goodwillImpairment of goodwill— %— %7.8 %— %Impairment of goodwill162.3 %— %— %— %
Debentures fair value adjustmentDebentures fair value adjustment122.9 %43.6 %1.8 %(2.4)%Debentures fair value adjustment(17.2 %)(33.1 %)(89.2 %)122.9 %
Settlements, net— %— %— %(3.5)%
TotalTotal221.4 %126.6 %89.7 %69.8 %Total396.7 %65.7 %(11.9 %)221.4 %
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of selected U.S. GAAP-based measures to adjusted measures for the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, November 30, 2020,2022, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 2019.2021.
U.S. GAAP Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by $189$488 million, or 68.5%, to $465 million, or 221.4%% of revenue,439.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021,2023, compared to $276$111 million or 126.6% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.2023 primarily due to the Fiscal 2023 Goodwill Impairment Charge of $245 million, impairment of long-lived assets of $231 million, the difference between the Q4 Fiscal 2023 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment and the fair value adjustment related to the Debentures incurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 of $30 million, an increase of $7 million in restructuring costs and an increase of $3 million in marketing and advertising costs, partially offset by a decrease of $17 million in variable incentive plan costs, a decrease of $8 million in amortization expense and a decrease of $2 million in patent abandonment costs.
Operating expenses increased by $621 million, or 2,822.73% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared to $(22) million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the Fiscal 2023 Goodwill Impairment Charge of $245 million, impairment of long-lived assets of $231 million, the difference between the Q4 Fiscal 20212023 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment and Q3 Fiscal 2021the fair value adjustment related to the Debentures Fair Value Adjustmentincurred in the fourth quarter of $163fiscal 2022 of $139 million, a decrease in benefits of $14 million in COVID-19 subsidies, an increase of $7 million in restructuring costs and an increase of $22$5 million in impairment of long-lived assets,stock compensation expense, partially offset by a decrease of $10$14 million in amortization expense and a decrease of $4 million in variable incentive plan costs and a benefit of $6 million in CEWS funding.costs.
Operating expenses increased by $212 million, or 83.8%, to $465 million, or 221.4%% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to $253 million, or 89.7% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the difference between the Q4 Fiscal 2021 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment and Q4 Fiscal 2020 Debentures Fair Value Adjustment of $253 million and an increase of $17 million in impairment of long-lived assets, partially offset by $22 million in impairment of goodwill in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 which did not recur, a benefit of $16 million in CEWS funding and a decrease of $9 million in salaries and benefits expenses.
50




Adjusted Operating Expenses
Adjusted operating expenses decreased by $2$19 million, or 1.4%13.9%, to $140$118 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 compared to $142$137 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $10$17 million in variable incentive plan costcosts and a benefitdecrease of $6$1 million in CEWS funding,foreign exchange losses, partially offset by an increase of $5$3 million in the Company’s
51



deferred share unit liability due to increases in the Company’s stock price, an increase of $4 million in consulting feesmarketing and an increase of $2 million in legaladvertising costs.
Adjusted operating expenses decreasedincreased by $32$1 million, or 18.6%0.9%, to $140$118 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021,2023, compared to $172$117 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.2022. The decreaseincrease was primarily attributable to the benefita decrease in benefits of $16$14 million in CEWS funding, a decrease of $9 million in salaries and benefits expenses and a decrease of $8 million in variable incentive plan costs, partially offset by an increase of $6 million in the Company’s deferred share unit liability due to increases in the Company’s stock priceCOVID-19 subsidies and an increase of $3 million in legal costs.marketing and advertising costs, partially offset by a decrease of $7 million in amortization expense, a decrease of $4 million in variable incentive plan costs and a decrease of $3 million in salaries and benefits expenses.
Research and Development ExpenseExpenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits costs for technical personnel, new product development costs, travel expenses, office and building costs, infrastructure costs and other employee costs.
Research and development expenses decreasedincreased by $12$1 million, or 20.0%2.1%, to $48 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 compared to $60$47 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease was2022, primarily attributabledue to a decreasean increase of $8$1 million in variable incentive plan costs and a decrease of $5 million in salaries and benefits expense, partially offset by an increase of $2 million in infrastructure costs.
Adjusted research and development expenses decreased by $12 million, or 21.1%, towere $45 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $572023, consistent with $45 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. This decrease was primarily due to the reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis.2022.
Selling, Marketing and Administration Expenses
Selling, marketing and administration expenses consist primarily of marketing, advertising and promotion, salaries and benefits, external advisory fees, information technology costs, office and related staffing infrastructure costs and travel expenses.
Selling, marketing and administration expenses decreasedincreased by $21$19 million, or 18.6%29.7%, to $92$83 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 compared to $113$64 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. This2022, primarily due to a decrease was primarily attributable to the increase benefitin benefits of $16$14 million in CEWS funding,COVID-19 subsidies, an increase of $7 million in restructuring costs and an increase of $4 million stock compensation costs, partially offset by a decrease of $4$5 million in salariesvariable incentive plan costs.
Adjusted selling, marketing and benefitsadministration expenses increased by $8 million, or 12.9%, to $70 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to $62 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in benefits of $14 million in COVID-19 subsidies, an increase of $3 million in salesmarketing and advertising costs, partially offset by a decrease of $5 million in variable incentive plan costs and a decrease of $3$2 million in travel expense, partially offset by an increase of $6 million in the Company’s deferred share unit liability due to increases in the Company’s stock price and an increase of $3 million in legalsales incentive plan costs.
Adjusted selling, marketing and administration expenses decreased by $20 million, or 19.6%, to $82 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $102 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. This decrease was primarily due to the reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis.
51




Amortization Expense
The table below presents a comparison of amortization expense relating to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets recorded as amortization or cost of sales for the quarter ended February 28, 2021 compared to the quarter ended February 29, 2020 and for the quarter ended February 29, 20202023 compared to the quarter ended February 28, 2019.2022 and for the quarter ended February 28, 2022 compared to the quarter ended February 28, 2021. Intangible assets are comprised of patents, licenses and acquired technology. 
For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
 Included in Operating Expense
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change
Property, plant and equipment$$$— $$— 
Intangible assets41 44 (3)27 17 
Total$45 $48 $(3)$31 $17 
Included in Cost of Sales
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change
Property, plant and equipment$$$(1)$$
Intangible assets
Total$$$— $$
52



For the Three Months Ended
(in millions)
 Included in Operating Expense
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Property, plant and equipment$$$— $$(2)
Intangible assets16 30 (14)41 (11)
Total$18 $32 $(14)$45 $(13)
Included in Cost of Sales
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Property, plant and equipment$$$— $$— 
Intangible assets— (2)
Total$$$— $$(2)
Amortization included in Operating Expense
Amortization expense relating to certain property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets decreased by $3 million to $45 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $48 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease in amortization expense included in operating expense of $14 million was due to a decrease in intellectual property held and used related to the previously pending Catapult Sale Transaction and due to the lower cost base of assets.
Adjusted amortization was $13expense decreased by $7 million to $3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, consistent with $132023 compared to $10 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.2022 due to the reasons described above on a U.S. GAAP basis.
Amortization included in Cost of Sales
Amortization expense relating to certain property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets employed in the Company’s service operations were $4of $2 million was consistent with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
Investment Income (Loss), Net
Investment income, net, which includes the interest expense from the 1.75% Debentures, increased by $7 million to investment income, net of $6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, consistent with $4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
Investment Loss, Net
Investment loss, net decreased by $1 million to nil in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021,2023 compared to investment loss, net of $1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.2022. The decreaseincrease in investment income, net is primarily due to observable price changes on non-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value and a decrease in interest expense from the Debentures, partially offset by a lowerhigher yield on cash and investments, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 andpartially offset by lower average cash and investment balances due to the redemption of the 3.75% Debentures in fiscal 2021 and issuance of the 1.75% Debentures.balances.
Income Taxes
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021,2023, the Company’s net effective income tax expense rate was approximately 1%, compared to an0% (fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 - net effective income tax recoveryexpense rate of approximately 2% for the same period in the prior fiscal year.1%). The Company’s net effective income tax rate reflects the change in unrecognized income tax benefits, if any, and the fact that the Company has a significant valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, and in particular, the change in fair value of the Debentures, amongst other items, was offset by a corresponding adjustment of the valuation allowance. The Company’s net effective income tax rate also reflects the geographic mix of earnings in jurisdictions with different income tax rates.
Net LossIncome (Loss)
The Company’s net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 was $315$495 million, or $0.56$0.85 basic and diluted loss per share on a U.S. GAAP basis reflecting an increase in(fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 - net lossincome of $274 million compared to a net loss of $41$144 million, or $0.07$0.25 basic earnings per share and $0.03 diluted loss per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.share). The decrease in net income of $274$639 million was primarily due to an increase in operating expenses, due to the increase in debenture fair value adjustment, as described above in “Operating Expenses”, a decrease in revenue as described above in “Revenue by Product and Service”Segment” and a decrease in gross margin percentage as described above in “Consolidated Gross Margin PercentagePercentage”.
Adjusted net incomeloss was $16$13 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $51 million in the fourth2023 (fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, reflecting a2022 - adjusted net income of $6 million). The decrease in adjusted net income of $35$19 million was primarily due to a decrease in revenue as described above in “Revenue by Product and Service” andSegment”, a decrease in gross margin percentage, as described above in “Consolidated Gross Margin Percentage partially offset by a decreasePercentage” and an increase in operating expenses, as described above in “Operating Expenses”.
52




The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 566581 million common shares for basic and diluted loss per share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.2023. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 557576 million common shares for basic earnings per share and 637 million common shares for diluted loss per share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.2022.
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments decreased by $186$283 million to $804$487 million as at February 28, 20212023 from $990$770 million as at February 29, 2020,28, 2022, primarily due to the redemptionas a result of the 3.75% Debentures which was partially offset byU.S. securities class actions settlement discussed in “Business Overview - Pearlstein Settlement”and changes in working capital, excluding the issuanceamounts payable in respect of the 1.75% Debentures. The majority of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and investments are denominated in U.S. dollars as at February 28, 2021.
53


2023.

A comparative summary of cash, cash equivalents, and investments is set out below:
As at
(in millions)
As at
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$214 $377 $(163)$548 $(171)Cash and cash equivalents$295 $378 $(83)$214 $164 
Restricted cash equivalents and restricted short-term investmentsRestricted cash equivalents and restricted short-term investments28 49 (21)34 15 Restricted cash equivalents and restricted short-term investments27 28 (1)28 — 
Short-term investmentsShort-term investments525 532 (7)368 164 Short-term investments131 334 (203)525 (191)
Long-term investmentsLong-term investments37 32 55 (23)Long-term investments34 30 37 (7)
Cash, cash equivalents, and investmentsCash, cash equivalents, and investments$804 $990 $(186)$1,005 $(15)Cash, cash equivalents, and investments$487 $770 $(283)$804 $(34)
The table below summarizes the current assets, current liabilities, and working capital of the Company:
As at
(in millions)
As at
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Current assetsCurrent assets$1,006 $1,196 $(190)$1,233 $(37)Current assets$743 $1,043 $(300)$1,006 $37 
Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilities429 1,121 (692)510 611 Current liabilities729 397 332 429 (32)
Working capitalWorking capital$577 $75 $502 $723 $(648)Working capital$14 $646 $(632)$577 $69 
Current Assets
The decrease in current assets of $190$300 million at the end of fiscal 20212023 from the end of fiscal 20202022 was primarily due to decreases in short term investments of $203 million, a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $163$83 million, a decrease in accounts receivable, net of $33allowance of $18 million, decreasesa decrease of $13 million in short term investmentsother receivables and a decrease income taxes receivable of $7 million and other current assets of $2$6 million, partially offset by an increase in other receivablescurrent assets of $11 million and an increase income taxes receivable of $4$23 million.
At February 28, 2021,2023, accounts receivable, net of allowance was $182$120 million, a decrease of $33$18 million from February 29, 2020.28, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenue recognized over the three months ended February 28, 20212023 compared to the three months ended February 29, 2020 and an increase in the allowance for credit losses from the adoption of ASC 326, partially28, 2022, offset by an increase in days sales outstanding to 8575 days at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 20212023 from 7067 days at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 20202022.
At February 28, 2023, other receivables was $12 million, a decrease of $13 million from February 28, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a significant long-term receivable becoming current, the associated revenue for which was recognizeddecrease of $8 million relating to COVID-19 subsidies and a decrease of $6 million in the prior period, as well as extended payment terms resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.in intellectual property licensing receivable.
At February 28, 2021,2023, income taxes receivable was $3 million, a decrease of $6 million from February 28, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to tax refunds received.
At February 28, 2023, other receivables increased by $11current assets was $182 million, to $25an increase of $23 million compared to $14 million as atfrom February 29, 2020.28, 2022. The increase is primarily due to maintenance payments on intellectual property relating to the previously pending Catapult Sale Transaction of $23 million.
Current Liabilities
The increase in current liabilities of $332 million at the end of fiscal 2023 from the end of fiscal 2022 was primarily due to an increase in the amounts payable in respect of $11the 1.75% Debentures of $367 million, relating to the CEWS program.an increase in income taxes payable of $9
At February 28, 2021, other current assets was $50
53




million a decreaseand an increase in accounts payable of $2 million, from February 29, 2020. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in deferred commission of $3 million partially offset by an increase in derivative assets of $2 million.
At February 28, 2021, income taxes receivable was $10 million, an increase of $4 million from February 29, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the U.S. CARES Act resulting in an increase in taxes receivable from tax loss carry backs.
Current Liabilities
The decrease in current liabilities of $692 million at the end of fiscal 2021 from the end of fiscal 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in Debentures of $606 million due to redemption of the 3.75% Debentures, a decrease in deferred revenue, current of $39$32 million and a decrease in accrued liabilities of $24$14 million.
Accrued liabilities was $143 million, reflecting a decrease of $14 million compared to February 28, 2022, which was primarily attributable to a decrease of $4 million in income taxes payableoperating lease liability, current, a decrease of $12$3 million in audit fee accrual, a decrease of $3 million in the Company’s deferred share unit liability and a decrease of $2 million in accounts payable of $11 million.the liability associated with the CEO contingent cash award.
Deferred revenue, current was $225$175 million, which reflects a decrease of $39$32 million compared to February 29, 202028, 2022 that was attributable to a $39$34 million decrease in deferred revenue, current related to BlackBerry Spark, and $10 million related to IP licensing, partially offset by a $6$5 million increase in deferred revenue, current related to BlackBerry AtHoc.QNX.
Income taxes payable was $20 million, reflecting an increase of $9 million compared to February 28, 2022, which was primarily due to income earned in taxable jurisdictions.
As at February 28, 2021,2023, accounts payable were $20$24 million, reflecting a decreasean increase of $11$2 million from February 29, 2020,28, 2022, which was primarily attributabledue to timing of payments of accounts payable.
Accrued liabilities were $178 million, reflecting a decrease of $24 million compared to February 29, 2020, which was primarily attributable to a $17 million decrease in variable incentive plan costs and a decrease of $6 million in payroll accrual, partially offset by an increase of $8 million in the Company’s deferred share unit liability due to increases in the Company’s stock price.
54



Cash flows for the fiscal year ended February 28, 20212023 compared to the fiscal year ended February 29, 202028, 2022 were as follows:
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
For the Fiscal Years Ended
(in millions)
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020ChangeFebruary 28, 2019Change February 28, 2023February 28, 2022ChangeFebruary 28, 2021Change
Net cash flows provided by (used in):Net cash flows provided by (used in):Net cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activitiesOperating activities$82 $26 $56 $100 $(74)Operating activities$(263)$(28)$(235)$82 $(110)
Investing activitiesInvesting activities(65)(188)123 (375)187 Investing activities176 207 (31)(65)272 
Financing activitiesFinancing activities(227)(234)Financing activities10 (4)(227)237 
Effect of foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash and cash equivalents(1)(3)Effect of foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash and cash equivalents(3)(1)(2)(3)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(208)$(156)$(52)$(273)$117 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsNet increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$(84)$188 $(272)$(208)$396 
Operating Activities
The increase in net cash flows provided byused in operating activities of $56$235 million primarily reflects the net changes in working capital.capital and includes the payment of the $165 million U.S. securities class actions settlement.
Investing Activities
During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, cash flows used inprovided by investing activities were $65$176 million and included cash used inprovided by transactions involving the acquisitions of restricted short-term, short-term and long-term investments, net of the proceeds on sale or maturity in the amount of $21$200 million and proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment of $17 million, partially offset by intangible asset additions of $36$34 million, and acquisitions of property, plant and equipment of $8$7 million. During fiscal 2020,2022, cash flows used inprovided by investing activities were $188$207 million and included cash flows used in transactions involving the acquisitions of short-term and long-term investments, net of the proceeds on sale or maturity in the amount of $145$211 million and a distribution from a non-marketable equity investment without readily determinable fair value in the amount of $35 million, partially offset by intangible asset additions of $32$31 million, and acquisitions of property, plant and equipment of $12 million, partially offset by proceeds received from the decrease in consideration paid for the Cylance acquisition following finalizing the accounting for the acquisition.$8 million.
Financing Activities
The decrease in cash flows used inprovided by financing activities was $234$4 million for fiscal 20212023 due to the redemption of the 3.75% Debentures on September 1, 2020, partially offset by the issuance of the 1.75% Debentures as described above in “Business Overview - Debt Redemption and New Issuance” and an increasea decrease in common shares issued forupon the exercise of stock options exercised and employee share purchase plan.
Aggregate Contractual Obligations
The following table sets out aggregate information about the Company’s contractual obligations and the periods in which payments are due as at February 28, 2021:
 (in millions)
 TotalLess than One
Year
One to
Three Years
Four to Five
Years
Greater than
Five Years
Operating lease obligations$134 $37 $52 $29 $16 
Purchase obligations and commitments159 94 65 — — 
Debt interest and principal payments383 377 — — 
Total$676 $137 $494 $29 $16 
Purchase obligations and commitments amounted to approximately $676 million as at February 28, 2021, including future principal and interest payments of $383 million on the 1.75% Debentures and operating lease obligations of $134 million. The remaining balance consists of purchase orders for goods and services utilized in the operations of the Company. Total aggregate contractual obligations as at February 28, 2021 decreased by approximately $337 million as compared to the February 29, 2020 balance of approximately $1,013 million, which was attributable to the redemption of the 3.75% Debentures on September 1, 2020, partially offset by the issuance of the 1.75% Debentures as described above in “Business Overview - Debt Redemption and New Issuance”, a decrease in purchase obligations and commitments and a decrease in operating lease obligations.
55



options.
Debenture Financing and Other Funding Sources
See Note 76 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Debentures.
The Company has $28$25 million in collateralized outstanding letters of credit in support of certain leasing arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information concerning the Company’s restricted cash and restricted short-term investments.
54




Cash, cash equivalents, and investments were approximately $804$487 million as at February 28, 2021.2023. The Company’s management remains focused on maintaining appropriate cash balances, efficiently managing working capital balances and managing the liquidity needs of the business. BasedThe Company has experienced recent operating losses and the 1.75% Debentures will mature on November 13, 2023 as described in Note 6, but the Company maintains positive working capital, has the ability and intent to access other potential financing arrangements on commercially reasonable terms, and has entered into the patent sale transaction. Taking these factors into account and based on its current financial projections, the Company believes its financial resources, together with expected future operating cash generating and operating expense reduction activities, and access to other potential financing arrangements, should be sufficient to meet funding requirements for current financial commitments and future operating expenditures not yet committed, and should provide the necessary financial capacity for the foreseeable future.
Contractual and Other Obligations
The following table sets out aggregate information about the Company’s contractual and other obligations and the periods in which payments are due as at February 28, 2023:
 (in millions)
 TotalShort-term
(next 12 months)
Long-term
(>12 months)
Operating lease obligations$82 $26 $56 
Purchase obligations and commitments103 103 — 
Debt interest and principal payments371 371 — 
Total$556 $500 $56 
Contractual and other obligations amounted to approximately $556 million as at February 28, 2023, including future principal and interest payments of $371 million on the 1.75% Debentures and operating lease obligations of $82 million. The remaining balance consists of purchase orders for goods and services utilized in the operations of the Company. Total aggregate contractual obligations as at February 28, 2023 decreased by approximately $47 million as compared to the February 28, 2022 balance of approximately $603 million, which was attributable to decreases in purchase obligations and commitments and in operating lease obligations.
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or under applicable Canadian securities laws.
Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
Accounting Policies
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and the adoption of the new standard in accounting for credit losses on financial instruments and goodwill.policies.
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted.policies adopted by the Company in fiscal 2023.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to revenue-related estimates including variable consideration, standalone selling price (“SSP”), estimated customer life, if control of licenses to intellectual property has transferred, the value of non-cash consideration, right of return and customer incentive commitments, fair value of reporting units in relation to actual or potential goodwill impairment, fair value of the Debentures, fair value of share-based liability award,awards, fair value of long-lived assets in relation to actual or potential impairment, the Company’s long-lived asset groupings, estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, provision for(or recovery) of income taxes, realization of deferred income tax assets and the related components of the valuation allowance, allowance for credit losses, incremental borrowing raterates in determining the present value of lease liabilities and the determination of reserves for various litigation claims. Actual results could differ from these estimates, which were based upon circumstances that existed as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, February 28, 2021. Subsequent to this date, it is reasonably possible that the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the health of the global economy could cause changes to estimates as a result of the financial circumstances of the markets in which the Company operates and the price of the Company’s publicly traded equity in comparison to the Company’s carrying value.2023.
The Company’s critical accounting estimates have been reviewed and discussed with the Company’s Audit & Risk Management Committee and are set out below. Except as noted, there have not been any changes to the critical accounting estimates made by the Company, during the past three fiscal years.
55




Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
The LLA impairment test prescribed by U.S. GAAP requires the Company to identify its asset groups and test impairment of each asset group separately. To conduct the LLA impairment test, the asset group is tested for recoverability using undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the primary asset. If forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment charge is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset group to its carrying value. Determining the Company’s asset groups and related primary assets requires significant judgment by management. Different judgments could yield different results.
The Company’s determination of its asset groups, its primary asset and its remaining useful life, and estimated cash flows are significant factors in assessing the recoverability of the Company’s assets for the purposes of LLA impairment testing. The Company’s share price can be affected by, among other things, changes in industry or market conditions, including the effect of competition, changes in the Company’s results of operations, changes in the Company’s forecasts or market expectations relating to future results, and the Company’s strategic initiatives and the market’s assessment of any such factors. See Part 1, Item 1A “Risk Factors - The market price of the Company’s common shares is volatile”. The current macroeconomic environment and competitive dynamics continue to be challenging to the Company’s business and the Company cannot be
56



certain of the duration of these conditions and their potential impact on the Company’s future financial results and cash flows. A decline in the Company’s performance, the Company’s market capitalization and future changes to the Company’s assumptions and estimates used in the LLA impairment test, particularly the expected future cash flows, remaining useful life of the primary asset and terminal value of the asset group, may result in further impairment charges in future periods of some or all of the assets on the Company’s balance sheet. Although it does not affect the Company’s cash flow, an impairment charge to earnings has the effect of decreasing the Company’s earnings or increasing the Company’s losses, as the case may be. The Company’s share price could also be adversely affected by the Company’s recorded LLA impairment charges.
The Company used various valuation techniquesthe discounted cash flow analysis and market approach to determine the fair values of its assets to measure and allocate impairment. Techniques related to capital equipment and intangible assets included the direct capitalization method, market comparable transactions, the replacement cost method, discounted cash flow analysis, as well as the relief from royalty and excess earnings valuation methods. Determining valuations using these valuation techniques requires significant judgment and assumptions by management. Different judgments could yield different results.
Valuation of Goodwill Reporting Units
Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition price in a business combination over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated at the date of the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on December 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired. These events and circumstances may include a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate, a significant decline in the Company’s share price, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant disposal activity and the testing of recoverability for a significant asset group.
On March 1, 2020In the Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on the topic of Intangibles— Goodwill and Other (ASC 350). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, enabling the Company to carry out its goodwillannual impairment test in one step, instead of two steps. In the test, the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, was compared with its fair value. The estimated fair value was determined utilizing multiple approaches based on the nature of the reporting units being valued. In its analysis, the Company utilized multiple valuation techniques, including the income approach using a discounted future cash flow model, the market-based approach,approaches, and the asset value approach. The analysis requires significant judgment, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rates of revenue growth for the Company’s reporting units, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, terminal growth rates, profitability measures, and determination of the discount rates for the reporting units. The carrying value of the Company’s assets was assigned to reporting units using reasonable methodologies based on the asset type. When the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to be impaired and written down to its fair value. Different judgments could yield different results. Events and circumstances resulted in an additional goodwill impairment test being conducted as at May 31, 2020, in addition to the Company’s annual impairment test.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04, the Company’s annual impairment test was carried out in two steps. In the first step, the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, was compared with its fair value. The estimated fair value was determined utilizing multiple approaches based on the nature of the reporting units being valued. In its analysis, the Company utilized multiple valuation techniques, including the income approach, discounted future cash flows, the market-based approach, and the asset value approach. The analysis requires significant judgment, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of revenue growth for our reporting units, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, terminal growth rate, profitability measures, and determination of the discount rates for the reporting units. The carrying value of the Company’s assets was assigned to reporting units using reasonable methodologies based on the asset type. When the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeded its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit was considered to be impaired and the second step was necessary. Different judgments could have yielded different results. In fiscal 2020, the Company disaggregated one reporting unit and goodwill was assigned to the disaggregated reporting units based upon the relative fair value allocation approach.
In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill was compared with its carrying value to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step involved significant judgment in the selection of assumptions necessary to arrive at an implied fair value of goodwill. Different judgments could have yielded different results.
Valuation Allowance Against Deferred Tax Assets
The Company regularly assesses the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, that may affect the realization of deferred tax assets must be identified and considered in determining the appropriate amount of the valuation allowance. Additionally, for interim periods, the estimated annual effective tax rate should include the valuation allowance for current year changes in temporary differences and losses or income arising during the year. For interim periods, the Company needs to consider the valuation allowance that it expects to recognize at the end of the fiscal year as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate. During interim quarters, the Company uses estimates
57



including pre-tax results and ending position of temporary differences as at the end of the fiscal year to estimate the valuation allowance that it expects to recognize at the end of the fiscal year. This accounting treatment has no effect on the Company’s actual ability to utilize deferred tax assets to reduce future cash tax payments. Different judgments could yield different results. See “Results of Operations - Fiscal year ended February 28, 20212023 compared to fiscal year ended February 29, 202028, 2022 - Income Taxes” and “Results of Operations - Three months ended February 28, 20212023 compared to three months ended February 29, 202028, 2022 - Income Taxes”.
56




Revenue Recognition
The Company’s contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment.
Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue recognized under the contract will not occur. Any estimates, including any constraints on variable consideration, are evaluated at each reporting period. Judgment is required to determine the fair value of non-cash consideration at contract inception. The Company uses an independent third-party valuator for the fair value of non-cash consideration.
Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. The Company’s products and services often have observable SSP when the Company sells a promised product or service separately to similar customers. A contractually stated price or list price for a good or service may be the SSP of that good or service. However, in instances where SSP is not directly observable, the Company determines the SSP by maximizing observable inputs and using an adjusted market assessment approach using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs from the Company’s pricing team, including historical SSP.
Judgment is required to determine in certain agreements if the Company is the principal or agent in the arrangement. The Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, which party can direct the usage of the product or service, which party obtains substantially all the remaining benefits and which party has the ability to establish the selling price.
Significant judgment is required to determine the estimated customer life used in perpetual license contracts that require access to the Company’s proprietary secure network infrastructure to function. The Company uses historical experience regarding the length of the technology upgrade cycle and the expected life of the product to draw this conclusion.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is engaged in operating and financing activities that generate risk in three primary areas:
Foreign Exchange
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than its functional currency, the U.S. dollar. The majority of the Company’s revenue in fiscal 20212023 was transacted in U.S. dollars. Portions of the revenue were denominated in Canadian dollars, euros and British pounds. Expenses, consisting mainly of salaries and certain other operating costs, were incurred primarily in Canadian dollars, but were also incurred in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds. At February 28, 2021,2023, approximately 20%19% of cash and cash equivalents, 25%24% of accounts receivables and 34%36% of accounts payable were denominated in foreign currencies (February 29, 202028, 202212%37%, 17%23% and 17%30%, respectively). These foreign currencies primarily include the Canadian dollar, euro and British pound. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company maintains net monetary asset and/or liability balances in foreign currencies and engages in foreign currency hedging activities using derivative financial instruments, including currency forward contracts and currency options. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. If overall foreign currency exchanges rates to the U.S. dollar uniformly weakened or strengthened by 10% related to the Company’s net monetary asset or liability balances in foreign currencies at February 28, 2021 and2023 or February 29, 202028, 2022 (after hedging activities), the impact to the Company would be immaterial.
The Company regularly reviews its currency forward and option positions, both on a stand-alone basis and in conjunction with its underlying foreign currency exposures. Given the effective horizons of the Company’s risk management activities and the anticipatory nature of the exposures, there can be no assurance these positions will offset more than a portion of the financial impact resulting from movements in currency exchange rates. Further, the recognition of the gains and losses related to these instruments may not coincide with the timing of gains and losses related to the underlying economic exposures and, therefore, may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and operating results.
58



Interest Rate
Cash and cash equivalents and investments are invested in certain instruments of varying maturities. Consequently, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of holding investments of varying maturities. The fair value of investments, as well as the investment income derived from the investment portfolio, will fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates. The Company has also issued the1.75% Debentures with a fixed interest rate as described in Note 76 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the 1.75% Debentures will fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates. Consequently, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of the 1.75% Debentures. The Company does not currently utilize interest rate derivative instruments to hedge its investment portfolio or changes in the market value of the 1.75% Debentures.
Credit and Customer Concentration
The Company, in the normal course of business, monitors the financial condition of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer. The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) that corresponds to the specific credit risk of its customers, historical trends and economic circumstances. The ACL as at February 28, 20212023 was $10$1 million (February 29, 2020
57




28, 2022 - $9$4 million). There was one customerwere two customers that comprised more than 10% of accounts receivable as at February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 - two customersno customer that comprised more than 10%). During fiscal 2021,As at February 28, 2023, the percentage of the Company’s receivable balance that was past due increaseddecreased by 1.6%7.9% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.February 28, 2022. Although the Company actively monitors and attempts to collect on its receivables as they become due, the risk of further delays or challenges in obtaining timely payments of receivables from itsresellers and other distributor partners (such as resellers and network carriers) exists. The occurrence of such delays or challenges in obtaining timely payments could negatively impact the Company’s liquidity and financial condition.
The Company’s sales to Teletry represented approximately 3% of the Company’s revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 (fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 - 18%) and 22% There was one customer that comprised 12% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal 20212023 (fiscal 20202022 - 13%one customer that comprised 11%). No other individual customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 or in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020. One other individual customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Teletry under which Teletry may sublicense a broad range of the Company’s patents to global smartphone manufacturers. The Company also continues to operate its own licensing program outside of Teletry’s sublicensing rights.
Market values are determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. The Company assesses declines in the value of individual investments for impairment to determine whether the decline is other-than-temporary.impairment. The Company makes this assessment by considering available evidence including changes in general market conditions, specific industry and individual company data, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition, the near-term prospects of the individual investment and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the debt securities to maturity. During fiscal 2021, the Company recorded nil in impairment charges related to private equity investments without readily determinable fair value (fiscal 2020 - $3 million and fiscal 2019 - nil).
See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s credit risk as it pertains to its foreign exchange derivative counterparties.
5958




ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page No.
ReportsReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmsFirm(PCAOB ID 271)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
For the Years Ended February 28, 20212023 and February 29, 202028, 2022
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Years Ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

6059





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of BlackBerry Limited
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of BlackBerry Limited and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of February 28, 20212023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the year thenthree years in the period ended February 28, 2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 28, 20212023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the year thenthree years in the period ended February 28, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework(2013) issued by the COSO.
Change in Accounting Principles
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for the allowance for credit losses as of March 1, 2020 and the manner in which it accounts for leases as of March 1, 2019.
Basis for Opinions
The Company'sCompany’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management'sManagement’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.Reporting, appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our auditaudits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our auditaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our auditaudits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable
61


assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
60


assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit mattersmatter communicated below are mattersis a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that werewas communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relaterelates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit mattersmatter below, providing a separate opinionsopinion on the critical audit mattersmatter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.it relates.
Impairment Tests of Goodwill impairment testfor the BlackBerry Spark Reporting Unit and of the Long-Lived Assets for the Unified Endpoint Security (UES) Asset Group
As described in Notes 1, 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance was $849and intangible assets balances were $595 million and $203 million respectively, as of February 28, 2021.2023. A portion of the goodwill and intangible asset balances relates to the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit and UES asset group, respectively. The long-lived assets (LLA) of the UES asset group are primarily composed of intangible assets. Management conducts a goodwill impairment test as ofannually on December 31, of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assetgoodwill may be impaired. TheIn the impairment test, is performed in one step by comparingmanagement compares the faircarrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to its carrying value, including goodwill.fair value. When the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to be impaired and written down to its fair value. As disclosed by management, duringManagement reviews LLA for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the year ended February 28, 2021, as a result of the deterioration in economic conditions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s reporting units, and the decline of the tradingcarrying value of the Company’s capital stock belowasset or asset group may not be recoverable. Management identified indicators of potential impairment in the Company’s consolidated carrying value,UES asset group, which required management determinedto perform an impairment test that it was more likely than not thatincluded determining the fair value of at least one of its reporting units was lower than itsthe UES asset group. If the carrying amount after including goodwill. As a result, management completed an analysisvalue of the asset group’s net assets exceeds its fair valuesvalue, then the excess represents the maximum amount of its reporting unitspotential impairment that will be allocated to compare against their respective carrying values as of May 31, 2020. Based on the results of the goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded total goodwill impairment charges of $594 millionLLA in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, relating to the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit. No additional goodwill impairment was identified during the Company’s annual impairment test as of the annual test date of December 31, 2020. The estimated fair values of reporting units were determined utilizingasset group. Management utilized multiple valuation techniques, which included the income approach using a discounted future cash flow model among others in determining the market-based approach, andfair value of a reporting unit or an asset group. Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit or an asset value approach. As disclosed by management, the analysisgroup using discounted future cash flow models requires significant judgment in estimatingby management, including estimation of future cash flows, especially in lightwhich is dependent on estimation of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its short-term and potential long-term impacts to the Company’s business and assumptions, including the long-term rates of revenue growth, for the reporting units, terminal growth rates, profitability measures and determination of the discount rates forrates. Based on the results of the impairment tests related to goodwill and LLA, management concluded that the carrying values of the BlackBerry Spark reporting units.unit and UES asset group exceeded their respective fair values. Management recorded impairment charges of $245 million and $231 million relating to the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit and UES asset group, respectively.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment tests of goodwill impairment testfor the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit and of the long-lived assets for UES asset group is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when determining the fair values of the BlackBerry Spark reporting units, including the short-termunit and potential long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Company’s business;UES asset group using discounted future cash flow models; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to estimated future cash flows including long-term rates of revenue growth, terminal growth rates, profitability measures and the discount rates; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill and LLA impairment test,tests for the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit and UES asset group, including controls over the determination of the respective fair values of the Company’s reporting units.values. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for determining the fair values of the Company’sBlackBerry Spark reporting units;unit and UES asset group; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted future cash flow models; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the discounted future cash flow models; (iii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted future cash flow models;
6261



discounted future cash flow models; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to the estimated future cash flows, long-term rates of revenue growth, terminal growth rates, profitability measures and the discount rates. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to the estimated future cash flows including long-term rates of revenue growth and profitability measures involved evaluatingassessing whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering consistency with (i) the current and past performance of eachthe BlackBerry Spark reporting unit and UES asset group; (ii) external market and industry data; and (iii) with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the (i) appropriateness of the Company’s discounted future cash flow models and (ii) reasonableness of the discount rates and terminal growth rates.
Revenue recognition – Intellectual property licensing
As discussed in Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements, $272 million of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended February 28, 2021 was generated from Licensing and Other, which includes revenue from intellectual property licensing arrangements. Management examines intellectual property agreements on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they contain distinct performance obligations with standalone functionality and whether the Company is the principal or agent in the transaction. As disclosed by management, significant judgment is applied in assessing contractual terms which could impact the timing and amount of revenue recognition.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the Revenue recognition – Intellectual property licensing is a critical audit matter are (i) significant judgment by management in assessing contractual terms which could impact the timing and amount of revenue recognition; and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating evidence relating to the timing and amount of revenue recognition.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the revenue recognition process, including controls related to the assessment of contractual terms in the intellectual property agreements which impact on the timing and amount of revenue recognition. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing the completeness and accuracy of management’s identification of contractual terms by examining intellectual property agreements on a test basis, and (ii) testing management's process for determining the appropriate amount and timing of revenue recognition based on the contractual terms identified in the intellectual property agreements on a test basis.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Canada
March 31, 20212023
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
63



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of BlackBerry Limited:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BlackBerry Limited (the Company) as of February 29, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at February 29, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2020, in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We served as the Company’s auditor from 1997 to 2020.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants

Waterloo, Canada
April 6, 2020
6462



BlackBerry Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in millions)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 As at
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020
Assets
Current
Cash and cash equivalents (note 3)$214 $377 
Short-term investments (note 3)525 532 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $10 and $9, respectively (note 2 and note 4)182 215 
Other receivables25 14 
Income taxes receivable10 
Other current assets (note 4)50 52 
1,006 1,196 
Restricted cash equivalents and restricted short-term investments (note 3)28 49 
Long-term investments (note 3)37 32 
Other long-term assets (note 4)16 65 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net (note 12)63 124 
Property, plant and equipment, net (note 4)48 70 
Goodwill (note 4)849 1,437 
Intangible assets, net (note 4)771 915 
$2,818 $3,888 
Liabilities
Current
Accounts payable$20 $31 
Accrued liabilities (note 4)178 202 
Income taxes payable (note 6)18 
Debentures (note 7)606 
Deferred revenue, current (note 13)225 264 
429 1,121 
Deferred revenue, non-current (note 13)69 109 
Operating lease liabilities (note 12)90 120 
Other long-term liabilities (note 4)
Long-term debentures (note 7)720 
1,314 1,359 
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Shareholders’ equity
Capital stock and additional paid-in capital
Preferred shares: authorized unlimited number of non-voting, cumulative, redeemable and retractable
Common shares: authorized unlimited number of non-voting, redeemable, retractable Class A common shares and unlimited number of voting common shares
Issued - 565,505,328 voting common shares (February 29, 2020 - 554,199,016 )2,823 2,760 
Deficit(1,306)(198)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 10)(13)(33)
1,504 2,529 
$2,818 $3,888 
 As at
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Assets
Current
Cash and cash equivalents (note 3)$295 $378 
Short-term investments (note 3)131 334 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1 and $4, respectively (note 4 and note 12)120 138 
Other receivables (note 4)12 25 
Income taxes receivable
Other current assets (note 4)182 159 
743 1,043 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (note 3)27 28 
Long-term investments (note 3)34 30 
Other long-term assets (note 4)
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net (note 11)44 50 
Property, plant and equipment, net (note 4)25 41 
Goodwill (note 3 and note 4)595 844 
Intangible assets, net (note 3 and note 4)203 522 
$1,679 $2,567 
Liabilities
Current
Accounts payable$24 $22 
Accrued liabilities (note 4)143 157 
Income taxes payable (note 5)20 11 
Debentures (note 6)367 — 
Deferred revenue, current (note 12)175 207 
729 397 
Deferred revenue, non-current (note 12)40 37 
Operating lease liabilities (note 11)52 66 
Other long-term liabilities
Long-term debentures (note 6)— 507 
822 1,011 
Commitments and contingencies (note 10)
Shareholders’ equity
Capital stock and additional paid-in capital
Preferred shares: authorized unlimited number of non-voting, cumulative, redeemable and retractable— — 
Common shares: authorized unlimited number of non-voting, redeemable, retractable Class A common shares and unlimited number of voting common shares
Issued and outstanding - 582,157,203 voting common shares (February 28, 2022 - 576,227,898)2,909 2,869 
Deficit(2,028)(1,294)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 9)(24)(19)
857 1,556 
$1,679 $2,567 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
On behalf of the Board: 
John S. ChenBarbara StymiestLisa Disbrow
DirectorDirector

6563


BlackBerry Limited
(United States dollars, in millions)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Capital Stock
and Additional
Paid-in Capital
DeficitAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Balance as at February 29, 2020$2,760 $(198)$(33)$2,529 
Net loss— (1,104)— (1,104)
Other comprehensive income— — 20 20 
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASC 326— (4)— (4)
Stock-based compensation (note 7)44 — — 44 
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options (note 7)12 — — 12 
Employee share purchase plan (note 7)— — 
Balance as at February 28, 20212,823 (1,306)(13)1,504 
Net income— 12 — 12 
Other comprehensive loss— — (6)(6)
Stock-based compensation (note 7)36 — — 36 
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options (note 7)— — 
Employee share purchase plan (note 7)— — 
Balance as at February 28, 20222,869 (1,294)(19)1,556 
Net loss— (734)— (734)
Other comprehensive loss— — (5)(5)
Stock-based compensation (note 7)34 — — 34 
Shares issued:
Employee share purchase plan (note 7)— — 
Balance as at February 28, 2023$2,909 $(2,028)$(24)$857 
Capital Stock
and Additional
Paid-in Capital
DeficitAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Balance as at February 28, 2018$2,560 $(45)$(10)$2,505 
Net income— 93 — 93 
Other comprehensive loss— — (4)(4)
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASC 606— (86)— (86)
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASU 2016-01(6)
Stock-based compensation (note 8)67 — — 67 
Value of pre-combination service related to Replacement Awards included in purchase consideration (note 8)21 — — 21 
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options (note 8)— — 
Exchange shares related to Cylance acquisition35 — — 35 
Employee share purchase plan (note 8)— — 
Balance as at February 28, 20192,688 (32)(20)2,636 
Net loss— (152)— (152)
Other comprehensive loss— — (13)(13)
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASC 842— (14)— (14)
Stock-based compensation (note 8)63 — — 63 
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options (note 8)— — 
Employee share purchase plan (note 8)— — 
Balance as at February 29, 20202,760 (198)(33)2,529 
Net loss— (1,104)— (1,104)
Other comprehensive income— — 20 20 
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASC 326(4)(4)
Stock-based compensation (note 8)44 — — 44 
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options (note 8)12 — — 12 
Employee share purchase plan (note 8)— — 
Balance as at February 28, 2021$2,823 $(1,306)$(13)$1,504 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

64


BlackBerry Limited
(United States dollars, in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Revenue (note 12)$656 $718 $893 
Cost of sales237 251 250 
Gross margin419 467 643 
Operating expenses
Research and development207 219 215 
Selling, marketing and administration340 297 344 
Amortization96 165 182 
Impairment of goodwill (note 3)245 — 594 
Impairment of long-lived assets (note 3)235 — 43 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, net (note 4)(6)— — 
Debentures fair value adjustment (note 6)(138)(212)372 
Litigation settlement (note 10)165 — — 
1,144 469 1,750 
Operating loss(725)(2)(1,107)
Investment income (loss), net (note 4 and note 6)21 (6)
Income (loss) before income taxes(720)19 (1,113)
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (note 5)14 (9)
Net income (loss)$(734)$12 $(1,104)
Earnings (loss) per share (note 8)
Basic$(1.27)$0.02 $(1.97)
Diluted$(1.35)$(0.31)$(1.97)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

65


BlackBerry Limited
(United States dollars, in millions)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Net income (loss)$(734)$12 $(1,104)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net change in fair value and amounts reclassified to net income (loss) from derivatives designated as cash flow hedges during the year (note 9)(1)(1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(6)(6)
Net change in fair value from instrument-specific credit risk on the Debentures during the year (note 6)13 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(5)(6)20 
Comprehensive income (loss)$(739)$$(1,084)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

66


BlackBerry Limited
(United States dollars, in millions, except per share data)millions)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Revenue (note 13)$893 $1,040 $904 
Cost of sales250 277 206 
Gross margin643 763 698 
Operating expenses
Research and development215 259 219 
Selling, marketing and administration344 493 409 
Amortization182 194 136 
Impairment of goodwill (note 3)594 22 
Impairment of long-lived assets (note 3)43 10 
Debentures fair value adjustment (note 7)372 (66)(117)
Settlements, net (note 11)(9)
1,750 912 638 
Operating income (loss)(1,107)(149)60 
Investment income (loss), net(6)17 
Income (loss) before income taxes(1,113)(148)77 
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (note 6)(9)(16)
Net income (loss)$(1,104)$(152)$93 
Earnings (loss) per share (note 9)
Basic$(1.97)$(0.27)$0.17 
Diluted$(1.97)$(0.32)$0.00 
Cash Flows
 For the Years Ended
  February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)$(734)$12 $(1,104)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Amortization105 176 198 
Stock-based compensation34 36 44 
Gain on sale of investment (note 3)— (22)— 
Impairment of goodwill (note 3)245 — 594 
Impairment of long-lived assets (note 3)235 — 43 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, net (note 4)(6)— — 
Debentures fair value adjustment (note 6)(138)(212)372 
Operating leases(16)(16)(4)
Other(3)(5)
Net changes in working capital items
Accounts receivable, net of allowance18 44 29 
Other receivables13 — (11)
Income taxes receivable(4)
Other assets(1)15 55 
Accounts payable(11)
Accrued liabilities(11)(16)(20)
Income taxes payable(15)
Deferred revenue(29)(50)(79)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(263)(28)82 
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of long-term investments(3)(1)(5)
Proceeds on sale, maturity or distribution from long-term investments— 35 — 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment(7)(8)(8)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment (note 4)17 — — 
Acquisition of intangible assets(34)(31)(36)
Acquisition of short-term investments(514)(916)(1,039)
Acquisition of restricted short-term investments— — (24)
Proceeds on sale or maturity of restricted short-term investments— 24 — 
Proceeds on sale or maturity of short-term investments717 1,104 1,047 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities176 207 (65)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common shares10 19 
Payment of finance lease liability— — (1)
Repurchase of 3.75% Debentures— — (610)
Issuance of 1.75% Debentures— — 365 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities10 (227)
Effect of foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents(3)(1)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents during the period(84)188 (208)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period406 218 426 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of period$322 $406 $218 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

67


BlackBerry Limited
(United States dollars, in millions)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Net income (loss)$(1,104)$(152)$93 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments (note 10)(2)
Net change in fair value and amounts reclassified to net loss from derivatives designated as cash flow hedges during the year (note 10)(1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(3)(6)
Net change in fair value from instrument-specific credit risk on the Debentures during the year (note 7)13 (7)
Other comprehensive income (loss)20 (13)(4)
Comprehensive income (loss)$(1,084)$(165)$89 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

68


BlackBerry Limited
(United States dollars, in millions)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 For the Years Ended
  February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)$(1,104)$(152)$93 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization198 212 149 
Deferred income taxes(3)(25)
Stock-based compensation44 63 67 
Impairment of goodwill594 22 
Impairment of long-lived assets43 10 
Non-cash consideration received from contracts with customers(8)(46)
Debentures fair value adjustment (note 7)372 (66)(117)
Other long-term liabilities(3)(12)
Operating leases(4)(9)
Other10 
Net changes in working capital items
Accounts receivable, net of allowance29 18 (9)
Other receivables(11)52 
Income taxes receivable(4)17 
Other assets55 (35)(1)
Accounts payable(11)(17)(15)
Accrued liabilities(20)(15)(21)
Income taxes payable(15)(2)
Deferred revenue(79)(18)(36)
Net cash provided by operating activities82 26 100 
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of long-term investments(5)(1)(2)
Proceeds on sale or maturity of long-term investments19 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment(8)(12)(17)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets(36)(32)(32)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired(1,402)
Acquisition of restricted short-term investments(24)
Acquisition of short-term investments(1,039)(1,180)(2,895)
Proceeds on sale or maturity of short-term investments1,047 1,017 3,970 
Net cash used in investing activities(65)(188)(375)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common shares19 
Payment of finance lease liability(1)(2)
Repurchase of 3.75% Debentures(610)
Issuance of 1.75% Debentures365 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(227)
Effect of foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents(1)(3)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents during the period(208)(156)(273)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period426 582 855 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of period$218 $426 $582 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
69

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



1.    BLACKBERRY LIMITED AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
BlackBerry Limited (the “Company”) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The Company secures more than 500 million endpoints including more than 175215 million cars on the road today.vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the Company leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption and embedded systems. The Company’s common shares trade under the ticker symbol “BB” on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Basis of Presentation and Preparation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries of the Company with intercompany transactions and balances eliminated on consolidation. All of the Company’s subsidiaries are wholly owned. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) on a basis consistent for all periods presented, except as described in Note 2.
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
The Company operatesis organized and managed as a singlethree reportable operating segment. For additional information concerning the Company’s segment reporting, seesegments: Cybersecurity, IoT (collectively, “Software & Services”), and Licensing and Other, as further discussed in Note 13.12.
Risks and Uncertainties
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) as a global pandemicfiscal 2023, assumptions and extraordinary actions have been taken by international, federal, state, provincial and local governmental authorities to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19 in regions throughout the world. The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures, including orders to shelter-in-place, travel restrictions and mandated business closures, have adversely affected workforces, organizations, consumers and economies leading to an economic downturn and increased market volatility.
In fiscal 2021,estimates about future cash flows, the economic downturnweakness and uncertainty caused byinflation resulting directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures undertakeninvasion of Ukraine, as well as higher interest rates implemented in response to contain its spread negatively affected the Company’s QNX automotive software businessinflation and caused volatility in demand for the Company’s products and services, adversely affected the abilityresulting fears of the Company’s sales and professional services teams to work with customers, impacted spending from new customers and increased sales cycle times. The uncertainty alsorecession, resulted in the Company making significant judgments related to its estimates and assumptions concerning the impairment of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, certain operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and associated property, plant and equipment, and concerning the collectability of receivables.
As of the date of issuance of the financial statements, the Company is not aware of any additional events or circumstances which would require it to update its estimates, judgments, or revise the carrying value of its assets or liabilities, other than the COVID-19 pandemic as discussed above and below in Note 3.liabilities. These estimates may change, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as soon as they become known. Actual results could differ from these estimates and any such differences may be material to the Company’s financial statements.
Although the Company experienced higher Software & Services revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic first materially negatively impacted the Company’s operations, and observed a partial recovery in global automotive production volumes by the end of the fiscal year, the COVID-19 pandemic and related global chip shortage have had and, in fiscal 2022, may continue to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s QNX automotive software business in particular and on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition on a consolidated basis. The Company continues to evaluate the current and potential impact of the pandemic on its business, results of operations and consolidated financial statements, including the potential impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company does not expect the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic impact to materially adversely affect its liquidity position.
The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operational and financial performance will depend on, among other things, the pandemic’s duration and severity, the governmental restrictions that may be sustained or imposed in response to the pandemic, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the pandemic (including the availability and distribution of vaccines), the impact of the global chip shortage and global economic conditions. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business may not be fully reflected until future periods.

70

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated




Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to revenue-related estimates including variable consideration, standalone selling price (“SSP”), estimated customer life, if control of licenses to intellectual property has transferred, the value of non-cash consideration, right of return and customer incentive commitments, fair value of reporting units in relation to actual or potential goodwill impairment, fair value of the Debentures (as defined in Note 7)6), fair value of share-based liability award,awards, fair value of long-lived assets in relation to actual or potential impairment, the Company’s long-lived asset groupings, estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, provision for(or recovery) of income taxes, realization of deferred income tax assets and the related components of the valuation allowance, allowance for credit losses, incremental borrowing raterates in determining the present value of lease liabilities and the determination of reserves for various litigation claims. Actual results could differ from these estimates, which were based upon circumstances that existed as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, February 28, 2021. Subsequent to this date, it is reasonably possible that the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the health of the global economy could cause changes to estimates as a result of the financial circumstances of the markets in which the Company operates and the price of the Company’s publicly traded equity in comparison to the Company’s carrying value.2023.
The significant accounting policies used in these U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Foreign currency translation
The U.S. dollar is the functional and reporting currency of the Company and substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries.
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of the Company and its U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars. Accordingly, monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rates in effect as at the consolidated balance sheet dates, and revenue and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occurred. Remeasurement adjustments are included in income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates.
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of the Company’s non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect as at the consolidated balance sheet dates. Revenue and expenses are translated using daily exchange rates. Exchange gains or losses arising from translation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are included as a currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”).
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of balances with banks and liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
7168

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



prevailing when the transactions occurred. Remeasurement adjustments are included in income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates.
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of the Company’s non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiary is translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect as at the consolidated balance sheet dates. Revenue and expenses are translated using daily exchange rates. Exchange gains or losses arising from the translation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are included as a currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”).
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of balances with banks and liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
Accounting Standards Codification 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASC 326”)
On March 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method. See Note 2. The accounts receivable balance reflects invoiced and accrued revenue and is presented net of an allowance for credit losses. The Company expects the majority of its accounts receivable balances to continue to come from large customers as it sells the majority of its software products and services through resellers and other distribution partners, rather than directly.directly to end users. The Company establishes current expected credit losses (“CECL”) for pools of assets with similar risk characteristics by evaluating historical levels of credit losses, current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay, and creditworthiness of significant customers. When specific customers are identified as no longer sharing the same risk profile as their current pool, they are removed from the pool and evaluated separately. The Company, in the normal course of business, monitors the financial condition of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer. When the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company (such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or material deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, and payment experiences), the Company records a specific credit loss provision to reduce the customer’s related accounts receivable to its estimated net realizable value. If circumstances related to specific customers change, the Company’s estimates of the recoverability of accounts receivable balances could be further adjusted
For periods prior to the adoption of ASC 326, the accounts receivable balance reflects invoiced and accrued revenue and is presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects estimates of probable losses in the accounts receivable balance. The Company expected the majority of its accounts receivable balances to continue to come from large customers as it has sold and continues to sell, the majority of its software products and services through resellers and other distribution partners, rather than directly. The Company evaluated the collectability of its accounts receivable balance based upon a combination of factors on a periodic basis such as specific credit risk of its customers, historical trends and economic circumstances. The Company, in the normal course of business, monitored the financial condition of its customers and reviewed the credit history of each new customer. When the Company became aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company (such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or material deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, and payment experiences), the Company recorded a specific bad debt provision to reduce the customer’s related accounts receivable to its estimated net realizable value. If circumstances related to specific customers changed, the Company’s estimates of the recoverability of accounts receivable balances may have been further adjusted.
Investments
The Company’s cash equivalents and investments, other than publicly issued equity securities and privatenon-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value, consist of money market and other debt securities, which are classified as available-for-sale for accounting purposes and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income taxes, are recorded in AOCL until such investments mature or are sold. The Company uses the specific identification method of determining the cost basis in computing realized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments, which are recorded in investment income. The Company does not exercise significant influence with respect to any of these investments. Publicly issued equity securities are recorded at fair value and revalued at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded through investment income. The Company elects to record privatenon-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, and adjusted for any changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company reassesses each reporting period that its privatenon-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value continue to qualify for this treatment.
Investments with maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. Investments with maturities of one year or less (but which are not cash equivalents), public equity investments and any investments that the Company intends to hold for less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities in excess of one year, ornon-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value and investments that the Company does not intend to sell are classified as long-term investments.
7269

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Allowance for Credit Losses on Available-for-sale Debt Securities
On March 1, 2020, the Company adopted “Accounting Standards Codification 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses” (“ASC 326326”) on a modified retrospective basis. See Note 2. Under ASC 326, atAt each reporting period, the Company evaluates its available-for-sale debt securities at the individual security level to determine whether there is a decline in the fair value below its amortized cost basis (an impairment). In circumstances where the Company intends to sell, or is more likely than not required to sell, the security before it recovers its amortized cost basis, the difference between fair value and amortized cost is recognized as a loss in the consolidated statement of operations, with a corresponding write-down of the security’s amortized cost. In circumstances where neither condition exists, the Company then evaluates whether a decline is due to credit-related factors. The factors considered in determining whether a credit loss exists can include the extent to which fair value is less than the amortized cost basis, changes in the credit quality of the underlying issuer, credit ratings actions, as well as other factors. To determine the portion of a decline in fair value that is credit-related, the Company compares the present value of the expected cash flows of the security discounted at the security’s effective interest rate to the amortized cost basis of the security. A credit-related impairment is limited to the difference between fair value and amortized cost, and recognized as an allowance for credit loss on the consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to net income. Any remaining decline in fair value that is non-credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Improvements in expected cash flows due to improvements in credit are recognized through reversal of the credit loss and corresponding reduction in the allowance for credit loss.
Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, the Company assessed individual investments that were in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the unrealized loss was other-than-temporary. The Company made this assessment by considering available evidence, including changes in general market conditions, specific industry and individual company data, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value had been less than cost, the financial condition, the near-term prospects of the individual investment and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment. In the event that a decline in the fair value of an investment occurred and that decline in value was considered to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge was recorded in investment income equal to the difference between the cost basis and the fair value of the individual investment as at the consolidated balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment was made. The fair value of the investment then became the new cost basis of the investment.
If a debt security’s market value was below its amortized cost and either the Company intended to sell the security or it was more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge to investment income for the entire amount of the impairment. For other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities that the Company did not intend to sell and it was not more likely than not that the entity would be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the Company separated the other-than-temporary impairment into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The Company recorded the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss as a charge to investment income, and the remaining other-than-temporary impairment was recorded as a component of AOCL.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, including forward contracts and options, to hedge certain foreign currency exposures. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
The Company records all derivative instruments at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these instruments is calculated based on notional and exercise values, transaction rates, market quoted currency spot rates, forward points, volatilities and interest rate yield curves. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative instrument and the resulting designation.
For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCL, net of tax, and subsequently reclassified into income in the same period or periods in which the hedged item affects income. In order for the Company to receive hedge accounting treatment, the cash flow hedge must be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item and the relationship between the hedging instrument and the associated hedged item must be formally documented at the inception of the hedge relationship. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, to determine whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items and whether they are expected to continue to be highly effective in future periods.
The Company formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and associated hedged items. This documentation includes: identification of the specific foreign currency asset, liability or forecasted transaction being hedged; the nature of the risk being hedged; the hedge objective; and the method of assessing hedge effectiveness. If an
73

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



anticipated transaction is deemed no longer likely to occur, the corresponding derivative instrument is de-designated as a hedge and any associated unrealized gains and losses in AOCL are recognized in income at that time. Any future changes in the fair value of the instrument are recognized in current income.
For any derivative instruments that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting, or for any derivative instruments for which hedge accounting is not elected, the changes in fair value of the instruments are recognized in income in the current period and will generally offset the impact to income as a result of changes in the U.S. dollar value of the associated asset, liability or forecasted transaction.
70

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization.amortization and impairment. Amortization is provided using the following rates and methods:
Buildings, leaseholdLeasehold improvements and other  Straight-line over terms between 5 and 15 years
BlackBerry operations and other information technology  Straight-line over terms between 3 and 5 years
Manufacturing, repair and research and development equipment  Straight-line over terms between 1 and 5 years
Furniture and fixtures  Declining balance at 20%30% per annum
For amortization on ROU assets, see the Company’s accounting policy on leases below and Note 1211 for the remaining lease terms of leases.
Leases
On March 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new standard on leases, Accounting Standards Codification 842 (“ASC 842”). Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit discount rate, the Company primarily uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at the commencement date of the lease, in determining the present value of future payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate requires significant judgment and is determined based on the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term in a similar economic environment. The operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made, lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In some cases, the Company has index-based variable lease payments for which an estimated rate is applied to the initial lease payment to determine future lease payment amounts.
The Company has building, car and data center lease agreements with lease and non-lease components that are accounted for separately. For lease terms of 12 months or less on the commencement date, the Company does not apply the ASCAccounting Standards Codification 842 recognition requirements and recognizes the lease payments as lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, the Company classified leases as either capital or operating leases. Capital leases were capitalized on the consolidated balance sheet and reported on the consolidated statement of operations. Operating leases were considered off-balance sheet transactions and expensed as incurred.
See Note 1211 for additional information related to the Company’s leases.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition price in a business combination over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated at the date of the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on December 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired. These events and circumstances may include a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate, a significant decline in the Company’s share price, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant disposal activity and the testing of recoverability for a significant asset group.
On March 1, 2020In the Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on the topic of Intangibles— Goodwill and Other (ASC 350). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, enabling the Company to carry out its goodwill
74

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



annual impairment test in one step, instead of two steps. In the test, the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, was compared with its fair value. The estimated fair value was determined utilizing multiple approaches based on the nature of the reporting units being valued. In its analysis, the Company utilized multiple valuation techniques, including the income approach using a discounted future cash flow model, the market-based approach,approaches, and the asset value approach. The analysis requires significant judgment, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rates of revenue growth for the Company’s reporting units, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, terminal growth rates, profitability measures, and determination of the discount rates for the reporting units. The carrying value of the Company’s assets was assigned to reporting units using reasonable methodologies based on the
71

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



asset type. When the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to be impaired and written down to its fair value. Different judgments could yield different results. Events and circumstances resulted in an additional goodwill impairment test being conducted as at May 31, 2020, in addition to the Company’s annual impairment test; see Note 3.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04, the Company’s annual impairment test was carried out in two steps. In the first step, the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, was compared with its fair value. The estimated fair value was determined utilizing multiple approaches based on the nature of the reporting units being valued. In its analysis, the Company utilized multiple valuation techniques, including the income approach, discounted future cash flows, the market-based approach, and the asset value approach. The analysis requires significant judgment, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of revenue growth for our reporting units, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, terminal growth rate, profitability measures, and determination of the discount rates for the reporting units. The carrying value of the Company’s assets was assigned to reporting units using reasonable methodologies based on the asset type. When the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeded its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit was considered to be impaired and the second step was necessary. Different judgments could have yielded different results. In fiscal 2020, the Company disaggregated one reporting unit and goodwill was assigned to the disaggregated reporting units based upon the relative fair value allocation approach.
In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill was compared with its carrying value to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step involved significant judgment in the selection of assumptions necessary to arrive at an implied fair value of goodwill. Different judgments could have yielded different results.
Using the impaired reporting units’ fair value determined in step one as the acquisition prices in hypothetical acquisitions of the reporting units, the implied fair values of goodwill were calculated as the residual amount of the acquisition price after allocations made to the fair values of net assets, including working capital, property, plant and equipment and both recognized and unrecognized intangible assets.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets with definite lives are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization.amortization and impairment. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the following terms:
Acquired technology  Between 3 and 10 years
Intellectual property  Between 1 and 2920 years
Other acquired intangibles  Between 2 and 10 years
Acquired technology consists of intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions. Intellectual property consists of patents (including purchased and internally generated patents and maintenance fees). Other acquired intangibles include items such as customer relationships and brand. The useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated at least annually to determine if events or circumstances warrant a revision to their remaining period of amortization. Legal, regulatory and contractual factors, the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors are potential indicators that the useful life of an intangible asset may be revised.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets (“LLA”) such as property, plant and equipment, intangible assets with finite useful lives and ROU assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. These events and circumstances may include significant decreases in the market price of an asset or asset group, significant changes in the extent or manner in which an asset or asset group is being used by the Company or in its physical condition, a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate, a
75

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



history or forecast of future operating or cash flow losses, significant disposal activity, a significant decline in the Company’s share price, a significant decline in revenue or adverse changes in the economic environment.
The LLA impairment test requires the Company to identify its asset groups and test impairment of each asset group separately. Determining the Company’s asset groups and related primary assets requires significant judgment by management. Different judgments could yield different results. The Company’s determination of its asset groups, its primary asset and its remaining useful life, and estimated cash flows are significant factors in assessing the recoverability of the Company’s assets for the purposes of LLA impairment testing. The Company’s share price can be affected by, among other things, changes in industry or market conditions, including the effect of competition, changes in the Company’s results of operations, changes in the Company’s forecasts or market expectations relating to future results, and the Company’s strategic initiatives and the market’s assessment of any such factors.
When indicators of impairment exist, LLA impairment is tested using a two-step process. The Company performs a cash flow recoverability test as the first step, which involves comparing the asset group’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of its net assets. If the net cash flows of the asset group exceed the carrying value of its net assets, LLA are not considered to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the net cash flows, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step of the LLA impairment test is performed to measure the impairment amount. The second step involves determining the fair value of the asset group. Fair values are determined using valuation techniques that are in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including the market approach, income approach and cost approach. If the carrying value of the asset group’s net assets exceeds theits fair value, of the Company, then the excess represents the maximum amount of potential impairment that will be allocated to LLA in the asset group, with the limitation that the carrying value of each separable asset cannot be reduced to a value lower than its individual fair value. The total impairment amount allocated is recognized as a non-cash impairment loss.
The Company reviews any changes in events and circumstances that have occurred on a quarterly basis to determine if indicators of LLA impairment exist.
Business acquisitions
72

BlackBerry Limited
The Company accounts for its acquisitions usingNotes to the acquisition method whereby identifiable assets acquiredConsolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and liabilities assumed are measured at their fair valuesper share data, and except as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the acquisition price over such fair value, if any, is recorded as goodwill, which is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The Company includes the operating results of each acquired business in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.otherwise indicated



Royalties
The Company recognizes its liability for royalties in accordance with the terms of existing license agreements. Where license agreements are not yet finalized, the Company recognizes its current estimates of the obligation in accrued liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. When the license agreements are subsequently finalized, the estimate is revised accordingly. Management’s estimates of royalty rates are based on the Company’s historical licensing activities, royalty payment experience, and forward-looking expectations.
Convertible debentures
The Company elected to measure its outstanding convertible debentures (collectively, the “Debentures”, as defined in Note 7)Debentures at fair value in accordance with the fair value option. Each period, the fair value of the Debentures is recalculated and resulting gains and losses from the change in fair value of the Debentures associated with non-credit components are recognized in income, while the change in fair value associated with credit components is recognized in AOCL.
1.75% Debentures
The fair value of the 1.75% Debentures (as defined in Note 6) has been determined using the significant inputs of principal value, interest rate spreads and curves, any observable trades of the Debentures that occurred during the period, the market price and volatility of the Company’s listed common shares, and the significant Level 3 inputs related to credit spread and the implied discount of the 1.75% Debentures at issuance.
3.75% Debentures
The fair value of the 3.75% Debentures (as defined in Note 7)6) was determined using the significant inputs of principal value, interest rate spreads and curves, embedded call option prices, observable trades of the Debentures, the market price and volatility of the Company’s listed common shares and the Company’s implicit credit spread.
1.75% Debentures
The fair value of the 1.75% Debentures (as defined in Note 7) has been determined using the significant inputs of principal value, interest rate spreads and curves, any observable trades of the Debentures that occurred during the period, the market price and volatility of the Company’s listed common shares, and the significant level 3 inputs related to credit spread and the implied discount of the 1.75% Debentures at issuance.
76

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised products or services are transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those products and services. Revenue is recognized through the application of the following steps: (i) identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer; (ii) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determination of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
A contract exists with a customer when both parties have approved the contract, commitments to performance and rights of each party (including payment terms) are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collection of substantially all consideration is probable for goods and services that are transferred.
Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other available resources, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods and services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.
The transaction price is determined based on the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring promised goods and services to the customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties such as sales taxes. Determining the transaction price requires significant judgment. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Non-cash consideration received is measured at fair value at contract inception. The estimated fair value is determined utilizing multiple valuation techniques, including the discounted future cash flows and the market-based approach.
Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative SSP. The Company’s method for allocation of consideration to be received and its method of estimation of SSP are described below under “Significant judgments”.
For each of the Company’s major categories of revenue, the following paragraphs describe the applicable specific revenue recognition policy, and when the Company satisfies its performance obligations.
Nature of products and services
The Company is organized and managed as one operating segment. The Company has multiple products and services from which it derives revenue, which are structured in two groups: Software and Services, and Licensing and Other.
Software and Services
Software and Services includes revenue from the Company’s BlackBerry Spark® software platform and BlackBerry IoT Solutions. Software and Services revenue is generated predominantly through software licenses, commonly bundled with support, maintenance and professional services.
7773

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Nature of products and services
The Company is organized and managed as three operating segments. The Company has multiple products and services from which it derives revenue, which are structured in three groups: Cybersecurity, IoT and Licensing and Other.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity includes revenue from the Company’s BlackBerry Spark® software platform which includes unified endpoint security (“UES”) and unified endpoint management (“UEM”) solutions, BlackBerry® AtHoc®, BlackBerry® Alert, BlackBerry® SecuSUITE® and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM®) Enterprise. Cybersecurity revenue is generated predominantly through software licenses, commonly bundled with support, maintenance and professional services.
BlackBerry Spark
The BlackBerry Spark platform is a comprehensive offering of security software products and services, including the BlackBerry Spark® Unified Endpoint SecurityBlackBerry® Cyber Suite and the BlackBerry Spark® Unified Endpoint Management Suite, which are also marketed together as the BlackBerry Spark® Suites,Suite, offering the Company’s broadest range of tailored cybersecurity and endpoint management options.
The BlackBerry Spark UES Suite includes revenue from the Company’s Cylance® artificial intelligence and machine learning-based platform consisting of BlackBerry® Protect, BlackBerry® Optics, BlackBerry® Persona, BlackBerry® GuardCylancePROTECT®, CylanceOPTICS®, CylancePERSONA™, CylanceGATEWAY™, CylanceGUARD® managed services, CylancePROTECT Mobile™ and other cybersecurity applications. The Company generates software license revenue from term subscription products, which includes technical support, and any updates and upgrades. The Company also offers the BlackBerry Cyber Suite, which is a UEM-agnostic version of the BlackBerrySpark UES Suite which will be able to integratenatively integrates with BlackBerry® UEM and also works with UEM softwaresolutions from other vendors.
The Company recognizes the license revenue over the term of the contractbeginning on the commencement date of each contract, the date that services are made available to customers. The Company’s software license and updates, to the extent made available, are not distinct in the context of the contract as they are critical to the ongoing usability of the solution and so fulfill a single promise to the customer in the contract. The typical subscription term is one to three years. The technical support is recognized over the support period, which will normally be the same term as the software license.
Revenue for hourly rate professional services arrangements is recognized as services are performed and revenue for fixed fee professional services is recognized on a proportional performance basis as the services are performed.
The BlackBerry Spark® UEM Suite includes the Company’s BlackBerry® UEM, BlackBerry® Dynamics™ and BlackBerry® Workspaces solutions. The Company generates software license revenue from both term subscription and perpetual license contracts, both of which are commonly bundled with support, maintenance and professional services.
If the licensed software in a contract requires access to the Company’s proprietary secure network infrastructure in order to function, revenue from term subscription contracts is recognized over time, ratably over the term, and revenue from perpetual license contracts is recognized over time, ratably over the expected customer life, which in most cases the Company has estimated to be four years. If access to the Company’s proprietary network infrastructure is not required for the software to function, revenue associated with both term subscription and perpetual licenses contracts is recognized at a point in time upon delivery of the software. Generally, most of the Company’s enterprise software products sold require access to the Company’s proprietary secure network infrastructure in order to function, and therefore the associated revenue is recognized over time, ratably over either the subscription term or expected customer life as described above.
BlackBerry IoT SolutionsSecuSUITE
SecuSUITE revenue is generated from software license products associated with secure messaging and the associated hardware. Similar to the BlackBerry Spark products, if the licensed software requires access to the Company’s proprietary secure network infrastructure, revenue from the contract is recognized over time, ratably over the expected term or over the customer life, if licensed on a perpetual basis. If access to the Company’s proprietary network infrastructure is not required, revenue associated with the license is recognized at a point in time upon delivery of the software. Revenue from the hardware is recognized once title and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the products are transferred to the customer, which occurs after the product has shipped.
BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert
BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert generate revenue from networked critical event management solutions through term subscriptions which include technical support and associated professional services. The Company recognizes the
74

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



license revenue over the term of the contract beginning on the commencement date of each contract, the date that services are made available to customers.
IoT
IoT consists of BlackBerry Technology Solutions and BlackBerry IVY™. BlackBerry Technology Solutions includes revenue from BlackBerry Technology Solutions, which consists of BlackBerry® QNX®, BlackBerry Certicom®, BlackBerry Radar® and other IoT applications,applications. IoT revenue is generated predominantly through software licenses, commonly bundled with support, maintenance and from Secure Communications which consists of BlackBerry® AtHoc® and SecuSUITE.professional services.
BlackBerry® QNX® software license revenue from both term subscription and perpetual contracts is recognized at a point in time when the software is made available to the customer for use, as the software has standalone functionality and the license is distinct in the context of the contract. The licenses for certain software embedded into hardware such as automotive infotainment systems and advanced driver-assistance systems are sold as a sales-based royalty where intellectual property is the predominant item to which the royalty relates, and are recognized based on actual volumes and underlying sales by the customer of the hardware with the embedded software except in cases where the customer makes a non-refundable prepayment related to its future royalties, in which case consideration is fixed and recognized immediately
BlackBerry® AtHoc® generates revenue from networked crisis communication software from term subscription products, which includes technical support, and associated professional services. The Company recognizes the license revenue over the term of the contract beginning on the commencement date of each contract, the date that services are made available to customers.
SecuSUITE revenue is generated from software license products associated with secure messaging and the associated hardware. Similar to the BlackBerry Spark products, if the licensed software requires access to the Company’s proprietary secure network infrastructure, revenue from the contract is recognized over time, ratably over the expected term or over the customer life, if licensed on a perpetual basis. If access to the Company’s proprietary network infrastructure is not required, revenue associated with the license is recognized at a point in time upon delivery of the software. Revenue from
78

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



the hardware is recognized once title and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the products are transferred to the customer, which occurs after the product has shipped.immediately.
Revenue from technical support is recognized over the support period. Revenue from professional services is recognized as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance as the services are provided. This can be on a proportional performance basis, or over the term of the contract. Revenue from software maintenance services is recognized over the length of the maintenance period, with an average term of one year.
Licensing and Other
Licensing and Other includes revenue from the Company’s intellectual property licensing arrangements BBM Consumer licensing arrangement,and settlement awards and mobility licensing software arrangements, which include revenue from licensed hardware sales.awards. Other revenue consists of revenue associated with the Company’s legacy service access fees (“SAF”) business.
The Company’s outbound patent licensing agreements provide for license fees that may be a single upfront payment or multiple payments representing all or a majority of the licensing revenue that will be payable to the Company. These agreements may be perpetual or term in nature and grant (i) a limited non-exclusive, non-transferable license to certain of the Company’s patents, (ii) a covenant not to enforce patent rights against the licensee, and (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims.
The Company examines intellectual property agreements on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the intellectual property containcontains distinct performance obligations with standalone functionality and whether the Company is the principal or agent in the transaction. Significant judgment is applied in assessing contractual terms which could impact the timing and amount of revenue recognition. Revenue from patent licensing agreements is often recognized for the transaction price either when the license has been transferred to the customer or based upon subsequent sales by the customer in the case of sales-based royalty licenses where the license of intellectual property is the predominant item to which the royalty relates. The transaction price may include non-monetary consideration in the form of patents transferred to the Company, which is recorded at fair value as determined by a combination of market and income-based valuation approaches. As part of these agreements the Company may also recognize revenue relating to the sale and assignment of patents.
The Company recognizes revenue related to consideration that may result from a negotiated agreement with a licensee that utilized the Company’s IP prior to signing a patent license agreement with the Company or from the resolution of a disagreement or arbitration with a licensee over the specific terms of an existing license agreement. The Company may also recognize revenue related to consideration for past patent royalties in connection with the settlement of patent litigation where there was no prior patent license agreement.
The Company’s BBM Consumer licensing arrangement is a multi-year agreement where the license was not previously separately identifiable from the requirement to maintain interoperability between the licensed BBM Consumer product and the BBM Enterprise product sold by the Company. During fiscal 2020, the licensed BBM Consumer product was shut down by the licensee, removing any requirement for the Company to maintain interoperability and thus all performance obligations were completed. As a result, the Company estimated the amount for which it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur and recognized that amount as revenue during fiscal 2020.
In fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018, the Company entered into multiple multi-year license agreements under which the Company licensed its security software and services suite and, in many cases, related brand assets to third parties who design, manufacture, sell and provide customer support for BlackBerry-branded and white-label handsets. Mobility license revenue for licensees whose sales exceed contractual sales minimums is recognized when licensed products are sold as reported by the Company’s licensees. For licensees whose sales do not exceed contractual sales minimums, revenue is recognized over time, ratably over the license term based on contractual minimum amounts due to the promise to provide engineering services to the licensees.
Other includes revenue associated with the Company’s legacy SAF business, relating to subscribers utilizing the Company’s legacy BlackBerry 7 and prior operating systems, as well as legacy handheld revenue associated with the release of previously accrued amounts whenfor which the Company determines it has no further performance obligations.ended support and maintenance as of January 4, 2022. SAF revenue iswas recognized over time as the monthly service iswas provided. In instances where the Company invoicesinvoiced the SAF customer prior to performing the service, the pre-billing iswas recorded as deferred revenue.
See Note 1312 for further information, including revenue by major product and service types.
7975

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Significant judgments in revenue recognition
The Company’s contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment.
Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue recognized under the contract will not occur. Any estimates, including any constraints on variable consideration, are evaluated at each reporting period. Judgment is required to determine the fair value of non-cash consideration at contract inception. The Company uses an independent third-party valuator for the fair value of non-cash consideration.
Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. The Company’s products and services often have observable SSP when the Company sells a promised product or service separately to similar customers. A contractually stated price or list price for a good or service may be the SSP of that good or service. However, in instances where SSP is not directly observable, the Company determines the SSP by maximizing observable inputs and using an adjusted market assessment approach using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs from the Company’s pricing team, including historical SSP.
Judgment is required to determine in certain agreements if the Company is the principal or agent in the arrangement. The Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, which party can direct the usage of the product or service, which party obtains substantially all the remaining benefits and which party has the ability to establish the selling price.
Significant judgment is required to determine the estimated customer life used in perpetual license contracts that require access to the Company’s proprietary secure network infrastructure to function. The Company uses historical experience regarding the length of the technology upgrade cycle and the expected life of the product to draw this conclusion.
Revenue contract balances
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing. An unbilled receivable is recorded in instances when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, and amounts collected in advance of services being provided are recorded as deferred revenue. Contract assets and liabilities are presented net as either a single contract asset or contract liability.
Certain sales commissions are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. The Company’s capitalized commissions are recorded as other current assets and other long-term assets and are recognized immediately or amortized proportionally, based on the satisfaction of the related performance obligations, and are included in selling, marketing and administration expenses. The Company has applied the practical expedient to expense sales commission as incurred if the amortization period would have been for one year or less. The practical expedient was applied to sales commissions allocated to professional services, as these contracts are generally for one year or less. See Note 1312 for further information on the Company’s contract balances.
Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type although standard billing terms are that payment is due upon receipt of invoice, payable within 30 to 60 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that contracts generally do not include a significant financing component if the period between when the payment is received and when the Company transfers the promised goods or services to the customer will be one year or less.
Income taxes
The Company uses the liability method of income tax allocation to account for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and measured using enacted income tax rates and tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company considers both positive evidence and negative evidence, to determine whether, based upon the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is required. Judgment is required in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence.
Significant judgment is also required in evaluating the Company’s uncertain income tax positions and provisions for income taxes. Liabilities for uncertain income tax positions are recognized based on a two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate whether an income tax position has met the recognition threshold by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. The second step is to measure the income tax position that has met the recognition threshold as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and
8076

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



income tax position that has met the recognition threshold as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provisions, income taxes payable and deferred income taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions as interest expense, which is then netted and reported within investment income.
The Company uses the flow-through method to account for investment tax credits (“ITCs”) earned on eligible scientific research and experimental development expenditures. Under this method, the ITCs are recognized as a reduction to income tax expense.
Research and development
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs for licensed software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed are subject to capitalization beginning when a product’s technological feasibility has been established and ending when a product is available for general release to customers. The Company’s products are generally released soon after technological feasibility has been established and therefore costs incurred subsequent to achievement of technological feasibility are not significant and have been expensed as incurred. The Company does not currently have any capitalized research and development costs other than those identified through business combinations as in-process research and development included within intangible assets, net, which were recorded at their fair values and began amortizing when the related technology became available for general release to customers.
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and includes all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Company’s reportable items of comprehensive income (loss) are the cumulative translation adjustment resulting from its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiariessubsidiary as described under the foreign currency translation policy above, cash flow hedges as described above in derivative financial instruments, changes in the fair value of available-for-sale investments as described in Note 3, changes in fair value from instrument-specific credit risk on the Debentures as described in Note 76 and Note 10,9, and actuarial gains or losses associated with certain other post-employment benefit obligations. Realized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments are reclassified into investment income using the specific identification basis.
Earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the fiscal year. The treasury stock method is used for the calculation of the dilutive effect of stock options. The if-converted method is used for the calculation of the dilutive effect of the Debentures.
Stock-based compensation plans
The Company has stock-based compensation plans. Awards granted under the plans are detailed in Note 8(b)7(b).
The Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) was adopted during fiscal 2014. The Equity Plan provides for grants of incentive stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) to officers and employees of the Company or its subsidiaries. RSUs may be either time-based (“TBRSUs”) or time- and performance-based (“PBRSUs”). The number of common shares authorized for awards under the Equity Plan is 45,875,000 common shares. Any shares that are subject to options granted under the Equity Plan are counted against this limit as 0.625 shares for every one option granted, any shares that are subject to TBRSUs granted under the Equity Plan are counted against this limit as one share for every TBRSU, and any shares that are subject to PBRSUs granted under the Equity Plan are counted against this limit at the maximum performance attainment (which is generally 1.5 shares for every PBRSU). Awards previously granted under the Equity Plan that expire or are forfeited, or settled in cash, are added to the shares available under the Equity Plan. Options forfeited will be counted as 0.625 shares to the shares available under the Equity Plan. Shares issued as awards other than options that expire or are forfeited (i.e,(i.e., RSUs), settled in cash or sold to cover withholding tax requirements are counted as 1one share added to the shares available under the Equity Plan. There are approximately 1811 million shares in the equity pool available for future grants under the Equity Plan as at February 28, 2021.2023.
In connection with the Cylance (as defined in Note 5)Inc. (“Cylance”) acquisition in fiscal 2019, the Company adopted the BlackBerry-Cylance Stock Plan (the “Cylance Stock Plan”). The Cylance Stock Plan providesprovided for the grant of Replacement Awards (as defined in Note 8(b))replacement awards in connection with unvested Cylance employee equity awards.awards, all of which were canceled upon the closing of the transaction. The number of common shares authorized for awards under the Cylance Stock Plan iswere 9,144,176 common shares, which is equal to the amount of Replacement Awardsreplacement awards granted. As at February 28, 2019, there were no shares remaining in the Cylance Stock Plan for future grants. In addition, no shares may be reissued under the Cylance Stock Plan in respect of shares that expire, are forfeited, or are settled in cash.
8177

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



future grants. In addition, no shares may be reissued under the Cylance Stock Plan in respect of shares that expire, are forfeited, or are settled in cash.
The Company measures stock-based compensation expense for options at the grant date based on the award’s fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option pricing model for stock options, and the expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period. Options granted under the Cylance Stock Plan generally vest over a four-year period with 25% vesting on the first anniversary date, and the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments. The BSM model requires various judgmental assumptions including volatility and expected option life. In addition, judgment is also applied in estimating the number of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited, and if actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company’s results of operations would be impacted.
Any consideration paid by employees on exercise of stock options, plus any recorded stock-based compensation within additional paid-in capital related to that stock option, is credited to capital stock.
RSUs are redeemed for common shares issued by the Company or the cash equivalent on the vesting dates established by the Board or the Compensation, Nomination and Governance Committee of the Board. The RSUs granted under the Equity Plan generally vest over a three-year period, either in equal annual installments or on the third anniversary date. For PBRSUs, the Company estimates its achievement against the performance goals, which are based on the Company’s business plan approved by the Board. The estimated achievement is updated for the Company’s outlook for the fiscal year as at the end of each fiscal quarter. Compensation cost will only be recognized to the extent that performance goals are achieved. The Company classifies RSUs as equity instruments as the Company has the ability and intent to settle the awards in common shares. The compensation expense for standard RSUs is calculated based on the fair value of each RSU as determined by the closing value of the Company’s common shares on the business day of the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period of the RSU. The Company expects to settle RSUs, upon vesting, through the issuance of new common shares from treasury.
The Company has a Deferred Share Unit Plan (the “DSU Plan”), originally approved by the Board on December 20, 2007, under which each independent director is credited with Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) in satisfaction of all or a portion of the cash fees otherwise payable to them for serving as a director of the Company. Each independent director’s annual retainer will be entirely satisfied in the form of DSUs. Within a specified period after a director ceases to be a member of the Board, DSUs will be redeemed for cash with the redemption value of each DSU equal to the weighted average trading price of the Company’s shares over the five trading days preceding the redemption date. Alternatively, the Company may elect to redeem DSUs by way of shares purchased on the open market or issued by the Company.
DSUs are accounted for as liability-classified awards and are awarded on a quarterly basis. These awards are measured at their fair value on the date of issuance and remeasured at each reporting period until settlement.
Advertising costs
The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. These costs are included in selling, marketing and administration expenses.
Government Subsidiessubsidies
The Company recognizes government subsidies as a reduction to operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations when there is reasonable assurance the Company will receive the amount and has complied with the conditions, if any, attached to the government subsidies.
2.    ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Standards Adopted During Fiscal 20212023
ASC 350, GoodwillASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released ASU 2017-04 on the topic of Intangibles— Goodwill and Other (ASC 350). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Previously, under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) after performing a required procedure to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments of ASU 2017-04, an entity performs its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value. The Company will recognize an impairment charge for any amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The amendments in
82

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



this update were effective for an entity’s annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this standard on March 1, 2020.
ASC 326, Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB released ASU 2016-13 on the topic of Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (ASC 326). ASU 2016-13 replaces the previous incurred loss impairment methodology in U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses, requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates, and requires entities to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on its financial assets.
The guidance also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities, requiring entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on such securities is a credit loss, and also eliminating the option for management to consider the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether or not a credit loss exists. The amended model states that an entity recognizes an allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities, instead of a direct reduction of the amortized cost basis of the investment, as required under previous guidance. As a result, entities recognize improvements to estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities immediately in earnings as opposed to in interest income over time.
The guidance was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 using the modified retrospective method. As a result of the adoption of the new standard on credit losses, the Company recorded a cumulative adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet increasing the allowance for credit losses and increasing deficit by approximately $4 million as at March 1, 2020. As a result, the allowance for credit losses was $13 million in the consolidated balance sheet as at March 1, 2020.
Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted Options
In August 2020, the FASBFinancial Standards Accounting Board (“FASB”) issued a new accounting standard on the topic of debt with conversion and other options, ASUaccounting standards update (“ASU”) 2020-06. The amendment in this update simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. This update also amends the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity'sentity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions and requires the application of the if-converted method for calculating diluted earnings per share. The update also requires entities to provide expanded disclosures about the terms and features of convertible instruments, how the instruments have been reported in the entity’s financial statements, and information about events, conditions, and circumstances that can affect how to assess the amount or timing of an entity’s future cash flows related to those instruments. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company will adoptadopted this guidance in the
78

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



first quarter of fiscal 2023 and doesit did not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and disclosures.disclosures as the fair value option accounting model used by the Company is not impacted by this ASU and the Company already utilizes the if-converted method in its calculation of diluted earnings per share relating to the 1.75% Debentures.
ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations
In December 2019,October 2021, the FASB released ASU 2019-12issued a new accounting standard on the topic of simplifyingbusiness combinations, accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, ASU 2021-08. The amendment in this update improves the accounting for income taxes, as part of its simplification initiative to reduce the cost and complexity in accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update removes certain exceptions from Topic 740, Income Taxes, including (i) the exception to the incremental approach for intra period tax allocation; (ii) the exception to accounting for basis differences when there are ownership changes in foreign investments; and (iii) the exception in interim period income tax accounting for year-to-date losses that exceed anticipated losses. The update also simplifies U.S. GAAP in several other areas of Topic 740 such as (i) franchise taxes and other taxes partially based on income; (ii) transactionsacquired revenue contracts with a government that resultcustomers in a step upbusiness combination by addressing diversity in the tax basis of goodwill; (iii) separate financial statements ofpractice and inconsistency. This update requires entities not subject to tax;recognize and (iv) enacted changesmeasure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in tax lawsa business combination in interim periods.accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted.2022 and requires entities to prospectively apply business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The Company will adoptearly adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 20222023, and will apply it prospectively to any business acquisitions subsequent to the only aspectdate of adoption.
ASU 2019-122021-10, Government Assistance
In November 2021, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on the topic of government assistance, ASU 2021-10. The standard requires additional disclosures for transactions with a government accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy, including: (i) information about the nature of the transactions and related accounting policy used to account for the transactions; (ii) the line items on the balance sheet and income statement affected by these transactions including amounts applicable to each line; and (iii) significant terms and conditions of the transactions, including commitments and contingencies. The update also requires entities that couldomit any of the information because it is legally prohibited from being disclosed to include a statement to that effect. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is the removal of the exception related to intraperiod tax allocation. Upon adoption of the new standard, the Company would determine the tax attributable to continuing operations without regard to the tax effect of other items included in other comprehensive income.its annual disclosures.
3.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
Fair Value
The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or
83

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



liability, such as inherent risk, non-performance risk and credit risk. The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value into three levels:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.
The fair value hierarchy also requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are measuredcarried at an amountamounts that approximatesapproximate their fair values (Level 2 measurement) due to their short maturities.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
In determining the fair value of investments held, the Company primarily relies on an independent third-party valuator for the fair valuation of securities. The Company also reviews the inputs used in the valuation process and assesses the pricing of the securities for reasonableness after conducting its own internal collection of quoted prices from brokers. Fair values for all investment categories provided by the independent third-party valuator that are in excess of 0.5% from the fair values determined by the Company are communicated to the independent third-party valuator for consideration of reasonableness. The independent third-party valuator considers the information provided by the Company before determining whether a change in their original pricing is warranted.
79

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The Company’s investments largely consist of debt securities issued by major corporate and banking organizations, the provincial and federal governments of Canada, international government banking organizations and the United States Department of the Treasury and are all investment grade. The Company also holds a limited amount ofcertain public equity securities following theobtained through an initial public offering by the issuer of a previous privatepreviously held non-marketable equity investment.
The Company no longer has Level 3 assets as of February 29, 2020. The Company’s Level 3 assets previously consisted of auction rate securities. The Company realized $3 million in gains on auction rate securities for the year ended February 29, 2020 (February 28, 2019 - NaN). The Company recognizes transfers in and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period in which the actual event or change in circumstance occurred. There were no significant transfers in or out of Level 3 assets during the years ended February 28, 20212023, February 28, 2022 or February 29, 2020.28, 2021.
For a description of how the fair values of the Debentures (as defined in Note 7) were determined, see the “Convertible debentures” accounting policies in Note 1. The 3.75% Debentures (as defined in Note 7) were classified as Level 2 and the 1.75% Debentures (as defined in Note 7) are classified as Level 3. For a description of how the fair value of the CEO Contingent Cash Award (as defined in Note 8)7) was determined, see the “2019 Executive Chair Incentive Grant” section of Note 8(b)7(b).
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Upon the occurrence of certain events, the Company re-measures the fair value of non-marketable equity investments for which it utilizes the measurement alternative, and long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, operating lease ROU assets, intangible assets and goodwill.goodwill if an impairment or observable price adjustment is recognized in the current period.
Non-Marketable Equity Investments Measured Using the Measurement Alternative
Non-marketable equity investments measured using the measurement alternative include investments in privately held companies without readily determinable fair values in which the Company does not own a controlling interest or have significant influence. The estimation of fair value used in the fair value measurements required the use of significant unobservable inputs, and as a result, the fair value measurements were classified as Level 3.
Goodwill Impairment
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, as part of its process for setting the annual operating plan for fiscal 2024, the Company updated its estimates of long-term future cash flows to reflect lower revenue and EBITDA growth rate expectations and a reduction in revenue multiples used in the valuation of the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit. These changes in estimates, combined with the global economic weakness and inflation resulting directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, higher interest rates implemented in response to inflation, and a broad-based stock market decline impacting the Company’s market capitalization, resulted in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge of $245 million in the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit, which is included within the Company’s Cybersecurity segment as disclosed in Note 12. Based on the results of the annual goodwill impairment test for the BlackBerry Spark reporting unit, based on the income approach using a discounted future cash flow model and market-based approaches, it was concluded that the carrying value exceeded its fair value, necessitating an impairment charge for the amount of excess and reducing the carrying value of goodwill. The estimated fair values of the Company’s other reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values as at the annual goodwill impairment test date.
Assumptions and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective and require significant judgement. The analysis is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rates of revenue growth for the Company’s reporting units, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, terminal growth rates, profitability measures, and determination of the discount rates for the reporting units.
During the year ended February 28, 2022, there were no goodwill impairment charges. In its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company’s estimates indicated the fair values of all its reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values, such carrying values were expected to be recovered, and there was no goodwill impairment.
80

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



During the year ended February 28, 2021, as a result of the deterioration in economic conditions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s reporting units, and the decline of the trading value of the Company’s capital stock below the Company’s consolidated carrying value, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of at least one of its reporting units was lower than its carrying value after including goodwill. As a result, the Company completed an analysis of the fair value of its reporting units to compare against their respective carrying values as of May 31, 2020.
In its analysis, the Company utilized multiple valuation techniques, including the income approach using a discounted future cash flow model, the market-based approach, and the asset value approach which is based on the sum of the values of each of the assets and liabilities within the entity. In addition to market data, the valuation techniques utilized Level 3 inputs such as the Company’s internal forecasts of its future results, cash flows and its weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested and based upon the Company’s estimated credit rating. The analysis involves significant judgment in the selection of assumptions necessary to arrive at
84

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



the reporting units’ fair values, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its short-term and potential long-term impacts to the Company’s business. The total of the fair values of the Company’s reporting units was reconciled to the Company’s market capitalization based on the quoted market price of the Company’s stock in an active market, adjusted by an appropriate control premium. Where the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeded its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit was considered to be impaired.
Based on the results of the goodwill impairment test, it was concluded that the carrying value of one reporting unit exceeded its fair value, necessitating an impairment charge for the amount of excess and reducing the carrying value of Goodwill.goodwill. Consequently, the Company recorded total non-casha goodwill impairment chargescharge of $594 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, relating to its BlackBerry Spark reporting unit (the “Goodwill Impairment Charge”).unit. The estimated fair values of the Company’s other reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values at May 31, 2020. No additional goodwill impairment was identified during the Company’s annual impairment test and the Company’s reporting units all substantially exceeded their carrying values as
Impairment of the annual test date of December 31, 2020.Long-Lived Assets (“LLA”)
During the year ended February 29, 2020,fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, market conditions and changes in the Company’s estimates as described above under “Goodwill Impairment” provided indicators of potential impairment in the Company’s UES asset group, which is primarily composed of intangible assets recognized in the acquisition of Cylance and is included within the Company’s Cybersecurity segment as disclosed in Note 12. The Company recordedperformed the two-step impairment testing process as described in Note 1, utilizing the income approach using a goodwilldiscounted future cash flow model and market-based approaches, and concluded that the carrying values of the Company’s UES asset group exceeded their fair values, necessitating an impairment charge of $22 million relating to its BBM Consumer reporting unit.$231 million. None of the Company’s other asset groups demonstrated indicators of potential impairment.
DuringAssumptions and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective and require significant judgement. The analysis is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term growth rates for revenue and cash flows associated with the Company’s asset groups, estimation of the useful life over which those cash flows will occur, terminal growth rates, profitability measures, and determination of the discount rates for the asset groups.
In addition, the Company exited certain leased facilities during the year ended February 28, 2019, there was 0 goodwill impairment charge.
Impairment2023 and is in the process of Long-Lived Assets
During the year ended February 28, 2021, the Company decided to exit and seekseeking subleases for certain leased facilities and made a change in the estimate of future sublease activity of a previously exited facility. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company made a strategic decision to move towards a significant work from home model and will vacate or consolidate numerous facilities globally.those properties. The Company will also actively market certain facilities for sublease as part of its strategic decision. During the year ended February 28, 2021, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax and after-tax impairment charge of $46 million consisting of $37$4 million related to the operating lease ROUright-of-use (“ROU”) assets for those facilities and $9 million related to property, plant and equipment associated with those facilities. The impairment was determined by comparing the fair value of the impacted ROU asset to the carrying value of the asset as of the impairment measurement date, as required under ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, using Level 2 inputs. The fair value of the ROU asset was based on the estimated sublease income for certain facilities taking into consideration the time period it will take to obtain a sublessor, the applicable discount rate and the sublease rate. The Company conducts an evaluation of the related liabilities and expenses and revises its assumptions and estimates as appropriate as new or updated information becomes available.
During the year ended February 28, 2022, there were no LLA impairment charges.
During the year ended February 28, 2021, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax and after-tax impairment charge of $46 million consisting of $37 million related to operating lease ROU assets for certain facilities and $9 million related to property, plant and equipment associated with those facilities. In addition, the Company also recorded a decrease to its lease liabilities of $3 million associated with certain leased facilities with an early termination option, which has been included as a partial offset in impairment of long-lived assets on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company conducts an evaluation of the related liabilities and expenses and revises its assumptions and estimates as appropriate as new or updated information becomes available.
During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax and after-tax impairment charge of $10 million consisting of $8 million related to operating lease ROU assets for certain facilities that have been exited (see Note 12) and $2 million related to property, plant and equipment associated with those facilities.
During the year ended February 28, 2019, there were 0 LLA impairment charges.
8581

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
The components of cash, cash equivalents and investments by fair value level as at February 28, 20212023 were as follows:
Cost BasisUnrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair ValueCash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
Restricted Cash EquivalentsRestricted Short-term Investments
Cost Basis (1)
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair ValueCash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Bank balancesBank balances$165 $$$165 $165 $$$$Bank balances$89 $— $— $89 $87 $— $— $
Other investmentsOther investments37 37 37 Other investments26 — 28 — — 28 — 
202 202 165 37 115 — 117 87 — 28 
Level 1:Level 1:Level 1:
Equity securitiesEquity securities10 (7)Equity securities10 — (10)— — — — — 
Level 2:Level 2:Level 2:
Term deposits, certificates of deposits, and GIC's138 138 103 24 
Term deposits and certificates of depositsTerm deposits and certificates of deposits33 — — 33 — — 25 
Bearer deposit notesBearer deposit notes40 40 40 Bearer deposit notes82 — — 82 82 — — — 
Commercial paperCommercial paper162 162 15 147 Commercial paper159 — — 159 108 51 — — 
Non-U.S. promissory notesNon-U.S. promissory notes55 55 26 29 Non-U.S. promissory notes45 — — 45 — 45 — — 
Non-U.S. government sponsored enterprise notesNon-U.S. government sponsored enterprise notes154 154 153 Non-U.S. government sponsored enterprise notes30 — — 30 10 20 — — 
Non-U.S. treasury bills/notes25 25 25 
Corporate notes/bondsCorporate notes/bonds25 25 25 Corporate notes/bonds15 — — 15 — 15 — — 
599 599 49 522 24 364 — — 364 208 131 — 25 
Level 3:Level 3:
Other investmentsOther investments— — — — 
$491 $$(10)$487 $295 $131 $34 $27 
$811 $$(7)$804 $214 $525 $37 $$24 


(1)
Cost basis for other investments includes the effect of returns of capital and impairment.
8682

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The components of cash, cash equivalents and investments by fair value level as at February 29, 202028, 2022 were as follows:
Cost BasisUnrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair ValueCash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cost Basis (1)
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair ValueCash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Bank balancesBank balances$100 $$$100 $100 $$$Bank balances$105 $— $— $105 $104 $— $— $
Other investmentsOther investments32 32 32 Other investments— — — — — 
132 132 100 32 113 — — 113 104 — 
Level 1:Level 1:Level 1:
Equity securitiesEquity securities10 (8)Equity securities10 — (9)— — — 
Level 2:Level 2:Level 2:
Term deposits, certificates of deposits, and GICs118 118 44 25 49 
Bankers’ acceptances/bearer deposit notes84 84 30 54 
Term deposits, certificates of deposits, and GIC'sTerm deposits, certificates of deposits, and GIC's157 — — 157 65 65 — 27 
Bankers' acceptances/bearer deposit notesBankers' acceptances/bearer deposit notes58 — — 58 58 — — — 
Commercial paperCommercial paper276 276 108 168 Commercial paper247 — — 247 62 185 — — 
Non-U.S. promissory notesNon-U.S. promissory notes133 133 25 108 Non-U.S. promissory notes71 — — 71 46 25 — — 
Non-U.S. government sponsored enterprise notesNon-U.S. government sponsored enterprise notes144 144 144 Non-U.S. government sponsored enterprise notes58 — — 58 — 58 — — 
Non-U.S. treasury bills/notesNon-U.S. treasury bills/notes56 56 25 31 Non-U.S. treasury bills/notes43 — — 43 43 — — — 
U.S. treasury bills/notes45 45 45 
856 856 277 530 49 
634 — — 634 274 333 — 27 
Level 3:Level 3:
Other investmentsOther investments17 — 22 — — 22 — 
$774 $$(9)$770 $378 $334 $30 $28 
$998 $$(8)$990 $377 $532 $32 $49 

(1) Cost basis for other investments includes the effect of returns of capital and impairment.
As at February 28, 2021,2023, the Company had privatenon-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value of $37$34 million (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $32$30 million). During the year ended February 28, 2023, there was no impairment recognized relating to non-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value (February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2021 - nil). As of February 28, 2023, the Company has recorded a cumulative impairment of $3 million to the carrying value of certain other non-marketable equity investments without readily determinable fair value (February 28, 2022 - $3 million).
During the year ended February 28, 2021, there was 0 impairment recognized relating to private2022, the Company received a distribution from a non-marketable equity investmentsinvestment without readily determinable fair value (February 29, 2020 - $3in the amount of $35 million, which for accounting purposes, consisted of a return of capital of $13 million and February 28, 2019 - NaN).a realized gain of $22 million included in investment income (loss), net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
There were 0no realized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities for the year ended February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 - NaN)nil).
The Company has restricted cash and cash equivalents, and restricted short-term investments, consisting of cash and securities pledged as collateral to major banking partners in support of the Company’s requirements for letters of credit. These letters of credit support certain leasing arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business. The letters of credit are for terms ranging from one month to fivethree years. The Company is legally restricted from accessing these funds during the term of the leases for which the letters of credit have been issued; however, the Company can continue to invest the funds and receive investment income thereon.
8783

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents as at February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 from the consolidated balance sheets to the consolidated statements of cash flows:
As atAs at
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$214 $377 $548 Cash and cash equivalents$295 $378 $214 
Restricted cash and cash equivalentsRestricted cash and cash equivalents49 34 Restricted cash and cash equivalents27 28 
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flowsTotal cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows$218 $426 $582 Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows$322 $406 $218 
The contractual maturities of available-for-sale investments as at February 28, 20212023 and February 29, 202028, 2022 were as follows:
As atAs at
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Cost BasisFair ValueCost BasisFair ValueCost BasisFair ValueCost BasisFair Value
Due in one year or lessDue in one year or less$599 $599 $856 $856 Due in one year or less$364 $364 $634 $634 
No fixed maturityNo fixed maturity10 10 No fixed maturity10 — 10 
$609 $602 $866 $858 $374 $364 $644 $635 
As at February 28, 2021,2023 and February 28, 2022, the Company had investmentsno available-for-sale debt securities with continuous unrealized losses totaling $7 million, consisting of unrealized losses on equity securities (February 29, 2020 - continuous unrealized losses totaling $8 million).losses.
4. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DETAILS
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance
The allowance for credit losses as at February 28, 20212023 was $10$1 million (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $9$4 million).
The Company recognizes current estimated credit losses (“CECL”) for accounts receivable, net of allowance.receivable. The CECL for accounts receivable net are estimated based on days past due and region for each customer in relation to a representative pool of assets consisting of a large number of customers with similar risk characteristics that operate under similar economic environments. The Company determined the CECL by estimating historical credit loss experience based on the past due status and region of the customers, adjusted as appropriate to reflect current conditions and estimates of future economic conditions, inclusive of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on credit losses. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting market volatility are highly uncertain and, as such, the impact on expected credit losses is subject to significant judgment and may cause variability in the Company’s allowance for credit losses in future periods.conditions. When specific customers are identified as no longer sharing the same risk profile as their current pool, they are removed from the pool and evaluated separately. The Company also has long-term accounts receivable included in Other Long-term Assets. The CECL for long-term accounts receivable is estimated using the probability of default method and the default exposure due to limited historical information. The exposure of default is represented by the assets’ amortized carrying amount at the reporting date.
The following table sets forth the activity in the Company’s allowance for credit losses:
For the Year Ended
February 28, 2021
Beginning balance as of February 29, 2020$
Impact of adopting ASC 326
Current period recovery for expected credit losses(3)
Ending balance of the allowance for credit loss as at February 28, 2021$10 
The allowance for credit losses as at February 28, 2021 consists of $3 million relating to CECL estimated based on days past due and geographic region and $7 million relating to specific customers that were evaluated separately.
8884

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The following table sets forth the activity in the Company’s allowance for credit losses:
Carrying Amount
Beginning balance as of February 28, 2021$10 
Prior period recovery for expected credit losses(2)
Write-offs charged against the allowance(4)
Ending balance of the allowance for credit loss as at February 28, 2022
Current period provision for expected credit losses
Write-offs charged against the allowance(4)
Ending balance of the allowance for credit loss as at February 28, 2023$
The allowance for credit losses as at February 28, 2023 consists of $1 million (February 28, 2022 - $2 million) relating to CECL estimated based on days past due and region and nil (February 28, 2022 - $2 million) relating to specific customers that were evaluated separately.
There was 1 customerwere two customers that comprised more than 10% of accounts receivable as at February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 - 2 customersno customer comprised more than 10%).
Other Current AssetsReceivables
As at February 28, 20212023, other receivables included items such as claims filed with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada relating to its Strategic Innovation Fund program’s investment in BlackBerry QNX, among other items, none of which were greater than 5% of the current assets balance.
As at February 29, 2020,28, 2022, other receivables included items such as receivables from the Government of Canada’s Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (“HHBRP”) and an intellectual property licensing receivable, among other items, none of which were greater than 5% of the current assets balance.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets comprised the following:
 As at
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Intellectual property$141 $118 
Other41 41 
$182 $159 
On March 21, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of the Company’s non-core patent assets to Malikie Innovations Limited (“Malikie”) for $170 million in cash on closing, an additional $30 million in cash by no later than the third anniversary of closing and potential future royalties in the aggregate amount of up to $900 million. Contemporaneously, the Company also terminated a prior agreement with Catapult IP Innovations, Inc. (“Catapult”) relating to the proposed sale of the patent portfolio subject to the Malikie agreement as well as certain additional non-core patents. See Note 14 on subsequent events.
For the year ended February 28, 2022, the Company had classified $118 million of intellectual property that were to be sold under the terminated patent sale agreement with Catapult as other current assets includeon the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As at February 28, 2023, the Company continued to classify $141 million of intellectual property, which included the initial $118 million referred to above with additions related to patent maintenance, as other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Other current assets also included items such as the current portion of deferred commissions and prepaid expenses, among other items, NaNnone of which were greater than 5% of the current assets balance in all yearsany of the periods presented.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment comprised the following:
 As at
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020
Cost
Buildings, leasehold improvements and other$67 $72 
BlackBerry operations and other information technology110 84 
Manufacturing, repair and research and development equipment72 73 
Furniture and fixtures10 11 
259 240 
Accumulated amortization211 170 
Net book value$48 $70 
For the year ended February 28, 2021, amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment amounted to $21 million (February 29, 2020 - $24 million; February 28, 2019 - $20 million).
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets comprised the following:
 As at February 28, 2021
 CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Acquired technology$1,023 $712 $311 
Intellectual property498 299 199 
Other acquired intangibles494 233 261 
$2,015 $1,244 $771 

As at February 29, 2020
CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Acquired technology$1,019 $636 $383 
Intellectual property489 275 214 
Other acquired intangibles494 176 318 
$2,002 $1,087 $915 

For the year ended February 28, 2021, amortization expense related to intangible assets amounted to $177 million (February 29, 2020 - $188 million; February 28, 2019 - $129 million).
Total additions to intangible assets in fiscal 2021 amounted to $36 million (fiscal 2020 - $32 million). During fiscal 2021, additions to intangible assets primarily consisted of payments for intellectual property relating to patent maintenance, registration and license fees.
8985

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment comprised the following:
 As at
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Cost
BlackBerry operations and other information technology$84 $92 
Leasehold improvements and other19 53 
Furniture and fixtures10 
Manufacturing, repair and research and development equipment
114 156 
Accumulated amortization89 115 
Net book value$25 $41 
For the year ended February 28, 2023, amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment amounted to $12 million (February 28, 2022 - $15 million; February 28, 2021 - $21 million).
Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
During the year ended February 28, 2023, the Company sold its corporate aircraft. As a result, the Company recorded proceeds of approximately $17 million and incurred a gain on disposal of approximately $6 million (cost of $29 million, accumulated amortization of $18 million, and a net book value of approximately $11 million).
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets comprised the following:
 As at February 28, 2023
 CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Acquired technology$900 $824 $76 
Other acquired intangibles386 318 68 
Intellectual property123 64 59 
$1,409 $1,206 $203 
As at February 28, 2022
CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Acquired technology$1,023 $776 $247 
Other acquired intangibles494 283 211 
Intellectual property117 53 64 
$1,634 $1,112 $522 
For the year ended February 28, 2023, amortization expense related to intangible assets amounted to $93 million (February 28, 2022 - $161 million; February 28, 2021 - $177 million).
Total additions to intangible assets in fiscal 2023 amounted to $34 million (fiscal 2022 - $31 million) and included additions related to patent maintenance classified as other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. During fiscal 2023, additions to intangible assets primarily consisted of payments for intellectual property relating to patent maintenance, registration and license fees.
The Company recorded an impairment charge of $231 million in fiscal 2023, see Note 3 for further details.
Based on the carrying value of the identified intangible assets as at February 28, 2021,2023, and assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, the annual amortization expense for each of the succeeding years is expected to be as follows: fiscal 2022 - $153 million; fiscal 2023 - $117 million; fiscal 2024 - $109$47 million; fiscal 2025 - $101$41 million; and fiscal 2026 - $95$37 million; fiscal 2027 - $32 million and fiscal 2028 - $19 million.
86

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The weighted average remaining useful lives of the intangible assets are as follows:
 As at
February 28, 20212023February 29, 202028, 2022
Acquired technology4.74.0 years5.4 years
Intellectual property6.4 years6.65.1 years
Other acquired intangibles5.04.5 years6.05.7 years
Intellectual property6.8 years7.5 years
Goodwill
Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 were as follows:
Carrying Amount
Carrying amount as at February 28, 201829, 2020$5691,437 
Effect of foreign exchange on non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill(5)
Goodwill acquired through business combination completed during the year899 
Carrying amount as at February 28, 20191,463 
Measurement period adjustment (note 5)(2)
Goodwill impairment charge (note 3)(22)
Effect of foreign exchange on non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill(2)
Carrying amount as at February 29, 20201,437 (594)
Effect of foreign exchange on non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill
Goodwill impairment charge (note 3)Carrying amount as at February 28, 2021(594)849 
Effect of foreign exchange on non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill(5)
Carrying amount as at February 28, 20212022844 
Effect of foreign exchange on non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill(4)
Goodwill impairment charge (note 3)(245)
Carrying amount as at February 28, 2023$849595 
Other Long-term Assets
As at February 28, 20212023 and February 29, 2020,28, 2022, other long-term assets includeincluded long-term portion of deferred commission and long-term receivables, among other items, NaNnone of which were greater than 5% of total assets in any of the periods presented.
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities comprised the following:
 As at
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020
Variable incentive accrual$16 $33 
Operating lease liabilities, current (note 12)33 31 
Other129 138 
$178 $202 
 As at
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Accrued royalties$20 $20 
Operating lease liabilities, current (note 11)24 28 
Other99 109 
$143 $157 
Other accrued liabilities include variable incentive accrual, accrued director fees, accrued vendor liabilities, accrued carrier liabilities and payroll withholding taxes, among other items, NaNnone of which were greater than 5% of the current liabilities balance.balance in any of the periods presented.
9087

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Other Long-term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consist of the long-term portion of finance lease liabilities and non-lease component liabilities related to the Company’s previous Resource Allocation Program entered into in order to transition the Company from a legacy hardware manufacturer to a licensing driven software business.
5.    BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
There were no business acquisitions during fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020.
On February 21, 2019, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Cylance Inc. (“Cylance”), an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity leader, for approximately $1.4 billion in cash and common shares, plus the assumption of unvested employee incentive awards. The acquisition of Cylance was a strategic addition to the Company’s end-to-end secure communications portfolio. The accounting for the acquisition of Cylance was completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2020, as the calculation of working capital of Cylance was finalized. In lieu of cash, a proportion of consideration owed to certain Cylance shareholders will be paid in BlackBerry shares issued from treasury in equal instalments on the first three anniversary dates of the acquisition (the “Exchange Shares”). There are no service or other requirements associated with the issuance of these shares. One installment of the Exchange Shares was issued in each of fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020.
The Company incurred $12 million in acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and administration expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.
The Company recorded a measurement period recovery of $2 million in selling, general and administration expenses during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, as the amount would have been recognized in the prior fiscal year, if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date.
6.    INCOME TAXES
The difference between the amount of the provision for (recovery of) income taxes and the amount computed by multiplying income (loss) before income taxes by the statutory Canadian tax rate is reconciled as follows:
For the Years Ended For the Years Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Statutory Canadian tax rateStatutory Canadian tax rate26.5 %26.5 %26.5 %Statutory Canadian tax rate26.5 %26.5 %26.5 %
Expected provision for (recovery of) income taxesExpected provision for (recovery of) income taxes$(295)$(39)$20 Expected provision for (recovery of) income taxes$(191)$$(295)
Differences in income taxes resulting from:Differences in income taxes resulting from:Differences in income taxes resulting from:
Valuation allowanceValuation allowance205 41 (55)Valuation allowance125 (9)205 
Investment tax creditsInvestment tax credits(41)(10)(10)Investment tax credits(10)(41)
Change in unrecognized income tax benefitsChange in unrecognized income tax benefits(48)(12)Change in unrecognized income tax benefits(2)(48)
Foreign tax rate differencesForeign tax rate differences(1)Foreign tax rate differences10 
Non-deductible permanent differencesNon-deductible permanent differences13 15 19 Non-deductible permanent differences13 
Goodwill impairmentGoodwill impairment158 Goodwill impairment65 — 158 
Other differencesOther differences(4)Other differences— (4)
Withholding tax on unremitted earnings(1)
$(9)$$(16)
$14 $$(9)

For the Years Ended For the Years Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Income (loss) before income taxes:Income (loss) before income taxes:Income (loss) before income taxes:
CanadianCanadian$(383)$15 $63 Canadian$(128)$133 $(383)
ForeignForeign(730)(163)14 Foreign(592)(114)(730)
$(1,113)$(148)$77 $(720)$19 $(1,113)
9188

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The provision for (recovery of) income taxes consists of the following:
For the Years Ended For the Years Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
CurrentCurrentCurrent
CanadianCanadian$(2)$$Canadian$$(1)$(2)
ForeignForeign(7)Foreign13 (7)
Deferred
Foreign(1)(25)
$(9)$$(16)
$14 $$(9)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following temporary differences:
As at As at
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
AssetsAssetsAssets
Property, plant, equipment and intangibles assetsProperty, plant, equipment and intangibles assets$240 $174 Property, plant, equipment and intangibles assets$264 $262 
Non-deductible reservesNon-deductible reserves59 65 Non-deductible reserves44 44 
Minimum taxesMinimum taxes206 267 Minimum taxes207 207 
Convertible Debentures (note 7)94 
Debentures (note 6)Debentures (note 6)37 
Research and developmentResearch and development390 327 Research and development390 379 
Tax loss carryforwardsTax loss carryforwards414 419 Tax loss carryforwards495 441 
OtherOther82 117 Other122 104 
Deferred income tax assetsDeferred income tax assets1,485 1,370 Deferred income tax assets1,523 1,474 
Valuation allowanceValuation allowance1,360 1,223 Valuation allowance1,492 1,367 
Deferred income tax assets net of valuation allowanceDeferred income tax assets net of valuation allowance125 147 Deferred income tax assets net of valuation allowance31 107 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Property, plant, equipment and intangibles assetsProperty, plant, equipment and intangibles assets(125)(147)Property, plant, equipment and intangibles assets(31)(107)
Deferred income tax liabilitiesDeferred income tax liabilities(125)(147)Deferred income tax liabilities(31)(107)
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)Net deferred income tax asset (liability)$$Net deferred income tax asset (liability)$— $— 
The Company regularly assesses the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. In making that assessment, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets to determine, based on the weight of available evidence, whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company noted that there had been three years of cumulative losses, including fiscal 2021.2023. In fiscal 2021,2023, the Company saw an increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance of $205$125 million (February 29, 202028, 2022 - increase of $41$7 million). As a result, the deferred tax valuation allowance had an ending balance of $1,360$1,492 million (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $1,223$1,367 million). This accounting treatment has no effect on the Company’s ability to utilize deferred tax assets to reduce future cash tax payments. The Company will continue to assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realizable at each reporting period and the valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly.
9289

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The Company’s total unrecognized income tax benefits as at February 28, 20212023 and February 29, 202028, 2022 were $24$21 million and $72$20 million, respectively. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:
For the Years EndedFor the Years Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Unrecognized income tax benefits, opening balanceUnrecognized income tax benefits, opening balance$72 $84 $73 Unrecognized income tax benefits, opening balance$20 $24 $72 
Increase for income tax positions of prior years10 
Increase for income tax positions of current yearIncrease for income tax positions of current yearIncrease for income tax positions of current year— 
Settlement of tax positionsSettlement of tax positions(50)(15)(4)Settlement of tax positions— (4)(50)
Unrecognized income tax benefits, ending balanceUnrecognized income tax benefits, ending balance$24 $72 $84 Unrecognized income tax benefits, ending balance$21 $20 $24 
As at February 28, 2021, $222023, $21 million of the unrecognized tax benefits have been netted against deferred income taxes and $2 millionnil has been recorded within income taxes payable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
A summary of open tax years by major jurisdiction is presented below:
Jurisdiction
Canada (1)
Fiscal 2016 - 20212023
United States (2)
Fiscal 20182020 - 20212023
United KingdomFiscal 20192022 - 20212023

(1)    Includes federal as well as provincial jurisdictions, as applicable.
(2)     Pertains to federal tax years. Certain state jurisdictions remain open from fiscal 20172019 through fiscal 2021.2023.
The Company is subject to ongoing examination by tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company regularly assesses the status of these examinations and the potential for adverse outcomes to determine the adequacy of the provision for income taxes, as well as the provisions for indirect and other taxes and related penalties and interest. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that approximately NaNnil of its gross unrecognized income tax benefits will be realized in the next twelve months. While the final resolution of these audits is uncertain, the Company believes the ultimate resolution of these audits will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as interest expense that is netted and reported within investment income, net. The amount of interest accrued as at February 28, 20212023 was approximately $3 million (February 29, 202028, 2022 - approximately $4$3 million). The amount of penalties accrued as at February 28, 20212023 was NaNnil (February 29, 202028, 2022 - NaN)nil).
9390

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



As at February 28, 2021,2023, the Company has the following net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits, which are scheduled to expire in the following years:
Year of ExpiryYear of ExpiryNet Operating LossesCapital Losses
Research and Development Tax Credits (1)
Minimum TaxesYear of ExpiryNet Operating Losses
Research and Development Tax Credits (1)
Minimum Taxes
20292029$10 $$$2029$10 $— $
20302030108 2030— — 108 
2031203123 71 203112 72 
2032203228 22 203228 22 
2033203388 146 203388 133 — 
2034203496 120 203496 124 — 
2035203592 52 203592 52 
20362036275 39 2036353 40 — 
20372037475 23 2037492 23 — 
20382038225 17 2038199 17 — 
2039203913 16 203913 14 — 
2040204014 2040— 13 — 
204120412041— — 
20422042— 11 — 
20432043189 12 — 
IndefiniteIndefinite236 19 19 Indefinite349 22 — 
$1,539 $19 $473 $206 $1,910 $482 $207 

(1)    Includes federal, provincial and state balances.
7.6.    DEBENTURES
1.75% Convertible Debentures
On September 1, 2020, Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd., in its capacity as investment manager of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax"(“Fairfax”), and another institutional investor invested in the Company through a $365 million private placement of new debentures (the “1.75% Debentures”), which partially replaced $605 million of debentures issued in a private placement on September 7, 2016 (the “3.75% Debentures”) as described below (collectively, the “Debentures”).
Interest on the 1.75% Debentures is payable quarterly in arrears at a rate of 1.75% per annum. The 1.75% Debentures mature on November 13, 2023 and each $1,000 of 1.75% Debentures is convertible at any time into 166.67 common shares of the Company, for a total of 60.8 million common shares at a price of $6.00 per share for all 1.75% Debentures, subject to adjustments. Covenants associated with the 1.75% Debentures include limitations on the Company’s total indebtedness.
Under specified events of default, the outstanding principal and any accrued interest on the 1.75% Debentures become immediately due and payable upon request of holders holding not less than 25% of the principal amount of the 1.75% Debentures then outstanding. During an event of default, the interest rate rises to 5.75% per annum.
The 1.75% Debentures are subject to a change of control provision whereby the Company would be required to make an offer to repurchase the 1.75% Debentures at 115% of par value if a person or group (not affiliated with Fairfax) acquires 35% of the Company’s outstanding common shares, acquires all or substantially all of its assets, or if the Company merges with another entity and the Company’s existing shareholders hold less than 50% of the common shares of the surviving entity. Additionally, the 1.75% Debentures cannot be converted to the extent that, after giving effect to the conversion, the holder would beneficially own or exercise control or direction over more than 19.99% of the Company’s then issued and outstanding shares (the “Blocker Provision”).
Due to the conversion option and other embedded derivatives within the 1.75% Debentures, and consistent with the Company’s accounting for the 3.75% Debentures, the Company has elected to record the 1.75% Debentures, including the debt itself and all embedded derivatives, at fair value and present the 1.75% Debentures as a single hybrid financial instrument. No portion of the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures has been recorded as equity, nor would be if the embedded derivatives were bifurcated from the host debt contract.
9491

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



instrument. No portion of the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures has been recorded as equity, nor would be if the embedded derivatives were bifurcated from the host debt contract.
Each period, the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures is recalculated and resulting gains and losses from the change in fair value of the Debentures associated with non-credit components are recognized in income, while the change in fair value associated with credit components is recognized in AOCL. The fair value of the 1.75% Debentures has been determined using the significant Level 2 inputs of interest rate curves, and any observable trades of the Debentures that may have occurred during the period, the market price and volatility of the Company’s listed common shares, and the significant Level 3 inputs related to credit spread and the implied discount of the 1.75% Debentures at issuance.
The Company originally determined its credit spread by calibrating to observable trades of the 3.75% Debentures and trending the calibrated spread to valuation dates utilizing an appropriate credit index. The Company’s credit spread was determined to be 7.90% as of the issuance date of the 1.75% Debentures and 6.20%7.12% as of February 28, 2021.2023. An increase in credit spread will result in a decrease in the fair value of 1.75% Debentures and vice versa. The fair value of the 1.75% Debentures on September 1, 2020 was determined to be approximately $456 million and the implied discount approximately $91 million. The Company determined the implied discount on the 1.75% Debentures by calculating the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures on September 1, 2020 utilizing the above credit spread and other inputs described above.

The following table summarizes the changeschange in fair value of the 1.75% Debentures for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021:2023, February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2021 which also represents the total changes through earnings of items classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
As at
  February 28, 20212023
Balance as at Principal received as of September 1, 2020February 28, 2021$365720 
Change in fair value of the 1.75% Debentures355 (213)
Balance as at February 28, 20212022507 
Change in fair value of the 1.75% Debentures(140)
Balance as at February 28, 2023$720367 
The difference between the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures and the unpaid principal balance of $365 million is $355$2 million. 
The following table shows the impact of the changes in fair value of the 1.75% Debentures for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 2019:2021:    
For the Years Ended
  February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Charge associated with the change in fair value from non-credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations$(347)$$
Charge associated with the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit components recorded in AOCL(8)
Total increase in the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures$(355)$$

For the Years Ended
  February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Income (charge) associated with the change in fair value from non-credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations$138 $212 $(347)
Income (charge) associated with the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit components recorded in AOCL(8)
Total decrease (increase) in the fair value of the 1.75% Debentures$140 $213 $(355)
For the year ended February 28, 2021,2023, the Company recorded interest expense related to the Debentures of $15$6 million, which has been included in investment income (loss), net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations (fiscal 20202022 - $23$6 million; fiscal 20192021 - $24$15 million). The Company is required to make quarterly interest-only payments of approximately $2 million during the remaining term the 1.75% Debentures are outstanding.
Fairfax, a related party under U.S. GAAP due to its beneficial ownership of common shares in the Company after taking into account potential conversion of the Debentures, owned $500 million principal amount of the 3.75% Debentures and purchased $330 million principal amount of the 1.75% Debentures. As such, the redemption of Fairfax’s portion of the 3.75% Debentures, the investment by Fairfax in the 1.75% Debentures and the payment of interest on the Debentures to Fairfax represent related party transactions. Fairfax receives interest at the same rate as other holders of the Debentures.
As at February 28, 2023 the $365 million principal value of the 1.75% Debentures is a current liability that will mature on November 13, 2023. Cash, cash equivalents, and investments were approximately $487 million as at February 28, 2023.
92

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The Company has the ability to access other potential financing arrangements on commercially reasonable terms; for disclosure of liquidity risk, see Note 13.
3.75% Convertible Debentures
On September 7, 2016, Fairfax and other institutional investors invested in the Company through a $605 million private placement of the 3.75% Debentures. The terms of the 3.75% Debentures were substantially similar to those of the 1.75% Debentures, except that the 3.75% Debentures had a higher interest rate, were convertible into common shares at a price of $10.00 per common share, were subject to a lower approval threshold for extraordinary resolutions, did not contain the Blocker Provision and had a maturity date of November 13, 2020.
95

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



On July 22, 2020, the Company announced that, with the required approval of the holders of the 3.75% Debentures, it would redeem the 3.75% Debentures for a redemption amount of approximately $615 million (the “Redemption Amount”), which would settle all outstanding obligations of the Company in respect of the 3.75% Debentures. The redemption was completed on September 1, 2020. As the Redemption Amount represented fair value at August 31, 2020 and the Company elected the fair value option for the 3.75% Debentures, the impact to the consolidated statements of operations of the redemption on the fair value was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. A portion of the fair value associated with changes in instrument-specific credit components in the amount of $6 million remained in OCI until redemption on September 1, 2020 at which point $6 million was discharged to the consolidated statement of operations and is included in the table below.
The following table shows the impact of the changes in fair value of the 3.75% Debentures for the yearsyear ended February 28, 2021, February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019:2021:    
For the Years Ended
  February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Income (charge) associated with the change in fair value from non-credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations$(19)$66 $117 
Income (charge) associated with the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit components recorded in AOCL15 (7)
Realized charges associated with the change in fair value from credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations on redemption(6)
Realized charges associated with the change in fair value from credit components released from AOCL on redemption
Total decrease (increase) in the fair value of the 3.75% Debentures$(4)$59 $117 
February 28, 2021
Charge associated with the change in fair value from non-credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations$(19)
Income associated with the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit components recorded in AOCL15 
Realized charges associated with the change in fair value from credit components recorded in the consolidated statements of operations on redemption(6)
Realized charges associated with the change in fair value from credit components released from AOCL on redemption
Total increase in the fair value of the 3.75% Debentures$(4)

8.7.    CAPITAL STOCK
(a)Capital Stock
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting common shares, an unlimited number of non-voting, redeemable, retractable Class A common shares and an unlimited number of non-voting, cumulative, redeemable, retractable preferred shares. As at February 28, 20212023 and February 29, 2020,28, 2022, there were no Class A common shares or preferred shares outstanding.
9693

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The following details the changes in issued and outstanding common shares for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 2019:2021:
Capital Stock and
Additional Paid-in Capital
Capital Stock and
Additional Paid-in Capital
Stock
Outstanding
(000s)
Amount Stock
Outstanding
(000s)
Amount
Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2018536,734 $2,560 
Common shares outstanding as at February 29, 2020Common shares outstanding as at February 29, 2020554,199 $2,760 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options105 Exercise of stock options3,072 12 
Common shares issued for restricted share unit settlementsCommon shares issued for restricted share unit settlements10,156 — Common shares issued for restricted share unit settlements5,330 — 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— 67 Stock-based compensation— 44 
Exchange shares issued from Cylance acquisition (note 5)— 35 
Value of pre-combination service related to Replacement Awards included in purchase consideration— 21 
Common shares issued related to Exchange SharesCommon shares issued related to Exchange Shares1,380 — 
Common shares issued for employee share purchase planCommon shares issued for employee share purchase plan363 Common shares issued for employee share purchase plan1,524 
Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2019547,358 2,688 
Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2021Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2021565,505 2,823 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options1,189 Exercise of stock options555 
Common shares issued for restricted share unit settlementsCommon shares issued for restricted share unit settlements3,361 — Common shares issued for restricted share unit settlements8,011 — 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— 63 Stock-based compensation— 36 
Common shares issued related to Exchange Shares (note 5)1,380 — 
Common shares issued related to Exchange SharesCommon shares issued related to Exchange Shares1,422 — 
Common shares issued for employee share purchase planCommon shares issued for employee share purchase plan911 Common shares issued for employee share purchase plan735 
Common shares outstanding as at February 29, 2020554,199 2,760 
Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2022Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2022576,228 2,869 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options3,072 12 Exercise of stock options97 — 
Common shares issued for restricted share unit settlementsCommon shares issued for restricted share unit settlements5,330 — Common shares issued for restricted share unit settlements4,872 — 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— 44 Stock-based compensation— 34 
Common shares issued related to Exchange Shares (note 5)1,380 — 
Common shares issued for employee share purchase planCommon shares issued for employee share purchase plan1,524 Common shares issued for employee share purchase plan960 
Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2021565,505 $2,823 
Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2023Common shares outstanding as at February 28, 2023582,157 $2,909 
Common shares (the “Exchange Shares”) were issued in connection with the Cylance acquisition, which was completed on February 21, 2019. In lieu of cash, a portion of the consideration owed to certain Cylance shareholders was paid in equal installments of Exchange Shares on the first three anniversary dates of the closing.
The Company had 566582 million voting common shares outstanding, 20.5 million options to purchase voting common shares, 2220 million RSUs and 12 million DSUs outstanding as at March 26, 2021.28, 2023. In addition, 60.8 million common shares are issuable upon conversion in full of the 1.75% Debentures as described in Note 7.6.
(b)Stock-based Compensation
Replacement awards
In connection with the Cylance acquisition in fiscal 2019, the Company granted 8,320,130 options and 824,046 RSUs (“Replacement Awards”) to replace unvested Cylance employee stock options and unvested restricted share units, all of which were canceled upon the closing of the transaction. The Company was obligated to replace the unvested Cylance employee equity awards under the merger agreement governing the acquisition.
In accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, as the Company was obligated to conduct the replacement, these awards are considered to be replacement awards. Exchanges of share options or other share-based payment awards in conjunction with a business combination are modifications of share-based payment awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). As a result, a portion of the fair-value-based measure of the Replacement Awards is included in measuring the consideration transferred in the Cylance business combination. To determine the portion of the Replacement Awards that is consideration transferred, the Company measured the value of both the Replacement Awards granted by the Company and the historical Cylance awards as of February 21, 2019 in accordance with ASC 718. The portion of the fair-value-based measure of the Replacement Awards that was part of the consideration transferred equaled the portion of the replaced Cylance award that was attributable to pre-combination service. The Company attributed a portion of the Replacement Awards to post-combination service as these awards require post-combination service. The fair value of the rollover consideration was estimated to be $39 million, net of forfeitures, of which $21 million was attributable to pre-acquisition services. The remaining fair value of $18 million is
97

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



recorded as stock-based compensation over the remaining vesting period subsequent to the acquisition date. As of February 28, 2021, the remaining amount of unrecognized expense for the replacement awards totaled $3 million (February 29, 2020 - $6 million).
Stock options
The Company recorded a charge to income and a credit to paid-in capital of approximately $6 millionnil in fiscal 20212023 (fiscal 20202022 - $5$2 million; fiscal 20192021 - $1$6 million) in relation to stock option-based compensation expense.
Stock options previously granted under the Equity Plan generally vest over a period of three years, and are generally exercisable over a period of five years from the grant date. Replacement stock options granted under the Cylance Stock Plan generally vest between three months and four years and are generally exercisable over a period of five to ten years. The Company issues new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.
A summary of option activity for fiscal 2021 is shown below:
 Options Outstanding
 Number
(000’s)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(millions)
Balance as at February 29, 20205,705 $4.41 
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year(3,072)3.78 
Forfeited/canceled/expired during the year(1,050)5.51 
Balance as at February 28, 20211,583 $4.92 6.48$
Vested and expected to vest as at February 28, 20211,475 $4.85 6.40$
Exercisable as at February 28, 20211,035 $4.40 5.94$
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on February 28, 2021. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2021, calculated using the average market price during the year, was approximately $2.22 per share (February 29, 2020 - $4.30; February 28, 2019 - $2.55).

A summary of unvested stock options since February 28, 2021 is shown below:
 Options Outstanding
 Number
(000’s)
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Balance as at February 29, 20202,240 $4.91 
Vested during the year(1,171)5.20 
Forfeited during the year(521)4.69 
Balance as at February 28, 2021548 $4.50 
As at February 28, 2021, there was $2 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options that will be expensed over the vesting period, which, on a weighted average basis, results in a period of approximately 1.28 years. The total fair value of stock options vested during the year ended February 28, 2021 amounted to $6 million (February 29, 2020 - $25 million; February 28, 2019 - $1 million).
Cash received from the stock options exercised for the year ended February 28, 2021 amounted to $12 million (February 29, 2020 - $3 million; February 28, 2019 - $1 million). There were 0 tax deficiencies incurred by the Company related to stock options exercised as at February 28, 2021 (February 29, 2020 - tax deficiency of NaN; February 28, 2019 - tax deficiency of NaN).
9894

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



A summary of option activity for fiscal 2023 is shown below:
 Options Outstanding
 Number
(000’s)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(millions)
Balance as at February 28, 2022728 $4.70 
Exercised during the year(97)3.59 
Forfeited/canceled/expired during the year(142)5.71 
Balance as at February 28, 2023489 $4.63 4.74$— 
Vested and expected to vest as at February 28, 2023489 $4.63 4.74$— 
Exercisable as at February 28, 2023489 $4.63 4.74$— 
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on February 28, 2023. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2023, calculated using the average market price during the year, was approximately $1.78 per share (February 28, 2022 - $5.35; February 28, 2021 - $2.22).
A summary of unvested stock options since February 28, 2022 is shown below:
 Options Outstanding
 Number
(000’s)
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Balance as at February 28, 202259 $4.26 
Vested during the year(49)4.29 
Forfeited during the year(10)4.11 
Balance as at February 28, 2023— $— 
As at February 28, 2023, there was no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The total fair value of stock options vested during the year ended February 28, 2023 was nominal (February 28, 2022 - $1 million; February 28, 2021 - $6 million).
Cash received from the stock options exercised for the year ended February 28, 2023 was nominal (February 28, 2022 - $3 million; February 28, 2021 - $12 million). There were no tax deficiencies incurred by the Company related to stock options exercised as at February 28, 2023 (February 28, 2022 - tax deficiency of nil; February 28, 2021 - tax deficiency of nil).
During the year ended February 28, 2021,2023, there were 0no stock options granted (February 29, 202028, 2022 - NaN;nil; February 28, 20192021 - 8,320,130)nil). The weighted average fair value of these grants was calculated using the BSM option pricing model with the following assumptions:
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the period$— $— $3.97 to $7.48
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rates— %— %2.50% to 2.56%
Expected life in years003.91 to 6.16
Expected dividend yield— %— %— %
Volatility— %— %37% to 40%
The Company has no current expectation of paying cash dividends on its common shares. The risk-free interest rates utilized during the life of the stock options are based on a U.S. Treasury security for an equivalent period. The Company estimates the volatility of its common shares at the date of grant based on a combination of the implied volatility of publicly traded options on its common shares and historical volatility, as the Company believes that this is a reasonable indicator of expected volatility going forward. The expected life of stock options granted under the Equity Plan is based on historical exercise patterns, which the Company believes are representative of future exercise patterns. The expected life of stock options granted under the Cylance Stock Plan is based on the simplified method, as the terms and conditions are different than those previously granted under the Equity Plan.
Restricted share units
The Company recorded compensation expense with respect to RSUs of approximately $38$34 million in the year ended February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $57$35 million; February 28, 20192021 - $66 million).
A summary of RSU activity during fiscal 2021 is shown below:
 RSUs Outstanding
 Number
(000’s)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(millions)
Balance as at February 29, 202024,502 $7.93 
Granted during the year8,621 5.54 
Vested during the year(5,330)8.22 
Forfeited/cancelled during the year(5,718)6.82 
Balance as at February 28, 202122,075 $7.88 1.60$222 
Expected to vest February 28, 202119,614 $7.33 1.59$197 
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the aggregate closing share price of the Company’s common shares on February 28, 2021 that would have been received by RSU holders if all RSUs had been vested on February 28, 2021).
Tax deficiencies incurred by the Company related to the RSUs vested were NaN for the year ended February 28, 2021 (February 29, 2020 - tax deficiency of NaN; February 28, 2019 - tax deficiency of NaN).
As at February 28, 2021, there was $80 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs that will be expensed over the vesting period, which, on a weighted average basis, results in a period of approximately 1.66 years.
During the year ended February 28, 2021, there were 8,620,551 RSUs granted (February 29, 2020 - 16,902,445, of which 4,182,189 were inducement awards in connection with the Cylance acquisition), all of which will be settled upon vesting by the issuance of new common shares.
During the year ended February 28, 2021, the weighted average fair value for RSUs granted was $5.54 (February 29, 2020 - $7.19; February 28, 2019 - $9.45). During the year ended February 28, 2021, the fair value of RSUs that vested was $44 million (February 29, 2020 - $33 million; February 28, 2019 - $73$38 million).
9995

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Inducement awardsA summary of RSU activity during fiscal 2023 is shown below:
In
 RSUs Outstanding
 Number
(000’s)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(millions)
Balance as at February 28, 202215,618 $8.79 
Granted during the year11,883 4.29 
Vested during the year(4,872)8.14 
Forfeited/cancelled during the year(2,989)7.64 
Balance as at February 28, 202319,640 $5.92 1.70$76 
Expected to vest February 28, 202314,101 $5.86 1.71$55 
The aggregate intrinsic value in the first quarter of fiscal 2020,table above represents the Board approved an agreement to grant performance-based equity awards (“Inducement Awards”) to the co-founders of Cylance covering up to 4,182,189 common shares. Up to 25%, 35% and 40% of the Inducement Awards may be earned at the endtotal pre-tax intrinsic value (the aggregate closing share price of the Company’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, respectively, if certain performance conditions are met, and any earned amounts will vest at the end of fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2020, 3,122,140 common shares subject to Inducement Awards were forfeited dueon February 28, 2023 that would have been received by RSU holders if all RSUs had been vested on February 28, 2023).
Tax deficiencies incurred by the Company related to the departure of one of the co-founders of Cylance.
As at February 28, 2021, thereRSUs vested were 861,290 common shares subject to Inducement Awards outstanding. The Company recorded compensation expense with respect to the Inducement Awards of approximately $1 millionnil for the year ended February 28, 2023 (February 28, 2022 - tax deficiency of nil; February 28, 2021 - tax deficiency of nil).
As at February 28, 2023, there was $68 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs that will be expensed over the vesting period, which, on a weighted average basis, results in a period of approximately 1.57 years.
During the year ended February 28, 2023, there were 11,882,500 RSUs granted (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $36,195,827), all of which will be settled upon vesting by the issuance of new common shares.
During the year ended February 28, 2023, the weighted average fair value for RSUs granted was $4.29 (February 28, 2022 - $9.72; February 28, 2021 - $5.54). During the year ended February 28, 2023, the fair value of RSUs that vested was $40 million (February 28, 2022 - $69 million; February 28, 2021 - $44 million).
2019 Executive Chair Incentive Grant
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Board approved an agreement to grant a time-based equity award, a long-term market performance-based equity award and a contingent cash award (together, the “2019 Executive Chair Grant”) to the Company’s Executive Chair and CEO as an incentive to remain as Executive Chair until November 3, 2023. The expense associated with the time-based equity award and market performance-based equity award is included in the compensation expense noted above. The equity and liability components of the agreement are summarized below:
Time-based equity award
The time-based equity award consists of 5 million time-based RSUs that will vest annually in 5 equal tranches beginning on November 3, 2019.
Market performance-based equity award
The market performance-based equity award consists of 5 tranches, each of 1 million market-condition RSUs that will become earned and vested in increments of 1 million RSUs when the 10-day volume weighted average closing price of the Company’s common shares on the New York Stock Exchange reaches $16, $17, $18, $19 and $20, respectively. The grant date fair value and the derived service period for each of the market condition equity awards were determined through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model utilizing Level 2 inputs. Should the target price of an award be reached prior to the derived service date, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost for the award will be accelerated and recorded at that time. Any market-condition RSUs that have not been earned before November 3, 2023 will terminate on such date.
Contingent cash award
The contingent cash award consists of a cash amount of $90 million that becomes payable should the 10-day volume weighted average closing price of the Company’s common shares on the New York Stock Exchange reach $30 (“CEO Contingent Cash Award”). As the award is triggered by the Company’s share price, it is considered stock-based compensation and accounted for as a share-based liability award, the fair value of which is determined at each reporting period end utilizing aan option pricing model using Level 2 inputs and the associated compensation expense (or reversal) for the reporting period recorded. If unearned, theThe contingent cash award will terminate on November 3, 2023. The Company recorded a reversal of compensation expense with respect to the contingent cash award of approximately $8$2 million for the year ended February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $1reversal of expense of $6 million; February 28, 20192021 - $1compensation expense of $8 million). The liability recorded in respect to the award was $8 millionnominal as at February 28, 20212023 and is included within accrued liabilities (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $1$2 million).
Deferred share units
The Company issued 282,090302,173 DSUs and redeemed 273,836 DSUs in the year ended February 28, 2021.2023. There were 1.41.6 million DSUs outstanding as at February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 - 1.11.6 million). The Company had a liability of $14$6 million in relation to the DSU Plan as at February 28, 20212023 (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $6$11 million) included in accrued liabilities.
10096

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



9.8.    EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Net income (loss) for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share available to common shareholders$(1,104)$(152)$93 
Less: Debentures fair value adjustment (1) (2)
(66)(117)
Add: interest expense on Debentures (1) (2)
23 24 
Net income (loss) for diluted earnings (loss) per share available to common shareholders$(1,104)$(195)$
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (000’s) - basic (3)
561,305 553,861 540,477 
Effect of dilutive securities (000’s)
Stock-based compensation (4) (5)
11,308 
Conversion of Debentures (1) (2)
60,500 60,500 
Exchange shares from Cylance acquisition (6)
4,182 
Weighted average number of shares and assumed conversions (000’s) diluted561,305 614,361 616,467 
Earnings (loss) per share - reported
Basic$(1.97)$(0.27)$0.17 
Diluted$(1.97)$(0.32)$0.00 
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Net income (loss) for basic earnings (loss) per share available to common shareholders$(734)$12 $(1,104)
Less: 1.75% Debentures fair value adjustment (1) (2)
(138)(212)— 
Add: interest expense on 1.75% Debentures (1) (2)
— 
Net loss for diluted loss per share available to common shareholders$(866)$(194)$(1,104)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (000’s) - basic (3)(4)
578,654 570,607 561,305 
Effect of dilutive securities (000’s)
Conversion of 1.75% Debentures (1) (2)
60,833 60,833 — 
Weighted average number of shares and assumed conversions (000’s) diluted639,487 631,440 561,305 
Earnings (loss) per share - reported
Basic$(1.27)$0.02 $(1.97)
Diluted$(1.35)$(0.31)$(1.97)

(1) The Company has not presented the dilutive effect of the 1.75% Debentures using the if-converted method in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss)loss per share for the year ended February 28, 2021, as to do so would be antidilutive. See Note 76 for details on the 1.75% Debentures.
(2) The Company has presented the dilutive effect of the 1.75% Debentures using the if-converted method, assuming conversion at the beginning of the fiscal year for the years ended February 29, 202028, 2023 and February 28, 2019.2022. Accordingly, to calculate diluted earnings (loss)loss per share, the Company adjusted net income (loss) by eliminating the fair value adjustment made to the 1.75% Debentures and interest expense incurred on the 1.75% Debentures in the years ended February 29, 202028, 2023 and February 28, 2019,2022, and added the number of shares that would have been issued upon conversion to the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding. See Note 76 for details on the Debentures.
(3) The year ended February 28, 2021, includesincluded approximately 1,421,945 common shares (Exchange Shares) remaining to beExchange Shares that were subsequently issued on the third anniversary date of the Cylance acquisition completed on February 21, 2019 in consideration for the acquisition. The year ended February 29, 2020, includes approximately 2,802,067 common shares to be issued in equal installments on the two anniversary dates of the Cylance acquisition thereafter, in consideration for the acquisition. There are no service or other requirements associated with the issuance of these shares.
(4) The Company has not presented the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and RSUs that will be settled upon vesting by the issuance of new common shares in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss)loss per share for the years ended February 28, 20212023, February 28, 2022 and February 29, 2020,28, 2021 as to do so would be antidilutive.
(5) The Company has presented the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and RSUs that will be settled upon vesting by the issuance of new common shares in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended February 28, 2019. As at February 28, 2019, there were 8,985,836 options and 9,300,191 RSUs outstanding that were in-the-money and may have a dilutive effect on earnings (loss) per share in future periods.
(6) The Company has presented the dilutive effect of the Exchange Shares in connection with the Cylance acquisition completed on February 21, 2019 in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the year ended February 28, 2019. The remaining Exchange Shares are included in the calculation of weighted average number of shares outstanding for the years ended February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020 as noted in footnote 3 above.


10197

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



10.9.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The changes in AOCL by component net of tax, for the years ended February 28, 2021,2023, February 29, 202028, 2022 and February 28, 20192021 were as follows:
As At
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
Balance, beginning of period$$$(7)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification(2)
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASU 2016-01— — 
Accumulated net unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt securities$$$
Cash Flow Hedges
Balance, beginning of period$(1)$$(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification(1)(2)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into net income (loss)
Accumulated net unrealizes gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges$$(1)$
Foreign Currency Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Balance, beginning of period$(9)$(7)$(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification(2)(6)
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment$(4)$(9)$(7)
Change in Fair Value From Instrument-Specific Credit Risk On Debentures
Balance, beginning of period$(22)$(14)$
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification(8)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into net income (loss)
Cumulative impact of adoption of ASU 2016-01— — (14)
Change in fair value from instruments-specific credit risk on Debentures$(9)$(22)$(14)
Other Post-Employment Benefit Obligations
Actuarial losses associated with other post-employment benefit obligations$(1)$(1)$(1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, End of Period$(13)$(33)$(20)
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01 in fiscal 2019, the Company reclassified $8 million in unrecognized losses on equity securities that had previously been recorded to other comprehensive income (loss), through a cumulative addition to deficit in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 1, 2018. The Company recognized approximately $14 million on the change in fair value from instrument-specific credit risk associated with the 3.75% Debentures that had previously been recorded to deficit through a cumulative increase to accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 1, 2018.
As At
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Cash Flow Hedges
Balance, beginning of period$— $$(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification(3)— 
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into net income (loss)(1)— 
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges$(1)$— $
Foreign Currency Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Balance, beginning of period$(10)$(4)$(9)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(6)(6)
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment$(16)$(10)$(4)
Change in Fair Value From Instrument-Specific Credit Risk On Debentures
Balance, beginning of period$(8)$(9)$(22)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into net income (loss)— — 
Change in fair value from instruments-specific credit risk on Debentures$(6)$(8)$(9)
Other Post-Employment Benefit Obligations
Actuarial losses associated with other post-employment benefit obligations$(1)$(1)$(1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, End of Period$(24)$(19)$(13)
During the year ended February 28, 2021, NaN gains or2023, $2 million in losses (pre-tax and post-tax) associated with cash flow hedges were reclassified from AOCL into selling, marketing and administration expenses (February 29, 202028, 2022 - NaN gains or losses)$1 million in gains).
11.10.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a)Letters of Credit
The Company has $28$25 million in collateralized outstanding letters of credit in support of certain leasing arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business as of February 28, 2021.2023. See the discussion of restricted cash and restricted short-term investments in Note 3.
102

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



(b) Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is involved in litigation in the normal course of its business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. The Company is subject to a variety of claims (including claims related to patent infringement, purported class actions and other claims in the normal course of business) and may be subject to additional claims either directly or through indemnities against claims that it provides to certain of its partners and customers. In particular, the industry in which the Company competes has many participants that own, or claim to own, intellectual property, including participants that have been issued patents and may have filed patent applications or may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights for technologies similar to those used by the Company in its products. The Company has received, and may receive in the future, assertions and claims from third parties that the Company’s products infringe on their patents or other intellectual property rights. Litigation has been, and will likely continue to be, necessary to determine the scope, enforceability and validity of third-party proprietary rights or to establish the Company’s proprietary rights. Regardless of whether claims
98

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



against the Company have merit, those claims could be time-consuming to evaluate and defend, result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources and subject the Company to significant liabilities.
Management reviews all of the relevant facts for each claim and applies judgment in evaluating the likelihood and, if applicable, the amount of any potential loss. Where a potential loss is considered probable and the amount is reasonably estimable, provisions for loss are made based on management’s assessment of the likely outcome. Where a range of loss can be reasonably estimated with no best estimate in the range, the Company records the minimum amount in the range. The Company does not provide for claims for which the outcome is not determinableprobable or claims for which the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Any settlements or awards under such claims are provided for when reasonably determinable.
As of February 28, 2021,2023, there are no other material claims outstanding for which the Company has assessed the potential loss as both probable to result and reasonably estimable; therefore, no accrual has been made. Further, there are claims outstanding for which the Company has assessed the potential loss as reasonably possible to result; however, an estimate of the amount of loss cannot reasonably be made. There are many reasons that the Company cannot make these assessments, including, among others, one or more of the following: the early stages of a proceeding does not require the claimant to specifically identify the patent claims that have allegedly been infringed or the products that are alleged to infringe; damages sought are unspecified, unsupportable, unexplained or uncertain; discovery has not been started or is incomplete; the facts that are in dispute are highly complex (e.g., once a patent is identified, the analysis of the patent and a comparison to the activities of the Company is a labour-intensive and highly technical process);complex; the difficulty of assessing novel claims; the parties have not engaged in any meaningful settlement discussions; the possibility that other parties may share in any ultimate liability; and the often slow pace of litigation.
The Company has included the following summaries of certain of its legal proceedings though they do not meet the test for accrual described above.
Between October and December 2013, several purported class action lawsuits and one individual lawsuit were filed against the Company and certain of its former officers in various jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada alleging that the Company and certain of its officers made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial condition and business prospects and that certain of the Company’s financial statements contain material misstatements. The individual lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed.
On March 14, 2014,dismissed and the four putativeconsolidated U.S. class actions were consolidatedreached an agreement in principle to settle; see “Litigation Settlement” below in this Note 10.
On July 23, 2014, the plaintiff in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and on May 27, 2014, a consolidated amendedputative Ontario class action complaint was filed. On March 13, 2015, the Court issued an order granting the Company’s motion to dismiss. The Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration and for leave to file an amended complaint on November 13, 2015. On August 24, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court order dismissing the complaint, but vacated the order denying leave to amend and remanded to the District Court for further proceedings in connection with the plaintiffs’ request for leave to amend. The Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for leave to amend on September 13, 2017. On September 29, 2017, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended class action complaint (the “Second Amended Complaint”), which added the Company’s former Chief Legal Officer as a defendant. The Court denied the motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on March 19, 2018. On January 4, 2019, the Court issued an order placing the case on its suspense calendar but allowed fact and expert discovery to continue. On August 2, 2019, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation that the Court grant the defendants’ motion for judgment on the pleadings dismissing the claims of additional plaintiffs Cho and Ulug. On September 24, 2019, the District Court Judge accepted the Magistrate Judge’s recommendation and dismissed the claims of Cho and Ulug against all defendants. On October 17, 2019, Cho and
103

(Swisscanto Fondsleitung AG v. BlackBerry Limited,
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated
et al.


Ulug filed a Notice of Appeal. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court judgment dismissing Cho and Ulug’s claims on March 11, 2021. The District Court removed the case from its suspense calendar on May 29, 2020. Plaintiffs) filed a motion for class certification on June 8, 2020, the defendants filed oppositions on August 10, 2020, and the plaintiffs filed a reply on September 28, 2020. All discovery was completed as of November 13, 2020. On January 26, 2021, the District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On February 9, 2021, the defendants filed a Rule 23(f) petition for interlocutory review of the class certification order with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs filed an opposition to the Rule 23(f) petition on February 19, 2021, and the defendants filed a motion for leave to file a reply in support of the petition on February 26, 2021. On February 8, 2021, the Magistrate Judge set a settlement conference for May 19, 2021. On February 15, 2021, the District Court set the following briefing schedule for dispositive motions:motions due April 19, 2021, oppositions due June 18, 2021, and replies due July 19, 2021.
On July 23, 2014, the plaintiffs in the putative Ontario class action filed a motion for certification and leave to pursue statutory misrepresentation claims. On November 16,17, 2015, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file a statutory claim for misrepresentation. On December 2, 2015, the Company filed a notice of motion seeking leave to appeal this ruling. On January 22, 2016, the Court postponed the hearing on the plaintiffs’ certification motion to an undetermined date after asking the Company to file a motion to dismiss the claims of the U.S. plaintiffs for forum non conveniens. Before that motion was heard, the parties agreed to limit the class to purchasers who reside in Canada or purchased on the Toronto Stock Exchange. On November 15, 2018, the Court denied the Company’s motion for leave to appeal the order granting the plaintiffs leave to file a statutory claim for misrepresentation. On February 5, 2019, the Court entered an order certifying a class comprised persons (a) who purchased BlackBerry common shares between March 28, 2013, and September 20, 2013, and still held at least some of those shares as of September 20, 2013, and (b) who acquired those shares on a Canadian stock exchange or acquired those shares on any other stock exchange and were a resident of Canada when the shares were acquired. Notice of class certification was published on March 6, 2019. The Company filed its Statement of Defence on April 1, 2019,2019. Discovery is proceeding and discovery is proceeding.the Court has not set a trial date.
On February 15,March 17, 2017, a putative employment class action was filed against the Company in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.Justice (Parker v. BlackBerry Limited). The Statement of Claim alleges that actions the Company took when certain of its employees decided to accept offers of employment from Ford Motor Company of Canada amounted to a wrongful termination of the employees’ employment with the Company. The claim seeks (i) an unspecified quantum of statutory, contractual, or common law termination entitlements; (ii) punitive or breach of duty of good faith damages of CAD$20,000,000,20 million, or such other amount as the Court finds appropriate, (iii) pre- and post- judgment interest, (iv) attorneys’ fees and costs, and (v) such other relief as the Court deems just. The Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class action on May 27, 2019. The Company commenced a motion for leave to appeal the certification order on June 11, 2019. The Court denied the motion for leave to appeal on September 17, 2019. The Company filed its Statement of Defence on December 19, 2019,2019. The parties participated in a mediation on November 9, 2022, which did not result in an agreement. Discovery is proceeding and discovery is proceeding.the Court has not set a trial date.
Other contingencies
As at February 28, 2021,2023, the Company has received $15recognized $17 million (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $10$17 million) in funds from claims filed with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada relating to its Strategic Innovation
99

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Fund (“SIF”) program’s investment in BlackBerry QNX. A portion of this amount may be repayable in the future under certain circumstances if certain terms and conditions are not met by the Company, which is not probable at this time.
(c)     Settlements, netLitigation Settlement
Panasonic settlement agreement
In fiscalOn March 14, 2014, the four putative U.S. class actions were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and on May 27, 2014, a consolidated amended class action complaint was filed. On August 2, 2019, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation that the Court grant the defendants’ motion for judgment on the pleadings dismissing the claims of additional plaintiffs Cho and Ulug. On September 24, 2019, the District Court Judge accepted the Magistrate Judge’s recommendation and dismissed the claims of Cho and Ulug against all defendants. On January 26, 2021, the District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The class includes “all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the common stock of BlackBerry Limited on the NASDAQ during the period from March 28, 2013, through and including September 20, 2013”. The class excludes (a) all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock between March 28, 2013, and April 10, 2013, and who sold all their Company common stock before April 11, 2013, and Panasonic Corporation entered into a settlement agreement whereby(b) the defendants, officers and directors of the Company, received approximately $12members of their immediate families and their legal representatives, heirs, successors, or assigns, and any entity in which any of the Defendants have or had a controlling interest. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court judgment dismissing Cho and Ulug’s claims on March 11, 2021, and denied Cho and Ulug’s petition for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc on April 28, 2021. On April 6, 2022, the parties accepted a mediator’s settlement proposal, and reached an agreement in principle to settle the U.S. consolidated actions for $165 million. The Stipulation of Settlement was executed effective June 7, 2022. On June 14, 2022, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary approval of the settlement and scheduled the final approval hearing for September 29, 2022. In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company accrued $165 million in connectionassociated with previously purchased components utilized bythis settlement within the legacy handheld devices business. This amount, net of legal costs of approximately $3 million, was recorded within settlements, netline “Litigation settlement” on the consolidated statementsstatement of operations inoperations. On June 29, 2022, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
(d)     Concentrations in Certain AreasCompany paid $1 million of the Company’s Businesssettlement amount. The remaining $164 million was paid on September 6, 2022. On September 29, 2022, the Court granted final approval of the settlement and entered final judgment.
The Company attempts to ensure that most components essential to the Company’s business are generally available from multiple sources; however, certain components are currently obtained from limited sources within a competitive market, which subjects the Company to supply, availability and pricing risks. The Company has also entered into various agreements for the supply of components, and the manufacturing of its products; however, there can be no guarantee that the Company will be able to extend or renew these agreements on similar terms, or at all. Therefore, the Company remains subject to risks of supply shortages.
104

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



(e)(d)     Indemnifications
The Company enters into certain agreements that contain indemnification provisions under which the Company could be subject to costs and damages, including in the event of an infringement claim against the Company or an indemnified third party. Such intellectual property infringement indemnification clauses are generally not subject to any dollar limits and remain in effect for the term of the Company’s agreements. To date, the Company has not encountered material costs as a result of such indemnifications.
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its current and former directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, the Company agreed, subject to applicable law, to indemnify its current and former directors and executive officers against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by such individuals in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action that could arise by reason of their status as directors or officers. The Company maintains liability insurance coverage for the benefit of the Company, and its current and former directors and executive officers. The Company has not encountered material costs as a result of such indemnifications in fiscal 2021. See the Company’s Management Information Circular for its 2020 annual meeting of shareholders for additional information regarding the Company’s indemnification agreements with its current and former directors and executive officers.2023.
12.11.    LEASES
The Company has operating and finance leases primarily for corporate offices, research and development facilities, data centers and certain equipment. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of between one year and sevenfive years, some of which may include options to extend the lease for up to 10 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the lease within three months.one month.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020
Operating lease cost, included in selling, marketing and administration$30 $33 
Finance lease cost
Amortization of ROU assets, included in amortization$$
Interest on lease liabilities, included in investment income, net
Total finance lease cost$$

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Cash used in operating activities related to operating lease payments$37 $40 
Cash used in financing activities related to finance lease payments
During the year ended February 28, 2021, the Company entered into $4 million in lease obligations and recognized a corresponding ROU asset of $4 million. During the year ended February 28, 2021, the Company incurred losses of $37 million on LLA impairment of ROU assets, as described in Note 3. The Company also had sublease income of $1 million and incurred $2 million in short-term lease costs during the year ended February 28, 2021.
During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company entered into $1 million in lease obligations and recognized a corresponding ROU asset of $1 million. During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company incurred losses of $8 million on LLA impairment of ROU assets, as described in Note 3. The Company also had sublease income of $2 million and incurred $2 million in short-term lease costs during the year ended February 29, 2020.
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Operating lease cost, included in selling, marketing and administration$20 $23 $30 
105100

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated




Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Cash used in operating activities related to operating lease payments$32 $37 $37 
During the year ended February 28, 2023, the Company entered into $15 million (February 28, 2022 - $6 million) in lease obligations and recognized a corresponding ROU asset of $15 million (February 28, 2022 - $6 million).
During the year ended February 28, 2023, the Company incurred losses of $4 million (February 28, 2022 - nil; February 28, 2021 - $37 million) on LLA impairment of ROU assets, as described in Note 3. The Company also had sublease income during the year ended February 28, 2023 of $3 million (February 28, 2022 - $3 million; February 28, 2021 - $1 million) and incurred short-term lease costs of $2 million (February 28, 2022 - $2 million; February 28, 2021 - $2 million).
Supplemental consolidated balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
As at As at
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Operating leasesOperating leasesOperating leases
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assetsOperating lease assets
Operating lease ROU assetsOperating lease ROU assets$63 $124 Operating lease ROU assets$44 $50 
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities
Accrued liabilitiesAccrued liabilities$33 $31 Accrued liabilities$24 $28 
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities90 120 Operating lease liabilities52 66 
Total operating lease liabilitiesTotal operating lease liabilities$123 $151 Total operating lease liabilities$76 $94 
Finance leases
Finance lease assets
Property, plant and equipment$$
Accumulated amortization(3)(4)
Total finance lease assets$$
Finance lease liabilities
Accrued liabilities$$
Other long-term liabilities
Total finance lease liabilities$$

As at As at
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Weighted average remaining lease termWeighted average remaining lease termWeighted average remaining lease term
Operating leasesOperating leases4.7 years5.5 yearsOperating leases3.8 years4.3 years
Finance leases0.9 years1.3 years
Weighted average discount rateWeighted average discount rateWeighted average discount rate
Operating leaseOperating lease3.4 %3.6 %Operating lease3.4 %3.4 %
Finance leases2.5 %2.2 %
106101

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Maturities of undiscounted lease liabilities were as follows:
 As at
February 28, 2021
 Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Fiscal year 2022$36 $
Fiscal year 202330 
Fiscal year 202422 
Fiscal year 202517 
Fiscal year 202612 
Thereafter16 
Total future minimum lease payments133 
Less:
Imputed interest(10)
Total$123 $
As at
February 28, 2023
Operating Leases
Fiscal year 2024$26 
Fiscal year 202520 
Fiscal year 202615 
Fiscal year 202711 
Fiscal year 202810 
Total future minimum lease payments82 
Less:
Imputed interest(6)
Total$76 

13.12. REVENUE AND SEGMENT DISCLOSURES
RevenueThe Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by the CODM for making decisions and assessing performance as a source of the Company’s reportable operating segments. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, the CODM, who is the Executive Chair and CEO of the Company, began making decisions and assessing the performance of the Company using three operating segments, whereas the CODM previously made decisions and assessed the performance of the Company as a single operating segment.
The CODM does not evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information. The Company does not specifically allocate assets to operating segments for internal reporting purposes.
Segment Disclosures
The Company is organized and managed as three operating segments: Cybersecurity, IoT, and Licensing and Other. Fiscal 2021 information has been restated to conform to the current presentation of the Company’s segment information.
The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers based on geographical regions, timing of revenue recognition, and the major product and service types as described in Note 1.
The following table shows information by operating segment for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023:
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment Totals
Segment revenue$418 $206 $32 $656 
Segment cost of sales185 37 12 234 
Segment gross margin (1)
$233 $169 $20 $422 

(1) A reconciliation of total segment gross margin to consolidated totals is set forth below.
102

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The following table shows information by operating segment for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2021:
 For the Year Ended
February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
CybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment TotalsCybersecurityIoTLicensing and OtherSegment Totals
Segment revenue$477 $178 $63 $718 $491 $130 $272 $893 
Segment cost of sales194 30 23 247 192 23 30 245 
Segment gross margin (1)
$283 $148 $40 $471 $299 $107 $242 $648 

(1) A reconciliation of total segment gross margin to consolidated totals is set forth below.
Cybersecurity consists of the Company’s BlackBerry Spark software platform, BlackBerry AtHoc, BlackBerry Alert and BlackBerry SecuSUITE. The BlackBerry Spark platform is a comprehensive offering of security software products and services, including the BlackBerry Cyber Suite and the BlackBerry Spark® Unified Endpoint Management Suite, which are also marketed together as the BlackBerry Spark Suite, offering the Company’s broadest range of tailored cybersecurity and endpoint management options. The BlackBerry Spark UES Suite includes revenue from the Company’s Cylance artificial intelligence and machine learning-based platform consisting of CylancePROTECT, CylanceOPTICS, CylancePERSONA, CylanceGATEWAY, CylanceGUARD managed services, CylancePROTECT Mobile and other cybersecurity applications. The BlackBerry Spark UEM Suite includes the Company’s BlackBerry UEM, BlackBerry Dynamics, and BlackBerry Workspaces solutions. Cybersecurity revenue is generated predominantly through software licenses, commonly bundled with support, maintenance and professional services.
IoT consists of BlackBerry QNX, BlackBerry Certicom, BlackBerry Radar, BlackBerry IVY and other IoT applications. IoT revenue is generated predominantly through software licenses, commonly bundled with support, maintenance and professional services.
Licensing and Other consists of the Company’s intellectual property arrangements and settlement awards. Other consists of the Company’s legacy SAF business, which ceased operations on January 4, 2022.
103

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



The following table reconciles total segment gross margin for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2021 to the Company’s consolidated totals:
 For the Years Ended
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Total segment gross margin422 $471 $648 
Adjustments (1):
Less: Stock compensation
Less:
Research & development207 219 215 
Selling, marketing and administration340 297 344 
Amortization96 165 182 
Impairment of long-lived assets235 — 43
Impairment of goodwill245 — 594 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, net(6)— — 
Debentures fair value adjustment(138)(212)372 
Litigation settlement165 — — 
Investment income (loss), net(5)(21)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes$(720)$19 $(1,113)

(1) The CODM reviews segment information on an adjusted basis, which excludes certain amounts as described below:
Stock compensation expenses - Equity compensation is a non-cash expense and does not impact the ongoing operating decisions taken by the Company’s management.
Revenue
The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers based on geographical regions, timing of revenue recognition, and the major product and service types, as discussed above in “Segment Disclosures”.
The Company’s revenue, classified by major geographic region in which the Company’s customers are located, was as follows:
For the Years Ended For the Years Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
North America (1)
North America (1)
$633 70.9 %$743 71.4 %$599 66.2 %
North America (1)
$350 53.4 %$413 57.5 %$633 70.9 %
Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope, Middle East and Africa197 22.1 %221 21.3 %222 24.6 %Europe, Middle East and Africa222 33.8 %234 32.6 %197 22.1 %
Other regionsOther regions63 7.0 %76 7.3 %83 9.2 %Other regions84 12.8 %71 9.9 %63 7.0 %
TotalTotal$893 100.0 %$1,040 100.0 %$904 100.0 %Total$656 100.0 %$718 100.0 %$893 100.0 %

(1) North America includes all revenue from the Company’s intellectual property arrangements, due to the global applicability of the patent portfolio and licensing arrangements thereof.
Total revenue, classified by product and service type (see Note 1), was as follows:
 For the Years Ended
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Software and Services$621 $691 $559 
Licensing and Other272 349 345 
Total$893 $1,040 $904 

Revenue, classified by timing of recognition, was as follows:
 For the Year Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019
Products and services transferred over time$476 $512 $488 
Products and services transferred at a point in time417 528 416 
Total$893 $1,040 $904 
107104

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Revenue, classified by timing of recognition, was as follows:
 For the Year Ended
February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Products and services transferred over time$364 $428 $476 
Products and services transferred at a point in time292 290 417 
Total$656 $718 $893 
Revenue contract balances
The following table sets forth the activity in the Company’s revenue contract balances for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021:2023:
Accounts ReceivableDeferred RevenueDeferred CommissionsAccounts ReceivableDeferred RevenueDeferred Commissions
Opening balance as at February 29, 2020$267 $373 $28 
Opening balance as at February 28, 2022Opening balance as at February 28, 2022$138 $244 $16 
Increases due to invoicing of new or existing contracts, associated contract acquisition costs, or otherIncreases due to invoicing of new or existing contracts, associated contract acquisition costs, or other842 574 23 Increases due to invoicing of new or existing contracts, associated contract acquisition costs, or other692 601 24 
Decrease due to payment, fulfillment of performance obligations, or otherDecrease due to payment, fulfillment of performance obligations, or other(921)(653)(30)Decrease due to payment, fulfillment of performance obligations, or other(710)(630)(23)
Increase (decrease), netIncrease (decrease), net(79)(79)(7)Increase (decrease), net(18)(29)
Closing balance as at February 28, 2021$188 $294 $21 
Closing balance as at February 28, 2023Closing balance as at February 28, 2023$120 $215 $17 
Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations
The table below discloses the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as at February 28, 20212023 and the time frame in which the Company expects to recognize this revenue. The disclosure includes estimates of variable consideration, except when the variable consideration is a sales-based or usage-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property.
As at February 28, 2021
Less than 12 Months12 to 24 MonthsThereafterTotal
Remaining performance obligations$239 $62 $23 $324 
As at February 28, 2023
Less than 12 Months12 to 24 MonthsThereafterTotal
Remaining performance obligations$169 $31 $14 $214 
Revenue recognized for performance obligations satisfied in prior periods
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, $22023, $1 million in revenue was recognized relating to performance obligations satisfied in a prior period (fiscal year ended February 29, 202028, 2022 - $1 million, in revenue recognized relating to performance obligations satisfied in a prior period;million; fiscal year ended February 28, 20192021 - $11 million in revenue recognized relating to the legacy handheld devices business)$2 million).
Segment Disclosures
The Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) for making decisions and assessing performance as a source of the Company’s reportable operating segments. The CODM, who is the Executive Chair and CEO, reviews financial information, makes decisions and assesses the performance of the Company as a single operating segment.
Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, operating lease ROU assets and goodwill, classified by geographic segments in which the Company’s assets are located, were as follows:
 As at
 February 28, 2021February 29, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets, Operating Lease ROU Assets and GoodwillTotal AssetsProperty, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets, Operating Lease ROU Assets and GoodwillTotal Assets
Canada$289 $504 $374 $657 
United States1,411 1,963 2,132 3,071 
Other31 351 40 160 
$1,731 $2,818 $2,546 $3,888 
108105

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated




Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, operating lease ROU assets and goodwill, classified by geographic region in which the Company’s assets are located, were as follows:
 As at
 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets, Operating Lease ROU Assets and GoodwillTotal AssetsProperty, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets, Operating Lease ROU Assets and GoodwillTotal Assets
Canada$98 $375 $117 $447 
United States742 1,208 1,313 1,989 
Other27 96 27 131 
$867 $1,679 $1,457 $2,567 
Information About Major Customers
There was one customer that comprised 22%12% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal 20212023 (fiscal 20202022 - one customer that comprised 13%11%; fiscal 20192021 - one customer that comprised more than 10%22%).
14.13.    CASH FLOW AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(a)    Certain consolidated statements of cash flow information related to interest and income taxes paid is summarized as follows:
For the Years Ended For the Years Ended
February 28, 2021February 29, 2020February 28, 2019 February 28, 2023February 28, 2022February 28, 2021
Interest paid during the yearInterest paid during the year$15 $23 $24 Interest paid during the year$$$15 
Income taxes paid during the yearIncome taxes paid during the yearIncome taxes paid during the year
Income tax refunds received during the yearIncome tax refunds received during the year15 Income tax refunds received during the year
(b)    Additional Information
Advertising expense, which includes media, agency and promotional expenses totaling $24$29 million is included in selling, marketing and administration expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021.2023. (February 29, 202028, 2022 - $39$25 million; February 28, 20192021 - $22$24 million)
Selling, marketing and administration expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 20212023 included $1 millionnil with respect to foreign exchange gain, net of foreign exchange hedging (February 29, 202028, 2022 - NaN;$1 million; February 28, 20192021 - gain of $2$1 million).
Foreign exchange
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than its functional currency, the U.S. dollar. The majority of the Company’s revenue in fiscal 20212023 was transacted in U.S. dollars. Portions of the revenue were denominated in Canadian dollars, euros and British pounds. Other expenses, consisting mainly of salaries and certain other operating costs, were incurred primarily in Canadian dollars, but were also incurred in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds. At February 28, 2021,2023, approximately 20%19% of cash and cash equivalents, 25%24% of accounts receivable and 34%36% of accounts payable were denominated in foreign currencies (February 29, 202028, 202212%37%, 17%23% and 17%30%, respectively). These foreign currencies primarily include the Canadian dollar, euro and British pound. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company maintains net monetary asset and/or liability balances in foreign currencies and engages in foreign currency hedging activities using derivative financial instruments, including currency forward contracts and currency options. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
Interest rate risk
Cash and cash equivalents and investments are invested in certain instruments of varying maturities. Consequently, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of holding investments of varying maturities. The fair value of investments, as well as the investment income derived from the investment portfolio, will fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates. The Company has also issued the1.75% Debentures with a fixed interest rate as described in Note 7.6. The fair value of the 1.75% Debentures will fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates. Consequently, the
106

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



Company is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of the 1.75% Debentures. The Company does not currently utilize interest rate derivative instruments to hedge its investment portfolio or changes in the market value of the 1.75% Debentures.
Credit risk
The Company is exposed to market and credit risk on its investment portfolio. The Company reduces this risk by investing in liquid, investment-grade securities and by limiting exposure to any one entity or group of related entities. As at February 28, 2021,2023, no single issuer represented more than 13%12% of the total cash, cash equivalents and investments (February 29, 202028, 2022 - no single issuer represented more than 8%10% of the total cash, cash equivalents and investments), with the largest such issuer representing cash balancescommercial paper at one of the Company’s banking counterparties.
The Company maintains Credit Support Annexes (“CSAs”) with several of its counterparties. These CSAs require the outstanding net position of all contracts be made whole by the paying or receiving of collateral to or from the counterparties on a daily basis, subject to exposure and transfer thresholds. As at February 28, 2023, the Company had $1 million in collateral held with counterparties (February 28, 2022 - nil in collateral held).
Liquidity risk
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments were approximately $487 million as at February 28, 2023. The Company’s management remains focused on efficiently managing working capital balances and managing the liquidity needs of the business. The Company has experienced recent operating losses and the Debentures will mature on November 13, 2023 as described above in Note 6, but the Company maintains positive working capital, has the ability to access other potential financing arrangements on commercially reasonable terms, and has entered into the patent sale transaction as disclosed below in Note 14. Taking these factors into account and based on its current financial projections, the Company believes its financial resources, together with expected future operating cash generating and operating expense reduction activities, should be sufficient to meet funding requirements for current financial commitments and future operating expenditures not yet committed, and should provide the necessary financial capacity for the foreseeable future.
Government subsidies
During fiscal 2021, the Government of Canada announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (“CERS”) for Canadian employers whose businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEWS program initially ran for a thirty-six week period between March and November 2020 and the CERS program for a period between September 2020 and July 2021. The programs were subsequently extended to October 2021. The CEWS program provided a subsidy of up to 75% of eligible employees’ employment insurable remuneration, subject to certain criteria. The extension also included a gradual decrease to the subsidy rate. CEWS received after June 5, 2021 may be repayable in the future under certain circumstances if certain terms and conditions are not met by the Company, which is not probable at this time. The CERS program provided a subsidy of up to 65% of eligible fixed property expenses. The base subsidy was determined based on the percentage revenue decline experienced by businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERS program gradually reduced the amount and availability of subsidies in the months leading up to the program’s final claim period.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, the Government of Canada announced the HHBRP to continue supporting businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The HHBRP provides a subsidy of up to 50% of eligible employees’ employment insurable remuneration, subject to certain criteria, and rent and ran until May 7, 2022.
The Company applied for the CEWS, CERS and HHBRP to the extent it met the requirements to receive the subsidy and during the year ended February 28, 2023, recorded $4 million in government subsidies as a reduction to operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations (February 28, 2022 - $46 million). As at February 28, 2023, the Company has recorded nil in accrued government subsidies within other receivables on the consolidated balance sheet (February 28, 2022 - $8 million).

109107

BlackBerry Limited
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions of United States dollars, except share and per share data, and except as otherwise indicated



counterparties on a daily basis, subject to exposure and transfer thresholds. As at February 28, 2021,14.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On March 21, 2023, the Company had NaN collateral posted or held with counterparties (February 29, 2020 - $1entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of the Company’s non-core patent assets to Malikie Innovations Limited (“Malikie”) for $170 million in collateral posted).
Liquidity risk
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments were approximately $804 million as at February 28, 2021. The Company’s management remains focused on maintaining appropriate cash balances, efficiently managing working capital balances and managing the liquidity needs of the business. Based on its current financial projections, the Company believes its financial resources, together with expected future operating cash generating and operating expense reduction activities and access to other potential financing arrangements, should be sufficient to meet funding requirements for current financial commitments and future operating expenditures not yet committed, and should provide the necessary financial capacity for the foreseeable future.
Government subsidies
During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Government of Canada announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) for Canadian employers whose businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, initially running for a thirty-six week period between March and November 2020. The program was subsequently extended to December 2020 and the Government of Canada has announced plans forclosing, an additional extension to June 2021. The CEWS originally provided a subsidy$30 million in cash by no later than the third anniversary of closing and potential future royalties in the aggregate amount of up to 75%$900 million. BlackBerry will be entitled to receive annual cash royalties from the profits generated by the patents, on the following basis:
8% of eligible employees’ employment insurable remuneration,the first $500 million of profits
15% of the next $250 million of profits
30% of the next $250 million of profits; and
50% of all subsequent profits.
Completion of the transaction is conditional upon, among other things, satisfaction of all regulatory conditions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in the United States and the Investment Canada Act. Pursuant to the patent sale agreement, the Company expects to receive a license back to the patents being sold, which relate primarily to mobile devices, messaging and wireless networking. Patents that are essential to the Company’s current core business operations, as well as certain non-core patent families relating to mobile devices, are excluded from the transaction. Contemporaneously, the Company also terminated a prior agreement with Catapult relating to the proposed sale of the patent portfolio subject to the Malikie agreement as well as certain criteria, which declined to up to 65% for a period of time before returning to 75%. Accordingly, the Company applied for the CEWS to the extent it met the requirements to receive the subsidy and during the year ended February 28, 2021, recorded $53 million in government subsidies as a reduction to operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

additional non-core patents.
110108


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
As of February 28, 2021,2023, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the U.S. Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the U.S. Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Board, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use or dispositions of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2021.2023. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in its Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management concludes that, as of February 28, 2021,2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 20212023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended February 28, 2021,2023, no changes were made to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
111
109


PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A list of our executive officers appears in Part I, Item 1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The information required by this item will be included in our 20212023 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Audit and Risk Management Committee
The Audit and Risk Management Committee’s purpose is to provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary obligations with respect to matters involving the accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal control, and legal compliance and risk management functions of the Company and its subsidiaries. It is the objective of the Audit and Risk Management Committee to maintain free and open means of communications among the Board, the independent auditors and the financial and senior management of the Company. The full text of the Audit and Risk Management Committee’s Charter can be viewed on the Company’s website at https://www.blackberry.com/ca/en/company/investors/corporate-governance-global.
Applicable securities laws require that, subject to certain exceptions, all members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee be “independent” under Sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 of the Canadian Securities Administrators - Audit Committees and the rules and regulations of the NYSE, and “financially literate”, meaning that the committee member has the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to those issues reasonably expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements. Ms. StymiestDisbrow (Chair), Ms. Disbrow,, Dr. Smaldone Alsup and Mr. Wouters are the members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, and each is an independent director of the Company and financially literate, based on his or her education and experience as described below. The Audit and Risk Management Committee has also developed, in conjunction with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and other accounting personnel, an orientation and continuing education program that will provide the new members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee with additional information and understanding about the accounting and financial presentation issues underlying the Company’s financial statements.
The members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee bring significant skill and experience to their responsibilities including professional experience in accounting, business, management and governance, and finance. The specific education and experience of each member that is relevant to the performance of his or her responsibilities as such member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee are set out below:
Barbara Stymiest, FCPA, FCA (Chair) – Ms. Stymiest has an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario and an FCA from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. From 2004 to 2011, Ms. Stymiest held various senior management positions in the Royal Bank of Canada and served as a member of the Group Executive responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Company. Prior to this, Ms. Stymiest held positions as Chief Executive Officer at TMX Group Inc., Executive Vice-President & CFO at BMO Capital Markets and Partner of Ernst & Young LLP. Ms. Stymiest is currently a director of George Weston Limited, Sun Life Financial Inc., University Health Network and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.
Lisa Disbrow (Chair) – Ms. Disbrow has a BA from the University of Virginia, an MA from The George Washington University in International Relations, and an MS from The National War College in National Strategy. SheMs. Disbrow serves on the President’s Export Council and is a Commissioner on the Congressional Planning, Programming, Budgeting & Execution Reform Commission. Ms. Disbrow is also the Chair of the NobleReach Foundation, as well as a director of CACI International Inc, Mercury Systems and SparkCognition, Inc. In addition, she is a Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and the Vice Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association. Previously, she served over 30 years in senior civilian and military positions in the U.S. government, and was the Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of the United States Air Force from January 2015 to June 2017, the second senior-most official leading a global organization of over 660,000 personnel and an annual budget exceeding $135 billion. Ms. DisbrowForce. She also served as Acting Secretary of the U.S. Air Force from January 2017 to May 2017. Sheand was also the Senate-confirmed chief financial officer of the Air Force, from 2014 through 2018, as the Assistant Secretary for Financial Management and Comptroller. Ms. Disbrow was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 1985 and retired after 23 years as Colonel having worked primarily in intelligence operations, operational plans, and program budgeting. Over the course of her federal civilian career, she held leadership and analytic positions at the White House, on the Joint Staff and at the National Reconnaissance Office. Ms. Disbrow is a director of Mercury Systems, Inc., Perspecta Inc., Hensoldt, Inc., and the Sequa Corporation.
Dr. Laurie Smaldone Alsup – Dr. Smaldone Alsup has an MD from Yale University, where she completed her residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Medical Oncology. She is Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Medical Officer of NDA Group AB (which merged in 2016 with PharmApprove, where Dr. Smaldone Alsup was President and Chief Scientific Officer), a leading drug development consulting company. She was previously served inChief Executive Officer of Phytomedics, an early-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on arthritis and inflammation, prior to which she held clinical and regulatory leadership roles of increasing responsibility and scope while at Bristol Myers Squibb, including Senior Vice President of Global Regulatory Science, where she also developed and led Business Risk Management for the company. In addition, she served as CEO of Phytomedics, an early stage biopharmaceutical company focused on arthritis and inflammation. Dr. Smaldone Alsup has extensive risk
112


management and executive leadership experience and is a director of Arvinas, Inc., Kinnate Biopharma Inc. and Theravance Biopharma, Inc.
The Hon. Wayne Wouters – Mr. Wouters has a BComm (Honours) from the University of Saskatchewan and an MA in economics from Queen’s University. From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Wouters was the Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada and held the roles of Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service. Prior to his tenure as Clerk, Mr. Wouters was Secretary of the Treasury Board of Canada and served in deputy ministerial and other senior positions in the Canadian public service. He is currently Strategic and Policy Advisor to McCarthy Tétrault LLP and a director of Champion Iron Limited, and Canadian Utilities Limited. In 2017,Limited and Foran Mining Corporation. He was inducted by the Prime Minister as a member of the Privy Council in 2014 and was he was invested into the Order of Canada as an officer.officer in 2017. Mr. Wouters
110


has extensive experience with economic policy and international trade matters, which included oversight of multi-billion dollar budgets on behalf of the Government of Canada.
The Board has also determined that each of Ms. Stymiest and Ms. Disbrow is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of General Instruction B(8)(a) of Form 10-K under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,, as amended. The SEC has indicated that the designation of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not make such person an “expert” for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on such person that are greater than those imposed on members of the Audit Committee and the Board who do not carry this designation or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or the Board.
Enterprise Risk Management
The Company recognizes that risks are associated with delivering on its strategy and achieving its corporate objectives. Managing these risks is an essential part of the Company’s business and the Company aims to promote a culture of risk management and compliance at all levels in the organization. The Company has defined and implemented an approach to manage its exposure to risk, consisting of: (i) a risk management framework to regularly identify, assess, treat, monitor and report on current and potential risks, and (ii) a governance structure that clearly defines the responsibilities of the Board, the senior leadership team, employees and other stakeholders to support the risk management framework. This approach to enterprise risk management is integral to the Company’s business activities and is designed to:
promote effective corporate governance and decision-making by enabling the consistent identification and evaluation of risk on a consolidated basis;
ensure that risks are managed proactively and appropriately in the context of the Company’s strategy and objectives;
support the development of internal controls;
facilitate the reliability and transparency of financial and operational reporting;
assist in compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and contracts; and
reduce harm to financial performance and safeguard the Company’s assets.
Risk Management Framework Policy and Risk Appetite
The Company’s risk management framework policy defines responsibilities for the identification, assessment, management and reporting of risks, and sets out expectations for ownership, resource assignment and compliance. The scope of the framework embraces internal functions as well as those activities for which the Company engages support from third parties.
To support the risk management framework and risk oversight activities, the Company maintains a risk appetite statement that defines, by category of risk, the Company’s tolerance for risk-taking having regard to potential rewards and overall business strategies and objectives. The Company’s four risk categories are: (i) strategy and innovation, (ii) operations, (iii) legal, compliance and reputation, and (iv) financial management and reporting. The Company’s risk profile is regularly assessed against the risk appetite statement, which is reviewed and updated as the Company’s business strategy and operating environment evolve.
Risk Governance and Oversight
The Company utilizes a “three lines of defense” governance structure to define how the responsibility for risk management activities is assigned:
The first line of defense for managing risks resides with the management of each business unit. Risk exposures are identified and mitigated at a granular level through various ongoing management activities including business planning, operations management, reporting, and process improvement projects.
Oversight of business unit management is provided by the second line of defense, the Security Risk and Compliance Committee (“SRCC”), which meets at least quarterly and is supported by various compliance, security and control
113


functions. The SRCC is composed of manager representatives from each major business group and provides strategic direction by defining key policies, identifying emerging risk trends, and sponsoring training.
The internal audit function comprises the third line of defense, providing independent assurance of the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management activities and internal controls related to (i) financial reporting and integrity and (ii) other areas of risk as assigned by the Audit and Risk Management Committee from time to time, including cybersecurity risk. The internal audit function may also review the governance structures and mandates of the first two lines of defense.
Additional governance and oversight is provided by the risk managementthe Risk Management and compliance councilCompliance Council (“RMCC”), a council of internal senior leaders which oversee the risk management activities undertaken by business group management and the SRCC. The RMCC meets at least quarterly with the Chief Risk Officer serving as the Chair. The RMCC reviews the Company’s risk profile, risk criteria and limits,dashboard and monitors remediation activities to address gaps. The RMCC also
111


approves the risk appetite statement and promotes a culture of risk management and compliance across the Company.
Company. The RMCC meets at least quarterly with the Chief Risk Officer provides regular reportingserving as the Chair. Phil Kurtz, the Company’s Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, serves as the Chief Risk Officer and reports to the Board and the Audit and Risk Management Committee, at least quarterly, on the Company’s risk profile andactivities of the activities overseen by the RMCC.
The Board is ultimately responsible for overseeing the Company’s risk identification, assessment, management, monitoring and reporting activities.activities. The Audit and Risk Management Committee assists the Board with the oversight of enterprise risk management at the Company, including risk assessment, risk compliance, the internal audit function and the controls, processes and policies used to manage the Company’s risk. The Compensation, Nomination and Governance Committee of the Board also assists the Board with the oversight of risk management and controls with respect to the Company’s compensation policies and practices, including the administration of the Company’s equity-based compensation plans.
Since June 2015, the Chief Information Officer or Chief Information Security Officer has provided regular updates to the Board on the advancing maturity of the Company’s cybersecurity program, including reports on threat monitoring, penetration testing, vulnerability remediation, encryption efforts and compliance activities. The updates also include reports on the Company’s third-party cybersecurity accreditations and certifications including the Company’s progress toward achieving SOC 2 certification, and on the advancement of the Company’s security posture. The Company is executing on a multi-year cybersecurity resiliency improvement planimprovements to improve processes, technology and governance to mitigate threats and in fiscal 2021 proactively developed a COVID-19 cybersecurity threat response plan.advance the Company’s security posture.
The Company also includes risks related to climate change and other environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) considerations as part of its enterprise risk management process.
Ethical Business Conduct and Code of Business Standards and Principles
The Company maintains and follows a written code of business standards and principles (the “Code”) that applies to, and is acknowledged annually by, all of the directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Code is a statement of principles designed to promote a culture of integrity and to help ensure that the Company operates its business in an ethical and legally-compliant manner. The Code incorporates by reference a number of policies and guidelines, including the Company’s Prevention of Improper Payments Policy and Insider Trading Policy, that provide guidance to employees concerning business choices, decisions and behaviours. The Code expressly provides that acknowledgment of the Code is a condition of employment, as is completion of all assigned training related to the Code and related policies and guidelines.
The Board, through the Audit and Risk Management Committee, receives reports on compliance with the Code, including regarding the Company’s annual program to have employees acknowledge that they have read, understand and will comply with the Code. The Company maintains a whistleblower program and makes whistleblower reporting available to employees and external parties via a web and telephone hotline-based system supplied and operated by a third party that specializes in such reporting systems. The system allows individuals to make whistleblower reports, including anonymously, to the Company or directly to the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee via the BlackBerry EthicsLink system and enables the Company or the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, as appropriate, to follow up directly with the reporter while maintaining his or her anonymity. Employees have beenare advised of the whistleblower program as part of the Company’s annual Code acknowledgement program. Management reports on the status of whistleblower reports to the Audit and Risk Management Committee at its quarterly meetings. The Company has not filed any material change report since the beginning of Fiscal 2020 that pertains to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the Code.
In addition, the Board is responsible for overseeing, directly and through its committees, an appropriate compliance program for the Company. The Company’s Risk ManagementRMCC and Compliance Council (the “RMCC”), a council of internal senior leaders which supports the Company’s enterprise risk management activities, and the Company’s Security Risk and Compliance CommitteeSRCC oversee and assist management in maintaining the Company’s compliance program and policies. The RMCC reports toPhil Kurtz, the Company’s Chief ExecutiveLegal Officer and meets at least quarterly with the Chief Risk Officer serving as the Chair. The Chair of the RMCC also makes a reportCorporate Secretary, reports to the Audit and Risk Management Committee at least quarterly on its activities. Randall Cook,
114


the Company’s Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, servescompliance matters in his capacity as the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk OfficerChair of the Company.RMCC.
The Code is available on the Company’s website at us.blackberry.com/https://www.blackberry.com/us/en/company/investors/corporate-governance.html,corporate-responsibility, or upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at its executive office, 2200 University Avenue East, Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 0A7. If we makethe Company makes any substantive amendments to the finance code of ethicsCode or grantgrants any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the codeCode to ourthe Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, wethe Company will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on that website or in a report on Form 8-K. The Company did not grant any such waiver in fiscal 2023.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be included in our 20212023 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item will be included in our 20212023 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.
112


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item will be included in our 20212023 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item will be included in our 20212023 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended February 28, 2021,2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.

115113


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements and Schedules
The financial statements filed as part of this filing are listed on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.
Financial statement schedules have been omitted since they either are not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in Item 8.
Exhibits
Exhibit NumberDescription of Exhibit
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.34.2
4.44.3
4.54.4
4.6
10.1†
10.2†
10.3†
10.4†
10.5†
10.6†
10.7†
10.8†
10.9†
10.10†
116


10.11†10.10†
10.12†10.11*
10.13† thereto,
21*
23.1*
23.2*
31.1*
31.2*
114


32.1††
32.2††
101*XBRL Instance Document – the document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inlineInline XBRL document
101*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File – formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101

* Filed herewith
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
†† Furnished (and not filed) herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
117115


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
BLACKBERRY LIMITED
Date: March 31, 20212023By: /s/ John Chen
Name: John Chen
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By:/s/ Steve Rai
Name:Steve Rai
Title:Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

118116


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
DIRECTORS

SIGNATURE CAPACITY DATE

/s/ JOHN CHEN
 Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) March 31, 20212023
John Chen

/s/ V. PREM WATSA
Lead Director

March 31, 20212023
Prem Watsa

/s/ MICHAEL DANIELS
 Director March 31, 20212023
Michael Daniels

/s/ TIMOTHY DATTELS
 Director

March 31, 20212023
Timothy Dattels

/s/ LISA DISBROW
 Director

March 31, 20212023
Lisa Disbrow

/s/ RICHARD LYNCH
 Director

March 31, 20212023
Richard Lynch

/s/ LAURIE SMALDONE ALSUP
 Director

March 31, 20212023
Laurie Smaldone Alsup

/s/ BARBARA STYMIEST
DirectorMarch 31, 2021
Barbara Stymiest

/s/ WAYNE WOUTERS
 Director March 31, 20212023
Wayne Wouters

119117