Analyst proposes RIM split
As shareholders of Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM-T27.550.351.29%) prepare to meet tonight in its home base of Waterloo, Ont., an analyst at RBC Dominion Securities has some food for thought: Split the BlackBerry maker in two.
"RIM�s organization, like its handsets, needs modernization," Mike Abramsky said today in a research report titled "Split the Berry.
"By acting now, splitting RIM into network and handset businesses may target opportunities and unlock significant shareholder value."
Citing the pressure from Apple Inc. (AAPL-Q353.92-0.09-0.02%), maker of the iPhone, and Google Inc. (GOOG-Q533.516.231.18%), whose Android system has been gaining market share, Mr. Abramsky said the BlackBerry maker's valuation in the market "reflects low sentiment regarding RIM's turnaround prospects."
But he stressed the "intrinsic value" of RIM's core "crackberry" at its 68-million loyal subscribers around the world.
"Splitting RIM�s two distinct businesses � the BlackBerry and RIM Smart Devices � may allow each to more quickly expand and innovate, would separate each business from different market forces, and could make each more attractive to potential acquirers," Mr. Abramsky said.
"We estimate that breaking up RIM may equate to $50-56 a share in value, based on the service business valued at $37-40 a share and RIM�s handset business at $13-16 a share ... With the shift to the post-PC world, RIM�s two business � the service and handsets � increasingly operate within two different market structures with different market forces. "