Analysts say the recession may actually help companies such as RIM due to its focus on smartphones, one of the hottest items of the year.

People may rein in purchases of big ticket items such as cars and expensive trips during a recession, but instead buy smaller items or devices for the home, such as LCD TVs, netbooks and other electronics.

A holiday-season survey by market researcher IDC in December found that most people planned to focus purchases on family and home for the holiday season, with half of respondents saying they would buy electronic devices before the end of the year.

RIM's fourth quarter included the holiday season, running from Nov. 30, 2008 through Feb. 28 of this year.

The company predicted a strong first quarter, with revenue expected in a range of $3.3 billion to $3.5 billion, and net subscriber account additions rising to between 3.7 million to 3.9 million.