Salesforce Inc. saw its stock dip by 4% in after-hours trading following the announcement of revenue and earnings that exceeded analysts’ expectations. The company provided insights into its Einstein artificial-intelligence platform and cost-cutting strategies.
Financial Highlights
- Dividend and Buyback: The company announced a dividend of 40 cents alongside a $10 billion stock buyback program.
- Financial Performance: Salesforce reported a net income of $1.45 billion for the fiscal fourth quarter, with adjusted earnings per share at $2.29. Revenue increased by 11% to $9.29 billion compared to the previous year.
- Guidance: The company offered a fiscal 2025 revenue guidance of $37.7 billion to $38 billion, slightly below analyst expectations.
CEO’s Statement
Salesforce Chief Executive Marc Benioff expressed excitement about the initiatives, stating, “We’re thrilled to initiate our first-ever Salesforce dividend and increase our share buyback plan by $10 billion.”
Analyst Expectations
Analysts had mixed views heading into the quarterly report, with some expecting improved demand in various sectors while closely monitoring the company’s operational efficiencies.
Market Performance
Over the past year, Salesforce shares have surged by 79% to near-record levels, significantly outperforming the broader S&P 500 index.
In conclusion, Salesforce Inc. demonstrated solid financial performance, despite a slight stock market dip following the earnings report. With a strong focus on artificial intelligence and cost management, the company continues to be a key player in the cloud-based software industry.