Why Analysts Still Love Salesforce.com, Even at 100 Times Earnings

Apps & Software

Published: February 26, 2015 12:40 pm

Last Updated: February 26, 2015 12:42 pm

Salesforce.com Inc. (NYSE: CRM) reported its fourth-quarter financial results Wednesday after the markets closed. The company had $0.14 in earnings per share (EPS) on $1.44 billion in revenue, which were in line with consensus estimates.

Looking ahead to the first quarter, the company expects to have EPS in the range of $0.13 to $0.14 on revenues of $1.49 to $1.51 billion, versus consensus estimates of $0.15 in EPS on $1.50 billion in revenue.

Following earnings, analysts usually take some time to reevaluate their position on stocks. 24/7 Wall St has collected a series of analyst calls on Salesforce.com in the wake of its earnings. Generally speaking, ratings across the board were very favorable.

What is amazing is Salesforce.com just never gets anywhere close to cheap or buyable, for any investor who reviews and analyzes financial valuations. It is a long-term growth story, with valuations that are in the nosebleed territory. Salesforce.com currently trades at roughly 100 times its consensus earnings estimates of $0.69 per share for the 2016 fiscal year, which ends in January, effectively making it a 2015 forward earnings multiple.

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So, what are analysts and saying?

According to Credit Suisse, everything is awesome. The firm revised its estimates and raised its price target to $80 from $75, even considering significant foreign exchange (FX) headwinds. The financial results and guidance underscore Credit Suisse’s thesis that demand for Sales Cloud, Service Cloud and Marketing Cloud has been solid.

Wells Fargo noted that Salesforce.com had a strong finish to the 2015 fiscal year. The company reported significant upside in its fourth-quarter results, with over 30% billings growth, expanding margins and strong guidance despite a worsening FX environment. Wells Fargo reiterated an Outperform rating with a valuation range of $75.00 to $80.00.

A few other analysts weighed in Salesforce.com following the earnings report:

Needham maintained a Buy rating and raised its price target to $80 from $70.
FBR Capital Markets had an Outperform rating and raised its price target to $78 from $72.
Citigroup had a Buy rating and increased its price target to $78 from $71.
Deustche Bank raised its price target to $80 from $70.
Stifel had a Buy rating and raised its price target to $79 from $70.
Piper Jaffray maintained an Overweight rating and increased its price target to $80 from $64.
RBC Capital had an Outperform rating and raised its price target to $79 from $72.
BMO Capital Markets increased its price target to $80 from $73.

Shares of Salesforce.com were up 11% at $69.81 at midday in Thursday’s trading session, and had already traded three times normal volume. The stock has a 52-week trading range of $48.18 to $71.00.

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