‘Time to Choose Sides on Salesforce (NYSE:CRM),' Analysts are Split on the Stock
Salesforce (CRM) has received mixed analyst ratings following its better-than-expected Q1 earnings report, reflecting differing views on the company's growth strategy. While Stifel Nicolaus analyst upgraded rating to Buy, citing AI-driven expansion, RBC Capital opted for a downgrade, noting acquisition risks and growth uncertainties.
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Stifel Reaffirms Buy Rating on CRM Stock
Analyst J. Parker Lane of Stifel Nicolaus maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $375, citing strong position in AI and growth potential of its tools like Agentforce, Data Cloud, MuleSoft, and Tableau. He noted that Salesforce's management expect these products to drive sales growth.
Lane pointed to CRM's growing its sales reach and adjusting pay plans to boost growth while keeping profits strong. Also, the analyst believes that the company's multi-product deals and success with smaller businesses show big potential.
Lane has set a $375 price target (40.5% upside potential) for Salesforce stock.
RBC Analyst Sees Acquisition Risks
Not all analysts share Lane's optimism. Post Q1 results, RBC Capital's Rishi Jaluria downgraded Salesforce to Hold from Buy, slashing the price target to $275 (3% upside) from $420.
Jaluria's main concern is Salesforce's $8 billion acquisition of Informatica (INFA). The analyst believes the deal, while expanding CRM's data capabilities, raises longer-term risks regarding integration and financial impact.
Is CRM a Buy, Hold, or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, CRM stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 32 Buys, nine Holds, and three Sells assigned in the last three months. At $350.63, the average Salesforce stock price target implies a 31.36% upside potential.
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