Technology

Salesforce.com Guidance Will Not Thrill Investors

salesforce-com-logo
Source: Salesforce.com Inc.
Salesforce.com Inc. (NYSE: CRM) reported third-quarter fiscal 2015 results after the markets closed Wednesday. The customer relationship management software company posted adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.14 on revenues of $1.38 billion. In the third quarter of 2014, Salesforce.com reported EPS of $0.09 on revenues of $1.08 billion. The Thomson Reuters estimates for the third quarter called for EPS of $0.13 and $1.37 billion in revenue.

On a GAAP basis, the company posted an EPS loss of $0.06, which includes $139 million in stock-based compensation, $16 million in gains on sales of land and $10 million in non-cash interest expense that includes a loss on conversion of certain senior notes.

The company guided fourth-quarter revenues to a range of $1.436 billion to $1.441 billion, an increase of 25% to 26% above the fourth quarter a year ago. GAAP loss per share is estimated in a range of $0.09 to $0.10 and adjusted EPS is estimated at $0.13 to $0.14. The consensus estimates call for EPS of $0.15 on revenues of $1.45 billion.

For the full 2015 fiscal year, Salesforce.com estimates a GAAP loss of $0.41 to $0.42 and adjusted EPS of $0.51 to $0.52 on revenues of $5.365 to $5.37 billion. The consensus estimate calls for EPS of $0.52 on revenues of $5.37 billion.

The company also guided fiscal year 2016 revenues in the range of $6.45 billion to $6.5 billion, a rise of 20% to 21% year-over-year. The estimate includes a headwind of $125 million to $150 million in foreign exchange rates. The consensus estimate was looking for $6.659 billion. Salesforce.com said it would provide per share guidance when it announces fourth-quarter and full-year results in February 2015.

Fourth-quarter EPS guidance is a little light and so is the revenue estimate. The high end of the company’s full-year guidance is equal to the consensus estimates, and that will also weigh on the stock price in the after-hours session and Thursday’s regular trading session. Even the slight shortfall on the fiscal year 2016 revenue will count against the stock.

Shares closed at $61.02 Wednesday and slipped about 3.3% in after-hours trading to $58.95, in a 52-week range of $48.18 to $67.00. Thomson Reuters had a consensus analyst price target of around $69.60 before the report.

ALSO READ: 10 Worst Cities for LGBT Rights

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.