How to Buy Salesforce.com (CRM) Stock

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 22, 2024

Investing in Salesforce (CRM) stock may be a strategic choice for those interested in a growing technology company. Salesforce is well-known for its leadership in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) industry. It has shown consistent financial performance and innovation. Whether you are an experienced investor or new to the stock market, it is important to understand how to purchase Salesforce stock. This guide will outline the process. It will cover evaluating the company's potential and executing your first trade. This way, you will be prepared to make an informed investment decision.

How to Buy Salesforce Stock

No matter if you’re investing in Salesforce.com or any other company that trades on a major stock exchange, you’ll go through the same basic processes. Learn how you can get started buying and selling your first investment.

Step 1: Pick a Brokerage

The first step to buying any type of stock as a retail investor is to open an account with a stockbroker. A broker is a financial service company authorized to buy and sell stocks on your behalf, usually through the use of an online trading platform. After you open an account with a broker, you can begin placing stock buy and sell orders from the comfort of your home.

Any broker based in the United States will allow you to buy and sell Salesforce.com stock as it trades on the New York Stock Exchange. This means that you’ll have a choice between a wide range of brokers. Some of the factors that you might want to consider when you compare brokers include:

  • Trading platforms: Some brokers focus on providing a streamlined, simple trading experience, while others offer a larger selection of analysis and charting tools that more advanced users can incorporate into their investing strategy. If this is your first time opening a brokerage account, you might want to choose a broker that offers a simple trading interface.
  • Commissions and fees: In the past, every broker would charge you a flat rate or percentage commission to execute trades on your behalf. Today, many brokers now offer commission-free trading and investing opportunities. Be sure that you understand your broker’s fees and commission schedule before you open an account, as these fees can quickly cut into your profits.
  • Customer service options: If this is your first time opening a brokerage account, it can be comforting to know that you have the option to connect with a human customer service team. Compare each broker’s customer service options and limitations before you open an account. The right contact method can sometimes mean the difference between a problem that’s resolved quickly and one that drags on for hours or even days on end. 

Step 2: Decide How Many Shares You Want

After you open or fund your account, you’ll need to decide how many shares of CRM you’d like to purchase. Take a look at the current market price of CRM to get a better idea of how much you can expect to pay per share. You may also want to track how the price of a CRM changes over time to decide when you want to buy in.

Can’t afford to purchase a full share of CRM? Most brokers allow investors to purchase fractional shares of major stock offerings. This allows you to invest as little as $1 in a large-value stock of your choice. 

Step 3: Choose Your Order Type

When you know how many shares of stock you want to buy, you can place a buy order through your broker. Most brokers offer multiple types of buy orders that you can use to invest. Some of the most common stock orders your broker might offer you access to may include:

Market Orders

A market order is the most basic type of buy order. When you place a buy order, you tell your broker that you want to buy a set number of shares at the current market price. The “market price” is the ask price that sellers who hold the stock are willing to sell their shares for. When you place a market order, your broker will execute the order as quickly as possible. This means that the price you’ll pay per share may change as market conditions change.

Limit Orders

A limit order gives you more control over the price that you pay per share of stock you purchase. When you place a limit order, you’ll specify how much you’re willing to pay per share as well as how many shares of stock you want to buy. If your broker is able to fill the order at or below the limit price you set, your broker will complete the order. If the price per share rises above the limit price, your order will not execute your order.

Step 4: Execute Your Trade

After you complete your order, execute it through your broker. From here, you can sit back and relax — your broker will take care of filling your order and depositing it into your brokerage account. If your broker is not able to close out your order, they may leave it open or close it at the end of the trading day, depending on the options offered.

Salesforce and Stock History

Salesforce is a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. It has changed how businesses handle customer interactions and data with cloud technologies. Founded in 1999 by Marc Benioff and Parker Harris, Salesforce has expanded its products and market presence. The company is publicly traded under the ticker symbol CRM. Its stock performance reflects trends in the technology sector. Investors and analysts watch Salesforce's stock history closely. They analyze factors like revenue projections, market demand, and competition. Understanding this history offers insights into the company's resilience and adaptability in a changing industry.

Salesforce

Salesforce is a leading cloud-based software company specializing in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, it has played a pioneering role in the "software as a service" (SaaS) model, revolutionizing how businesses manage customer relationships.

Key products include Customer 360, which provides a comprehensive view of customer interactions, and Salesforce Revenue Cloud, designed to streamline revenue management processes. In a strategic move to enhance collaboration and communication, Salesforce recently acquired Slack, positioning itself to offer more integrated solutions for teams.

Salesforce has introduced innovative solutions and leads the market, but it currently has a Zacks Rank of 4, indicating potential below-average returns in the near future. As the CRM Saa S landscape evolves, Salesforce continues to be an important player, though it faces challenges in sustaining its growth.

Salesforce Stock History

Salesforce, a leading cloud-based software company, had its initial public offering (IPO) in June 2004 at $11 per share. Since then, its stock history reflects a remarkable growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. The company consistently demonstrated robust financial performance, which bolstered investor confidence and contributed to its rising stock price.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased Salesforce's growth due to a rise in demand for digital transformation solutions. This led to its share price reaching around $272 per share in August 2020. The shift towards remote work and online services strengthened Salesforce's market presence, enabling it to gain a larger portion of the CRM market.

Salesforce's stock history reflects its strategic growth efforts and ability to adapt in a changing market, demonstrating how its financial success is connected to investor confidence and optimism about the company's future potential.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Salesforce

Salesforce faces challenges such as increased competition and reduced software spending, which have impacted its growth trajectory. To navigate these headwinds, the company is committed to a revenue growth target of 8% to 9% for the 2025 fiscal year and aims for a compound annual growth rate of 10% through fiscal 2027. As a leader in customer relationship management, Salesforce is strategically adapting by streamlining operations, exemplified by recent layoffs aimed at reducing costs without sacrificing innovation.

In addition to cost-cutting measures, Salesforce is focusing on its buyback plan, which intends to enhance shareholder value while maintaining financial flexibility. This dual approach of optimizing expenditures and repurchasing shares positions Salesforce to remain competitive in a challenging market landscape. With a robust plan to tackle these obstacles, the firm is poised for sustained growth as it pivots to meet evolving customer needs and fortifies its leadership in the CRM space.

Why Should You Buy Salesforce Stock?

Salesforce is a dominant player in the customer relationship management (CRM) sector, serving businesses of all sizes with its cloud-based solutions. These tools are designed to enhance communication and customer engagement, catering specifically to the needs of its clients. As companies increasingly adopt digital transformation and data-driven strategies, the demand for Salesforce's offerings continues to rise. Additionally, Salesforce’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and philanthropy resonates with socially conscious investors, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize corporate responsibility.

Strong Market Position

Salesforce is a strong player in the CRM market. Its brand is widely recognized, and it has a large distribution network. The company partners with various channels, making its products accessible. This accessibility builds customer loyalty and trust. Salesforce consistently offers innovative solutions and engages with customers. As a result, it has maintained a significant market share despite competition. This solid market presence leads to steady revenue growth, supported by a loyal customer base that prefers Salesforce over its competitors.

Consistent Revenue Growth

Salesforce has shown a consistent ability to grow revenue over the long term, despite recent fluctuations. There was a small drop in revenue from $9.28 billion to $9.13 billion in the last two quarters, highlighting the need for strategic changes to maintain financial performance. By improving its market position, innovating its products, and engaging with customers, Salesforce is likely to reverse this trend and continue to grow in the future.

Expansion into New Markets

Salesforce has expanded into new markets. This expansion has contributed to its recent success. The company's net profit increased from $1.22 billion to $1.53 billion over three quarters. This represents an average quarterly profit increase of 10.5%. The growth demonstrates Salesforce's ability to diversify its revenue streams. It also helps improve brand visibility. As the company explores new markets, it is positioned to sustain its growth. This could further enhance shareholder value.

High Customer Retention

Customer retention is an important part of Salesforce's business model. A high retention rate provides a steady revenue stream. Loyal customers tend to make repeat purchases, which supports long-term profitability. Salesforce prioritizes personalized communication and loyalty programs. These strategies help maintain strong customer relationships. By improving customer satisfaction and trust, Salesforce secures its existing customer base. This also allows the company to gain brand advocates who help contribute to its success.

Commitment to Innovation

Salesforce is committed to innovation. The company invests heavily into research and development. This helps them stay competitive. They collaborate with academic institutions to develop sustainable technologies. Additionally, they focus on advancements of data analytics to streamline operations. These initiatives improve Salesforce's technological capabilities. They also position Salesforce as a leader on societal challenges. This dedication to innovation helps Salesforce remain at the forefront of industry trends. Their efforts drive positive change and set benchmarks for others.

Considerations Before Buying Salesforce Stock

Investing in Salesforce stock offers an opportunity to be part of a leading company in the cloud-based CRM sector. However, potential investors should carefully evaluate several factors that could influence the stock's performance. These considerations include Salesforce's financial health, competitive positioning, growth strategies, and the impact of broader economic and regulatory conditions. A thorough analysis of these aspects will help investors make more informed decisions.

Valuation Concerns

Salesforce's stock often trades at a premium, reflecting its growth potential but also posing risks if the company fails to meet high expectations. Economic uncertainties, such as the potential for a downturn and rising interest rates, can also impact the sustainability of Salesforce's current valuation. Investors should consider whether the current stock price aligns with the company's earnings and future growth prospects before making a purchase.

CRM Market Competition

Salesforce dominates the CRM market but faces stiff competition from other major players like Microsoft Dynamics 365, HubSpot, and Zoho. While Salesforce leads in innovation, particularly with its AI integration, rivals are also rapidly advancing. The competitive landscape is intense, and Salesforce must continue to innovate to maintain its lead. Investors should be aware that ongoing competition could pressure Salesforce's market share and profitability.

Dependence on Acquisitions

Salesforce has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions, expanding its market share and product offerings. While these acquisitions have strengthened its position, they also come with risks, including challenges related to integration, overvaluation, and market volatility. Investors should assess the long-term benefits and potential downsides of Salesforce's reliance on acquisitions as part of its growth strategy.

Macroeconomic Factors

Macroeconomic conditions, such as GDP growth, inflation, and central bank policies, play a crucial role in Salesforce's performance. Economic downturns or changes in consumer spending can affect business investment in Salesforce’s products. Additionally, rising interest rates could impact the cost of borrowing for both Salesforce and its customers. Understanding these factors can help investors gauge potential risks to Salesforce's revenue growth.

Regulatory and Data Privacy Risks

Salesforce operates in a landscape where regulatory and data privacy risks are increasingly prominent. Compliance with global privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA is essential but can be resource-intensive. Non-compliance could lead to fines, legal challenges, and reputational damage, all of which could negatively impact Salesforce’s growth. Ensuring strong data protection practices is also critical for maintaining customer trust and expanding into new markets.

By carefully considering these factors, investors can better understand the potential risks and rewards of investing in Salesforce stock.

Is Salesforce Stock Right For You?

Deciding whether Salesforce stock is right for you depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and belief in the company’s future prospects. Salesforce is a market leader with a strong track record of innovation and growth, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the tech sector. However, like any investment, it comes with risks, including valuation concerns, competitive pressures, and exposure to macroeconomic factors.

Before making a decision, consider how Salesforce fits into your overall portfolio strategy. If you’re confident in the company’s ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities, Salesforce stock could be a valuable addition to your investments. As always, it’s essential to do thorough research and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor to ensure it aligns with your financial objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is Salesforce a good stock to buy now?

A

Salesforce may be a good investment due to its leadership in the tech sector and consistent growth. However, its high valuation and competitive pressures pose risks. If you believe in its long-term potential and are comfortable with these risks, it could be a valuable addition to your portfolio.

 

Q

Is Salesforce stock undervalued?

A

Salesforce stock may be considered undervalued if you believe in its strong growth potential, despite currently trading at a premium compared to historical averages. Thorough research is essential before deciding to invest.

 

Q

Is Salesforce high paying?

A

Yes, Salesforce is known for offering competitive salaries and attractive benefits, particularly in tech and sales roles, making it a high-paying employer.

Sarah Horvath

About Sarah Horvath

Sarah is an expert in the insurance, investing for retirement and cryptocurrency space.