Silphium Asset Management Ltd has significantly increased its investment in Salesforce Inc. by 75.9% during the first quarter of the year, according to its latest 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The asset management firm now holds a total of 13,195 shares of the customer relationship management (CRM) provider, following the purchase of an additional 5,695 shares. Salesforce represents approximately 2.9% of Silphium’s total portfolio, making it the firm’s 17th largest position, with a valuation of about $3.54 million.
Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their stakes in Salesforce. Noteworthy transactions include Bernard Wealth Management Corp., which acquired a new position valued at around $25,000, and Accredited Wealth Management LLC, which invested approximately $27,000 during the fourth quarter. Other firms, such as Abound Financial LLC and Wood Tarver Financial Group LLC, have also initiated positions in Salesforce, with valuations ranging from $31,000 to $35,000. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 80.43% of Salesforce’s stock.
Salesforce’s stock price experienced a modest increase of 1.5%, opening at $273.77 on a recent Wednesday. Key financial indicators reveal a 50-day simple moving average of $272.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $290.51. The company holds a market capitalization of approximately $261.72 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.84 and a beta of 1.36. Over the past year, Salesforce has seen its stock range from a low of $230.00 to a high of $369.00.
Recent Corporate Actions
Salesforce has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.416 per share, scheduled for payment on July 10, 2024. Shareholders of record as of June 18, 2024, will receive this dividend, which translates to an annualized payout of $1.66 and a dividend yield of 0.61%. The company maintains a dividend payout ratio (DPR) of 25.98%.
In terms of insider trading, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 1,525 shares on April 23, 2024, at an average price of $253.66, totaling approximately $386,831.50. Following this transaction, Reddy’s holdings decreased by 11.10%, leaving him with 12,211 shares valued at around $3.1 million. Additionally, CEO Marc Benioff sold 2,250 shares on July 1, 2024, for about $613,080. After the sale, he retains 11,862,457 shares, valued at nearly $3.23 billion. In total, insiders have sold 33,034 shares worth approximately $8.83 million over the last quarter.
Analyst Insights and Future Outlook
Salesforce has recently attracted attention from various analysts. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an “outperform” rating with a target price of $370.00 in a report dated June 10, 2024. Mizuho adjusted their price target from $425.00 to $380.00, maintaining an “outperform” rating. Guggenheim upgraded Salesforce from a “sell” to a “neutral” rating, while Westpark Capital reiterated a “buy” rating with a target of $320.00. Piper Sandler also increased its price target from $315.00 to $335.00, designating the stock as “overweight.”
The consensus among analysts is notably positive, with two rating the stock as a “sell,” eight as a “hold,” twenty-eight as a “buy,” and four as a “strong buy.” According to data from MarketBeat.com, Salesforce currently holds a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” with an average price target set at $349.08.
Salesforce, Inc. is a global leader in CRM technology, facilitating connections between businesses and customers. Its offerings enable companies to manage data, track leads, forecast opportunities, and provide personalized support through advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.
