Can Salesforce’s AI Bet Reignite Its Growth Engine?

Salesforce’s stock is down 18% this year, but analysts see a $364+ rebound. What’s driving the divide? As the cloud software giant prepares to report Q1 earnings, Wall Street is split between AI optimism and macroeconomic caution. Will Salesforce’s new AI tools like Agentforce deliver the growth investors crave—or is the hype outpacing reality? Let’s dive in.

🌧️ The Storm Clouds: Slowing Growth & Skeptical Investors

📉 2025 Stock Slump: Shares have dropped ~18% YTD, underperforming the broader tech market.
💰 Slowing Revenue Growth: Expected 7% YoY revenue increase to $9.75B (down from 11% growth in FY2024).
🤖 AI Pressure: Competitors like Microsoft and Adobe are aggressively monetizing AI—Salesforce’s Agentforce needs to prove its worth.

✅ The Bull Case: AI, Profitability, and $380+ Price Targets

🚀 Agentforce Momentum: Oppenheimer highlights "strong momentum" for Salesforce’s AI-powered customer service platform, which automates tasks like ticket routing and data analysis.
📈 Upward Revisions: Deutsche Bank ($400 target) and Jefferies ($375) see AI driving 30%+ upside, betting on improved margins and enterprise adoption.
💵 Profitability Push: Adjusted EPS expected to rise to $2.55 (from $2.44 YoY), with cost-cutting and AI efficiency gains.

⚠️ The Bear Trap: Commercialization Risks and Macro Headwinds

🚧 AI Monetization Lag: Citi cut its target to $320, noting Agentforce needs "more meaningful data points" on paid adoption.
🌐 Spending Caution: Oppenheimer warns "macro uncertainty" could delay enterprise software upgrades.
🔄 Competition: Rivals like HubSpot and Zoho are offering cheaper AI CRM solutions.

🚀 Final Thoughts: A Make-or-Break Earnings Call

Salesforce’s path to $364+ hinges on two factors:

✅ Agentforce Clarity: Concrete metrics on AI adoption rates and upselling success.
✅ Guidance Confidence: Reassurance that 7% growth is a floor, not a ceiling.

With 18 of 23 analysts still bullish, the market is set to reward proof of AI execution—or punish vague promises. Do you think Salesforce’s a buy before earnings, or is this a "wait-and-see" moment?

Let us know on X (Former Twitter)

Sources: Investopedia Staff. What Analysts Think of Salesforce Stock Ahead of Earnings Q1 FY2026, May 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/what-analysts-think-of-salesforce-stock-ahead-of-earnings-q1-fy2026-11741192

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