Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) Stock Analysis: Navigating Analyst Ratings, Strong Earnings, and AI Integration

• Despite an "Underperform" rating from Bernstein, Salesforce demonstrated robust financial performance in its recent earnings report.
• The company reported strong second-quarter revenue of $11.3 billion and an adjusted EPS of $5.90, significantly exceeding prior-year figures and expectations.
• CEO Marc Benioff affirmed that artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing, not replacing, CRM software, with Salesforce actively integrating AI into its offerings and expanding partnerships.

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) is a large enterprise software company known for its customer relationship management (CRM) platform. This technology helps businesses of all sizes manage their interactions and data with current and potential customers. The company also owns the communication platform Slack and the data analytics tool Tableau.

On August 27, 2026, the grading company Bernstein issued an "Underperform" analyst rating for Salesforce. As highlighted by StreetInsider, the analysis recommended holding the stock, suggesting limited near-term growth potential. At the time the rating was published, the stock price was $205.62, with a day's trading range between $198.95 and $206.44.

This rating contrasts with Salesforce's recent financial performance. Following a strong earnings report, Salesforce shares increased by 11.4%, as reported by Proactive Investors. The company announced second-quarter revenue of $11.3 billion, an 11% increase from the previous year. This figure closely matched what financial analysts had estimated.

Salesforce also showed strong profitability. Its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $5.90, a 103% rise from the prior year and well above expectations. EPS is a measure of a company's profit allocated to each share of its stock. The company also raised its full-year revenue and profit forecasts.

CEO Marc Benioff addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) making CRM software obsolete. Appearing on CNBC's "Mad Money," he stated that AI is strengthening, not replacing, the business. He noted that nine of the top ten AI companies use Salesforce products. The company is also expanding its strategic partnership with AI firm Anthropic, as detailed by the WSJ.