The Buyout Case for Salesforce Is Real, but Marc Benioff Stands in the Way

Core Viewpoint - The potential for Salesforce to be acquired is significant due to its undervalued stock and strong financials, but CEO Marc Benioff's influence makes a buyout unlikely [1] Financial Profile - Salesforce's stock has decreased by 30% year-to-date, closing at $184.29, down from $264.91 at the end of the previous year [1] - The company generated $2.18 billion in free cash flow in Q3 FY2026, with non-GAAP operating margins of 34.1% [1] - Annual revenue is reported at $40.3 billion, with a quarterly revenue growth of 8.6% [1] - The market capitalization stands at $175 billion, with a forward P/E ratio of 14x, significantly below the analyst consensus price target of $323 [1] Shareholder Actions - Salesforce repurchased $3.8 billion in stock during Q3 FY2026, returning a total of $4.2 billion to shareholders, including dividends [1] CEO Influence - CEO Marc Benioff's significant influence is a primary obstacle to a potential buyout, as he emphasizes the company's AI strategy and future growth [1] - Benioff's recent comments indicate a focus on long-term innovation rather than a sale, particularly with the launch of the AI platform Agentforce [1] Institutional Ownership - Institutional ownership of Salesforce is at 84.0%, with no visible activist pressure currently [1] - Director G. Mason Morfit's purchase of 96,000 shares at $260.58 reflects confidence in the company's future despite current stock prices [1] Upcoming Earnings Report - The Q4 FY2026 earnings report is anticipated on February 25, 2026, with analysts expecting an EPS of $3.03 and revenue of $11.17 billion [1] - There is an 83% probability that the earnings will exceed expectations, which could influence shareholder dynamics [1]