Salesforce Reports $10.2 Billion Q2 Revenue, Bolsters Share Buyback to $50 Billion Amidst CEO Benioff's Ambitious $100 Billion Vision

Salesforce, the global leader in AI CRM, reported a robust second fiscal quarter for 2026, with revenue reaching $10.2 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. Despite this strong performance, the company's subsequent third-quarter guidance introduced a note of caution among investors. At the helm, CEO Marc Benioff continues to steer the company with what one observer described as "intense founder energy," committed to navigating market challenges and achieving ambitious long-term growth.

For the quarter ended July 31, 2025, Salesforce's revenue increased 10% year-over-year, with subscription and support revenue up 11% to $9.7 billion. Net income rose significantly to $1.89 billion, or $1.96 per share. However, the company's Q3 FY26 revenue guidance of $10.24 billion to $10.29 billion, while meeting some analyst estimates, indicated slower growth in marketing and commerce products and in its existing customer base, according to President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer Robin Washington.

To counter these pressures and enhance shareholder value, Salesforce announced a substantial $20 billion increase to its share repurchase program, bringing the total authorized to $50 billion. The company is also intensely focused on artificial intelligence, particularly with its Agentforce unit, which automates customer service. Benioff highlighted that Agentforce has already secured over 6,000 paid deals, reflecting a strategic shift where AI handles routine support, allowing human sales roles to focus on complex relationships.

Marc Benioff's leadership is pivotal in Salesforce's strategy. As Rohit Mittal asserted, "> .@Benioff will die before letting Salesforce go into oblivion. He still runs the company with intense founder energy." Benioff's vision extends to transforming Salesforce into a "$100B revenue company in the long run," a goal he plans to achieve by directly confronting competition and consistently delivering results. His leadership is rooted in a values-driven approach, emphasizing trust, customer success, innovation, equality, and sustainability, often encapsulated in the company's "Ohana" philosophy.

While Salesforce's stock has faced headwinds, lagging behind some tech sector peers, the company's strategic direction draws mixed reactions from analysts. Some, like Bernstein's Mark Moerdler, have issued "Sell" ratings, citing challenges in AI adoption and limited near-term visibility. Conversely, other analyses suggest Salesforce is "undervalued," pointing to its strong free cash flow and strategic AI investments as drivers for future growth. The company's recent acquisition of Informatica for $8 billion also signals a measured approach to expanding its data management capabilities.