salesforce.com, inc (NYSE: CRM ) reported earnings on Nov. 20. Here are the numbers you need to know.
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Oct. 31 (Q3), salesforce.com, inc beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew significantly and GAAP loss per share grew.
Margins shrank across the board.
Revenue details
salesforce.com, inc tallied revenue of $788.4 million. The 36 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $776.6 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 35% higher than the prior-year quarter's $584.3 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
EPS details
EPS came in at $0.33. The 38 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.32 per share. GAAP EPS were -$1.55 for Q3 compared to -$0.03 per share for the prior-year quarter.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 76.4%, 160 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -6.9%, 520 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -27.9%, 2,730 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.
Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $830.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.40.
Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.04 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.51.
Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on salesforce.com, inc is outperform, with an average price target of $174.28.
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Report this Comment On November 21, 2012, at 3:53 PM, dave2004 wrote:
i really don't understand what is the hype with saleforce. You pay for their growing sales but they grow by acquisition. It's remind me Nortel in the 90's. At the end of the day, they'll lose money this year, the next year and probably the next 5 years after that. But who cares, their sales are growing ...........
Report this Comment On November 21, 2012, at 4:14 PM, marymaryhadalamb wrote:
CRM did not beat on the bottom line! Street estimates for GAAP EPS were (d.25). Reported GAAP loss was $1.55!
The faster they grow revenues, the more money they lose. This is a non-profit organization. They haven't reported a profitable quarter since 4th Qtr 2010.
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