Return on Equity (ROE)
since 2005
Calculation
Salesforce Inc., ROE, long-term trends, calculation
| ROE | = | 100 | × | Net income (loss)1 | ÷ | Stockholders’ equity1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 12.61% | = | 100 | × | 7,457) | ÷ | 59,142) |
| Jan 31, 2025 | 10.13% | = | 100 | × | 6,197) | ÷ | 61,173) |
| Jan 31, 2024 | 6.93% | = | 100 | × | 4,136) | ÷ | 59,646) |
| Jan 31, 2023 | 0.36% | = | 100 | × | 208) | ÷ | 58,359) |
| Jan 31, 2022 | 2.48% | = | 100 | × | 1,444) | ÷ | 58,131) |
| Jan 31, 2021 | 9.81% | = | 100 | × | 4,072) | ÷ | 41,493) |
| Jan 31, 2020 | 0.37% | = | 100 | × | 126) | ÷ | 33,885) |
| Jan 31, 2019 | 7.11% | = | 100 | × | 1,110) | ÷ | 15,605) |
| Jan 31, 2018 | 1.36% | = | 100 | × | 127) | ÷ | 9,388) |
| Jan 31, 2017 | 2.40% | = | 100 | × | 180) | ÷ | 7,500) |
| Jan 31, 2016 | -0.95% | = | 100 | × | (47) | ÷ | 5,003) |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -6.61% | = | 100 | × | (263) | ÷ | 3,975) |
| Jan 31, 2014 | -7.64% | = | 100 | × | (232) | ÷ | 3,039) |
| Jan 31, 2013 | -11.67% | = | 100 | × | (270) | ÷ | 2,318) |
| Jan 31, 2012 | -0.73% | = | 100 | × | (12) | ÷ | 1,587) |
| Jan 31, 2011 | 5.05% | = | 100 | × | 64) | ÷ | 1,276) |
| Jan 31, 2010 | 7.73% | = | 100 | × | 81) | ÷ | 1,044) |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 6.46% | = | 100 | × | 43) | ÷ | 672) |
| Jan 31, 2008 | 4.06% | = | 100 | × | 18) | ÷ | 452) |
| Jan 31, 2007 | 0.17% | = | 100 | × | —) | ÷ | 282) |
| Jan 31, 2006 | 14.50% | = | 100 | × | 28) | ÷ | 196) |
| Jan 31, 2005 | 5.06% | = | 100 | × | 7) | ÷ | 145) |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-31).
1 US$ in millions
The return on equity (ROE) exhibited considerable fluctuation over the period examined, ranging from a low of -11.67% to a high of 14.50%. Initial years demonstrated growth, followed by periods of instability and eventual strengthening in more recent years.
- Early Growth and Volatility (2005-2009)
- From 2005 to 2009, ROE initially increased from 5.06% to 14.50%, indicating improving profitability relative to shareholder equity. However, this was followed by a significant decline, including a negative ROE of -0.73% in 2008 and -11.67% in 2009. This volatility suggests potential challenges in maintaining consistent profitability during this timeframe, possibly linked to economic conditions or company-specific factors.
- Period of Negative Returns (2010-2016)
- The period between 2010 and 2016 was largely characterized by low or negative ROE values. While there was some fluctuation, the ROE remained below 2.40% for most of these years, reaching a low of -7.64% in 2014 and -0.95% in 2016. This indicates that the company struggled to generate sufficient profits relative to the equity invested during this period.
- Recovery and Expansion (2017-2021)
- Beginning in 2017, a clear upward trend in ROE became apparent. The ROE increased from 2.40% to 9.81% in 2021, demonstrating a substantial improvement in profitability. This recovery coincided with a significant increase in net income, suggesting successful strategic initiatives or favorable market conditions. The ROE in 2019 reached 7.11%, a notable improvement compared to prior years.
- Recent Performance and Stability (2022-2026)
- The ROE remained relatively strong in the later years of the period. While it decreased slightly to 2.48% in 2022, it rebounded to 6.93% in 2023, 10.13% in 2024, and further increased to 12.61% in 2025. This suggests a sustained improvement in the company’s ability to generate returns for shareholders. The consistent positive ROE values indicate a more stable and profitable operating environment.
Overall, the ROE trajectory reveals a period of initial growth, followed by significant volatility and a subsequent recovery culminating in a period of sustained positive returns. The increasing ROE in recent years suggests improved operational efficiency and profitability.
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Comparison to Competitors
Salesforce Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to competitors
| Salesforce Inc. | Accenture PLC | Adobe Inc. | AppLovin Corp. | Cadence Design Systems Inc. | CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. | Datadog Inc. | International Business Machines Corp. | Intuit Inc. | Microsoft Corp. | Oracle Corp. | Palantir Technologies Inc. | Palo Alto Networks Inc. | ServiceNow Inc. | Synopsys Inc. | Workday Inc. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 12.61% | — | — | — | — | -3.67% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8.88% |
| Jan 31, 2025 | 10.13% | 24.61% | 61.34% | 156.17% | 20.26% | -0.59% | 2.89% | 32.45% | 19.63% | 29.65% | 60.84% | 22.00% | 14.49% | 13.48% | 4.70% | 5.82% |
| Jan 31, 2024 | 6.93% | 25.68% | 39.42% | 144.96% | 22.58% | 3.88% | 6.77% | 22.06% | 16.07% | 32.83% | 120.26% | 9.24% | 49.86% | 14.83% | 25.17% | 17.09% |
| Jan 31, 2023 | 0.36% | 26.75% | 32.86% | 28.39% | 30.58% | -12.52% | 2.40% | 33.29% | 13.81% | 35.09% | 792.45% | 6.04% | 25.15% | 22.69% | 20.01% | -6.57% |
| Jan 31, 2022 | 2.48% | 31.11% | 33.85% | -10.13% | 30.93% | -22.89% | -3.56% | 7.47% | 12.57% | 43.68% | — | -14.57% | -127.14% | 6.46% | 17.85% | 0.65% |
| Jan 31, 2021 | 9.81% | 30.25% | 32.59% | 1.66% | 25.39% | -10.64% | -1.99% | 30.38% | 20.89% | 43.15% | 262.43% | -22.71% | -78.63% | 6.22% | 14.31% | -8.62% |
| Jan 31, 2020 | 0.37% | 30.05% | 39.66% | — | 23.69% | -19.10% | -2.56% | 27.14% | 35.76% | 37.43% | 83.94% | -76.61% | -24.23% | 4.18% | 13.54% | -19.33% |
| Jan 31, 2019 | 7.11% | 33.17% | 28.03% | — | 47.03% | — | -2.14% | 45.25% | 41.53% | 38.35% | 50.87% | — | -5.16% | 29.45% | 13.04% | -21.36% |
| Jan 31, 2018 | 1.36% | 39.17% | 27.67% | — | 26.84% | — | — | 51.96% | 51.44% | 20.03% | 8.37% | — | -15.30% | -2.40% | 12.43% | -20.33% |
| Jan 31, 2017 | 2.40% | 38.50% | 20.02% | — | 20.63% | — | — | 32.70% | 71.71% | 29.29% | 17.33% | — | -28.52% | -25.53% | 4.17% | -35.11% |
| Jan 31, 2016 | -0.95% | 54.42% | 15.74% | — | 27.38% | — | — | 65.07% | 84.32% | 23.33% | 18.82% | — | -28.60% | -116.76% | 8.35% | -25.52% |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -6.61% | 49.78% | 8.99% | — | 18.34% | — | — | 92.48% | 15.65% | 15.23% | 20.42% | — | -33.81% | -35.01% | 7.21% | -22.02% |
| Jan 31, 2014 | -7.64% | 51.32% | 3.96% | — | 11.92% | — | — | 101.30% | 29.47% | 24.59% | 23.37% | — | -48.33% | -41.85% | 8.48% | -14.53% |
| Jan 31, 2013 | -11.67% | 66.16% | 4.31% | — | 14.21% | — | — | 72.32% | 24.30% | 27.69% | 24.47% | — | -10.74% | -18.70% | 8.89% | -20.12% |
| Jan 31, 2012 | -0.73% | 61.59% | 12.49% | — | 48.07% | — | — | 88.04% | 28.86% | 25.58% | 22.85% | — | 0.32% | -15.34% | 7.29% | — |
| Jan 31, 2011 | 5.05% | 58.72% | 14.40% | — | 17.57% | — | — | 78.73% | 24.24% | 40.55% | 21.49% | — | — | — | 10.53% | — |
| Jan 31, 2010 | 7.73% | 62.79% | 14.92% | — | 45.74% | — | — | 64.36% | 20.35% | 40.63% | 19.92% | — | — | — | 11.29% | — |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 6.46% | 55.08% | 7.90% | — | -138.29% | — | — | 59.31% | 17.49% | 36.83% | 22.29% | — | — | — | 9.09% | — |
| Jan 31, 2008 | 4.06% | 66.59% | 19.77% | — | -1,818.25% | — | — | 91.60% | 23.00% | 48.73% | 23.98% | — | — | — | 12.43% | — |
| Jan 31, 2007 | 0.17% | 60.25% | 15.57% | — | 14.24% | — | — | 36.59% | 21.62% | 45.23% | 25.26% | — | — | — | 9.08% | — |
| Jan 31, 2006 | 14.50% | 51.38% | 9.82% | — | 8.39% | — | — | 33.30% | 23.99% | 31.42% | 22.52% | — | — | — | 2.13% | — |
| Jan 31, 2005 | 5.06% | 55.42% | 32.34% | — | 2.67% | — | — | 23.97% | 22.51% | 25.47% | 26.63% | — | — | — | -1.27% | — |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-31).
Comparison to Sector (Software & Services)
Salesforce Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to sector (software & services)
| Salesforce Inc. | Software & Services | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 12.61% | — |
| Jan 31, 2025 | 10.13% | 26.75% |
| Jan 31, 2024 | 6.93% | 28.69% |
| Jan 31, 2023 | 0.36% | 28.33% |
| Jan 31, 2022 | 2.48% | 30.61% |
| Jan 31, 2021 | 9.81% | 35.77% |
| Jan 31, 2020 | 0.37% | 30.18% |
| Jan 31, 2019 | 7.11% | 35.56% |
| Jan 31, 2018 | 1.36% | 20.20% |
| Jan 31, 2017 | 2.40% | 23.83% |
| Jan 31, 2016 | -0.95% | 26.25% |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -6.61% | 23.04% |
| Jan 31, 2014 | -7.64% | 28.09% |
| Jan 31, 2013 | -11.67% | 31.71% |
| Jan 31, 2012 | -0.73% | 32.66% |
| Jan 31, 2011 | 5.05% | 38.82% |
| Jan 31, 2010 | 7.73% | 37.89% |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 6.46% | 35.98% |
| Jan 31, 2008 | 4.06% | 44.03% |
| Jan 31, 2007 | 0.17% | 35.48% |
| Jan 31, 2006 | 14.50% | 28.87% |
| Jan 31, 2005 | 5.06% | 24.91% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-31).
Comparison to Industry (Information Technology)
Salesforce Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to industry (information technology)
| Salesforce Inc. | Information Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 12.61% | — |
| Jan 31, 2025 | 10.13% | 34.73% |
| Jan 31, 2024 | 6.93% | 29.28% |
| Jan 31, 2023 | 0.36% | 31.78% |
| Jan 31, 2022 | 2.48% | 38.79% |
| Jan 31, 2021 | 9.81% | 42.14% |
| Jan 31, 2020 | 0.37% | 35.58% |
| Jan 31, 2019 | 7.11% | 36.48% |
| Jan 31, 2018 | 1.36% | 30.38% |
| Jan 31, 2017 | 2.40% | 23.35% |
| Jan 31, 2016 | -0.95% | 23.33% |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -6.61% | 26.15% |
| Jan 31, 2014 | -7.64% | 25.61% |
| Jan 31, 2013 | -11.67% | 24.89% |
| Jan 31, 2012 | -0.73% | 26.24% |
| Jan 31, 2011 | 5.05% | 29.22% |
| Jan 31, 2010 | 7.73% | 27.89% |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 6.46% | 20.28% |
| Jan 31, 2008 | 4.06% | 25.67% |
| Jan 31, 2007 | 0.17% | 24.01% |
| Jan 31, 2006 | 14.50% | 22.74% |
| Jan 31, 2005 | 5.06% | 22.11% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-31).