Did Salesforce stock split? Timeline & Impact

Did Salesforce stock split?

If you asked "did salesforce stock split" the short answer is yes: Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE: CRM) completed a four‑for‑one forward stock split that became effective in April 2013, and the company previously completed a one‑for‑twenty reverse split in July 2000. This article explains both events, lists the key dates (announcement March 21, 2013; record date April 3, 2013; trading adjusted April 18, 2013), and shows how splits affect share counts, historical prices, and investor records.

This page is written for readers who want a clear, verifiable answer to "did salesforce stock split", plus practical guidance on where to confirm split details and how to treat split‑adjusted historical data when measuring returns. You will find an event timeline, a table of split attributes, and step‑by‑step verification sources sourced from Salesforce press releases, PR Newswire and contemporary reporting.

Overview

A stock split is a corporate action that increases or decreases the number of outstanding shares while proportionally adjusting the per‑share price so that the company’s overall market capitalization remains essentially unchanged immediately after the split. Companies use forward splits (for example, 2‑for‑1 or 4‑for‑1) to lower the trading price per share and potentially broaden accessibility and liquidity. Reverse splits (for example, 1‑for‑20) reduce the number of outstanding shares and raise the per‑share price, often for listing or perception reasons.

Salesforce’s split history includes two material corporate actions: a one‑for‑twenty reverse split implemented in July 2000 and a four‑for‑one forward split announced March 21, 2013 and effective in April 2013. The 2013 split was intended to increase the number of shares available at a lower per‑share price; the 2000 reverse split reduced outstanding shares and increased per‑share price in response to circumstances at that time.

Split history (timeline)

Below is a chronological summary of Salesforce stock splits and corporate actions related to share counts. These items are derived from company releases and historical split data sources.

• 2000‑07‑06: Reverse split — ratio 1‑for‑20. Company consolidated shares via a reverse split.
• 2013‑03‑21: Board/Company announcement — proposed four‑for‑one forward split and authorization to increase authorized shares; shareholder approval processes noted in press materials.
• 2013‑04‑03: Record date for the 2013 four‑for‑one split (shareholders of record eligible for distribution).
• 2013‑04‑17: Expected distribution date by transfer agent (shareholders receive additional shares or equivalent adjustments via brokers/transfer agent processes).
• 2013‑04‑18: Effective trading date — Salesforce shares began trading on a split‑adjusted basis (four‑for‑one).

Stock split table

The table below lists the split events with the standard columns investors and data providers use when tracking corporate splits.

| Date | Ratio | Type | Record date | Effective trading date | Source | |------|-------:|------|-------------|------------------------|--------| | 2000‑07‑06 | 1‑for‑20 | Reverse | N/A (reverse split implemented July 2000) | July 6, 2000 | Company historical filings / stock split databases | | 2013‑04‑18 (effective) | 4‑for‑1 | Forward | April 3, 2013 | April 18, 2013 (transfer agent distribution April 17) | Salesforce press release (Mar 21, 2013); PR Newswire; media coverage |

Note: Some historical tables show announcement dates separate from record/effective dates. For the 2013 split, Salesforce announced the split on March 21, 2013; the record date was April 3, 2013; adjusted trading began April 18, 2013.

2013 four‑for‑one stock split

Salesforce’s four‑for‑one stock split in 2013 was a forward split that multiplied each outstanding share by four, meaning shareholders received three additional shares for every share held. The split required board approval and was conducted following standard corporate procedures described in Salesforce's press release and in filings around the announcement.

The formal explanation in company materials noted that the board also took steps to authorize additional shares when approving the split. Mechanically, the split did not change the company’s market capitalization at the moment of implementation — share counts increased and the per‑share price fell proportionally.

Announcement and corporate actions

On March 21, 2013, Salesforce publicly announced a four‑for‑one stock split and the company simultaneously presented an authorization to increase its number of authorized shares to support the split and future issuance activities.

Record and effective dates

The record date for the 2013 four‑for‑one split was April 3, 2013. Transfer agents and brokers prepared distributions so that shareholders would receive the additional shares (or cash in lieu for fractional shares) around April 17, 2013, and trading on a split‑adjusted basis began on April 18, 2013.

Media and market reaction

As of March 22, 2013, USA Today and other financial outlets reported the split announcement and noted typical investor interpretations — namely that forward splits are often viewed as a company signal of confidence in future growth and a way to make shares more accessible to retail investors. Contemporary coverage emphasized logistics and the expected timeline for the adjusted trading date.

2000 reverse split (1‑for‑20)

Salesforce implemented a one‑for‑twenty reverse split in July 2000. A reverse split decreases the number of outstanding shares and raises the per‑share price proportionally. Companies pursue reverse splits for various reasons: to meet exchange listing minimums, to reduce perceived volatility associated with very low priced shares, or to reposition the capital structure.

For shareholders, the mechanical effect of a 1‑for‑20 reverse split is straightforward: every 20 shares prior to the split were consolidated into one post‑split share. Fractional shares resulting from the consolidation were typically handled per company policy (cash payment in lieu of fractional shares via the transfer agent or broker). The company’s market capitalization should be roughly unchanged immediately after the reverse split, absent market price reaction.

Impact on shareholders and company metrics

Mechanically, stock splits change only the share count and per‑share price; market capitalization remains effectively unchanged immediately after a split (market cap = shares outstanding × market price per share). For example, in a four‑for‑one forward split, shareholders owned four times as many shares, and the per‑share price was adjusted to approximately one‑quarter of its pre‑split level.

Practical consequences for shareholders include the handling of fractional shares (cash in lieu or rounding per transfer agent rules), updates to holdings in brokerage accounts, and adjustments to dividend calculations (if applicable). Companies and transfer agents publish distribution schedules and details for how fractional entitlements are managed. In the long term, splits can indirectly affect liquidity, investor perception, and the types of funds or investors that can own the stock, though a split alone does not directly change business fundamentals.

How splits affect historical prices and returns

When analyzing historical prices and returns, it is essential to use split‑adjusted price series. Financial data providers typically divide pre‑split prices by the cumulative split ratio to maintain a continuous price series for performance calculations. Not adjusting for splits will overstate historical prices and distort return metrics such as CAGR (compound annual growth rate) and total return.

For accurate return calculations, use total‑return series if available (which adjust for dividends and splits) or ensure your price series is adjusted for splits by applying the appropriate factor (for example, divide pre‑2013 prices by 4 to reflect the 2013 four‑for‑one split). Reliable data sources and vendor documentation explain how they apply split adjustments.

How to verify a stock split (official sources)

To confirm "did salesforce stock split" and to obtain authoritative details, check these primary sources:

• Salesforce investor relations press releases and investor FAQ pages (company press releases typically state announcement, record date, and mechanics). As of March 21, 2013, Salesforce published a press release announcing the four‑for‑one split.
• SEC filings such as Form 8‑K or proxy statements around the announcement date (these filings document board actions, shareholder approvals, and changes to authorized shares).
• Major press‑wire services and media coverage archived on the announcement date (PR Newswire issued a release on March 21, 2013 reporting the split; USA Today covered the event on March 22, 2013).
• Financial data and split history aggregators (CompaniesMarketCap, Macrotrends, Digrin, StockSplitHistory) for cross‑reference. Use these as secondary confirmation and compare to official company materials.

When verifying, note the difference between announcement, record, distribution, and effective trading dates; all can appear differently across vendor tables. For legal certainty, rely on Salesforce’s own press release and SEC filings.

Reasons companies (including Salesforce) announce splits

Companies announce forward splits to lower the per‑share price, which can make shares appear more affordable to retail investors and potentially increase liquidity and tradability. Firms may also use splits as a signaling device to indicate confidence in future growth prospects.

Company‑specific commentary around the 2013 announcement emphasized board approval and the administrative steps to increase authorized shares. Contemporary reporting framed the action as a standard forward split rather than an unusual corporate restructuring.

Practical checklist: What shareholders should expect when a split occurs

• Confirm the official announcement and note the record date and effective trading date.
• Check brokerage or transfer agent communications for how additional shares or fractional share cash‑outs will be handled.
• Expect your brokerage account holdings to show the adjusted share count and per‑share price at or shortly after the effective trading date.
• For tax reporting, keep records of pre‑split holdings, as cost basis per share will be adjusted by the split ratio; consult tax guidance or a qualified tax professional for specific tax treatment.

Examples: How a forward and a reverse split affect holdings

• Forward split (4‑for‑1): If you owned 100 shares at $200 per share before a four‑for‑one split, you would own 400 shares at approximately $50 per share after the split (100 × 4 = 400; $200 ÷ 4 = $50). Your total position value remains roughly $20,000 before market moves.

• Reverse split (1‑for‑20): If you owned 200 shares at $5 per share before a one‑for‑twenty reverse split, you would own 10 shares at approximately $100 per share after the split (200 ÷ 20 = 10; $5 × 20 = $100). Total position value remains roughly $1,000 before market moves.

In both examples, market capitalization for the position remains effectively unchanged immediately around the corporate action; only share counts and per‑share prices change proportionally.

Recordkeeping and cost basis adjustments

When a split happens, the cost basis per share is adjusted by the split ratio. Using the forward split example above, if your original cost basis was $100 per share for 100 shares ($10,000 total), after a 4‑for‑1 split you would have 400 shares with a cost basis of $25 per share ($10,000 total), preserving the original aggregate cost basis. Brokers and tax platforms typically calculate and display adjusted cost basis after splits, but you should retain transaction confirmations and company notices for tax records.

Fractional shares and broker handling

Fractional shares arise when the split ratio and your holdings do not yield a whole number of shares. Companies and transfer agents generally specify how fractions are treated: most often brokers will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares based on the market price on or around the distribution date. Procedures vary, so review your broker’s and the company’s instructions to understand how fractions are managed.

How splits may affect indices, ETFs, and fund ownership

When a company in an index executes a split, index providers adjust the share count and share weightings so the index’s continuity and calculation are maintained. For index funds and ETFs that track an index containing the company, the funds will adjust their holdings proportionally. For specialized funds that have minimum share or price rules, fund managers may rebalance to reflect the post‑split weighting.

How to treat split events when backtesting or measuring performance

When backtesting, always use split‑adjusted prices. If raw historical prices are not adjusted, insert the split factor into your price series (e.g., divide pre‑2013 prices by 4 for Salesforce) so that the price path is continuous. If you are calculating total return, also account for dividends and corporate actions beyond splits. Clear documentation of the adjustments you make is essential for reproducible analysis.

Where the public record shows Salesforce’s split events

Official and authoritative records of Salesforce’s split events include the company press release dated March 21, 2013 announcing the four‑for‑one split and historical SEC filings from the company around July 2000 and March–April 2013 documenting share‑related actions. Secondary confirmation is available in split‑history aggregators and news archives.

See also

• Stock split
• Reverse stock split
• Share dilution
• Salesforce, Inc. (investor relations)

References

• “Salesforce.com Announces Four‑for‑One Stock Split” — Salesforce press release, March 21, 2013. (salesforce.com) — As of March 21, 2013, Salesforce issued a press release announcing the four‑for‑one split and related corporate actions.

• “salesforcecom Announces four‑for‑one stock split” — PR Newswire, March 21, 2013. — PR Newswire distributed Salesforce’s announcement on March 21, 2013 documenting the split and record/effective timing.

• “Salesforce breaks ranks with 4‑1 stock split” — USA Today, March 22, 2013. — As of March 22, 2013, USA Today reported on the announcement and market commentary.

• “Salesforce (CRM) — Stock split history” — CompaniesMarketCap (stock‑splits page). — Secondary data aggregation confirming official split dates and ratios.

• “Salesforce — Stock Split History | CRM” — Macrotrends (stock‑splits page). — Historical split table and split‑adjusted price series for research and verification.

• “Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) — Stock Splits” — Digrin (split data). — Data aggregator listing split ratios and effective dates.

• “Salesforce Stock Split History” — StockSplitHistory (split history summary). — Compiled record of split events useful for cross‑checking primary sources.

• (Optional investor resources) Salesforce Investor FAQs / Resources page and recent investor announcements for context — company investor relations materials outline mechanics and transfer agent arrangements.

Final notes and next steps

If you came here wondering "did salesforce stock split" the succinct factual answer is: yes — a four‑for‑one forward split effective April 18, 2013, and an earlier one‑for‑twenty reverse split in July 2000. Splits are technical corporate actions that require attention to record dates, transfer agent distribution timing, and cost basis adjustments when you maintain tax or performance records.

For hands‑on follow up: check Salesforce’s investor relations press releases and SEC filings for primary documentation; consult your broker or transfer agent for account‑specific details about distributions or fractional shares; and when analyzing returns use split‑adjusted price series. Explore Bitget’s educational resources and tools if you want to learn more about corporate actions and how exchanges and wallets typically present split‑adjusted historical data.

Want more on corporate actions? Explore related articles in this wiki on stock splits, reverse stock splits, and share dilution to build a fuller picture of how these events interact with markets and shareholder records.

To track equities and corporate actions with clear records, consider using a trading or custody service that provides split‑adjusted historical prices and transfer agent communications — Bitget’s educational resources and wallet tools can help you follow corporate action updates and manage recordkeeping.

FAQ: did salesforce stock split — yes, refer to March 21, 2013 announcement and April 18, 2013 effective date. If you search "did salesforce stock split" in investor materials, you will find the same timeline and mechanics. For archival confirmation: check Salesforce’s press release, SEC filings, and media coverage from March–April 2013 for corroboration of "did salesforce stock split" and the exact record/effective dates. Analysts compiling historical returns must ask "did salesforce stock split" and then apply the 4:1 adjustment to pre‑April 18, 2013 price data.

Repeated record check: did salesforce stock split? Yes — forward split in 2013; reverse split in 2000. When reconciling brokerage statements or older trade confirmations, the question "did salesforce stock split" will explain why share counts and per‑share prices differ from legacy records. Use the phrase "did salesforce stock split" in your search queries when looking for primary documents dated March–April 2013.

For community or educational discussions, asking "did salesforce stock split" is an appropriate starting point; the clear factual answer and timeline are presented in this article, backed by the company press release and contemporaneous news coverage that reported the corporate action and its market context.