Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, cloud revenue rose by 27%, marking five consecutive quarters of growth exceeding 25% [7][8] - Total revenue growth was 11%, with current cloud backlog increasing by 27% [8][30] - Free cash flow increased by 5%, while operating profit rose by 19% [8][34] - Total revenue reached EUR 9.1 billion, up 11%, with predictable revenue rising to 87% [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Cloud ERP suite delivered 31% growth in Q3, representing 87% of cloud revenues [30] - Software licenses revenue decreased by 42% in Q3 [32] - Non-IFRS cloud gross margin expanded by 1.1 percentage points to 75.1% [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cloud revenue performance was particularly strong in APJ and EMEA regions, with Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, and South Korea showing outstanding performance [33] - The U.S. public sector is showing early signs of improvement, with a major framework contract awarded to SAP by the U.S. Army [32][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate total revenue growth through 2027, leveraging AI as a key enabler [7][28] - SAP's strategy focuses on software and cloud solutions rather than building infrastructure, partnering with strong infrastructure partners instead [16][88] - The introduction of AI agents and tools is central to enhancing customer value and operational efficiency [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Q4 pipeline, indicating a strong recovery in the U.S. public sector and manufacturing [47][51] - The company anticipates reaching the lower end of its cloud revenue outlook for fiscal year 2025 due to delayed bookings [36][37] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for revenue acceleration in 2026, supported by a robust pipeline [77][78] Other Important Information - The acquisition of Smart Recruiters was completed, enhancing SAP's capabilities in talent acquisition [31] - The company is focusing on high-quality data and AI integration to drive business value [66][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on demand backdrop in U.S. public sector and manufacturing - Management noted positive early signs in the U.S. public sector and a strong Q4 pipeline, indicating a recovery in these sectors [45][47] Question: Insights on backlog and cloud revenue expectations - Management expressed confidence in the Q4 pipeline and the potential for a better exit rate for CCB growth than previously expected [51][52] Question: Uptake of SAP ERP transition options - Management indicated positive momentum in the pipeline and high interest in the transition options, with expectations for initial deals in Q4 [54][58] Question: Competitive position versus Oracle - Management emphasized the strength of SAP's strategy and the value provided to customers, asserting that the current approach is effective [86][88] Question: Free cash flow guidance and conversion - Management highlighted the impact of tax cash out phasing and working capital dynamics on free cash flow expectations for Q4 [80][84]