SAP(SAP) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, cloud revenue rose by 27%, maintaining over 25% growth for five consecutive quarters, with a solid cloud gross margin of approximately 75% [6][22] - Total revenue increased by 11% to EUR 9.1 billion, with the share of predictable revenue rising by 2 percentage points to 87% [7][22] - Current cloud backlog increased by 27% to exceed EUR 18.8 billion [22] - Free cash flow increased by 5% to EUR 1.3 billion, while operating profit rose by 19% to EUR 2.6 billion [7][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cloud ERP suite achieved its 15th consecutive quarter of growth exceeding 30%, representing 87% of cloud revenues and over 100% of the year-over-year increase in cloud revenues [20][22] - Software licenses revenue decreased by 42% in Q3 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cloud revenue performance was particularly strong in the APJ and EMEA regions, with Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, and South Korea showing outstanding performance [23] - The U.S. public sector business is starting to pick up again, with a major framework contract awarded to SAP by the U.S. Army [10][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate total revenue growth through 2027, leveraging AI as a key enabler for growth [5][19] - SAP's strategy focuses on providing software and cloud solutions without building infrastructure, partnering with cloud infrastructure providers instead [11][66] - The company is enhancing its AI capabilities by integrating AI into business processes and developing AI agents to automate and optimize operations [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Q4 pipeline, noting that many stalled deals are now progressing, particularly in the U.S. public sector and manufacturing [32][34] - The company anticipates reaching the lower end of its cloud revenue outlook for fiscal year 2025 due to delayed bookings but expects to exceed previous targets for free cash flow [26][25] Other Important Information - SAP closed its acquisition of SmartRecruiters, enhancing its capabilities in talent acquisition [22] - The company is focusing on high-value AI use cases, emphasizing the importance of combining large language models with business processes and contextual data [12][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on demand backdrop and backlog - Management noted positive early signs in the U.S. public sector and manufacturing, with a strong Q4 pipeline [32][34] Question: Delay in backlog and cloud revenue expectations - Management expressed confidence in achieving a good Q4 and picking up stalled pipeline deals [36][54] Question: Uptake of SAP ERP transition option - Management indicated positive momentum in the pipeline, with high interest in the transition option [40][41] Question: Competitive position versus Oracle - Management emphasized the strength of SAP's software and cloud offerings, stating that their strategy is proven and effective [62][66] Question: Free cash flow guidance - Management highlighted that Q4 cash flow may be impacted by tax payments and working capital fluctuations, but remains confident in achieving the target [58][59]