SAP(US:SAP)2026-01-29 10:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total revenue for the full year approached EUR 37 billion, up 11% year-on-year [33] - Cloud revenue grew 26% year-on-year, primarily driven by the strong performance of the Cloud ERP Suite, which increased by 32% [32][33] - The current cloud backlog reached EUR 21 billion, up 25%, while the total cloud backlog grew 30% to a record EUR 77 billion [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Cloud ERP Suite accounted for 86% of total cloud revenue for the year, highlighting its significance as a growth engine [33] - Software licenses revenue decreased by 27%, indicating a shift in focus towards cloud offerings [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. public sector was one of the best-performing businesses in Q4, showing resilience despite geopolitical tensions [41] - The company noted that customers are increasingly exploring sovereign software-as-a-service solutions due to geopolitical factors [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized its transformation strategy, "RISE and GROW with SAP," as core pillars for large-scale enterprises and mid-sized companies [30] - AI and the Business Data Cloud are becoming significant contributors to customer decisions and deal activity, with large cloud transactions contributing a record 71% to cloud order entry in Q4 [30] - The company plans to further develop its SAP Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure to meet growing demand for sovereignty and resilience in software solutions [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's outlook for 2026, despite challenges faced in 2025 due to geopolitical tensions [28][30] - The company anticipates total revenue growth to accelerate, supported by the foundation built in previous years [37] - Management highlighted the importance of reskilling employees to adapt to the changing landscape influenced by AI [24] Other Important Information - The company announced a new two-year share repurchase program of up to EUR 10 billion, reflecting confidence in sustainable business strengths [36] - Free cash flow for the full year was EUR 8.2 billion, at the high end of the revised outlook range, indicating strong cash management [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there hurdles in the U.S. due to geopolitical tensions? - Management noted that the U.S. public sector performed well in Q4, and customers are less concerned about the origin of the software as long as it meets regulatory standards [41] Question: Are solutions intended to replace non-European providers? - Management clarified that the focus is on competitiveness and delivering stronger AI solutions rather than replacing specific providers [43] Question: How do U.S. tariffs affect the business? - Management stated there are no direct tariffs on software or services, and the company hopes this remains the case [58] Question: Why is the company starting a share buyback program instead of investing in future revenue? - Management explained that share buybacks are part of a strategy to return capital to shareholders while maintaining flexibility for future investments in technology [59][60]