SAP’s third-quarter results revealed underlying vulnerabilities that overshadowed its impressive cloud performance. Despite robust growth in its core cloud division, the German software giant missed overall revenue expectations and downgraded its full-year outlook, triggering a 3% after-hours stock decline.
Mixed Financial Performance Emerges
The company’s latest earnings report presented investors with a contradictory picture. While SAP’s cloud business continues to demonstrate remarkable strength, broader financial metrics fell short of market expectations.
The cloud segment remains the standout performer, with revenues surging 27% to reach €5.29 billion. This represents the fifth consecutive quarter where cloud growth has exceeded 25%. The cloud backlog—indicating future contracted revenue—simultaneously climbed to €18.8 billion, signaling sustained customer demand.
However, other financial indicators revealed weaknesses:
– Total revenue reached €9.0 billion, representing 11% growth but falling below projections
– Operating profit came in at €2.57 billion, a 19% increase
– Free cash flow amounted to €1.27 billion, up 5% year-over-year
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Guidance Revision Shakes Market Confidence
The most significant concern for investors emerged from SAP’s revised forward-looking statements. The company adjusted its 2025 cloud revenue projections downward, now expecting results at the lower end of the originally forecasted €21.6 to €21.9 billion range. Management attributed this cautious outlook to increasing macroeconomic uncertainty.
This guidance revision comes after SAP shares had already gained 14% during 2025 prior to the earnings release. The downward adjustment raises fundamental questions about whether the company’s growth narrative remains intact or if challenges are emerging.
Artificial Intelligence Initiatives Offer Hope
CEO Christian Klein maintained an optimistic stance despite the disappointing elements. “We are capturing market share as customers adopt solutions from our entire business suite, including Business Data Cloud and AI technologies, at an accelerated pace,” Klein stated. Management pointed to a strong pipeline of business for the fourth quarter.
The critical question facing SAP is whether its aggressive artificial intelligence push can overcome the current revenue disappointments. Coming quarters will determine if the company can achieve its ambitious 2026 growth targets or if the current concerns will persist longer than anticipated.
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