SAP SE reports developments across enterprise application software, cloud ERP, business AI, and the platforms that connect core business processes. Company news commonly covers SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP Business Data Cloud, SAP Customer Experience, Joule agents, SAP Signavio, and RISE with SAP as they relate to finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, customer experience, and business transformation workflows.
Recurring updates also include strategic partnerships with cloud and technology providers, trusted cloud and sovereign cloud offerings, AI-enabled process automation, logistics execution through SAP Logistics Management, and robotics integration through SAP Embodied AI Service. Investor communications cover executive conference participation and operating themes tied to cloud adoption, enterprise AI, and customer transformation programs.
SAP has announced a new share repurchase program worth up to €1 billion, set to run from February 1 to December 31, 2022. This buyback aims to service future awards under the 'Move SAP' share-based compensation plan, enhancing employee ownership culture by settling most new awards in shares rather than cash. This decision follows a previous buyback of 14 million shares for approximately €1.5 billion. The program is expected to align employee interests with shareholder value.
SAP reported preliminary financial results for Q4 and FY 2021, showing significant growth in its cloud business. The current cloud backlog surged to €9.45 billion, up 32% year-over-year, with cloud revenue increasing by 28% to €2.61 billion. Despite strong cloud performance, IFRS operating profit decreased 30% to €4.66 billion, impacted by higher share-based compensation expenses. For 2022, SAP targets 23%-26% non-IFRS cloud revenue growth. The company noted strong customer adoption of its cloud offerings, particularly "RISE with SAP".
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) announced new products and services at SAP TechEd 2021 aimed at bridging the talent gap in digital transformation. IDC forecasts a developer shortage to escalate from 1.4 million in 2021 to 4 million by 2025. SAP introduced a unified low-code/no-code development experience, enhancements to the SAP Business Technology Platform, and expanded embedded AI capabilities. These offerings aim to empower developers and streamline processes for businesses, further establishing SAP's position in cloud solutions.
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) announced that CFO Luka Mucic will present at the Morgan Stanley European Technology, Media & Telecoms Conference on November 18, 2021, at 5:25 PM (CET). Investors can access a live webcast of the event via SAP's Investor Relations website. SAP aims to assist businesses in becoming intelligent enterprises through its suite of applications, machine learning, IoT, and advanced analytics, improving operations across 25 industries globally.
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) unveiled the SAP Responsible Design and Production solution on November 8, 2021, aimed at promoting sustainable product design and facilitating the transition to a circular economy.
This new offering helps brands manage material flows and comply with evolving sustainability regulations, particularly in the realm of packaging and plastics.
By embedding circularity principles in core processes, businesses can reduce waste and optimize resource use, exemplified through improved lifecycle visibility for products.
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) announced that companies like Palace Resorts and Siemens Energy have adopted SAP® Ariba® and SAP Fieldglass® solutions to enhance procurement and workforce management in Q3. SAP maintains a dominant position in the procurement applications software market with a 32.8% market share, surpassing its next 11 competitors combined. The procurement market grew 5.4% to $6.2 billion in 2020. SAP's solutions are aimed at increasing operational agility and reducing risks amidst ongoing supply and demand challenges.
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) and Qualtrics (NASDAQ: XM) have launched the Concur Experience Optimizer, an innovative solution designed to enhance employee experiences in travel and expense management. This tool integrates Qualtrics EmployeeXM with Concur's operational data, addressing shifting traveler expectations and improving decision-making for businesses. Recent research indicates a strong desire among employees to return to business travel, with 70% anticipating a return to pre-pandemic travel levels. The solution aims to support organizations in managing employee sentiment while optimizing spending and compliance.
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) announces the availability of its integration of SAP Sales Cloud with Microsoft Teams, aimed at enhancing remote selling capabilities. This integration allows sales professionals to access customer data and update records in real-time directly within Teams, streamlining workflows. The announcement was made during the SAP Customer Experience LIVE event on October 26, 2021. The integration seeks to improve productivity by eliminating unnecessary administrative tasks and providing seamless collaboration opportunities for sales teams.
SAP reported strong financial results for Q3 2021, with cloud revenue increasing by 20% to €2.39 billion and total revenue up 5% to €6.84 billion. The current cloud backlog rose by 24% to €8.17 billion, reflecting robust demand, particularly for the 'RISE with SAP' initiative. However, IFRS operating profit dropped 15% to €1.25 billion, due in part to higher share-based compensation. The company raised its full-year 2021 outlook, anticipating significant cloud revenue growth. SAP's share of predictable revenue rose to 77%.
SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) launched the SAP SuccessFactors Opportunity Marketplace, a solution enhancing internal mobility by connecting employees with tailored opportunities for growth and development. This platform, incorporating machine learning, evaluates individual interests and experiences, recommending mentorships, gigs, and learning options to foster personal and organizational agility. With potential benefits including better retention and engagement, SAP aims to empower individuals while providing leaders with deeper insights into team capabilities. The solution will be available in the 2H 2021 release of the SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite.