Financial
Performance
All results except period 2020 are based on "continuing operations". Growth rates are year-over-year, at actual currencies unless otherwise noted.
Growth
Business performance continued its strong upward trend
Our topline growth drivers were RISE and GROW with SAP, and SAP Business AI, which was part of many new deals this year. Due to the growing demand for greater efficiencies and cost optimization, SAP’s cloud offerings resonated well, as they offer our customers a comprehensive approach to their cloud transition.
Profitability
Focus on key strategic growth areas and company-wide restructuring
In 2024, SAP increased its focus on key strategic growth areas, in particular business AI. To this end, as announced in January 2024, SAP is executing a company-wide restructuring program which is expected to be concluded in early 2025.
In 2024, SAP recognized restructuring expenses amounting to €3,144 million (2023: €215 million).
Free cash flow affected by payouts for the company-wide restructuring program
Operating Cash Flow decreased particularly due to significantly higher restructuring payouts, increased share-based payments, and higher income tax payments.
Performance versus Outlook 2024
Promises kept - once more
Today’s global economic environment is marked by international disruptions and a growing need for AI and data warehousing.
The demand for our cloud solutions and services meets or even exceeds our revised forecasts, indicating strong business performance and we expect continued cloud revenue growth.
Shareholder Return
SAP Stock Outperforms Major Indexes by a Wide Margin
SAP’s business continued to demonstrate strength and resilience. In particular, the strong growth in its cloud business was recognized by market participants. As a result, SAP shares were unaffected by the stock market turbulence in 2024. Due to its extensive wealth of data and innovative applications, SAP was seen as a beneficiary of the AI boom.
SAP Stock in Comparison to Major Indices
January 1, 2024 to December 30, 2024
SAP shareholders shall participate in the companys success
The Company’s dividend policy is to pay a dividend totaling at least 40% of non-IFRS profit after tax from continuing operations.
The Supervisory Board and Executive Board of SAP SE recommend that shareholders approve a dividend of €2.35 per share for fiscal year 2024. This is an increase of €0.15, or 6.8%.