0901 GMT - SAP should report steady growth for its core cloud business when the German business-software group posts third-quarter results on Oct. 21, Citi analysts write in a research note. They estimate growth of 25% for SAP's current cloud backlog--a closely watched measure of sales the group expects over the coming year based on existing contracts. Their projection is above consensus of roughly 24.5%. The analysts forecast cloud revenue growth of about 24% and say that SAP management could guide for annual growth in the upper half of the 23% to 25% guidance range. SAP shares trade 0.2% higher at 194.84 euros.