Autodesk (ADSK) closed the latest trading day at $272.89, indicating a +0.52% change from the previous session's end. This change lagged the S&P 500's 0.58% gain on the day. At the same time, the Dow added 0.75%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.55%.Prior to today's trading, shares of the design software company had gained 3.69% over the past month. This has outpaced the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 0.6% and the S&P 500's loss of 0.84% in that time.Market participants will be closely following ...

Our Purpose: To make the world smarter, happier, and richer. Founded in 1993, The Motley Fool is a financial services company dedicated to making the world smarter, happier, and richer. The Motley Fool reaches millions of people every month through our premium investing solutions, free guidance and market analysis on Fool.com, top-rated podcasts, and non-profit The Motley Fool Foundation. ...

Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons to join board at the 2025 annual meeting Autodesk and Starboard enter into cooperation agreement SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that it will appoint Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons to its Board of Directors (the "Board") in connection with a cooperation agreement with Starboard Value LP ("Starboard"). Epstein and Simons will serve as non-voting observers on the Board until Autodesk's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockh ...

Core Insights - The 2025 State of Design & Make report by Autodesk reveals that despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, industry leaders are continuing to invest in AI, technology advancements, acquisitions, and sustainability [1][3][10] Investment Trends - Companies are still prioritizing AI investments, with tech-advanced firms feeling optimistic about opportunities and increasing training investments [5][10] - 77% of tech-advanced companies plan to increase investments in digital training, compared to 59% of less tech-advanced companies [16] Skills Gap and Workforce Challenges - A significant skills gap persists, with 58% of professionals citing a lack of access to skilled talent as a barrier to growth, a 15-point increase from the previous year [8][16] - Nearly half (48%) of professionals report that their organizations lack the resources to design internal training programs, a 10-point increase from last year [8][16] AI Adoption and Trust Issues - AI adoption is accelerating, but trust in AI has declined, with only 65% of respondents expressing trust in AI, reflecting an 11-point decline [8] - Confidence in AI decision-making has dropped, with 69% of professionals expressing confidence in their company's AI choices, down nine points [8] Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage - Sustainability is becoming a key differentiator for companies, with 72% of business leaders believing it can generate more than 5% of their annual revenue [10][17] - 39% of companies are using AI to enhance sustainability efforts, an increase from 34% in 2024 [17] Industry Outlook - The Design and Make industries employ nearly 300 million people globally and are projected to represent $30 trillion in value by 2027 [3] - Companies investing in modernization are reporting gains in customer satisfaction, productivity, and innovation, with 72% noting improvements in company reputation [12]

Autodesk (ADSK) shares have plunged 10% in the past six months, underperforming the Zacks Internet - Software industry and the S&P 500 index’s decline of 0.5% and 6.4%, respectively. However, the stock has slightly outperformed the Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s decline of 10.2% in the same time frame.The company’s near-term performance is being weighed down by the introduction of its new transaction model, which has impacted billings and revenue recognition. At the same time, the company is undergo ...

Group 1 - The article introduces a new contributing analyst, Value Sights, to Seeking Alpha, encouraging others to share investment ideas for publication and potential earnings [1] - The analyst emphasizes a fundamental, valuation-driven investment approach focused on identifying scalable businesses with significant terminal value [2] - Key factors in the investment strategy include understanding competitive moats, unit economics, reinvestment opportunities, and management quality, which are essential for long-term free cash flow generation and shareholder value [2] Group 2 - The analyst has a decade of self-education in investing and currently manages personal funds sourced from friends and family [2] - The motivation for writing on Seeking Alpha is to share insights and receive feedback from the investment community, aiming to highlight what drives long-term equity value [2] - The analyst believes that effective analysis should be both analytical and accessible, contributing value to readers seeking high-quality, long-term investment opportunities [2]

Core Insights - Autodesk, Inc. announced that Elizabeth "Betsy" Rafael will not seek re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, concluding her advisory tenure on April 30, 2025 [1] - Rafael has been a board member since September 2013, served as Audit Committee chair from March 2016 to May 2024, and acted as Interim CFO from May 31, 2024, to December 16, 2024 [1][2] - Autodesk's president and CEO, Andrew Anagnost, praised Rafael for her significant contributions and leadership during a period of growth for the company [2] Company Overview - Autodesk is a trusted partner for designers, engineers, builders, and creators, providing technology to design and make various products, including buildings, vehicles, and entertainment [3] - The company's Design and Make Platform leverages data to enhance insights and automate processes, empowering customers to achieve better outcomes for their businesses and the environment [3]

Core Viewpoint - Autodesk is achieving strong business and financial results, indicating effective strategy implementation and commitment to shareholder value [1][5]. Financial Performance - FY 2025 revenue reached $6.1 billion, reflecting a 16% increase since FY 2019 and a 12% year-over-year growth [5]. - Non-GAAP operating margins improved by over 2,400 basis points since FY 2019, with expectations of an additional 200 to 300 basis points margin expansion in FY 2026 [5]. - Free cash flow increased from $1.3 billion in FY 2024 to $1.6 billion in FY 2025, marking a 22% growth, with a target of $2.075 billion to $2.175 billion for FY 2026 [5]. - The company plans to repurchase $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion of stock in FY 2026, representing a 30% to 40% increase over FY 2025 [5]. Shareholder Engagement - Autodesk has engaged with investors representing over 50% of its outstanding shares, maintaining a commitment to constructive dialogue despite challenges posed by Starboard Value LP [3][6]. - The company expressed concerns regarding Starboard's nomination approach but remains open to reviewing their nominees [4]. Strategic Initiatives - Autodesk has completed the launch of a new go-to-market approach in FY 2025 and is currently in the optimization phase, expecting continued growth and margin expansion [5].

Core Viewpoint - Autodesk is committed to acting in the best interests of its company and shareholders, highlighting strong financial results and strategic initiatives aimed at generating long-term value [1] Financial Performance - Autodesk achieved a non-GAAP operating margin of approximately 39% in FY 2025, an increase of over 2,400 basis points since FY 2019 and 300 basis points since FY 2023, reaching its target a year ahead of schedule [2] - The company has implemented a new go-to-market approach and is currently in the optimization phase, focusing on driving growth and expanding operating margins [2] Board Governance - Autodesk has appointed five new independent directors in the past six years, including two recent appointments in December 2024, demonstrating a commitment to board refreshment and strong corporate governance [3][4] - The board consists of a majority of independent directors with extensive industry expertise and operational experience [3] Engagement with Starboard - Autodesk has engaged constructively with Starboard Value LP over the past year, inviting them to present ideas to the board and offering participation in the director nomination process, which Starboard declined [5] - If Starboard proceeds with its nomination, Autodesk's Corporate Governance Committee will review the candidates as part of the regular evaluation process [6]

Core Insights - Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) has experienced significant stock volatility but has shown strong performance, with a stock increase of approximately 50% since the start of 2023 [1] - The stock has increased by about 7% since a previous Buy recommendation in June 2024, still outperforming the market [1] Company Performance - The company has consistently beaten the market through a portfolio focused on tech-related securities [1] Analyst Perspective - The analysis emphasizes growth opportunities in various technology sectors, driven by current and future trends [1]