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FY2015 Annual Report · Autodesk
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FISCAL YEAR

2015

Annual Report 

Notice of annual meeting and 
proxy statement

Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA 94903 

Autodesk is a registered trademark or trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. 

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and 

services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that 

may appear in this document.

© 

2 015

 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. 

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Board of Directors 

Company Executive Officers  

Corporate Headquarters 

President and Chief Executive Officer, 

President and Chief Executive Officer 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Crawford W. Beveridge 

Senior Vice President, Human 

USA 

non-Executive Chairman of the Board, 

Resources and Corporate Real Estate  

Carl Bass 

Jan Becker 

Steven M. Blum 

Senior Vice President, Worldwide 

Sales and Services  

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Senior Vice President, General 

Counsel and Secretary  

R. Scott Herren 

Senior Vice President and Chief 

Financial Officer  

Carl Bass 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Autodesk, Inc. 

J. Hallam Dawson 

Thomas Georgens 

Per-Kristian Halvorsen 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Steven M. West 

Worldwide Headquarters 

111 McInnis Parkway 

San Rafael, CA  94903 

Asia Pacific Headquarters 

Autodesk Asia Pte Ltd 

3 Fusionopolis Way 

#10-21 Symbiosis 

Singapore 138633 

Singapore 

European Headquarters 

Autodesk Development Sàrl 

Rue du Puits-Godet 6 

Case Postale 35 

2002 Neuchâtel 

Switzerland 

Legal Counsel 

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati 

Professional Corporation 

650 Page Mill Road 

Palo Alto, CA  94304 

USA 

Transfer Agent 

Computershare Trust Company N.A. 

350 Indiana Street, Suite 750 

Golden, CO  80401 

USA 

Independent Registered Public 

Accounting Firm 

Ernst & Young, LLP 

560 Mission Street, Suite 1600 

San Francisco, CA  94105 

USA 

Held at Autodesk, Inc.’s San Francisco office at The Landmark at One Market Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, California, USA, 

Notice of Annual Meeting 

June 10, 2015, 3:00 p.m. Pacific time. 

Investor Relations 

For more information, including copies of this annual report free of charge, write to us at:  Investor Relations, Autodesk, Inc., 111 

McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA  94903, USA; Phone us at +1-415-507-6705; email us at investor.relations@autodesk.com; or visit 

our website at: www.autodesk.com. 

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April 28, 2015  

Dear Autodesk Stockholder: 

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You are cordially invited to attend Autodesk’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, June 10, 

2015, at 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time, at our San Francisco office, The Landmark, One Market Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, 
California 94105. 

The 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held for the following purposes: 

1.  To elect the ten directors listed in the accompanying Proxy Statement; 

2.  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 

year ending January 31, 2016; 

3.  To hold a non-binding vote to approve compensation for our named executive officers;  

4.  To approve an amendment to the Autodesk, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock Plan to increase the number of shares reserved 

for issuance under the plan by 12.5 million shares; and 

5.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting. 

The accompanying Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement describe these proposals in 

greater detail. We encourage you to read this information carefully. 

We are once again relying on the Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows us to furnish our proxy materials 
to our stockholders over the Internet rather than in paper form. We believe this delivery process reduces both our environmental 
impact and the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials without hindering our stockholders' timely access to this 
important information. 

We hope you will be able to attend this year's Annual Meeting. We will report on fiscal 2015, and there will be an 
opportunity for stockholders to ask questions. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, please ensure that you are represented by 
voting in advance. You can vote online or by telephone, or you can request, sign, date and return a proxy card, to ensure your 
representation at the meeting. Your vote is very important. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our appreciation for your continued support of Autodesk. 

Very truly yours, 

Carl Bass 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE OF 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 

Time and Date 

Place 

Items of Business 

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Adjournments and Postponements 

Record Date 

Voting 

  Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time. 

  Autodesk’s San Francisco office, located at The Landmark, One Market Street, 
2nd Floor, San Francisco, California 94105. 

  (1)  To elect the ten directors listed in the accompanying Proxy Statement to 
serve for the coming year and until their successors are duly elected and 
qualified.  

  (2)  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent 

registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 31, 
2016. 

  (3)  To hold a non-binding vote to approve compensation for our named 

executive officers. 

  (4)  To approve an amendment to the Autodesk, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock Plan 

to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan by 
12.5 million shares. 

  (5)  To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual 

Meeting. 

  These items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement 
accompanying this Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. 

  Any action on the items of business described above may be considered at the 
Annual Meeting at the time and on the date specified above or at any time and 
date to which the Annual Meeting is properly adjourned or postponed. 
  You are entitled to vote if you were a stockholder as of the close of business on 
April 13, 2015. 

  Your vote is very important. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, 
we encourage you to read the Proxy Statement and to vote.  You can vote 
online or by telephone, or you can request, sign, date and return your proxy 
card as soon as possible. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, 
please refer to the section entitled “Questions and Answers About the 2015 
Annual Meeting and Procedural Matters” beginning on page 1 of the Proxy 
Statement and the instructions on the Notice of Internet availability of proxy 
materials. 

  All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you attend 
the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person by ballot even if you previously 
voted.

By Order of the Board of Directors, 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 

This notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy card are being made available on or about 
April 28, 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2014 ANNUAL MEETING AND PROCEDURAL MATTERS 

Quorum and Voting 
, 

Stock Ownership
2015 Annual Meeting 
2012 Employee Plan and Equity Compensation at Autodesk 
Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations at Future Meetings 
Additional Information About the Proxy Materials 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting to be Held on 
June 10, 2015 

PROPOSAL ONE—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 

Nominees 
Information and Qualifications 

PROPOSAL TWO—RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC 
ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services 
Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services 

PROPOSAL THREE—NON-BINDING VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION  

Past Say-on-Pay Votes, Stockholder Outreach and Actions Taken 
Executive Compensation Policies and Practices  
Compensation Guiding Principles 
Vote Recommendation 

PROPOSAL FOUR - APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PLAN 

Background and Purpose 
The Importance of the Proposed Increase in Shares for Autodesk, our Employees and Stockholders 
Significant Historical Award Information 
Dilution and Stock Repurchase Program 
Equity Compensation Governance Practices 
Vote Recommendation 
Description of the 2012 Plan 
New Plan Benefits 
Options Granted to Certain Persons 
Equity Compensation Plan Information 
Federal Tax Aspects 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Corporate Governance Guidelines; Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 
Stock Ownership Guidelines 
Independence of the Board 

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Board Meetings and Board Committees 
Board Leadership Structure 
Risk Oversight 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 
Nominating Process for Recommending Candidates for Election to the Board 
Attendance at Annual Stockholders Meetings by Directors 
Contacting the Board 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

Executive Summary 
The Compensation-Setting Process 
Competitive Compensation Positioning 
Principal Elements of the Executive Compensation Program 

Report of the Compensation Committee 
Summary Compensation Table and Narrative Disclosure 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2015 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2015 Year End 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested at Fiscal 2015 Year End 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2015 
Change in Control Arrangements and Employment Agreements 
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control 
Compensation of Directors 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
Review, Approval or Ratification of Related Person Transactions 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

OTHER MATTERS 

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APPENDIX A - 
AUTODESK, INC. 
EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE 10, 2015)

2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PLAN (AS AMENDED AND RESTATED 

Appendix A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF 
STOCKHOLDERS 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF 
STOCKHOLDERS AND PROCEDURAL MATTERS 

Stock Ownership, Quorum and Voting 

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Holders of record of Autodesk’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), at the close of business on 
April 13, 2015 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice of and to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting (as defined 
below). Beneficial owners at the close of business on the Record Date have the right to direct their broker, trustee or nominee 
on how to vote their shares, as described below. Stockholders are entitled to cast one vote for each share of Common Stock they 
hold as of the Record Date. 

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As of the Record Date, there were 227,620,756 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual 
Meeting. No shares of Autodesk’s Preferred Stock were outstanding. 

Q: What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Stockholders of record—If your shares are registered directly in your name with Autodesk’s transfer agent, Computershare 
Investor Services LLC, you are considered the “stockholder of record” with respect to those shares.  If you are a stockholder of 
record, Autodesk sent these proxy materials directly to you. 

Beneficial owners—Most Autodesk stockholders hold their shares through a broker or other agent rather than directly in their 
own names. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a broker or other agent, you are considered the “beneficial 
owner” of shares held in “street name.” If you hold your shares in street name, these proxy materials have been forwarded to 
you by your broker or other agent. That entity is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the 
beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote your shares. Since a beneficial owner is 
not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy 
giving you the right to do so from the broker or other agent that holds your shares. 

2015 Annual Meeting 

Q: Why am I receiving these proxy materials? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Autodesk, Inc. (“Autodesk,” “we” or “our”) is providing these proxy materials to you 
in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on Wednesday, 
June 10, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time, and at any adjournment, postponement or other delay thereof  (the “Annual 
Meeting”) for the purpose of considering and acting upon the matters set forth in this Proxy Statement. We are providing these 
materials to all of our stockholders through a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) unless a 
stockholder has specifically requested a full set paper copy of this Proxy Statement and our fiscal 2015 Annual Report. 

2015 Proxy Statement  1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q: Where is the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: The Annual Meeting will be held at Autodesk’s San Francisco office, located at The Landmark, One Market Street, 2nd 
Floor, San Francisco, California 94105. The telephone number at that location is (415) 356-0700. Maps and directions to the 
Annual Meeting are available at www.autodesk.com under “Contact Us.” 

Q: What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to vote: 

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(1)  To elect the ten directors named in this Proxy Statement to serve for the coming year and until their successors are 

duly elected and qualified; 

(2)  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Autodesk's independent registered public accounting firm for the 

fiscal year ending January 31, 2016;  

(3)  To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; and 
(4)  To approve an amendment to the Autodesk, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock Plan (“2012 Employee Plan”) to increase the 

number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan by 12.5 million shares. 

Q: Can I attend the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Yes, you can attend the Annual Meeting in person if you are a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner as of the Record 
Date. Please notify David Gennarelli, Autodesk's Director of Investor Relations, by telephone at (415) 507-6705 or by email at 
investor.relations@autodesk.com if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You will need proof of identity to enter the Annual 
Meeting. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank or another nominee, you also will need to bring a copy of a 
brokerage statement reflecting stock ownership as of the Record Date. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m., 
Pacific Time. Please leave ample time for parking and to check in. 

Q: Why did I receive a Notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a 

full set paper copy of this Proxy Statement and fiscal year 2015 Annual Report? 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: We are once again relying on a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rule that allows companies to furnish their 
proxy materials over the Internet rather than in paper form. This rule allows us to send all of our stockholders a Notice that 
explains how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or how to request a paper copy of proxy materials. If you would 
prefer to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis, please follow the 
instructions contained in the Notice. Proxy materials for our 2016 and future annual meetings of stockholders will be delivered 
to you by a Notice rather than in paper form unless you specifically request to receive printed proxy materials. 

Q: Why did I receive a full set paper copy of this Proxy Statement in the mail and not a Notice regarding the 

Internet availability of proxy materials? 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Stockholders who previously requested full paper copies of the proxy materials are receiving paper copies again this year. If 
you would like to reduce the costs we incur in printing and mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receive all future proxy 
statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via email or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please 
follow the instructions provided at www.autodesk.com under “Investor Relations” or on your proxy card or voting instruction 
form. 
2015 Proxy Statement 2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q: How many shares must be present or represented by proxy to conduct business at the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: The presence of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary 
to constitute a quorum. Stockholders are counted as present if they attend the Annual Meeting in person or have properly 
submitted a proxy. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the law governing Autodesk’s corporate 
activities), abstentions and “broker non-votes” are counted as present and entitled to vote and are therefore included for 
purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. 

Q: What are “broker non-votes”? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner is entitled to give voting instructions to the broker or other 
agent holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker or other agent can vote the 
shares with respect to matters that are considered “routine,” but not with respect to “non-routine” matters. Broker non-votes 
occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in street name does not give instructions to the broker or other agent holding the 
shares as to how to vote on a matter deemed “non-routine.” If a broker or other record holder of our Common Stock indicates 
on a proxy that it does not have discretionary authority to vote certain shares on a particular proposal, then those shares will be 
treated as broker non-votes with respect to that proposal. Accordingly, if you own shares through a broker or other agent, please 
be sure to give voting instructions so your vote will be counted on all proposals that come before the Annual Meeting. 

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Q: Which ballot measures are considered “routine” or “non-routine”? 
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A: The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 
year ending January 31, 2016 (Proposal Two) is considered routine under applicable rules. A broker, trustee or nominee holding 
shares generally may use its discretion to vote on routine matters, so there should not be any broker non-votes in connection 
with Proposal Two. The election of the ten directors listed in the accompanying Proxy Statement (Proposal One), the advisory 
vote on executive compensation (Proposal Three), and the approval of the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan (Proposal 
Four) are considered non-routine matters under applicable rules. A broker or other agent cannot vote without instructions on 
non-routine matters, so there may be broker non-votes on Proposals One, Three and Four. 

Q: How can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: If you hold shares in your name as the stockholder of record, you may vote those shares in person at the Annual Meeting. If 
you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may vote those shares in person at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a 
legal proxy from the broker or other agent that holds your shares. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we 
recommend that you also submit your proxy card or follow the voting instructions described below so that your vote will be 
counted if you later decide not to attend. 

Q: How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: If you are a stockholder of record, you may instruct the proxy holders how to vote your shares in one of three ways: 

•   by using the Internet voting site listed on the proxy card and Notice, 
•   by calling the toll-free telephone number listed on the proxy card and Notice, or 

2015 Proxy Statement  3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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•   by requesting a proxy card from Autodesk by telephone at (415) 507-6705 or by email at 

investor.relations@autodesk.com, and completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card in the postage pre-paid 
envelope provided. 

Proxy cards submitted by mail must be received by the time the Annual Meeting begins in order for the related shares to be 
voted. If you return a signed proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended 
by the Board. 

Specific instructions for using the telephone and Internet voting systems are on the proxy card and Notice. The telephone and 
Internet voting systems for stockholders of record will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on June 9, 2015. 

If you are a beneficial owner, you will receive instructions from your broker or other agent that you must follow in order to 
have your shares voted. These instructions will indicate if Internet and telephone voting are available, and if so, how to access 
and use those methods. 

Q: What is the voting requirement to approve these proposals? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Proposal One—A majority of the votes duly cast is required for the election of each director. If the number of shares voted 
“for” a director nominee exceeds the number of votes cast “against,” the nominee will be elected as a director of Autodesk to 
serve until the next annual meeting or until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified. For additional information 
on how our majority voting policy works, see the section captioned “Corporate Governance” below. 

You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on each of the ten nominees for election as director. Abstentions and 
broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election. 

Proposal Two—The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote 
are required to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Autodesk’s independent registered public accounting firm. 

You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on this proposal. Abstentions are deemed to be votes cast and have the 
same effect as a vote against this proposal. However, broker non-votes are not deemed to be votes cast and are not included in 
the tabulation of the voting results on this proposal. 

Proposal Three—The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote 
are required to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. 

You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on this proposal. Abstentions are deemed to be votes cast and have the 
same effect as a vote against this proposal. However, broker non-votes are not deemed to be votes cast and are not included in 
the tabulation of the voting results on this proposal. 

Proposal Four—The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote 
are required to approve the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan. 

You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on this proposal. Abstentions are deemed to be votes cast and have the 
same effect as a vote against this proposal. However, broker non-votes are not deemed to be votes cast and are not included in 
the tabulation of the voting results on this proposal. 

2015 Proxy Statement 4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q: What happens if I do not cast a vote? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Stockholders of record—If you are a stockholder of record and you do not cast your vote, no votes will be cast on your 
behalf on any of the items of business at the Annual Meeting. 

Beneficial owners—If you hold your shares in street name and you do not cast your vote, your broker, trustee or nominee can 
use its discretion to vote on the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public 
accounting firm (Proposal Two). However, you must cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of directors, the non-
binding approval of compensation for our named executive officers, and the approval of the amendment to the 2012 Employee 
Plan. Your broker may not vote your uninstructed shares with respect to Proposals One, Three and Four. 

Q: How does the Board recommend that I vote? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: The Board unanimously recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” the election of each of the ten nominees listed in 
Proposal One, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Autodesk's independent registered public 
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2016, “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of 
our named executive officers, and FOR” the approval of the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan. 

Q: If I sign a proxy, how will it be voted? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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A: All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly executed proxy cards received prior to the Annual Meeting and not 
revoked before the polls are closed will be voted in accordance with the instructions on those proxy cards. If there are no 
instructions on an otherwise properly executed proxy card, the shares represented by that proxy card will be voted as 
recommended by the Board. 

Q: What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: If any other matters are properly presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting, including, among other things, 
consideration of a motion to adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time or place (for the purpose of soliciting additional 
proxies or otherwise), the persons named as proxies will have discretion to vote on those matters in accordance with their best 
judgment. We do not currently anticipate that any other matters will be raised at the Annual Meeting. 

Q: Can I change or revoke my vote? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: If you are a stockholder of record, there are three ways you can change your vote. 

1.  Before your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting, you can file with Autodesk’s General Counsel a written notice of 

revocation or a duly executed proxy card, in either case dated later than the proxy card you wish to change.  

2.  You can attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the Annual Meeting without actually voting 

3. 

will not revoke a proxy.  
If you voted online or by telephone, you may change that vote by voting again, either by making a timely and valid 
Internet or telephone vote or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. 

2015 Proxy Statement  5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy card should be hand-delivered to Autodesk’s General Counsel or sent to 
Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903, Attention: General Counsel, and must be received by the 
General Counsel before the vote at the Annual Meeting. 

If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, there are two ways you can change your vote. You can submit new 
voting instructions to your broker or other agent. Alternatively, if you have obtained a legal proxy from the broker or other 
agent that holds your shares giving you the right to vote those shares, you can attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. 

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Q: Who will bear the costs of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Autodesk will bear all expenses of this solicitation, including the cost of preparing and mailing these proxy materials. 
Autodesk may reimburse brokerage firms, custodians, nominees, fiduciaries and other persons representing beneficial owners 
of Common Stock for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Directors, 
officers and other employees of Autodesk also may solicit proxies in person or by other means of communication. These 
individuals may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation, but will not receive 
any additional compensation. Autodesk has engaged the services of AST Phoenix Advisors, a professional proxy solicitation 
firm, to help us solicit proxies from stockholders, including certain brokers, trustees, nominees and other institutional owners, 
for a fee of approximately $8,500 plus costs and expenses. 

Q: Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: We intend to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and expect to provide final results in a Current 
Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the Annual Meeting. 

2015 Proxy Statement 6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Employee Plan and Equity Compensation at Autodesk 

Q: Why is Autodesk asking stockholders to approve an amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: We are asking stockholders to approve an amendment to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2012 
Employee Plan by 12.5 million shares.  As further described in Proposal Four, we are seeking stockholder approval so that we 
can continue to use the 2012 Employee Plan to achieve Autodesk’s employee performance, recruiting and retention goals. 

Q: Why is Autodesk asking stockholders to approve an amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan at this time? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: We are asking that our stockholders add 12.5 million shares to the 2012 Employee Plan. Based on the number of awards 
granted in each of fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015, the pool of shares available to grant will be depleted in the second half of fiscal 
2017. Rather than waiting until the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held in the middle of fiscal 2017, we 
are seeking approval of the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to allow us to 
plan accordingly. 

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Q: Does this amendment change Autodesk’s equity grant practices? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: This amendment will not change Autodesk’s equity grant practices. Autodesk will continue to keep annual grants within the 
“gross burn rate” (as defined below) limit approved by the Board, which is currently not to exceed 4% of outstanding shares of 
Common Stock (excluding shares issued in corporate acquisitions and shares issued to newly appointed senior executives). 

Q: What are Autodesk’s equity grant levels? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: The Board is committed to maintaining a reasonable annual equity grant rate. We measure the level of equity grants by 
comparing the total number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the fiscal year to the total weighted-average 
number of shares outstanding during the period (the “gross burn rate”). This formula adjusts for the fungible nature of our full 
value shares (where each restricted stock unit or performance stock unit granted is counted as 1.79 shares).  For the periods 
mentioned below, our gross burn rate has been: 

Gross Burn Rate 

Fiscal Year Ended 

2015 

2014

2013

3.5 %  

3.3 %

3.2 %

Q: What is Autodesk’s overhang? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Autodesk is committed to maintaining a reasonable equity overhang amount. For the periods mentioned below, our overhang 
has been: 

2015 Proxy Statement  7

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period Ended 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2015 
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2014 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2013 

Total Options 
Issued and 
Outstanding (in 
millions) 

Total Restricted 
Stock Units 
Issued and 
Unreleased (in 
millions) 

2.7
5.9

18.6

6.8
5.6

4.4

Total 
Performance 
Stock Units (at 
Target) Issued 
and Unreleased 
(in millions) 

0.9
0.8

0.5

Shares Available 
for Grant 

Autodesk 
Overhang 

12.3  
19.4  
11.6  

9.1 %
12.4 %

13.4 %

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Autodesk calculates “overhang” based on the following methodology:  The impact of (1) outstanding employee equity awards, 
plus shares available for grant under our active employee equity incentive plans, as a percentage of (2) outstanding employee 
equity awards, plus shares available for grant under our active employee equity incentive plans, plus the weighted-average 
number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding during the period. As discussed below, our stock repurchase program 
affects overhang. 

Q: What will Autodesk's overhang be if the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan is approved? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: If the requested increase in shares is approved by our stockholders, our equity overhang (as defined above, but including the 
requested share reserve increase) will increase to 13.9% based on Autodesk's total weighted-average number of shares 
outstanding during the year ended January 31, 2015.  Autodesk is very conscious of the need to balance dilution against our 
ability to use stock to effectively attract, retain and motivate employees. 

Q: What is the impact of Autodesk’s stock repurchase program on overhang? 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Since the stock repurchase program decreases the number of outstanding shares, it has the effect of increasing overhang, 
assuming a constant number of equity grants. Nonetheless, the Board has reiterated its commitment to continue to repurchase 
shares to offset dilution from the issuance of stock under our employee stock plans and reduce shares over time as facts and 
circumstances warrant. In recent fiscal years, the following number of shares were repurchased: 

(in millions) 
Shares Repurchased 

Fiscal year ended January 31, 

2015 

2014

6.9    

10.5

2013

12.5

As of January 31, 2015, 14.8 million shares of Common Stock remained available for repurchase under the Board-authorized 
stock repurchase program. 

Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations at Future Meetings 

Q: What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year’s annual meeting of stockholders or 

to nominate individuals to serve as directors? 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Stockholders may present proper proposals for inclusion in Autodesk's proxy statement and for consideration at the next 
annual meeting of stockholders by submitting their proposals in writing to Autodesk's General Counsel in a timely manner. In 
order to be included in the proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, proposals must be received by 
Autodesk's General Counsel no later than December 30, 2015, and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). 

2015 Proxy Statement 8

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, Autodesk's Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders who wish to present certain matters 
before an annual meeting of stockholders. In general, nominations for the election of directors may be made by or at the 
direction of the Board, or by any stockholder entitled to vote who has delivered written notice to Autodesk's General Counsel 
during the Notice Period (as defined below). Any such notice must contain specified information concerning the nominee(s) 
and the stockholder proposing such nomination(s). A stockholder who wishes to recommend a candidate for consideration by 
the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee as a potential nominee for director should read the procedures discussed 
in “Corporate Governance-Nominating Process for Recommending Candidates for Election to the Board” on page 37 of this 
Proxy Statement. 

Autodesk's Bylaws also provide that the only business that may be conducted at an annual meeting is business that is brought 
(1) pursuant to the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (2) by or at the direction of the Board, or (3) by a stockholder 
who has delivered written notice setting forth all information required by Autodesk's Bylaws to Autodesk's General Counsel 
during the Notice Period (as defined below). 

For the purposes described above, the “Notice Period” begins 75 days before the one-year anniversary of the date on which 
Autodesk first mailed its proxy materials for the previous year's annual meeting of stockholders, and lasts for 30 days. As a 
result, the Notice Period for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be from February 13, 2016 to March 14, 2016. 

If a stockholder who has notified Autodesk of an intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting does not appear to present 
that proposal, Autodesk need not present the proposal for vote at such meeting. 

Q: How may I obtain a copy of the bylaw provisions regarding stockholder proposals and director 

nominations? 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: You can obtain a copy of the full text of the bylaw provisions discussed above by writing to the General Counsel of 
Autodesk or from www.autodesk.com under “Investor Relations-Corporate Governance.” All notices of proposals by 
stockholders should be sent to Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903, Attention: General Counsel. 

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Additional Information About the Proxy Materials 

Q: What should I do if I receive more than one set of proxy materials? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: You may receive more than one Proxy Statement, proxy card, voting instruction card or Notice. For example, if you hold 
your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each account. If you are 
a stockholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you may receive more than one proxy card. 
Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card or voting instruction card that you receive to ensure that all your shares 
are voted. 

Q: How may I obtain a separate Notice or a separate set of proxy materials and Fiscal Year 2015 Annual 

Report? 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: If you share an address with another stockholder, it is possible you will not each receive a separate Notice or a separate copy 
of the proxy materials and Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Report. If you wish, you may request individual documents by calling 
(415) 507-6705 or by sending an email to investor.relations@autodesk.com. Stockholders who share an address and receive 
multiple Notices or multiple copies of our proxy materials and Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Report can request to receive a single 
copy in the same manner. 

2015 Proxy Statement  9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q: What is the mailing address for Autodesk’s principal executive offices? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: Autodesk’s principal executive offices are located at 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903. Any written 
requests for additional information, additional copies of the proxy materials and Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Report, notices of 
stockholder proposals, recommendations for candidates to the Board, communications to the Board, or any other 
communications should be sent to this address. 

Our Internet address is www.autodesk.com. The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this Proxy 
Statement. 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to be 
held on June 10, 2015 

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders are available at: 

https://materials.proxyvote.com/052769 

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2015 Proxy Statement 10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL ONE - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 

Nominees 

Autodesk's Bylaws currently set the number of directors at ten. Accordingly, upon the recommendation of the Corporate 
Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board has nominated ten individuals to be elected at the Annual Meeting. All of 
the nominees are presently directors of Autodesk and have consented to being named in this Proxy Statement and to serving as 
directors if elected. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the ten nominees 
named below. Your proxy cannot be voted for more than ten director candidates. 

In the event a nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted 
for any nominee designated by the Board to fill the vacancy. The term of office of each person elected as a director will 
continue until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE 
NOMINEES LISTED BELOW. 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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Information and Qualifications 

The name, age as of March 31, 2015, certain biographical information about each nominee and the nominees' unique 
qualifications to serve on the Board are set forth below.  There are no family relationships among any of our directors or 
executive officers. 

See “Corporate Governance” and “Executive Compensation—Compensation of Directors” below for additional information 
regarding the Board, including procedures for nominations of directors. 

2015 Proxy Statement  11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl Bass

President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Autodesk, Inc. 

Age: 57 
Director since 2006 

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Mr. Bass joined Autodesk in September 1993 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2006.  Mr. 
Bass served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 2014 to November 2014 and August 2008 to April 2009. From June 
2004 to April 2006, Mr. Bass served as Chief Operating Officer. From February 2002 to June 2004, Mr. Bass served as Senior 
Executive Vice President, Design Solutions Group. From August 2001 to February 2002, Mr. Bass served as Executive Vice 
President, Emerging Business and Chief Strategy Officer. From June 1999 to July 2001, he served as President and Chief 
Executive Officer of Buzzsaw.com, Inc., a spin-off from Autodesk. Mr. Bass has also held other executive positions within 
Autodesk. Mr. Bass served on the boards of directors of McAfee, Inc., from January 2008 until it was acquired by Intel 
Corporation in February 2011, and E2open, Inc. from July 2011 until it was acquired by Insight Venture Partners in April 2014. 

Mr. Bass brings to the Board extensive experience in the technology industry and has spent nearly two decades in management 
roles within Autodesk. As our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bass possesses a deep knowledge and understanding 
of Autodesk's business, operations, and employees; the opportunities and risks we face; and management's strategy and plans 
for accomplishing Autodesk's goals. His service on the boards of directors of McAfee and E2open provided Mr. Bass with a 
strong understanding of his role as a director. 

Pursuant to Mr. Bass' employment agreement, Autodesk has agreed to continue to nominate Mr. Bass to serve as a member of 
the Board for as long as he is employed by Autodesk. 

Crawford W. Beveridge

Non-Executive Chairman of the 
Board of Directors, Autodesk, Inc. 

Age: 69 
Director since 1993 

Mr. Beveridge is the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. From April 2006 until January 2010, Mr. Beveridge 
served as Executive Vice President and Chairman EMEA, APAC and the Americas of Sun Microsystems, Inc. From March 
1985 to December 1990 and from March 2000 to April 2006, Mr. Beveridge held other positions at Sun Microsystems, 
including Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. From January 1991 to March 2000, Mr. Beveridge 
served as the Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Enterprise. Before joining Sun Microsystems in 1985, he held HR 
management positions in the United States and Europe with Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment Corporation and Analog 
Devices Inc. Mr. Beveridge has served as a non-executive board member of iomart Group plc since September 2011. 

Mr. Beveridge is independent and his three decades of experience in the high technology industry provide him with a deep 
understanding of Autodesk's technology and business. His management positions with Sun Microsystems have also provided 
him with critical insight into the operational requirements of a global company and the management and consensus-building 
skills required to lead our Board as non-executive Chairman.  Mr. Beveridge's extensive international experience, gained from 
his roles as Chief Executive of Europe's largest economic development agency and as a member of the Council of Economic 
Advisers for Scotland, provides a valuable perspective to our Board. 

2015 Proxy Statement 12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
J. Hallam Dawson

Director 
Age: 78 
Director since 1988 

Mr. Dawson is the founder of IDI Associates, a private investment bank specializing in Latin America, and served as Chairman 
of its board of directors from September 1986 to December 2012. From 1975 to 1984 he held positions at Crocker National 
Bank, including serving as president and a member of the board from 1980 to 1984. Prior to joining Crocker, Mr. Dawson was 
with The First National Bank of Chicago for 14 years. Mr. Dawson has been chairman of Albina Community Bank since 
October 2013. 

Mr. Dawson, our longest serving independent director, brings to our Board over five decades of experience with finance, capital 
markets and accounting. He has a deep understanding of Autodesk's business and technology. As the former president of one of 
the country's largest banks, Mr. Dawson has the financial acumen necessary to serve on our Audit Committee. His deep 
international experience also provides him with an understanding of the challenges facing a global company. Mr. Dawson 
brings strong consensus-building skills and a functional understanding of the role of the board of directors developed through 
his service as a director of public and private companies and a charitable organization. 

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Thomas Georgens

Director 
Age: 55 
Director since 2013 

Mr. Georgens has served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of NetApp, Inc., a provider of data management 
solutions, since August 2009, and as a member of its board of directors since March 2008. Mr. Georgens joined NetApp in 
October 2005 as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Storage Systems. He served as Executive Vice 
President of Product Operations from January 2007 through February 2008, and as President and Chief Operating Officer from 
February 2008 to August 2009. From 1996 to 2005, Mr. Georgens served in various roles at LSI Corporation, an electronics 
design company, and its subsidiaries, including as Chief Executive Officer of Engenio, President of LSI Logic Storage Systems, 
and Executive Vice President of LSI Logic. Prior to LSI, Mr. Georgens spent 11 years at EMC Corporation, a computer storage 
and data management company, in a variety of engineering and marketing positions. Mr. Georgens has been a member of the 
boards of directors of NetApp since March 2008 and Electronics for Imaging since April 2008. 

Mr. Georgens is independent and has extensive experience in the technology industry. With over 25 years of experience 
working with various technology companies, he has a firm understanding of Autodesk's industry, business and technology. 
Mr. Georgens' experience at NetApp, including his executive and operational roles, and his service on the boards of directors of 
NetApp and Electronics for Imaging, gives him a clear understanding of his role as a director. Mr. Georgens' years of service as 
an executive officer at NetApp provide him with the corporate governance knowledge necessary to serve on our Compensation 
and Human Resources Committee. 

2015 Proxy Statement  13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per-Kristian Halvorsen

Director 
Age: 63 
Director since 2000 

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Dr. Halvorsen has served as Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President of Intuit Inc. since January 2009. Previously, he 
served as Intuit's Chief Technology Innovation Officer from 2006 to 2007 and Chief Technology Officer from 2007 to 2008. He 
was Vice President and Director of the Solutions and Services Research Center at HPLabs from 2000 to 2005. Prior to holding 
these positions, Dr. Halvorsen was a laboratory director at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (Xerox PARC), where he 
worked for 17 years. Dr. Halvorsen has been a member of the board of directors of Iron Mountain Incorporated since 
September 2009. 

Dr. Halvorsen is independent and has extensive experience in the technology industry. His over two decades of experience 
working with various technology companies provides him with a firm understanding of Autodesk's industry, business and 
technology. His service on the boards of directors of Symantec Corporation and Iron Mountain Inc., where he previously served 
on the nominating and governance committee, gives Dr. Halvorsen a clear understanding of his role as a director and provides 
him with the corporate governance knowledge necessary to serve as Chair of our Corporate Governance and Nominating 
Committee. 

Mary T. McDowell

Director 
Age: 50 
Director since 2010 

Ms. McDowell served as Executive Vice President in charge of Nokia's Mobile Phones unit from July 2010 to July 2012. 
Previously, Ms. McDowell served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Nokia Corporation from 
January 2008 to July 2010, and as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Solutions of Nokia from 
January 2004 to December 2007. Prior to joining Nokia in 2004, Ms. McDowell spent 17 years in various executive, 
managerial and other positions at Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett-Packard Company, including serving as Senior 
Vice President, Industry-Standard Servers of Hewlett-Packard. Ms. McDowell has served as a director of UBM plc since 
August 2014 and Bazaarvoice, Inc. since December 2014. Ms. McDowell previously served as a director of NAVTEQ 
Corporation from July 2008 until July 2010. 

Ms. McDowell is independent and brings to our Board extensive management experience in the technology industry. Her two 
and a half decades of experience working for global technology companies focused on innovation and collaboration provide her 
with a firm understanding of Autodesk's core mission, business and technology. Her years of service as an executive officer at 
Nokia and other technology companies, including Compaq Computer and Hewlett-Packard, provide her with the executive 
compensation knowledge necessary to serve as Chair of our Compensation and Human Resources Committee. 

2015 Proxy Statement 14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lorrie M. Norrington

Director 
Age: 55 
Director since 2011 

Ms. Norrington has over 30 years of operating experience in technology, software, and internet businesses. Ms. Norrington 
currently serves as an adviser and in an Operating Partner capacity for Lead Edge Capital. Lead Edge is a growth equity firm 
that partners with world-class entrepreneurs and exceptional technology businesses. Ms. Norrington served as President of eBay 
Marketplaces from July 2008 to September 2010. Previously, she served in a number of senior management roles at eBay from 
July 2006 until June 2008.  Prior to joining eBay, Ms. Norrington served from June 2005 to July 2006 as President and CEO of 
Shopping.com, Inc., an online shopping comparison site. Prior to joining Shopping.com, Ms. Norrington served from August 
2001 to January 2005, initially as Executive Vice President of small business, and later in the office of the CEO, at Intuit Inc., a 
business and financial management software company. Prior to joining Intuit, Ms. Norrington served in a variety of executive 
positions at General Electric Corporation over a twenty-year period, working in a broad range of industries and businesses. Ms. 
Norrington has served on the boards of directors of DIRECTV since February 2011 and HubSpot since September 2013. 
Previously, she served on the boards of directors of Lucasfilm, from June 2011 until it was acquired by Disney in December 
2012; McAfee, Inc. from December 2009 until it was acquired by Intel in February 2011; and Shopping.com from November 
2004 until it was acquired by eBay in August 2005. 

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Ms. Norrington is independent and has extensive experience in online commerce and valuable management experience in 
technology and manufacturing industries. Her three decades of building businesses, adapting to and capitalizing on rapid 
technological advancement provide Ms. Norrington with a unique perspective. As Autodesk evolves the business model and 
adapts to customer needs and demands, her experience as a chief executive officer provides her with the financial acumen 
necessary to serve as the Chair of our Audit Committee. Also, she is an accredited fellow of the National Association of 
Corporate Directors and brings significant governance knowledge to the Board. 

Betsy Rafael

Director 
Age: 53 
Director since 2013 

Ms. Rafael has over 30 years of executive financial experience in the technology industry. Ms. Rafael served as Principal 
Accounting Officer of Apple Inc. from January 2008 to October 2012, and as its Vice President and Corporate Controller from 
August 2007 until October 2012. From April 2002 to September 2006, Ms. Rafael served as Vice President, Corporate 
Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Cisco Systems, Inc., and held the position of Vice President, Corporate Finance 
for Cisco Systems from September 2006 to August 2007. From December 2000 to April 2002, Ms. Rafael was the Executive 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer of Aspect Communications, Inc., a provider of 
customer relationship portals. From April 2000 to November 2000, Ms. Rafael was Senior Vice-President and CFO of Escalate, 
Inc., an enterprise e-commerce application service provider. From 1994 to 2000, Ms. Rafael held a number of senior positions 
at Silicon Graphics International Corp. (“SGI”), culminating her career at SGI as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer. Prior to SGI, Ms. Rafael held senior management positions in finance with Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Apple 
Computers. Ms. Rafael began her career with Arthur Young & Company. Ms. Rafael has served on the board of directors of 

2015 Proxy Statement  15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Echelon Corporation since November 2005 and GoDaddy Inc. since May 2014, and previously served on the board of directors 
of PalmSource, Inc. 

Ms. Rafael, the newest member of our Board, is independent and has over 30 years of executive financial experience in the 
technology industry. Ms. Rafael’s experience at Apple and Cisco, including her finance and executive roles, provides her with a 
strong understanding of Autodesk's industry, business and international operational challenges. Her experience as a principal 
accounting officer provides her with the financial acumen necessary to serve on our Audit Committee. 
Stacy J. Smith

Director 
Age: 52 
Director since 2011 

Mr. Smith has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Intel Corporation since January 2010. 
Mr. Smith joined Intel in 1988; became Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2002; was appointed Vice President, Finance 
and Enterprise Services, and Chief Information Officer in May 2004; was appointed Vice President, Assistant Chief Financial 
Officer in March 2006; and in October 2007 was appointed Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Smith has served as a 
director of Virgin America since February 2014, and previously served as a director of Gevo, Inc. from June 2010 to June 2014. 

Mr. Smith is independent and brings over two decades of experience in the technology industry. Mr. Smith's experience at Intel, 
including his finance and executive roles, and his time spent overseas, provide him with a strong understanding of Autodesk's 
industry, business and international operational challenges. Mr. Smith's years of service as an executive officer at Intel provide 
him with the corporate governance knowledge necessary to serve on our Compensation and Human Resources Committee. 

Steven M. West

Director 
Age: 59 
Director since 2007 

Mr. West is a founder and partner of Emerging Company Partners, LLC, a technology consulting firm formed in January 2004. 
Mr. West served as Chief Operating Officer of nCUBE Corporation, a provider of on-demand media systems, from December 
2001 to July 2003. Prior to joining nCUBE, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Entera, Inc. from September 
1999 until it was acquired in January 2001. From June 1996 to September 1999, he was President and Chief Executive Officer 
of Hitachi Data Systems. Prior to that, Mr. West was president of the Infotainment Business Unit at Electronic Data Systems 
Corporation from November 1984 to June 1996. Mr. West has served as a director of Cisco Systems, Inc. since April 1996. 

Mr. West is independent and has extensive experience in the information technology industry. His three decades of experience, 
which includes founding Emerging Company Partners, provide Mr. West with a firm understanding of Autodesk's industry, 
business and technology. His past service on the boards of directors of several public and private companies provides Mr. West 
with a firm understanding of his role as a director. Mr. West’s experience in executive positions and as the chair of the audit 
committee of Cisco provides him with the financial acumen necessary to serve on our Audit Committee. 

2015 Proxy Statement 16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL TWO - RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT 
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the 
consolidated financial statements of Autodesk for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2016, and recommends that the 
stockholders vote to ratify that appointment. In the event of a negative vote on this proposal, the Audit Committee will 
reconsider its selection. Even if the selection of Ernst & Young LLP is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may 
direct the selection of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time if the Audit Committee determines 
that such a change would be in the best interests of Autodesk and its stockholders. 

Ernst & Young LLP has audited our financial statements annually since the fiscal year ended January 31, 1983. 

We expect a representative of Ernst & Young LLP to be present at the Annual Meeting. The representative will have the 
opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE 
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS OUR 
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

The following table presents fees billed for professional audit services and other services rendered to Autodesk by Ernst & 
Young LLP and its affiliates for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, and 2014. 

Audit Fees (1) 

Audit-Related Fees (2) 

Tax Fees (3) 

All Other Fees (4) 

Total 

Fiscal 2015 

Fiscal 2014 

(in millions)
4.6     $ 
—    
0.4    
0.3    
5.3     $ 

3.2

0.2

0.4

0.3

4.1

$

$

 _________________ 
(1)  Audit Fees consisted of fees billed for professional services rendered for the integrated audit of Autodesk's annual financial statements 
and management's report on internal controls included in Autodesk's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, for the review of the financial 
statements included in Autodesk's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and for other services, including statutory audits and services 
rendered in connection with SEC filings. For fiscal 2015, Audit Fees also included fees for services related to the audit of Autodesk’s 
newly acquired subsidiary, Delcam Limited. 

(2)  Audit-Related fees consisted of fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or 

review of our financial statements. This category includes fees arising from accounting-related consulting services. 

(3)  Tax Fees consisted of fees billed for tax compliance, consultation and planning services. 
(4)  Other fees consisted of fees for license compliance consultation services.  

2015 Proxy Statement  17

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services 

All audit and non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP and its affiliates to Autodesk must be pre-approved by the 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is presented with a detailed listing of the individual audit and non-audit services and 
fees (separately describing audit-related services, tax services and other services) expected to be provided by Ernst & Young 
LLP and its affiliates during the year. Periodically, the Audit Committee receives an update of all pre-approved audit and non-
audit services conducted, and information regarding any new audit and non-audit services to be provided by Ernst & Young 
LLP and its affiliates. The Audit Committee reviews the update and approves the proposed services if they are deemed 
acceptable. 

To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, the Chair of the Audit Committee has authority to amend or modify the list 
of approved audit and non-audit services and fees so long as such additional or amended services do not affect Ernst & Young 
LLP's independence under applicable SEC rules. The Chair reports any such action taken at subsequent Audit Committee 
meetings. 

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2015 Proxy Statement 18

 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL THREE - NON-BINDING VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER COMPENSATION 

As required by SEC rules, we are asking our stockholders to vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, to approve the 
compensation of our named executive officers as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 
39 and the accompanying compensation tables and narrative discussion in this Proxy Statement (a “Say-on-Pay” vote).  
Stockholders are encouraged to read that information in its entirety to obtain a complete understanding of Autodesk's executive 
compensation program philosophy, design and linkage to stockholder interests. 

Autodesk has designed its compensation programs to reward executives for producing results that are aligned with the interests 
of stockholders. We emphasize variable “at risk” compensation dependent upon prospective financial, strategic and stock price 
performance and a retrospective assessment of Autodesk's success to determine pay opportunities.  On average, 86% of the 
named executive officers' fiscal 2015 total compensation was variable in nature and “at risk.” In the case of the CEO, 90% of 
his fiscal 2015 total compensation was variable and “at risk” with 100% of that amount tied to Autodesk's financial 
performance.  

The compensation programs are a balance of performance-orientation and attraction, retention and motivation.  Of the total 
target compensation for fiscal 2015, long-term incentives constituted 77% of compensation for the CEO and an average of 71% 
of compensation for all the named executive officers. 

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Past Say-on-Pay Votes, Stockholder Outreach and Actions Taken 

Autodesk and its Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the “Committee”) value the input of our stockholders. In 
fiscal 2015, 88% of the votes cast on our Say-on-Pay proposal were favorable, which was a 23 percentage point increase over 
the prior year.  In fiscal 2015, we reached out to stockholders representing over 60% of the outstanding Common Stock to better 
understand their views of Autodesk's executive compensation policies. Based on these communications, we believe the fiscal 
2015 increased support was due primarily to the collective changes we made to our executive compensation program over the 
past few years. These changes resulted in the robust executive compensation policies and practices described below, and the 
increased alignment between our CEO pay and Autodesk performance. We generally found that our stockholders were 
supportive of the design changes we have made and provided us helpful input regarding various aspects of our compensation 
design and disclosure. The Committee carefully considered this feedback as part of its ongoing review of our executive 
compensation program. 

Executive Compensation Policies and Practices 

Autodesk’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented executives and to provide a 
sensible framework that is tied to Company performance and long-term strategic goals as well as individual performance. 

Autodesk’s executive compensation objectives are supported by policies and strong governance practices that align executives’ 
interests with the interests of our stockholders. Over the last few years, the Committee has made a number of changes to 
enhance our compensation program. Some of the program’s strongest features are summarized below. 

•   Emphasis on variable, “at risk” compensation: On average, 86% of the NEOs’ and 90% of the CEO’s fiscal 2015 
total compensation was variable, “at risk,” and aligned with Company performance.  A significant component of our 
variable compensation was delivered in equity. In fiscal 2015, 60% of the equity grants for our CEO and 50% of the 
equity grants for our NEOs was performance based. These grants will vest based on the achievement of financial 
objectives and our total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to the S&P Computer Software Select Index over one-, 
two-, and three-year performance periods. 

2015 Proxy Statement  19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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•   Long-term performance orientation: On average, 71% of the NEOs’ and 77% of the CEO’s fiscal 2015 total 

compensation was dependent on Autodesk’s long-term performance.  

•   Performance metrics that drive the business model transition: In fiscal 2015, we incorporated billings and 

subscriptions (or, in the case of the CEO, billings, subscriptions and deferred revenue) into the executive officer cash 
incentives, and billings, subscriptions and relative TSR into executive officer PSUs. The new metrics were specifically 
designed to reflect drivers of success in our business model transition. 

•   Representative peer group:  On an annual basis, we use a peer group that reflects comparable size-relevant 

companies in industries where we compete for talent. 

•   Clawback policy:  Our clawback policy allows the Board to recover cash incentive-based compensation if an 
executive officer has engaged in fraudulent or intentional misconduct and the misconduct caused the material 
restatement of our financial statements. 

•   Significant stock ownership requirements: Executives are subject to mandatory stock ownership guidelines that are 

monitored on an annual basis. 

•   Double-trigger change-in-control arrangements with no excise tax gross-up: Our change-in-control program for 
executive officers provides payments and benefits only in the event of a qualifying termination of employment 
following a change in control. Executive officers are not provided with any tax reimbursements or “gross-ups” under 
this program. 

•   Hedging prohibition: Company policy prohibits employees and directors from engaging in hedging transactions 

involving Autodesk stock. 

•   Effective risk management: We employ a strong risk management program with specific responsibilities assigned to 

management, the Board, and the Board’s committees. Each year, the Committee evaluates Autodesk’s compensation-
related risk profile and has concluded that our fiscal 2015 compensation policies and practices did not create risks that 
were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Autodesk. 

•   Option re-pricing prohibition: Autodesk is prohibited from re-pricing any outstanding options to purchase shares of 

Common Stock without express stockholder approval. 

•   No executive benefits and limited perquisites: Generally, executive officers are not provided material benefits or 

•  

special considerations that are not provided to other employees.  However, the Committee can offer executive officers 
benefits or other perquisites when they are either competitively prudent or in Autodesk’s best interest. 
Independent compensation committee and consultant:  During fiscal 2015, the Committee engaged Exequity LLP 
to assist with analysis and review of Autodesk’s named executive officer compensation. Exequity also advised the 
Committee on compensation philosophy, program design, metrics, compensation trends, peer data, and disclosure. 

Compensation Guiding Principles 

The executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented executives and provide a sensible 
framework tied to corporate and individual performance and Autodesk long-term strategic goals.  The general compensation 
objectives are to: 

•   Motivate executive officers to achieve business and financial goals; 
•   Balance rewards for short- and long-term performance;  
•   Align rewards with stockholder value creation; and 
•   Recruit and retain the highest caliber of executives through competitive rewards. 

Within this framework, the total compensation for each executive officer varies based on multiple dimensions: 

•   Autodesk TSR relative to the S&P Computer Software Select Index; 
•   Whether Autodesk achieves its short-term and long-term financial and non-financial objectives, including execution on 

its business model transition; 

•   The specific role and responsibility of the officer;  

2015 Proxy Statement 20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•   Each individual officer’s skills, competency, contributions and performance; and 
•  

Internal pay parity considerations.  

Executive compensation is variable and balanced between short- and long-term performance, all of which is tied to Autodesk's 
absolute and relative financial and stock price performance. 

The compensation program emphasizes variable compensation with both annual and long-term performance components. In 
fiscal 2015, 90% of the CEO’s and 86% of the named executive officers’ total compensation was variable in nature and “at 
risk.” Our cash incentives reward strong annual financial and operational performance, while our equity program rewards 
strong annual financial and operational performance as well as TSR relative to other software companies over one-, two-, and 
three-year performance periods. 

Vote Recommendation 

When casting the 2015 Say-on-Pay vote, we encourage our stockholders to consider our fiscal 2015 stockholder outreach and 
the collective changes we have made to the executive compensation program over the last few years to more closely align the 
total direct compensation opportunity of the named executive officers with Autodesk's objectives of driving meaningful annual 
financial growth and maximizing long-term value.  Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote “FOR” the advisory, non-
binding Say-on-Pay proposal at the Annual Meeting. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ADVISORY 
(NON-BINDING) PROPOSAL APPROVING NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
COMPENSATION. 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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2015 Proxy Statement  21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL FOUR - APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2012 EMPLOYEE 
STOCK PLAN 

Background and Purpose 

We provide equity compensation to our employees as an incentive to increase long-term stockholder value.  Our equity program 
is broad-based in that all employees, where legally allowed, are eligible to receive stock grants.  During fiscal 2015, 
approximately 39% of our eligible employees received an equity award grant. 

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The purposes of the 2012 Employee Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial 
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to our employees, and to promote the success of our business. We believe that 
equity awards should be a key part of employee compensation, that equity awards encourage employees to run the business 
with a focus on drivers of stockholder value, and that equity awards enable us to compete effectively for the best talent in the 
software industry. 

We are asking you to approve the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance 
by 12.5 million shares.  As further described below, we are seeking your approval so that we can continue to use the 2012 
Employee Plan to achieve Autodesk’s employee performance, recruiting and retention goals.  The Board adopted, subject to 
stockholder approval, the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan on March 12, 2015. In its determination to approve the 
requested share increase amount, the Board considered: (1) projected future equity needs based on past equity grant practices, 
(2) compensation consultant advice and (3) our objective to manage our burn rate so that we stay within our Board-established 
burn rate limit and guidelines published by a major stockholder advisory group.  See “Stock Subject to the 2012 Employee 
Plan” in this proposal for more information relating to the maximum amount of stock subject to the 2012 Employee Plan. 

Based on the number of awards granted in each of fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015, we believe that unless stockholders approve this 
amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan, shares available to grant will be depleted in the second half of fiscal 2017.  If we run 
out of shares, it will severely diminish the viability of this important employee incentive compensation program.  For example, 
we will no longer be able to use equity awards to attract key talent or reward and retain our critical employees.  We are asking 
stockholders to approve the amendment so that Autodesk can continue to achieve its employee performance, recruiting, 
retention and incentive goals.  We anticipate that if the amendment is approved, we will have sufficient shares to grant equity 
awards into fiscal 2019, though we may seek additional shares sooner.  Since the 2012 Employee Plan was adopted by 
stockholders in January 2012, Autodesk received stockholder approval to increase the number of shares subject to the plan 
by 11.35 million shares. 

The Importance of the Proposed Increase in Shares for Autodesk, our Employees and 
Stockholders 

We believe that approval of the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan and the continued ability to grant equity awards are 
critical to our sustained success.  Equity compensation is essential to attracting and retaining talented employees and keeping 
employees motivated, particularly in the highly competitive technology industry.  If the amendment is not approved at the 
Annual Meeting, it would seriously hamper our ability to attract and retain the talent we need and could have an adverse effect 
on our performance. 

Equity compensation is a key component of employee compensation both at Autodesk and in our competitive labor markets, 
and we encourage equity ownership. Equity awards give employees the perspective of an owner with a stake in the success of 
Autodesk. We believe that equity awards motivate high levels of performance and provide an effective means of recognizing, 
rewarding and encouraging employee contributions to our success. 

2015 Proxy Statement 22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furthermore, we believe that equity awards provide an additional retention tool and align the interests of our employees with 
those of our stockholders by providing an incentive to increase long-term stockholder value. 

The restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) that Autodesk currently grants under the 2012 
Employee Plan generally vest over three years.  During fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015, PSUs made up at least one-half of the 
equity awards granted to our executives (all employees at or above the vice president level) and are earned only if Autodesk 
achieves specific levels of operating performance and TSR relative to a software index over one-, two- and three-years. 
Although Autodesk has the ability to grant stock options to employees under the 2012 Employee Plan, we have not done so 
since October 2012. The 2012 Employee Plan allows Autodesk the flexibility to adapt its equity compensation program to meet 
the Company’s needs in the changing business environment in which we operate. 

We believe that equity awards are an important competitive tool in the technology industry and are essential to recruiting and 
retaining highly qualified technical and other key personnel. We believe that we must offer competitive compensation packages 
in order to attract and retain people who can keep us on a course of continued success. Although higher salaries can compensate 
to some extent for the lack of PSUs and RSUs, we believe that over time we would be at a competitive disadvantage without 
the focus on success and power of retention provided by equity compensation that vests over multiple years. In recent years, our 
ability to offer competitive equity compensation packages was integral to hiring and retaining key performers who have been 
instrumental in achieving our current success. More broadly, our employee base is motivated to achieve results that drive 
stockholder value. We believe our equity compensation program has been critical in attracting and retaining a highly effective 
work force. 

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Significant Historical Award Information 

Broad-Based Granting 

Subject to local law restrictions in certain countries, all of our employees are eligible to receive equity award grants, as 
determined by the Board or a committee of the Board (the “Administrator”).  At present, approximately 8,696 employees 
worldwide are eligible to receive equity incentive award grants and approximately 58% of our eligible employees worldwide 
hold equity incentive award grants. 

Outstanding Awards and Share Pool Under All Equity Incentive Plans 

The 2012 Employee Plan is the only active employee equity incentive plan under which we grant incentive equity awards, 
though we do grant equity awards to our non-employee directors under the 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan. On March 12, 
2015, the Board reduced the number of shares reserved for issuance under 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan by 850,000 
shares. Below is information regarding outstanding awards and the available share pool under the 2012 Employee Plan, the 
2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan, and all equity incentive plans (including non-employee director and terminated stock plans) 
in the aggregate. 

(in millions, except 
otherwise noted) 

2012 Employee Plan 
2012 Directors Plan(4) 

All equity incentive 
plans (including non-
employee director and 
terminated stock plans) 

Stock options 
outstanding as 
of January 31, 
2015(1) 

Weighted average 
exercise price for 
outstanding stock 
options as of January 
31, 2015 ($) 

Weighted average 
contractual life for 
outstanding stock options 
as of January 31, 2015 (in 
years) 

0.1    
—    

36.80
—

2.7 

34.46

7.0
—

4.2

Unreleased 
restricted stock 
units and 
performance stock 
units (at target) as 
of January 31, 2015   

7.7  
0.1  

Available for 
grant as of 
January 31, 
2015(2)(3)(4) 

12.3
1.2

7.8 

13.5

2015 Proxy Statement  23

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_____________ 

(1)  The Company did not have any Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding as of January 31, 2015. 
(2)  Under the 2012 Employee Plan, stock-based awards are granted from a pool of available shares, with stock options 

counting as 1 share and full value awards (e.g., RSUs and PSUs) counting as 1.79 shares. 

(3)  The 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan is the only active non-employee director equity plan, but non-employee 

director stock options remain outstanding from a predecessor plan.  Under the 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan, 
stock-based awards are granted from a pool of available shares, with stock options counting as 1 share and full value 
awards (e.g., RSUs) counting as 2.11 shares. 

(4)  On March 12, 2015, the Board reduced the number of shares reserved for issuance under 2012 Outside Directors' 
Stock Plan by 850,000 shares. Amounts shown as available for grant as of January 31, 2015 reflect the March 
12, 2015 reduction in shares. 

Alignment of Named Executive Officer Interests with Stockholder Interests 

Equity awards represented approximately 71% of the total compensation of our NEOs in fiscal 2015.  Our NEOs received 7% 
of the shares subject to awards granted during fiscal 2015. In addition, the number of equity awards granted to each of our 
NEOs during fiscal 2016 is set forth in “Fiscal 2016 Equity Awards: New PSU Plan” below under “Compensation Discussion 
and Analysis.” No decisions have been made with respect to equity grants to any of our employees or NEOs for any future 
years, although all are eligible for grants. 

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Dilution and Stock Repurchase Program 

Dilution 

Autodesk recognizes the dilutive impact of our equity plans on our stockholders and continuously strives to balance this 
concern with the competition for talent. In its determination to approve the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan, our 
Compensation Committee reviewed analyses, which included an analysis of burn rate, outstanding awards and awards available 
for grant. If Proposal Four is approved by our stockholders, our equity overhang (based on the outstanding equity awards, 
shares available for grant under our active employee equity incentive plans, and the total weighted-average number of shares 
outstanding (“WSO”) for the period ended January 31, 2015) will increase by 4.8%.  The Board believes the potential dilution 
to stockholders is reasonable and sustainable relative to peer and market practices. Potential dilution to stockholders is 
measured by the two metrics: gross burn rate and equity overhang. 

Gross Burn Rate 

Gross burn rate is calculated by dividing the total number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the fiscal year by 
the WSO. This formula adjusts for the fungible nature of our full value shares (where each RSU or PSU granted is counted as 
1.79 shares). The gross burn rate measure indicates the rate at which Autodesk is creating potential future stockholder dilution. 
The following table shows our gross burn rate during our last three fiscal years. 

Total Options 
Granted (in 
millions) 

Restricted Stock 
Units Granted (in 
millions) (1) 

Total Performance 
Stock Units 
Granted at Target 
(in millions) (1) 

Autodesk Gross 
Burn Rate 

—
—

0.1

4
3.5

3.4

0.5    
0.5    
0.5    

3.5 %
3.3 %

3.2 %

Period Ended 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2015 
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2014 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2013 

2015 Proxy Statement 24

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              _____________ 

(1) 

Actual number of RSUs and PSUs granted during the fiscal year, not taking into account the 1.79 fungible share counting 
formula. 

Equity Overhang 

The Board and executive officers have worked to maintain a reasonable equity overhang amount. The impact of (a) outstanding 
employee equity awards, plus shares available for grant under our active employee equity incentive plans, as a percentage of (b) 
outstanding employee equity awards, plus shares available for grant under our active employee equity incentive plans, plus the 
Company’s WSO during the period, which we refer to as “overhang,” provides a measure of future dilutive impact. The 
following table shows information regarding our overhang during our last three fiscal years. 

Total Options 
Issued and 
Outstanding 
(in millions) 

2.7
5.9

18.6

Total Restricted 
Stock and 
Restricted Stock 
Units Issued and 
Unreleased (in 
millions) 

Total Performance 
Stock Units (at 
Target) Issued and 
Unreleased (in 
millions) 

Shares 
Available for 
Grant (in 
millions) 

6.8
5.6

4.4

0.9    
0.8    
0.5    

12.3
19.4

11.6

Autodesk 
Overhang 

9.1 %
12.4 %

13.4 %

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Period Ended 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2015 
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2014 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2013 

If Proposal Four is approved by our stockholders, our equity overhang (based on the outstanding equity awards, shares 
available for grant under our active employee equity incentive plans, and WSO for the period ended January 31, 2015) will 
increase by 4.8%. 

Stock Repurchase Program 

We maintain a policy of repurchasing stock to offset dilution from the issuance of stock under our employee stock plans and to 
reduce shares over time as facts and circumstances warrant. We repurchased approximately 6.9 million shares in fiscal 2015, 
10.5 million shares in fiscal 2014 and 12.5 million shares in fiscal 2013.  As of January 31, 2015, 14.8 million shares of 
Common Stock remained available for repurchase under the Board-authorized stock repurchase program. 

Equity Compensation Governance Practices 

The Board maintains certain policies relating to our equity compensation program. Most of these policies are not expressly part 
of the 2012 Employee Plan. However, they are important to understanding Autodesk’s use of equity compensation as part of our 
employees’ total compensation package. 

Limitations on Annual Equity Grants 

Our Board is committed to maintaining a reasonable annual equity grant rate. The Board maintains an annual equity award 
percentage limitation policy, which limits the number of shares underlying equity awards that we can grant under our equity 
compensation plans. This policy provides that the aggregate number of shares underlying equity awards granted pursuant to the 
2012 Employee Plan on a gross burn rate basis will not exceed 4%. Awards issued in connection with business combinations, to 
newly appointed senior executive officers, and to non-employee directors are not included in calculating whether the 4% gross 
burn rate limitation has been reached, which is why the gross burn rate figures shown above are different from this limitation. 
In addition to these exclusions, each RSU and PSU granted is counted as 1.79 shares toward the limitation. Gross burn 
calculations are based on gross awards and are not net of cancellations. 

2015 Proxy Statement  25

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Director and Executive Equity Holding Program 

We encourage our directors and executive officers to be Autodesk stockholders through participation in our equity plans and 
mandatory stock holding requirements. The requirement for stock holdings provides that executive officers must attain an 
investment position in Autodesk stock equal to a fixed number of shares that varies based on the individual’s scope of 
responsibilities, and directors must attain an investment position in Autodesk stock of at least 10,000 shares. The Board reviews 
progress against these guidelines and requirements annually and updates them as appropriate. As of March 31, 2015, all of our 
directors and executive officers complied with the applicable stock holding requirements. See “Executive Compensation-
Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below for additional information regarding Autodesk’s stock ownership guidelines. 

No In-the-Money Stock Options 

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Stock options may not be granted with an exercise or base price less than the fair market value, generally the closing price, of 
our Common Stock on the date of grant. 

Prohibition Against Stock Option Repricings 

By prohibiting the repricing of stock options under all of Autodesk’s equity plans, including the 2012 Employee Plan, the Board 
has eliminated the possibility of achieving gain from stock options unless all stockholders can benefit from the effect of an 
increase in stock price. 

Section 162(m) Qualification 

The 2012 Employee Plan is designed to allow Autodesk to grant awards that may be intended to qualify as performance-based 
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), including equity awards and incentive cash 
bonuses. When making decisions about the amount and form of compensation paid, we consider all elements of the cost to us of 
providing such compensation, including the potential impact of Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee may, in its 
judgment, authorize awards under the 2012 Employee Plan that do not comply with an exemption from the deductibility limit 
under Section 162(m) when it believes such payments are appropriate to attract and retain talent. 

Independent Administration 

The Compensation Committee, which consists of only non-employee directors, administers the 2012 Employee Plan. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE 
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2012 EMPLOYEE PLAN. 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

2015 Proxy Statement 26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description of the 2012 Employee Plan 

The following paragraphs summarize the principal features of the 2012 Employee Plan. This summary does not purport to be 
complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the 2012 Employee Plan, including the proposed 
amendment, which is attached hereto as Appendix A. The proposed amendment seeks to increase the number of shares of 
Common Stock available for issuance under the 2012 Employee Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this summary 
have the meanings set forth in the 2012 Employee Plan. 

Awards 

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The 2012 Employee Plan permits the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, and RSUs 
(each individually, an “Award”), with time-based and/or performance based vesting. 

Stock Subject to the 2012 Employee Plan 

We are asking stockholders to approve the amendment to the 2012 Employee Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for 
issuance under the 2012 Employee Plan by 12.5 million. If stockholders approve the increase, the maximum aggregate number 
of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the 2012 Employee Plan will be 39.05 million shares, plus that number 
of shares that are subject to equity awards granted under all of our expired or terminated employee equity compensation plans 
that were outstanding as of January 6, 2012, the effective date of the 2012 Employee Plan, and thereafter terminate, expire, 
lapse or are forfeited for any reason, not to exceed 6.0 million shares.  The maximum aggregate total of shares of Common 
Stock which may be issued under the amended 2012 Employee Plan may not exceed 45.05 million shares.   

Each share subject to an incentive stock option or nonqualified stock option counts against the shares authorized for issuance 
under the 2012 Employee Plan as one share, and each share subject to an Award of restricted stock, RSUs or PSUs counts 
against the shares authorized for issuance under the 2012 Employee Plan as 1.79 shares.  If an Award expires or becomes 
unexercisable for any reason, the unpurchased or forfeited shares that were subject to the Award may be returned to the 2012 
Employee Plan (unless the 2012 Employee Plan has terminated) and may become available for future grant. Each share that is 
subject to an Award of stock options granted under the 2012 Employee Plan that is forfeited to or repurchased by Autodesk 
shall count as having returned one share to the total number of shares available for future grant or sale under the 2012 
Employee Plan. Each share that is subject to an Award of restricted stock, RSUs or PSUs granted under the 2012 Employee 
Plan that is forfeited to or repurchased by Autodesk will count as having returned 1.79 shares to the total number of shares 
available for future grant or sale under the 2012 Employee Plan. 

Administration 

The 2012 Employee Plan may be administered by the Board or a committee of the Board (the “Administrator”). Subject to the 
provisions of the 2012 Employee Plan, the Administrator has the authority to: (1) construe and interpret the 2012 Employee 
Plan and Awards granted under the plan and apply its provisions, (2) prescribe, amend or rescind rules and regulations relating 
to the plan, (3) select the persons to whom Awards are to be granted, (4) determine the number of shares to be made subject to 
each Award, (5) determine whether and to what extent Awards are to be granted, (6) determine the terms, conditions and 
restrictions applicable to Awards generally and to each individual Award (including the provisions of the Award agreement to be 
entered into between Autodesk and the participant), (7) modify or amend any outstanding Award subject to applicable legal 
restrictions (except that repricing of a stock option without stockholder approval is prohibited), (8) authorize any person to 
execute, on our behalf, any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award, (9) approve forms of Award agreement for use 
under the plan, (10) allow participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by, among other things, electing to have Autodesk 
withhold from the shares to be issued upon exercise or vesting of an Award that number of shares having a fair market value 
equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld, (11) determine the fair market value of our Common Stock, 
(12) approve the forms of agreement for use under the plan, and (13) subject to certain limitations, take any other actions 

2015 Proxy Statement  27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the plan. All decisions, interpretations and other actions of the 
Administrator will be final and binding on all holders of Awards and on all persons deriving their rights therefrom. The Board 
has currently delegated to the Compensation Committee authority to grant equity awards to all employees including executive 
officers of Autodesk. 

Eligibility to Receive Awards 

The 2012 Employee Plan provides that stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs may be granted only to our employees. 

Term 

The 2012 Employee Plan will expire on June 30, 2022. 

No Repricing 

The 2012 Employee Plan prohibits repricing of stock options, including by way of an exchange for Awards with a lower 
exercise price, a different type of Award, cash, or a combination thereof, without stockholder approval. 

Terms and Conditions of Stock Options 

Each stock option granted under the 2012 Employee Plan is evidenced by a written or electronic stock option agreement 
between the optionee and Autodesk and is subject to the following terms and conditions: 

•   Section 162(m) Share Limit for Stock Options. So that it is possible for stock options to qualify as “performance-based 
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, no participant may be granted stock options to purchase more than 
1,500,000 shares in any fiscal year, except that stock options to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares may be granted in a 
participant’s first fiscal year of service. 

•   Exercise Price. The Administrator sets the exercise price of the shares subject to each stock option, provided that the 
exercise price cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our Common Stock on the stock option grant date. 
In addition, the exercise price of an incentive stock option must be at least 110% of fair market value if, on the grant 
date, the participant owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock 
of Autodesk or any of its subsidiaries (a “10% Stockholder”). 

•   Form of Consideration. The means of payment for shares issued upon exercise of a stock option is specified in each 
stock option agreement. Payment generally may be made by cash, check, other shares of Autodesk’s Common Stock 
owned by the optionee, delivery of a properly executed notice with such other documentation as the Administrator and 
broker may require and the sale proceeds required to pay the exercise price, or by a combination of the foregoing. 

•   Exercise of the Stock Option. Each stock option agreement will specify the term of the stock option and the date the 

stock option is to become exercisable. No stock option granted under the 2012 Employee Plan may be exercised more 
than ten (10) years after the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to a 10% Stockholder will have a term of no 
more than five (5) years from the date of grant. 

•   Termination of Employment. If an optionee’s employment terminates for any reason (other than death or permanent 
disability), all vested stock options held by such optionee under the 2012 Employee Plan expire upon the earlier of 
(i) such period of time as is set forth in the applicable stock option agreement(s), which Autodesk currently sets at 
between three and twelve months, or (ii) the expiration date of the stock options. 

2015 Proxy Statement 28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•   Permanent Disability. If an optionee is unable to continue employment as a result of permanent and total disability (as 
defined in the Code), all vested stock options held by such optionee under the 2012 Employee Plan expire upon the 
earlier of (i) twelve months after the date of termination of the optionee’s employment, or (ii) the expiration date(s) of 
the stock options. 

•   Death. If an optionee dies while employed by us, all stock options held by such optionee under the 2012 Employee 
Plan expire upon the earlier of (i) twelve months after the optionee’s death, or (ii) the expiration date(s) of the stock 
options. The executor or other legal representative of the optionee may exercise all or part of the optionee’s stock 
options at any time before such expiration. 

•  

ISO Limitation. If the aggregate fair market value of all shares subject to an optionee’s incentive stock options that are 
exercisable for the first time during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, the excess stock options will be treated as 
nonqualified stock options. 

Term and Conditions of Restricted Stock. Each Award of restricted stock granted under the 2012 Employee Plan is evidenced by 
a written or electronic restricted stock agreement between the participant and Autodesk and is subject to the following terms 
and conditions: 

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•  

 Section 162(m) Share Limit for Restricted Stock. So that it is possible for Awards of restricted stock to qualify as 
“performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, no participant may be granted more than 
750,000 shares of restricted stock (and/or RSUs) in any fiscal year, except that up to 1,500,000 shares of restricted 
stock (and/or RSUs) may be granted in a participant’s first fiscal year of service. 

•   Vesting and Other Restrictions. In determining whether to make an Award of restricted stock, and/or the appropriate 
vesting schedule for any such Award, the Administrator may impose any conditions to vesting it deems appropriate. 
However, if the Administrator desires that the Award qualify as “performance-based compensation” under 
Section 162(m) of the Code, any restrictions will be based on a specified list of performance goals (see “Performance 
Goals” below for more information). The performance goals may be applied on a company-wide, business unit, 
industry group or individual basis, as deemed appropriate in light of the participant’s specific responsibilities.  Such 
performance goals may also be applied to Awards that are not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code. 

•   Stockholder Rights. A holder of restricted stock will have the full voting rights of a holder of Common Stock, unless 

determined otherwise by the Administrator. A holder of restricted stock also generally will be entitled to receive all 
dividends and other distributions paid with respect to shares of Common Stock unless otherwise provided in the Award 
agreement.  Such dividends and distributions generally will be subject to the same vesting criteria as the shares of 
restricted stock upon which the dividends or distributions are paid. 

Performance Goals 

The Administrator, in its discretion, may make performance goals applicable to a participant with respect to an Award. As 
provided under the 2012 Employee Plan, at the Administrator’s discretion, performance goals with respect to awards intended 
to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code may be based on one or more of the 
following business criteria: 

•   Earnings per share 
•   Net income 
•   Operating margins 
•   Revenue 
•   Total stockholder return 
•   Recurring revenue (including annualized) 

2015 Proxy Statement  29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•   Bookings 
•   Billings 
•   Number of customers 
•   Objective customer indicators 
•   Expenses 
•   Cost reduction goals 
•   Economic value added 
•   Cash flow (including operating cash flow or free cash flow) 
•   Cash flow per share 
•   Sales or revenue targets, including product or product family targets  

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Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable (1) on a pro forma basis (as defined in the 2012 Employee Plan), (2) in 
absolute terms, (3) in relative terms (including, but not limited to, the passage of time and/or against another company or 
companies or financial metrics), (4) on a per-share and/or share per capita basis, (5) against the performance of Autodesk as a 
whole or particular segments, business units, industry groups or products of Autodesk, and/or (6) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. 

By granting Awards that vest upon achievement of business objectives, the Administrator may be able to preserve Autodesk’s 
deduction for certain compensation in excess of $1,000,000. Section 162(m) of the Code limits Autodesk’s ability to deduct 
annual compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and other “covered employees” as determined under Section 162(m) 
of the Code and applicable guidance to $1,000,000 per individual. However, Autodesk can preserve the deductibility of certain 
compensation in excess of $1,000,000 if the conditions of Section 162(m) of the Code are met. These conditions include 
stockholder approval of the 2012 Employee Plan, setting limits on the number of Awards that any individual may receive, and 
for Awards other than stock options, establishing performance criteria that must be met before the Award actually will vest or be 
paid. The performance goals listed above, as well as the per person limits on shares covered by Awards, may permit the 
Administrator to grant Awards that qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m) of 
the Code, thereby permitting Autodesk to receive a federal income tax deduction in connection with such Awards. The 
Administrator has the ability to grant awards that do not satisfy the conditions of Section 162(m) and may do so when, in its 
judgment, it is appropriate to attract and retain talent. 

Leave of Absence 

In the event that an employee goes on a leave of absence approved by the Administrator, Award vesting will continue during 
such leave, except as required by law or as otherwise determined by the Administrator. 

Non-Transferability of Awards 

Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, an Award granted under the 2012 Employee Plan may not be sold, pledged, 
assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution, 
and during the lifetime of the recipient, an Award may be exercised, only by the recipient. If the Administrator makes an Award 
transferable, that Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.  No Award 
may be transferred for value. 

Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization 

In the event our capital stock is changed by reason of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or 
reclassification of our Common Stock or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock 
effected without receipt of consideration by us, appropriate proportional adjustments will be made in the number of shares 
subject to the 2012 Employee Plan, the individual fiscal year limits applicable to Awards, the number of shares of stock subject 
to any Award outstanding under the 2012 Employee Plan, and the exercise price of any such outstanding option. Any such 
adjustment will be made by the Administrator, whose determination will be conclusive. 

2015 Proxy Statement 30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dissolution or Liquidation 

In the event of a proposed dissolution or liquidation of Autodesk, the Administrator is required to provide notice to each 
participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion 
may permit a participant to exercise his or her Award until ten (10) days prior to such transaction. In addition, the Administrator 
may provide that any Company repurchase option or forfeiture rights applicable to any Award will lapse in full, and that any 
Award vesting will fully accelerate, if the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner 
contemplated. To the extent they have not been previously exercised, all outstanding Awards will terminate immediately prior to 
the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation. 

Change of Control 

In the event of a change of control, the successor corporation (or its parent or subsidiary) is required to assume or substitute 
each outstanding Award. If the successor corporation refuses to assume the Awards or to substitute equivalent Awards, such 
stock options, restricted stock and RSUs, will become 100% vested, all restrictions on restricted stock will lapse, and all 
performance goals or other vesting criteria with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting will be deemed achieved at 
100% target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In such event, the Administrator is required to provide notice to each 
participant that each stock option subject to exercise is fully exercisable for fifteen days from the date of such notice and will 
terminate upon expiration of such period. 

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Amendment, Suspensions and Termination of the 2012 Employee Plan 

Autodesk’s Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the 2012 Employee Plan.  However, to the extent 
necessary and desirable to comply with any Applicable Law, Autodesk will obtain stockholder approval of any amendment in 
such a manner and to such a degree as required.  In addition, as noted above under the section entitled “No Repricing,” stock 
options may not be repriced without stockholder approval. 

New Plan Benefits 

The number of future Awards (if any) that an employee may receive under the 2012 Employee Plan is in the discretion of the 
Administrator and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The number of equity awards granted to each of our NEOs 
during the last fiscal year is set forth below under “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2015.” In addition, the number of 
equity awards granted to each of our NEOs during fiscal 2016 is set forth in “Fiscal 2016 Equity Awards: New PSU Plan” 
below under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” The number of equity awards granted in the future may be different 
from the numbers granted in fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016. Non-employee directors are not eligible to participate in the 2012 
Employee Plan.  During fiscal 2015, non-NEO employees as a group were granted 4.2 million shares subject to RSUs and PSUs 
(at target). The closing price for shares of Common Stock on January 30, 2015 was $54.01. 

2015 Proxy Statement  31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options Granted to Certain Persons 

The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to our NEOs and the other individuals and groups 
indicated under the 2012 Employee Plan since its inception through January 31, 2015 is reflected in the table below: 

Name and Position 

  Stock Options Granted 

Carl Bass 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
R. Scott Herren, 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
Jan Becker 
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Real Estate
Steven M. Blum 
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Services 
Pascal W. Di Fronzo 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Mark J. Hawkins, 
Former Chief Financial Officer 
Current Named Executive Officer Group (including named executive officers list above) 
Non- Executive Director Group 
Current and Former Employee Group other than Current Named Executive Officer Group 

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—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—
140,700

Our executive officers have an interest in Proposal Four because they are eligible to receive Awards under the 2012 Employee 
Plan. 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

The following table summarizes the number of outstanding options granted to employees and directors, as well as the number 
of securities remaining available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans, as of January 31, 2015: 

Plan category 

Equity compensation plans approved by security 
holders 
Total 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Number of securities 
to be issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding options 

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding 
options 

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance 
under equity compensation 
plans (excluding securities 
reflected in column (a)) (in 
millions)

10.5

10.5

34.46

55.0 (1)(2)

55.0

____________________ 
(1) 
(2)  Amounts do not reflect the March 12, 2015 reduction of 850,000 shares available for grant under the 2012 Outside Directors Stock 

Included in this amount are 40.7 million securities available for future issuance under Autodesk’s ESP Plan. 

Plan.  

Federal Tax Aspects 

The following paragraphs summarize the material U.S. federal income tax consequences associated with Awards granted under 
the 2012 Employee Plan. The summary is based on existing U.S. laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that those 
laws and regulations will not change in the future. The summary does not purport to be complete and does not discuss the tax 
consequences upon a participant’s death, or the provisions of the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country 
in which the participant may reside. As a result, tax consequences for any particular participant may vary based on individual 
circumstances. 

2015 Proxy Statement 32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonqualified Stock Options 

No taxable income is recognized when a nonqualified stock option is granted to a participant. Upon exercise, the participant 
will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock on the 
exercise date over the exercise price. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon later disposition of the shares of Common 
Stock will be taxed as capital gain or loss. 

Incentive Stock Options 

No taxable income is recognized when an incentive stock option is granted or exercised (except for purposes of the alternative 
minimum tax, in which case taxation is the same as for nonqualified stock options). If the participant exercises the option and 
then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares of Common Stock more than two years after the grant date and more than 
one year after the exercise date, the difference between the sale price and the exercise price will be taxed as capital gain or loss. 
If the participant exercises the option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares of Common Stock before the end 
of the two- or one-year holding periods described above, he or she generally will have ordinary income at the time of the sale 
equal to the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock on the exercise date (or the sale price, if less) minus the exercise 
price of the option. Any additional gain or loss will be taxed as capital gain or loss. 

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Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units 

A participant generally will not have taxable income upon grant of restricted stock or RSUs. Instead, generally the participant 
will recognize ordinary income at the time of vesting equal to the fair market value of the shares on that date or the cash 
received, minus any amount paid. For restricted stock only, a participant instead may elect to be taxed at the time of grant. 

Section 409A 

Section 409A of the Code provides certain requirements for non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements with respect to 
an individual’s deferral and distribution elections and permissible distribution events. Awards granted under the 2012 Employee 
Plan with a deferral feature will be subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If an award is subject to and fails 
to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the recipient of that award may recognize ordinary income on the 
amounts deferred under the award, to the extent vested, which may be before the compensation is actually or constructively 
received. Also, if an award that is subject to Section 409A fails to comply with Section 409A’s provisions, Section 409A 
imposes an additional 20% tax on compensation recognized as ordinary income, as well as interest on such deferred 
compensation. 

Tax Effect for Autodesk 

Autodesk generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an award under the 2012 Employee Plan in an amount 
equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant at the time the participant recognizes such income (for example, the 
exercise of a nonqualified stock option). As discussed above, special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to our 
Chief Executive Officer and other “covered employees” as determined under Section 162(m) of the Code and applicable 
guidance. However, the 2012 Employee Plan has been designed to permit, but not require, the Administrator to equity awards 
that qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, thereby permitting Autodesk to receive a 
federal income tax deduction in connection with such awards.  Time-based RSUs do not vest based on the attainment of 
performance goals, so our federal income tax deduction with respect to grants of RSUs to “covered employees” will be limited. 

For more information about equity compensation plans approved by our stockholders, please see “Executive Compensation-
Equity Compensation Plan Information.” 

2015 Proxy Statement  33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Autodesk is committed to the highest standards of corporate ethics and diligent compliance with financial accounting and 
reporting rules. Our Board provides independent leadership in the exercise of its responsibilities. Our executive officers oversee 
a strong system of internal controls and compliance with corporate policies and applicable laws and regulations. Our employees 
operate in a climate of responsibility, candor and integrity. 

Corporate Governance Guidelines; Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 

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We believe the highest standards of corporate governance and business conduct are essential to running our business efficiently, 
serving our stockholders well, and maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. Over the years, we have devoted substantial 
attention to the subject of corporate governance and have developed Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”). The 
Guidelines set forth the principles that guide our Board's exercise of its responsibility to oversee corporate governance, 
maintain its independence, evaluate its own performance and the performance of our executive officers, and set corporate 
strategy. 

The Board first adopted the Guidelines in December 1995 and has refined them periodically since. For example, in March 
2007, the Board amended the Guidelines to provide for majority voting in director elections, except for contested elections.  
The 2007 amendments also required each director to submit a resignation that will take effect if such director fails to receive a 
majority vote in any subsequent election and the Board accepts the resignation. In March 2009, the Board amended the 
Guidelines to provide for a non-executive Chairman of the Board. In March 2010, the Board amended the Guidelines to, among 
other things, clearly outline the Board's responsibility for overseeing Autodesk's risk management. In December 2011, the 
Board amended the Guidelines to address changes in a director's occupation, among other things. The Guidelines are available 
on our website at www.autodesk.com under “Investor Relations-Corporate Governance.” 

In addition, we have adopted a Code of Business Conduct for directors and employees, and a Code of Ethics for Senior 
Executive and Financial Officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting 
officer, all senior vice presidents, and all individuals reporting to our principal financial officer, to ensure that our business is 
conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. Our current Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Senior 
Executive and Financial Officers are available on our website at www.autodesk.com under “Investor Relations-Corporate 
Governance.”  We will post on this section of our website any amendment to our Code of Business Conduct or Code of Ethics 
for Senior Executive and Financial Officers, as well as any waivers of these Codes that are required to be disclosed by the rules 
of the SEC or The NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”). 

Stock Ownership Guidelines 

The Board believes directors and executive officers should have a meaningful financial stake in the Company in order to further 
align their interests with the Company’s stockholders. To that end, the Board has adopted mandatory ownership guidelines for 
the directors and executive officers. The stock ownership guidelines provide that, within a four-year period, executive officers 
must attain an investment position in Autodesk stock equal to a fixed number of shares, depending on the individual’s scope of 
responsibilities, and directors must attain an investment position in Autodesk stock of at least 10,000 shares. The Board reviews 
progress against these guidelines and requirements annually and updates them as appropriate. See “Executive Compensation—
Compensation Discussion and Analysis” on page 39 for additional information regarding Autodesk's stock ownership 
guidelines. 

2015 Proxy Statement 34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independence of the Board 

As required by applicable NASDAQ listing standards, a majority of the members of our Board qualify as “independent.” The 
Board has determined that, with the exception of Carl Bass, our President and Chief Executive Officer, all of its members are 
“independent directors” as that term is defined by applicable NASDAQ listing standards. That definition includes a series of 
objective tests, including that the director is not an employee of the company and has not engaged in various types of business 
dealings with the company. In addition, as further required by applicable NASDAQ listing standards, the Board has made a 
subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist that would interfere with the exercise of 
independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making its independence determinations, the Board 
considered that Messrs. Smith and Georgens are executive officers at entities that have arms-length, ordinary course 
commercial relationships with Autodesk and that amounts paid or received by those entities for products or services in fiscal 
2015 were not material. The Board determined that the foregoing relationships would not interfere with the exercise of 
independent judgment by Messrs. Smith and Georgens in carrying out their responsibilities as directors. 

The independent directors meet regularly in executive session, without executive officers present, as part of the quarterly 
meeting procedure. 

Board Meetings and Board Committees 

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The Board held a total of four meetings (including regularly scheduled and special meetings) during fiscal 2015. Each director 
attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and committees of which he or she is a member during fiscal 
2015. The Board currently has three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Human Resources 
Committee, and a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Each committee has adopted a written charter approved 
by the Board.  All three charters are available on Autodesk's website at www.autodesk.com under “Investor Relations-Corporate 
Governance.” 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee, which has been established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, currently 
consists of Lorrie M. Norrington (Chair), J. Hallam Dawson, Betsy Rafael and Steven M. West, each of whom is “independent” 
as such term is defined for audit committee members by applicable NASDAQ listing standards. The Board has determined that 
each member of the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the rules of the SEC. 

The Audit Committee held 13 meetings during fiscal 2015.  

See “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” on page 72 for more information regarding the functions of the 
Audit Committee. 

Compensation and Human Resources Committee 

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee currently consists of Mary T. McDowell (Chair), Thomas Georgens and 
Stacy J. Smith, each of whom qualifies as independent for compensation committee purposes under applicable NASDAQ 
listing standards, the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, and SEC Rule 16b-3. 

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee reviews compensation and benefits for our executive officers and has 
authority to grant stock options, RSUs and PSUs to executive officers and non-executive employees under our stock plans. As 
non-employee directors, the members of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee are not eligible to participate in 

2015 Proxy Statement  35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Autodesk’s discretionary employee stock programs. RSUs are granted automatically to non-employee directors under the non-
discretionary 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan. 

See “Executive Compensation-Compensation Discussion and Analysis” on page 39 for a description of Autodesk's processes 
and procedures for determining executive compensation.  The Compensation and Human Resources Committee may form and 
delegate authority to subcommittees when appropriate. 

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee held seven meetings during fiscal 2015.  

The “Report of the Compensation Committee” is included in this Proxy Statement on page 56. 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee currently consists of Per-Kristian Halvorsen (Chair) and Crawford W. 
Beveridge, each of whom qualifies as an independent director under applicable NASDAQ listing standards. 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing general criteria regarding the 
qualifications and selection of members of the Board, and for recommending candidates for election to the Board. The 
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also is responsible for developing overall governance guidelines, overseeing 
the performance of the Board, and reviewing and making recommendations regarding director composition and the mandates of 
Board committees. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider recommendations of candidates for 
the Board submitted by Autodesk stockholders. For more information, see “Corporate Governance-Nominating Process for 
Recommending Candidates for Election to the Board” on page 37. 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held four meetings during fiscal 2015.  

Board Leadership Structure 

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines direct the Board to fill the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer positions 
after considering a number of factors, including the current size of our business, composition of the Board, current candidates 
for such positions, and our succession planning goals. Currently, we separate the positions of Chief Executive Officer and non-
executive Chairman of the Board. Since March 2009, Mr. Beveridge, who previously served as our Lead Director, has served as 
our non-executive Chairman. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that, in the event the Chairman of the Board 
is not an independent director, the Board must elect a “Lead Independent Director.” The responsibilities of the Chairman of the 
Board or the Lead Independent Director include setting the agenda for each meeting of the Board, in consultation with the Chief 
Executive Officer; presiding at executive sessions; and facilitating communication with the Board, executive officers and 
stockholders. 

Separating the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board allows our President and Chief Executive 
Officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the Chairman of the Board to lead the Board in its fundamental role 
of providing independent advice to, and oversight of, management. The Board believes that having an independent director 
serve as Chairman is the appropriate leadership structure for Autodesk at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good 
corporate governance. 

In addition, as described above, our Board has three standing committees, consisting entirely of independent directors. The 
Board delegates substantial responsibility to these committees, which report their activities and actions back to the full Board. 
We believe having independent committees with independent chairpersons is an important aspect of the leadership structure of 
our Board. 

2015 Proxy Statement 36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Oversight 

Our Board, as a whole and through its committees, is responsible for the oversight of risk management. Our executive officers 
are responsible for the day-to-day management of the material risks Autodesk faces. In its oversight role, our Board must satisfy 
itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by our executive officers are adequate and functioning as 
designed. The involvement of the full Board in setting our business strategy at least annually is a key part of its oversight of risk 
management, its consideration of our executive officers' appetite for risk, and its determination of what constitutes an 
appropriate level of risk. The full Board receives updates from our executive officers and outside advisers regarding certain 
risks Autodesk faces, including litigation, corporate governance best practices and various operating risks. 

In addition, each Board committee oversees certain aspects of risk management. For example, our Audit Committee is 
responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with Autodesk's financial reporting, accounting and auditing 
matters; our Compensation and Human Resources Committee oversees our executive officer succession planning and risks 
associated with our compensation policies and programs; and our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees 
the management of risks associated with director independence, conflicts of interest, composition and organization of our 
Board, and director succession planning. Board committees report their findings to the full Board. 

Senior executive officers attend all meetings of the Board and its standing committees and are available to address any 
questions or concerns raised by the Board regarding risk management and any other matters. Annually, the Board holds 
strategic planning sessions with senior executive officers to discuss strategies, key challenges, and risks and opportunities for 
Autodesk. 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

The current members of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee are Mary T. McDowell, Thomas Georgens and 
Stacy J. Smith. No director who served as a member of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee during fiscal 2015 
is or was formerly an officer or employee of Autodesk or any of its subsidiaries. No interlocking relationship exists between 
any director who served as a member of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee during fiscal 2015 and the 
compensation committee of any other company, nor has any such interlocking relationship existed in the past. 

Nominating Process for Recommending Candidates for Election to the Board 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, determining the criteria for 
membership on the Board and recommending candidates for election to the Board. It is the policy of the Corporate Governance 
and Nominating Committee to consider recommendations for candidates to the Board from stockholders. Stockholder 
recommendations for candidates to the Board must be directed in writing to Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, 
California 94903, Attention: General Counsel, and must include the candidate's name, home and business contact information, 
detailed biographical data and qualifications; information regarding any relationships between the candidate and Autodesk 
within the last three years; and evidence that the nominating person owns Autodesk stock. 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s criteria and process for evaluating and identifying the candidates that 
it selects, or recommends to the full Board for selection, as director nominees are as follows: 

•   The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee regularly reviews the current composition and size of the Board. 
•   The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees an annual evaluation of the performance of the Board as a 
whole and evaluates the performance of individual members of the Board eligible for re-election at the annual meeting of 
stockholders. 
In its evaluation of director candidates, including the members of the Board eligible for re-election, the Corporate 
Governance and Nominating Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board. 

•  

2015 Proxy Statement  37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers: (1) the current size and composition of the Board and 
the needs of the Board and its committees; (2) such factors as character, judgment, diversity, age, expertise, business 
experience, length of service, independence, and other commitments; (3) relationships between directors and Autodesk's 
customers and suppliers; and (4) such other factors as the Committee may consider appropriate. 

•   While the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has not established specific minimum qualifications for 

director candidates, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes that candidates and nominees must 
reflect a Board that comprises directors who (1) are predominantly independent; (2) have high integrity; (3) have broad, 
business-related knowledge and experience at the policy-making level in business or technology, including their 
understanding of the software industry and Autodesk's business in particular; (4) have qualifications that will increase 
overall Board effectiveness; (5) have varied and divergent experiences, viewpoints and backgrounds; and (6) meet other 
requirements as may be required by applicable rules, such as financial literacy or financial expertise with respect to audit 
committee members. 

•   With regard to candidates who are properly recommended by stockholders or by other means, the Corporate Governance 
and Nominating Committee will review the qualifications of any such candidate, which review may, in the Corporate 
Governance and Nominating Committee’s discretion, include interviewing references, direct interviews with the candidate, 
or other actions the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee deems necessary or proper. 

•   The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has the authority to retain and terminate any third-party search firm 

to identify director candidates, and has the authority to approve the fees and retention terms of such search firm. 

•   The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will apply these same principles when evaluating Board candidates 
who may be elected initially by the full Board to fill vacancies or to add additional directors prior to the annual meeting of 
stockholders at which directors are elected. 

•   After completing its review and evaluation of director candidates, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 

selects, or recommends to the full Board for selection, the director nominees. 

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The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a formal written policy with regard to the consideration 
of diversity in identifying director nominees.  However, as discussed above, diversity is one of the numerous criteria the 
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews before recommending a candidate. 

Attendance at Annual Stockholders Meetings by Directors 

Autodesk does not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. 
Directors are encouraged, but not required, to attend. All of our directors then serving attended the 2014 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders. 

Contacting the Board 

Communications from stockholders to the non-employee directors should be addressed to the non-executive Chairman as 
follows: Autodesk, Inc., c/o General Counsel, 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903, Attention: Non-Executive 
Chairman. 

2015 Proxy Statement 38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

Throughout this proxy statement, the individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 56 are referred to as 
our “named executive officers” or “NEOs”. For fiscal 2015, our NEOs were:  

•  Carl Bass, Chief Executive Officer and President;  
•  R. Scott Herren, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;  
• 
•  Steven M. Blum, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Services; and  
•  Pascal W. Di Fronzo, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.  

Jan Becker, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Real Estate;  

Mark Hawkins, our former Chief Financial Officer who resigned from the Company effective July 31, 2014, also is a NEO.  
Following Mr. Hawkins’ resignation, Mr. Bass assumed the position of interim Chief Financial Officer until Mr. Herren joined 
the Company as Chief Financial Officer on November 1, 2014.  

The information in this discussion provides perspective and narrative analysis relating to, and should be read along with, the 
executive compensation tables beginning on page 56. 

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Executive Summary 

Fiscal 2015 Business Summary 

The software industry is undergoing a transition from the personal computer to cloud, social, and mobile computing. In fiscal 
2015 our executive officers continued to successfully implement the strategic transition of our business model announced the 
year prior. Autodesk accelerated its move to the cloud and expanded its flexible product license offerings. Autodesk introduced 
Desktop Subscription (formerly known as rental) for a broader range of our product portfolio, expanded our new token-based 
(consumption-based) licensing program to more enterprise customers, and continued to expand our industry leading cloud 
based offerings. These offerings are designed to give our customers even more value and flexibility to use our products, and 
also to attract new types of customers, such as project-based users and small businesses that have more variable needs. Further, 
to support our transition, Autodesk announced that it is discontinuing licensing upgrades after fiscal 2015 and, on February 4, 
2015, Autodesk also announced that new commercial seats of most standalone software products will be available only by 
desktop subscription beginning February 1, 2016. Collectively, these measures helped increase many of our performance 
metrics including billings, deferred revenue, and subscriptions, which will result in more predictable and ratable revenue over 
time. 

By design, implementing the business model transition resulted in an increase in deferred revenue that otherwise would have 
been recognized in fiscal 2015; this had a negative impact on both operating margin and earnings per share in fiscal 2015. 
Despite these impacts and the ongoing work of transitioning our business model, Autodesk delivered solid financial results 
relative to initial targets. The following summarizes the relevant performance factors considered by the Compensation and 
Human Resources Committee (the “Committee”) in reaching its decisions regarding pay for the NEOs for fiscal 2015. 

•  The stock price was $54.01 per share on January 31, 2015, compared to $51.25 per share on January 31, 2014. Our 
Total Stockholder Return (“TSR”) for the year was 5%, and our 5-year compounded annual stock price growth was 
17.8%.  

•  Billings increased 18.1% in fiscal 2015, compared to the prior year. 
•  Subscriptions were 2.23 million at the end of fiscal 2015, an increase of 21%, compared to 1.8 million at the end of 

fiscal 2014. 

•  Total deferred revenue was a record $1.16 billion at the end of the fiscal 2015, an increase of 28%, compared to 

$900.6 million at the end of fiscal 2014. 

•  Revenue was $2.5 billion, an increase of 10%, compared to $2.3 billion in fiscal 2014. 
•  Cash flow from operating activities was $708.1 million, an increase of 26%, compared to $563.5 million in fiscal 

2014.  

•  GAAP operating margin was 5%, compared to 13% fiscal 2014. 
•  Non-GAAP operating margin was 15%, compared to 22% in fiscal 2014.* 

2015 Proxy Statement  39

 
 
 
•  GAAP diluted earnings per share was $0.35, compared to $1.00 in fiscal 2014. 
•  Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share was $1.17, compared to $1.68 in fiscal 2014.*  

* A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures and other related information is available on pages 50 and 51 of 
Autodesk’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. 

Say-on-Pay Results and Stockholder Outreach 

Autodesk and the Committee value the input of our stockholders. In 2014, 88% of the votes cast on our Say-on-Pay proposal 
were favorable, which was a 23 percentage point increase over the prior year.  In fiscal 2015, Autodesk reached out to 
stockholders, representing over 60% of the outstanding Common Stock. Based on these discussions, the Committee believes the 
increased support was due primarily to the collective changes it made to Autodesk’s executive compensation program over the 
past few years, and the increased alignment between our CEO pay and Autodesk performance. The Committee generally found 
that our stockholders were supportive of the design changes that we have made and provided us helpful input regarding various 
aspects of our compensation design and disclosure.  The Committee carefully considered this feedback as part of its ongoing 
review of our executive compensation program.  

Executive Compensation Policies and Practices 

Autodesk’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented executives and to provide a 
sensible framework that is tied to Company performance and long-term strategic goals as well as individual performance. The 
general compensation objectives are to: 

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•  Motivate executive officers to achieve business and financial goals; 
•  Balance rewards for short- and long-term performance;  
•  Align rewards with stockholder value creation; and 
•  Recruit and retain the highest caliber of executives through competitive rewards. 

Autodesk’s executive compensation objectives are supported by policies and strong governance practices that align executives’ 
interests with the interests of our stockholders. Over the last few years, the Committee has made a number of changes to 
enhance our compensation program. Some of the program’s strongest features are summarized below. 

•  Emphasis on variable, “at risk” compensation: On average, 86% of the NEOs’ and 90% of the CEO’s fiscal 2015 
total compensation was variable, “at risk,” and aligned with Company performance.  A significant component of our 
variable compensation was delivered in equity. In fiscal 2015, 60% of the equity grants for our CEO and 50% of the 
equity grants for our NEOs was performance based. These grants will vest based on the achievement of financial 
objectives and our TSR relative to the S&P Computer Software Select Index (“Relative TSR”) over one-, two-, and 
three-year performance periods. 

•  Long-term performance orientation: On average, 71% of the NEOs’ and 77% of the CEO’s fiscal 2015 total 

compensation was dependent on Autodesk’s long-term performance.  

•  Performance metrics that drive the business model transition:  In fiscal 2015, we incorporated billings and 

subscriptions (or, in the case of the CEO, billings, subscriptions and deferred revenue) into the executive officer cash 
incentives, and billings, subscriptions and Relative TSR into executive officer Performance stock units (“PSUs”) . The 
new metrics were specifically design to reflect drivers of success in our business model transition.   

•  Representative peer group:  On an annual basis, we use a peer group that reflects comparable size-relevant 

companies in industries where we compete for talent. 

•  Clawback policy:  Our clawback policy allows the Board to recover cash incentive-based compensation if an 
executive officer has engaged in fraudulent or intentional misconduct and the misconduct caused the material 
restatement of our financial statements. 

•  Significant stock ownership requirements: Executives are subject to mandatory stock ownership guidelines that are 

monitored on an annual basis. 

•  Double-trigger change in control arrangements with no excise tax gross-up: Our change in control program for 
executive officers provides payments and benefits only in the event of a qualifying termination of employment 
following a change in control. Executive officers are not provided with any tax reimbursements or “gross-ups” under 
this program. 

•  Hedging prohibition: Company policy prohibits employees and directors from engaging in hedging transactions 

involving Autodesk stock. 

2015 Proxy Statement 40

 
 
 
•  Effective risk management: We employ a strong risk management program with specific responsibilities assigned to 

management, the Board, and the Board’s committees. Each year, the Committee evaluates Autodesk’s compensation-
related risk profile and has concluded that our fiscal 2015 compensation policies and practices did not create risks that 
were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Autodesk. 

•  Option re-pricing prohibition: Autodesk is prohibited from re-pricing any outstanding options to purchase shares of 

Common Stock without express stockholder approval. 

•  No executive benefits and limited perquisites: Generally, executive officers are not provided material benefits or 

• 

special considerations that are not provided to other employees.  However, the Committee can offer executive officers 
benefits or other perquisites when they are either competitively prudent or in Autodesk’s best interest. 
Independent compensation committee and consultant:  During fiscal 2015, the Committee engaged Exequity LLP 
to assist with analysis and review of Autodesk’s NEO compensation. Exequity also advised the Committee on 
compensation philosophy, program design, metrics, compensation trends, peer data, and disclosure.   

Alignment of Executive Compensation and Corporate Performance 

Each March, the Committee makes compensation decisions for the NEOs based on Autodesk’s performance and each 
executive’s individual performance for the just-completed fiscal year. Specifically, as described in more detail below, the 
Committee sets base salaries for the fiscal year in progress and compares performance targets established in prior years with 
actual performance to fix the appropriate annual bonus awards and vesting of PSUs. To evaluate the alignment of pay and 
performance, it is necessary to compare the compensation decisions made in one year with the performance of the prior fiscal 
year, as illustrated by the following table: 

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Fiscal Year 

Fiscal 2015 

Fiscal 2014 

Performance Period
February 1, 2014, to 
January 31, 2015 
February 1, 2013, to 
January 31, 2014 

Timing of Related  
Committee Decisions 

March 2015 

March 2014 

Because of this decision-making cycle, the Summary Compensation Table does not truly represent our pay-for-performance 
linkage.  For example, in March 2015, the Committee made decisions about long-term incentive compensation awards for the 
CEO based on both Autodesk’s and his individual performance during the period from February 1, 2014, through January 31, 
2015 (fiscal 2015). Since these decisions were made during fiscal 2016, the amounts awarded will begin to appear in next 
year’s Summary Compensation Table; in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure rules, they do not 
appear in the fiscal 2015 Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement; they will begin to appear in next year’s 
Summary Compensation Table. 

To illustrate the correlation between the Committee’s pay decisions and Autodesk performance, the chart and table below 
display the multi-year relationship between the CEO’s total compensation, the Company’s TSR, and the percentage of 
achievement against annual incentive compensation targets.   

2015 Proxy Statement  41

 
 
 
 
 
 
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(1)  TSR shown in boxes is calculated by comparing year-over-year changes in the closing price of Autodesk’s Common Stock at each 

fiscal year-end. The green line reflects Autodesk’s total shareholder return, measured from the beginning of Fiscal 2011 through the 
end of each fiscal year in the chart.   

(2)  Percentage of achievement against annual incentive compensation targets is based on billings, subscriptions and deferred revenue 

for fiscal 2015, revenue, non-GAAP operating margin and earnings per share for fiscal 2014, and revenue and non-GAAP operating 
margin for prior fiscal years. 

CEO total compensation comprises the following elements for the respective periods: 

(in thousands) 

Salary 

Bonus and Non-Equity Incentive 
Compensation 

Options (3) 

RSUs (4) 

PSUs (5) 

Other 

Fiscal  
2011 
$921 

Fiscal  
2012 
$945 

Fiscal  
2013 
$991 

Fiscal 
2014 
$1,028 

Fiscal 
2015 
$1,060 

$1,429 

$1,301 

$1,142 

$400 

$1,448 

$4,387 

$8,762 

— 

$6 

— 

$3,013 

$7,030 

$4 

— 

$3,447 

$5,432 

$4 

— 

$2,987 

$4,559 

$3 

— 

$3,248 

$5,150 

$6 

CEO Total Compensation 

$15,505 

$12,293 

$11,016 

$8,977 

$10,912 

2015 Proxy Statement 42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)  Option amounts are attributed to the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which the awards are approved.  For example, the fiscal 

2011 option amount of $4.387 million reported in this table represents options granted in fiscal 2012 because that option award was 
based on fiscal 2011 performance.  Option amounts reported represent the grant date fair value, calculated using the Black-Scholes-
Merton option pricing model.  

(4)  Restricted stock unit (“RSU”) amounts are attributed to the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which the awards are approved.  For 
example, the fiscal 2015 RSU amount of $3.248 million reported in this table represents 54,000 RSUs granted in fiscal 2016 
because that RSU grant was based on fiscal 2015 performance.  RSU amounts reported represent the grant date fair value using the 
stock price on the date of grant. 

(5)  PSU amounts are attributed to the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which the awards were approved.  For example, the fiscal 

2015 PSU amount of $5.150 million reported in this table represents the value of 81,000 target PSUs approved in fiscal 2016 
relating to specific billings, subscription and Relative TSR objectives, with an assumed value per share of $63.58 based on the 
Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. 

Fiscal 2015 Executive Compensation Decisions 

Below is a description of the compensation decisions made for the NEOs based on results for the just-completed fiscal year. 

Base Salary 

Annual Cash  
Incentive Awards 

Equity Awards 

March 2014: The base salaries for all the NEOs were increased by approximately 3% to 4%. 
The Committee made these increases to recognize the performance of the NEOs, to remain 
competitive, and to maintain the desired balance in their compensation mix between cash and 
equity. 

March 2015: Consistent with strong fiscal 2015 financial results relative to initial 
expectations, the Committee determined that, based on the overachievement of billings and 
subscriptions (or, in the case of the CEO, billings, subscriptions and deferred revenue) 
objectives, the annual cash incentive awards for our NEOs were paid out at 108.4% of their 
target opportunity and our CEO was paid out at 108.7% of his target award opportunity (for 
more discussion of cash awards, see “Annual Short Term Incentive Compensation” below). 

In determining the size of equity awards, the Committee considered the Company’s 
performance; market data for each executive; the individual skills, experience, and 
performance of each executive; and the optimal mix of cash and equity compensation to 
ensure that equity awards would motivate the creation of long-term value while satisfying the 
Committee’s retention objectives. 

March 2014: The Committee approved equity awards for NEOs in the form of PSUs and 
RSUs. Our CEO received 60% of his shares in PSUs and 40% in RSUs; the other NEOs 
received 50% of their shares in PSUs and 50% in RSUs. The vesting of the PSUs is contingent 
upon progress toward predetermined performance targets and Autodesk’s TSR relative to an 
index of software companies over one-, two-, and three-year performance periods. For fiscal 
2015, the performance measures were billings and subscriptions. 

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Compensation Guiding Principles  

The Committee believes that Autodesk’s executive compensation program should be designed to attract, motivate, and retain 
talented executives and should provide a sensible framework that is tied to stockholder returns, Company performance, long-
term strategic corporate goals, and individual performance. The general compensation objectives are to: 

•  Motivate executive officers to achieve business and financial goals;  
•  Balance rewards for short- and long-term performance;  
•  Align rewards with stockholder value creation; and 
•  Recruit and retain the highest caliber of executives through competitive rewards. 

2015 Proxy Statement  43

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Within this framework, the total compensation for each executive officer varies based on multiple dimensions: 

•  Autodesk TSR relative to the S&P Computer Software Select Index; 
•  Whether Autodesk achieves its short-term and long-term financial and non-financial objectives, including execution on 

its business model transition; 

•  The specific role and responsibility of the officer;  
•  Each individual officer’s skills, competency, contributions and performance; and 
• 

Internal pay parity considerations.  

Our compensation program emphasizes variable compensation with both annual and long-term performance components. In 
fiscal 2015, 90% of the CEO’s and 86% of the NEOs’ total compensation was variable in nature and “at risk.” Our cash 
incentives reward strong annual financial and operational performance, while our equity program rewards strong annual 
financial and operational performance as well as TSR relative to other software companies over one-, two, and three-year 
performance periods.   

The two charts below demonstrate the pay mix between base salary, earned short-term incentives, and targeted long-term equity 
compensation for the CEO and the other NEOs.   

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The Compensation-Setting Process  

The Committee reviews and approves all components of each executive officer’s compensation.  

CEO Pay Decisions 

Throughout the year the Committee and the other independent members of the Board, including the Chairman, observe the 
performance of, and provide feedback to the CEO at regularly scheduled meetings and through informal discussions. Annually, 
the Committee meets and discusses with the other independent members of the Board the performance of the CEO during the 
year in light of corporate goals and objectives. The Committee takes this assessment into account, along with competitive 
compensation data and internal pay parity considerations, when recommending the CEO’s base salary, target annual incentive 
awards, and equity awards. The Committee formulates a recommendation on CEO compensation in consultation with its 
independent consultant, consults with the other independent directors, and then approves the CEO compensation.  

Executive Officer Pay Decisions 

The CEO makes recommendations to the Committee regarding the base salary, annual cash incentive awards, and equity 
awards for each executive officer other than himself. These recommendations are based on the CEO’s assessment of each 
executive officer’s performance during the year, competitive compensation data, and internal pay parity considerations. The 
CEO reports on the performance of the executive officers and their business units during the year in light of corporate goals and 
objectives. The CEO bases his evaluation on his knowledge of each executive officer’s performance and from others with 
knowledge of their performance, including feedback provided by the executive officers and their direct reports. The Human 
Resources Group assists the CEO in developing each executive officer’s performance review and providing market 
compensation data for each role. In executing the responsibilities set forth in its charter, the Committee relies on a number of 
resources to provide input to the decision-making process. 

Independent consultant. The Committee retained Exequity LLP as its compensation adviser for fiscal 2015. Exequity 
provided advice and recommendations on many issues: total compensation philosophy; program design, including program 

2015 Proxy Statement 44

 
         
 
 
goals, components, and metrics; compensation trends in the high technology sector and general market for senior executives; 
and the compensation of the CEO and the other executive officers.  The Committee has considered the independence of 
Exequity in light of NASDAQ's listing standards for compensation committee independence and the rules of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission.  The Committee requested and received a written confirmation from Exequity addressing the 
independence of the firm and its senior advisers working with the Committee.  The Committee discussed these considerations 
and concluded that the work performed by Exequity did not raise any conflict of interest. 

Management. The Committee also consults with management and Autodesk’s Human Resources Group regarding executive 
and non-executive employee compensation plans, including administration of Autodesk’s equity incentive plans. 

Competitive Compensation Positioning 

To ensure our executive compensation practices are competitive and consistent with the Committee’s guiding principles, 
Exequity and management provide the Committee with compensation data for each executive role. This data is drawn from a 
group of companies in relevant industries that compete with Autodesk for executive talent (the “compensation peer group”). 
The Committee uses this data, as well as information about broader technology industry compensation practices, when 
deliberating on the compensation of the executive officers. 

The compensation peer group is selected based upon multiple criteria, including industry positioning, competition for talent, 
company size, financial results and geographic footprint.  The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to 
ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant.  

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For fiscal 2015 compensation, the compensation peer group included the following companies: 

Reported 
Fiscal Year 

28-Nov-14 
31-Dec-14 
31-Mar-14 
31-Dec-14 
31-Mar-14 
31-Jul-14 
31-Dec-14 
30-Jun-14 

31-Dec-14 

30-Sep-14 
30-Sep-14 
28-Feb-15 
31-Jan-15 

31-Oct-14 

31-Jan-15 

Company 

Adobe Systems, Inc. 
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 
CA, Inc. 
Citrix Systems, Inc. 
Electronic Arts, Inc. 
Intuit Inc. 
Juniper Networks, Inc. 
MICROS Systems, Inc. 
National Instruments 
Corporation 
Nuance Communications, Inc. 
PTC Inc. 
Red Hat, Inc. 
salesforce.com, inc. 

Synopsys, Inc. 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Autodesk Percentile Ranking 

Maximum 

Minimum 

* MICROS was acquired in September 2014 

Revenue     
($'s in 
Billions) 
4.15 
1.96 
4.52 
3.14 
3.58 
4.51 
4.63 
1.41 

Net Income Or 

Market 
Capitalization as of 

Loss              

1/31/2015            

($'s in Billions) 
0.27 
0.33 
0.91 
0.25 
0.01 
0.91 
-0.33 
0.18 

($'s in billions) 
34.89 
10.37 
13.28 
9.53 
17.01 
24.39 
9.46 
N/A* 

1.24 

1.92 
1.36 
1.79 
5.37 

2.06 

2.51 

50% 

5.37 

1.24 

0.13 

-0.15 
0.16 
0.18 
-0.26 

0.26 

0.08 

29% 

0.91 

-0.33 

3.85 

4.47 
3.84 
11.7 
36.73 

6.60 

12.26 

62% 

36.73 

3.84 

2015 Proxy Statement  45

 
 
 
 
 
 
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In September 2014, the Committee reviewed the compensation peer group that would be used for fiscal 2016 compensation 
decision making. The Committee determined that the current compensation peer group was still appropriate and did not make 
any changes. Due to the acquisition of MICROS Systems, Inc. by Oracle Corporation, the pay disclosures for MICROS will no 
longer be publicly available, and MICROS will be removed from the peer group for purposes of future pay studies. 

When determining the base salary, incentive targets, equity grants and target total direct compensation opportunity for each of 
our NEOs, the Committee references the median data from our compensation peer group for each component and in the 
aggregate.  In practice, actual compensation awards may be above or below the median levels, depending on Autodesk’s 
financial and operational performance and each executive officer’s experience, skills and performance. The Committee believes 
that referencing the total compensation packages of the companies in the compensation peer group keeps Autodesk’s 
compensation competitive and within market norms, while also providing flexibility for variances in compensation where 
appropriate, based on each executive officer’s leadership, contributions and particular skills or expertise. 

Principal Elements of the Executive Compensation Program 

The principal elements of Autodesk’s executive compensation program are described below. 

Source 

Purpose 

Features 

Short-term incentive opportunities  

Performance-based pay 

Motivate achievement of specific growth and 
profitability objectives and maintain a high 
level of team and individual performance 

Performance Stock Unit awards 
(“PSUs”) 

Align compensation with key drivers of the 
business and stockholder returns 

Encourage focus on near-term and long-term 
strategic objectives 

Restricted stock unit awards 
(“RSUs”) 

Encourage focus on long-term stockholder 
value creation 

Further align the interests of executive 
officers and stockholders 

Fixed Compensation 

Variable compensation: payments based 
upon achievement of objectives relating to 
annual billings, subscriptions (and, for the 
CEO deferred revenue)  

Initial target award determined by 
competitive market practices, corporate and 
individual performance in prior fiscal year, 
and internal parity considerations 

Vesting over three years after achieving 
billings and subscriptions performance 
levels, adjusted based upon Autodesk TSR 
relative to the S&P Computer Software 
Select Index over one-, two- and three year 
performance periods 

Award amount determined by competitive 
market practices, corporate and individual 
performance in fiscal year, and internal parity 
considerations 

Base salary 

Forms basis for competitive compensation 
package and rewards individual performance 
and experience 

Base salary level reflects competitive market 
conditions, individual performance, and 
internal parity considerations 

2015 Proxy Statement 46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base Salary 

Base salary is used to provide the executive officers with a fixed amount of annual cash compensation. The Committee views 
base salary as a reliable source of income for the executive officers and an important recruiting and retention tool.  The 
Committee sets base salaries at a competitive level that recognizes the scope, responsibility, and skills required of each position, 
as well as market conditions and internal pay equity. 

In March 2014, the Committee considered an analysis of the base salary for each role, the CEO’s assessment of each executive 
officer’s experience, skills and performance level, and Autodesk’s performance. For the CEO, the Committee consulted the full 
Board to conduct a similar assessment of his experience, skills and performance. Based on those factors, the executive officers’ 
base salaries were increased by approximately 3% to 4% for fiscal 2015.   

Annual Short-Term Incentive Compensation 

At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Committee establishes target award opportunities, payout metrics and performance 
targets for the annual cash incentive plans. These plans are intended to motivate and reward participants for achieving 
company-wide annual financial and non-financial objectives as well as individual objectives.  

Target Award Opportunities 

The Committee sets the target annual cash incentive award opportunity for each eligible executive officer based on competitive 
assessments, the executive’s particular role, and internal parity considerations. Based on the Committee’s review of these 
factors, the Committee set the fiscal 2015 cash incentive target for each of the NEOs at the same percentage as it was in fiscal 
2014. These target opportunities are expressed as a percentage of the executive officer’s annualized base salary, and range from 
50% for Mr. Blum (who also is eligible for commission payments) to 125% for Mr. Bass. An executive officer may receive an 
actual award that is greater or less than the target award opportunity, depending upon Autodesk’s performance. 

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Executive Incentive Plan 

In fiscal 2015, bonus awards for each of our NEOs were funded under the Autodesk, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan (“Fiscal 
2015 EIP”). Cash bonuses under this plan are generally intended to qualify as tax deductible “performance-based 
compensation” to the extent allowed under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. At the beginning of the fiscal year, 
the Committee established funding performance thresholds, which, if achieved, would establish maximum Fiscal 2015 EIP 
funding at 190% of target. For fiscal 2015, the Committee selected revenue, cash flow from operating activities, and absolute 
TSR as the funding performance metrics. Autodesk’s fiscal 2015 revenue of $2.5 billion, cash flow from operating activities of 
$708 million, and TSR of 9.9% (based on a 31-day average stock price at the beginning and at the end of fiscal 2015) exceeded 
the funding thresholds, resulting in the maximum bonus award funding for each executive. The Committee then exercised its 
negative discretion to reduce the actual bonus awards for each of the participants based on pre-established performance 
measures (as described below).   

Company Performance Measures and Performance 

At the beginning of fiscal 2015, the Committee approved Fiscal 2015 EIP performance measures to align our NEOs’ bonus 
opportunities with the Company’s strategic priorities of increasing subscriptions, billings and deferred revenue. In its exercise 
of negative discretion, the Committee considered the performance attainment versus specific targets to determine payouts. For 
the CEO, the Committee assessed the financial and operational performance of the Company based 56% on billings, 24% on 
subscriptions, and 20% on deferred revenue against targets set at the beginning of the fiscal year; award could be from 0% to 
150% of target, depending on achieved performance level. This yielded a bonus payout of 108.7% of target, as shown below: 

Billings 
Subscriptions 
Deferred Revenue 
Total 

Weighting 
56% 
24% 
20% 
100% 

Actual 
18.1% growth 
2.23 million 
$1.16 billion 

Target  
8.6% growth 
2.08 million 
$1.05 billion 

Payout Multiplier 
108.7% 
107.5% 
110.1% 
108.7% 

2015 Proxy Statement  47

 
 
 
 
 
For the other NEOs, the Committee assessed the performance of the Company based 70% on billings and 30% on subscriptions 
against targets set at the beginning of the fiscal year; award could be from 0% to 150% of target award, depending on achieved 
performance level.  This yielded a bonus payout of 108.4% of target, as shown below: 

Billings 
Subscriptions 
Total 

Weighting 
70% 
30% 
100% 

Actual 
18.1% growth 
2.23 million 

Target  
8.6% growth 
2.08 million 

Payout Multiplier 
108.7% 
107.5% 
108.4% 

Based on the foregoing, in March 2015 the Committee approved short-term incentive awards for the NEOs as follows: 

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Carl Bass 

R. Scott Herren (1) 

Jan Becker 

Steve M. Blum (2) 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Short-Term 
Incentive Target 

$1,332,500 

$107,753 

$318,750 

$230,000 

$345,000 

Short-Term 
Incentive Target 
as a Percentage of 
Base Salary 

Short-Term 
Incentive Payout 

Short-Term Incentive 
Payout as a 
Percentage of Target 

125% 

$1,448,428  

75% 

75% 

50% 

75% 

$116,805 

 $345,525 

 $249,320 

 $373,980 

108.7% 

108.4% 

108.4%  

108.4%  

108.4%  

(1)         Prorated for a partial year. 
(2) 

The amounts disclosed for Mr. Blum do not include commissions for fiscal 2015 paid under his Sales Compensation 
Plan. See the discussion below for details on his sales commission-based awards and total short-term cash incentive. 

Sales Compensation Plan for Mr. Blum 

In addition to receiving the short-term incentive award described above, Mr. Blum was eligible to receive sales commissions. 
For fiscal 2015, Mr. Blum’s sales commission target was set at 50% of his base salary and was tied directly to his performance 
against pre-established gross billings targets. Given uncertainty relating to the early stages of Autodesk’s business model 
transition and the market environment that Autodesk was expected to face in fiscal 2015, at the time the Committee adopted the 
target levels for this objective, the Committee believed that the target levels for this objective could reasonably be achieved 
through diligent efforts. 

For fiscal 2015, Autodesk’s actual gross billings were well above the target level set for Mr. Blum.  While the Committee 
deemed actual gross billings attainment versus target as exceptional, the Committee determined that the sales commission 
formula would generate a commission payout that would exceed the desired maximum total annual incentive opportunity. In 
order to ensure a total annual incentive value that fairly rewarded Mr. Blum for the exceptional results in fiscal 2015, the 
Committee exercised its discretion to reduce the sales commission payout to $575,000. This represented 250.0% of Mr. Blum’s 
target level and 45% of his overall cash compensation for the fiscal year. 

2015 Proxy Statement 48

 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
The total sales commissions and short-term incentives paid to Mr. Blum for fiscal 2015 were as follows: 

Short-Term  
Incentive Target 

Short-Term 
Incentive Target as a 
Percentage of Base 
Salary 

Short-Term 
Incentive Payout 

Short-Term 
Incentive Payout as 
a Percentage of 
Target 

Sales Commission 

$230,000 

Short-Term 
Incentive 

$230,000 

50% 

50% 

$575,000 

250.0% 

$249,320 

108.4% 

Total 

$460,000 

100% 

$824,320 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation 

Autodesk uses long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity awards to align executives’ pay opportunities with 
stockholder value creation, and to motivate and reward executive officers for effectively executing longer-term strategic and 
operational objectives.  

March 2014 Equity Awards 

During fiscal 2015, the Committee approved equity awards in the form of PSUs and RSUs for the NEOs. The Committee 
elected to use a mix of PSUs and RSUs to complement the performance aspects of PSUs with the long-term retention 
component of RSUs. In fiscal 2015, our CEO received 60% of his awards in PSUs and 40% in RSUs, while the other NEOs 
received 50% of their awards in PSUs and 50% in RSUs.  

In arriving at the total number of PSUs and RSUs to award to an executive officer, the Committee considered Autodesk’s 
performance in fiscal 2014; competitive market data for the executive’s position; the historical grants to, and outstanding equity 
held by, the executive; and the individual performance of the executive. In particular, the Committee noted the successful 
commencement of Autodesk’s business model transition and the 32% growth in Autodesk’s stock price during fiscal 2014. 

As a result of this analysis, the following equity awards were approved for NEOs in March 2014: 

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Target Number of Shares Subject to 
PSU Award (#) 

Number of Shares Subject to RSU 
Award (#) 

90,000 

15,000 

15,000 

15,000 

60,000 

15,000 

15,000 

15,000 

Carl Bass 

Jan Becker 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

PSU Awards 

The current PSU design was adopted following extensive stockholder outreach and incorporates a number of features 
stockholders identified as being most important, namely, multiple performance metrics, TSR relative to peers, and a multi-year 
measurement period. 

2015 Proxy Statement  49

 
 
 
  
 
 
The PSU awards provide for a minimum, target and maximum number of shares to be earned based upon progress toward 
predetermined performance criteria. For fiscal 2015 awards, PSU vesting will be contingent upon achievement of performance 
goals adopted by the Committee (“Performance Results”) and Autodesk’s TSR compared against the S&P Computer Software 
Select Index (“Relative TSR”) over one-, two- and three-year performance periods. In fiscal 2015, we measured Performance 
Results based on annual billings and subscriptions. The use of billings and subscriptions goals motivates management to drive 
Autodesk’s ongoing business model transition and this, combined with Relative TSR, aligns these awards with the long-term 
interests of our stockholders.  

The PSUs are split into three traunches:  

•  Up to one third of the PSUs may vest following year one, depending upon the achievement of Performance Results for year 

one as well as 1-year Relative TSR (covering year one). 

•  Up to one third of the PSUs may vest following year two, depending upon the achievement of Performance Results for 

year two as well as 2-year Relative TSR (covering years one and two). 

•  Up to one third of the PSUs may vest following year three, depending upon the achievement of Performance Results for 

year three as well as 3-year Relative TSR (covering years one, two and three). 

Performance Results for the relevant performance period could result in PSU attainment of 0% to 150% of target. Once the 
Performance Results percentage is established, it is multiplied by a percentage ranging from 80% to 120%, depending on 
Autodesk’s Relative TSR for the period. The combined impact of these performance criteria is that PSUs could be earned from 
0% to 180% of target. The chart below illustrates the attainment mechanics for the PSUs approved in fiscal 2015. 

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An executive who has received PSU grants in three successive years will have a portion of the total PSU shares vesting in that 
third year be based on the combination of 3-year, 2-year and 1-year relative TSR (see “Vesting of PSUs” below for an 
illustration of this cumulative effect of multiple PSU grants) 

2015 Proxy Statement 50

 
 
 
 
 
 
RSU Awards 

The time-based RSU awards granted to the NEOs in fiscal 2015 vest in three equal annual installments from the date of grant. 
RSUs help us retain executives in a competitive environment and provide further incentive to focus on longer-term stockholder 
value creation.   

Vesting of PSUs  

In March 2015, the Committee reviewed and certified the attainment levels for performance measures for the first traunch of 
PSUs awarded in March 2014 and for the second traunch of PSUs awarded in March 2013.  For both awards, the Committee 
measured fiscal 2015 billings and subscriptions performance, as follows: 

Billings 
Subscriptions 
Total 

Weighting 
70% 
30% 
100% 

Actual 
18.1% growth 
2.23 million 

Target 
8.6% growth 
2.08 million 

Payout 
Multiplier 
108.7% 
107.5% 
108.4% 

Autodesk TSR relative to the S&P Computer Software Select Index: 

•  For the March 2013 awards, the Committee measured Relative TSR for fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2015.  
•  For the March 2014 awards, the Committee measured Relative TSR for fiscal 2015. 

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Autodesk TSR (based on a 31- 
day average stock price at the 
beginning of the period and the 
end of fiscal 2015) 

Percentile Rank vs. S&P 
Computer Software Select 
Index 

48.48% 

9.85% 

57th 

57th 

Multiplier 

105% 

105% 

Award 

March 2013 Award 
(Fiscal 2014 –Fiscal 2015 
Performance) 

March 2014 Award 
(Fiscal 2015 Performance) 

The combination of billings, subscriptions, and Relative TSR results yielded the following PSU attainments: 

March 2013  
2nd Traunch  
Fiscal 2014 Award 

March 2014 
1st Traunch  
Fiscal 2015 Award 

: 

: 

Fiscal 2015 Billings 
and Subscriptions 
Goal Attainment      

108.4% 

X 

X 

Fiscal 2014 - Fiscal 
2015 Relative TSR       

= 

Percent of PSU 
Target Award       

105% 

113.82% 

Fiscal 2015           
Relative TSR         

= 

105% 

Percent of PSU 
Target Award    
113.82% 

2015 Proxy Statement  51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Based on this performance, the PSU awards were earned as follows: 

March 2013 Award 
2nd Traunch  

March 2014 Award                  

1st Traunch  

Carl Bass 
Jan Becker 
Steve M. Blum 
Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Target Number of 
PSUs 
78,080 
4,290 
4,125 
4,290 

Actual Number of 
PSUs Earned 
88,870 
4,882 
4,695 
4,882 

Target Number 
of PSUs 
30,000 
5,100 
5,100 
5,100 

Actual Number of 
PSUs Earned 
34,146 
5,804 
5,804 
5,804 

March 2015 Equity Awards  

In March 2015, the Committee approved a mix of PSUs and RSUs for our NEOs. The fiscal 2016 PSU awards are structured in 
the same manner and with the same performance measures as the fiscal 2015 PSU awards.  

In arriving at the total number of PSUs and RSUs to award to an executive officer, the Committee considered Autodesk’s 
performance in fiscal 2015; competitive market data for the executive’s position; the historical grants to, and outstanding equity 
held by, the executive; the individual performance of the executive; and internal pay parity considerations. In particular, the 
Committee noted the progress of Autodesk’s business model transition, an 18.1% increase in billings, a 21.1% increase in 
subscriptions, and the 5.4% TSR. Our CEO received 60% of his award in PSUs and 40% in RSUs, while the other NEOs 
received 50% of their awards in PSUs and 50% in RSUs. 

The following equity awards were approved for the NEOs in March 2015: 

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Target Number of Shares Subject to 
PSU Award (#) 

Number of Shares Subject to RSU 
Award (#) 

Carl Bass 

R. Scott Herren(1) 

Jan Becker 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

81,000 

36,000 

13,500 

18,500 

13,500 

54,000 

N / A 

13,500 

18,500 

13,500 

(1) Mr. Herren received 36,000 RSUs upon joining the Company in November 2014 and 36,000 PSUs in March 2015 in 
accordance with the terms of his offer letter. 

Executive Benefits 

Welfare and Other Employee Benefits 

Autodesk has established a tax-qualified Section 401(k) retirement plan for all employees who satisfy certain eligibility 
requirements, including requirements relating to age and length of service. The plan is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) 
of the Code so that contributions by employees, and income earned on plan contributions, generally are not taxable to 
employees until withdrawn. 

Other benefits provided to the executive officers are the same as those provided to all of Autodesk’s full-time employees. These 
include medical, dental, and vision benefits, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term 
disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and basic life insurance coverage. Autodesk also makes 
contributions to health savings plans on behalf of any employee who is a participant in a plan with a high deductible feature. 

2015 Proxy Statement 52

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits 

Autodesk does not, as a general practice, provide material benefits or special considerations to the executive officers that it does 
not provide to other employees. However, from time to time, when deemed appropriate by the Committee, certain executive 
officers receive perquisites and other personal benefits that are competitively prudent or otherwise in Autodesk’s best interest. 
In fiscal 2015, we provided Mr. Herren with certain living expenses due to the distance (at the time we hired him) between his 
home and the Company’s headquarters. The amount of those reimbursements was based on actual costs incurred by Mr. Herren, 
and was consistent with market practice when hiring senior executives in this situation. Please see “Executive Compensation-
Summary Compensation Table and Narrative Disclosure,” on page 56 for the aggregate amount of such perquisites. 

Employment Agreement, Offer Letter and Post-Employment Compensation 

Employment Agreement with the CEO 

The terms and conditions of Mr. Bass’ employment are set forth in an employment agreement. This agreement provides general 
protection for Mr. Bass in the event of termination without cause or resignation for good reason and has been a valuable tool to 
retain his services and defines the respective rights of the Company and Mr. Bass. The protections afforded to him in the event 
of a change of control provide Autodesk with an increased level of confidence that he will remain with Autodesk up to and for 
some period of time after a change of control. This continuity in the event of a change in control may ultimately enhance 
stockholder value, and discourages benefits simply for consummating a change in control. Details of the agreement with Mr. 
Bass can be found beginning on page 63. 

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Offer Letter with the CFO  

Mr. Herren was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective November 1, 2014. The terms and 
conditions of his employment are set forth in a written offer letter. Based on a recommendation from management and in 
consultation with Exequity, the following offer was reviewed and approved by the Committee: 

•  Annual base salary of $570,000. 
•  Eligibility to participate in the Autodesk Executive Incentive Plan, with his target set at 75% of his base salary. 
•  Signing bonus of $150,000. The bonus is subject to repayment if Mr. Herren resigns at any time within one year 

• 

following the commencement of his employment.  
36,000 RSUs and 36,000 PSUs. The PSUs were granted in March 2015, when performance objectives were 
established for fiscal 2016. 

•  Relocation assistance, including commuting benefits for 18 months, a relocation allowance, and home sale and 

purchase assistance. 

The Committee believes that Mr. Herren’s compensation package was necessary to recruit him because it offset compensation 
he forfeited upon leaving his prior employer. 

Change in Control Program 

To ensure the continued service of key executive officers in the event of a potential change-in-control of Autodesk, the Board 
has adopted the Autodesk, Inc. Executive Change in Control Program. Each of the NEOs, among other employees, is a 
participant in the program. The payments and benefits available under this program are designed to encourage the continued 
services of the NEOs in the event of a potential change-in-control of Autodesk and to allow for a smooth leadership transition 
thereafter. Further, these arrangements are intended to provide incentives to the NEOs to execute the wishes of the Board, even 
if the Board takes an action that may result in the elimination of a NEO’s position. 

The Executive Change in Control Program provides continuity in the event of a change-in-control transaction, which is 
designed to further enhance stockholder value. Payment and benefits under the Executive Change in Control Program are 
provided only in the event of a qualifying termination of employment following a change-in-control (“double trigger”). 
Autodesk does not offer tax reimbursement or “gross-up” payments under the Executive Change in Control Program. 

2015 Proxy Statement  53

 
 
 
 
 
 
The material terms and conditions of the Executive Change in Control Program, as well as an estimate of the potential 
payments and benefits payable in the event of a termination of employment in connection with a change-in-control of 
Autodesk, are set forth in “Change-in-Control Arrangements and Employment Agreements” below. 

Other Compensation Policies 

Mandatory Stock Ownership Guidelines 

The Board believes that stock ownership by the executive officers is important to tie the risks and rewards inherent in stock 
ownership to the executive officers; and has adopted mandatory guidelines for stock ownership by executive officers.  During 
fiscal 2015, these mandatory ownership guidelines required all executive officers to hold a fixed number of shares of 
Autodesk’s Common Stock at the appropriate executive officer level. This is intended to create clear guidelines that tie a 
portion of the executive officer’s net worth to the performance of Autodesk’s stock price. The current stock ownership 
guidelines are as follows: 

CEO 

Executive Vice 
President 

Senior Vice President 

Minimum Number of Shares to be 
Owned 

100,000 

30,000 

15,000 

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Executive officers have four years from the later of either (i) December 2013 or (ii) their hire or promotion to a new, higher-
level position, to satisfy the required level of stock ownership. For purposes of satisfying the required stock ownership level, 
both vested and unvested shares of restricted stock and shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding RSU and PSU awards 
are counted as owned. 

As of the end of fiscal 2015, each of the NEOs satisfied the mandatory stock ownership guidelines. 

Clawback Policy 

Executive officer cash incentive-based compensation may be recovered at the discretion of the Board if an executive officer has 
engaged in fraudulent or other intentional misconduct and the misconduct caused a material restatement of our financial 
statements. 

Derivatives Trading and Anti-Hedging Policy 

Executive officers, members of the Board, and all other employees are prohibited from investing in derivative securities related 
to Autodesk’s Common Stock and engaging in short sales or other short-position transactions in shares of Autodesk’s Common 
Stock. This policy does not restrict ownership of company-granted awards, such as options to purchase shares of Common 
Stock or PSU or RSU awards, which have been granted by the Committee. Autodesk’s insider trading policy prohibits the 
trading of derivatives or the hedging of Autodesk’s common equity securities by all employees, including the executive 
officers, and members of the Board. 

Equity Award Grant Policy 

All equity awards granted to the executive officers are approved by the Committee. Approval of the equity awards for the 
executive officers occurs at the Committee’s regularly scheduled quarterly meetings. In addition, a grant was made in 
November 2014 to Mr. Herren as part of his “new hire” compensation package. 

2015 Proxy Statement 54

 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Considerations and Practices 

Autodesk continuously reviews and evaluates the impact of the tax laws and accounting practices and related interpretations on 
the executive compensation program. For example, the Committee considers Financial Accounting Standards Board 
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC Topic 718”), which results in recognition of compensation expense for 
share-based payment awards, and Section 409A of the Code, which affects deferred compensation arrangements, as it 
evaluates, structures, and implements changes to the program. 

Deductibility Limitation 

Section 162(m) of the Code generally limits to $1 million the amount of compensation that a company may deduct for federal 
income tax purposes in any taxable year with respect to the CEO and each of the next three most highly-compensated executive 
officers (excluding the chief financial officer). Generally, remuneration in excess of $1 million may be deducted only if it is 
“performance-based compensation” within the meaning of the Code or satisfies the conditions of another exemption from the 
deduction limit. The compensation income realized upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of Common Stock granted 
under a stockholder-approved employee stock plan generally will be deductible so long as the options are granted by a 
committee whose members are non-employee directors and certain other conditions are satisfied. 

The Autodesk Executive Incentive Plan and the 2012 Employee Stock Plan are structured with the intention that awards granted 
under these plans could qualify for tax deductibility. However, to maintain flexibility and promote simplicity in the 
administration of these arrangements, we may award other compensation under these plans, such as annual incentive cash 
payments and PSU and RSU awards, that are not designed to qualify for tax deductibility under the Code. 

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Further, while mindful that the ability to fully deduct compensation paid to senior executives has benefits, the Committee 
believes that Autodesk should not be constrained by the requirements of Section 162(m) where those requirements would 
impair flexibility in compensating the executive officers in a manner that can best promote Autodesk’s objectives, which aligns 
the executive officers' interests with the stockholders' interests. Therefore, Autodesk has not adopted a policy that requires all 
compensation to be deductible. The Committee intends to continue to compensate the executive officers in a manner consistent 
with Autodesk’s best interests and the best interests of the stockholders. 

Taxation of Deferred Compensation 

Section 409A of the Code imposes significant additional taxes in the event an executive officer, director, or service provider 
receives “deferred compensation” that does not satisfy the restrictive conditions of the provision. Section 409A applies to a 
wide range of compensation arrangements, including traditional nonqualified deferred compensation plans, certain equity 
awards, and severance arrangements. To assist employees with avoiding additional taxes under Section 409A, Autodesk has 
structured equity awards in a manner intended to comply with the applicable Section 409A conditions. 

Taxation of “Golden Parachute” Payments 

Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code provide that executive officers and directors who hold significant equity interests and 
certain other service providers may be subject to an excise tax if, in connection with a change in control, they receive payments 
or benefits that exceed certain prescribed limits. In addition, the relevant company or a successor may forfeit a deduction on the 
amounts subject to this additional tax. Autodesk did not provide any executive officer with a “gross-up” or other reimbursement 
payment for any tax liability the executive might owe as a result of the application of Sections 280G or 4999 during fiscal 2015.  
In addition, Autodesk has not agreed and is not otherwise obligated to provide any NEO with such a “gross-up” or other 
reimbursement or to otherwise address the application of Sections 280G or 4999 in connection with payments or benefits 
arising from a change in control. 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 

Autodesk follows ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation awards. ASC Topic 718 requires Autodesk to measure the 
compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees (including executive officers) and members of 
the Board, including options to purchase shares of Common Stock, based on the grant date “fair value” of these awards. Fair 
value is calculated for accounting purposes and reported in the compensation tables below, even though the executive officers 
and directors may never realize any value from their awards. ASC Topic 718 also requires Autodesk to recognize the 

2015 Proxy Statement  55

 
 
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compensation cost of these share-based payment awards in the income statements over the period that an employee or director 
is required to render service in exchange for the stock option or other award. 

Report of the Compensation Committee 

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of independent 
members of the Board of Directors, assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities regarding compensation matters and, 
pursuant to its Charter, is responsible for determining the compensation of Autodesk’s executive officers. The Compensation 
and Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this 
Proxy Statement as required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with Autodesk’s management team. Based on this review and 
discussion, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement. 

COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Mary T. McDowell, Chair  
Thomas Georgens  
Stacy J. Smith 

Summary Compensation Table and Narrative Disclosure 

This narrative discussion, as well as the table and footnotes below, summarizes our named executive officers’ compensation for 
fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013. The named executive officers are Carl Bass (President and Chief Executive Officer), R. Scott 
Herren (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), the next three most highly compensated individuals who were 
serving as executive officers of Autodesk on January 31, 2015, the last day of our most recent fiscal year, and Mark J. Hawkins, 
our former Chief Financial Officer. For information on our compensation objectives, see the discussion under the heading 
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” 

Salary 

Named executive officers are paid a cash-based salary. We did not provide equity or other non-cash items to our named 
executive officers as salary compensation during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013. 

Bonus 

This column represents payments made to our named executive officers for amounts that relate to: Autodesk and individual 
performance under the Autodesk, Inc. Incentive Performance Plan for fiscal 2013; signing bonuses, as in the case of 
Mr. Herren, who received a sign-on bonus paid in two equal $75,000 installments, one of which was paid in fiscal 2015; and 
other miscellaneous  amounts, such as payments made in recognition of years of service as part of an Autodesk company-wide 
program. 

Stock Awards 

Amounts shown in this column do not reflect compensation actually received by our named executive officers. Instead, the 
amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair values of performance-based restricted stock unit (“PSU”) awards and 
restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards, as determined pursuant to ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in the valuation of these 
awards are set forth in Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements in our fiscal 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2015.  

2015 Proxy Statement 56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity and Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation 

Non-equity incentive plan compensation represents amounts earned for services performed during the relevant fiscal year 
pursuant to our short-term cash incentive plan (EIP) for all executive officers shown. The amounts shown in the Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan Compensation column below reflect the total cash amounts awarded. Cash amounts awarded under the EIP are 
payable in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. 

All Other Compensation 

This column represents all other compensation for the relevant fiscal year not reported in the previous columns, such as 
payment of relocation and temporary housing expenses, reimbursement of certain tax expenses, Autodesk’s matching 
contributions to pre-tax savings plans, insurance premiums, personal gifts and related tax gross ups. Generally, unless the items 
included in this category exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites received by a given named 
executive officer, individual perquisites are not separately identified and quantified. 

The Summary Compensation Table below presents information concerning the total compensation of our named executive 
officers for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013. Mr. Herren was not an employee in fiscal 2013 or 2014, so his compensation 
information is not presented for those periods.  

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Name and Principal Position 

Carl Bass, 

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Former Interim 

Chief Financial Officer 

R. Scott Herren, 

Senior Vice President and 

Chief Financial Officer (a) 

Jan Becker, 

Senior Vice President, 

Human Resources and Corporate Real Estate 

Steven M. Blum, 

Senior Vice President, 

Worldwide Sales and Services (b) 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo, 

Senior Vice President, 

General Counsel and Secretary 

Mark J. Hawkins, 

Former Chief Financial Officer (c) 

2015

2014

2013

2015

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

Fiscal 
Year 

Salary 
($) 

Bonus 
($)(d) 

1,060,323

1,027,654

—

—

Stock 
Awards 
($) (e) 

8,526,158

6,866,867

991,000

1,142,213

7,269,000

142,500

75,000

2,079,720

422,792

410,057

395,557

460,000

443,700

428,269

457,162

441,019

—

—

1,225,915

723,936

275,289

913,000

—

—

1,217,421

696,093

157,860

1,186,900

—

—

1,225,915

723,936

913,000

1,662,868

1,058,061

424,961

294,206

304,146

595,884

—

—

571,076

394,583

1,186,900

Non-Equity 
Incentive 
 Plan 
Compensati
on 
($) 
1,448,428    
399,769    
—    
116,805    

All 
Other 
Compe
nsation 
($) 

Total 
($) 

5,544

11,040,453

3,000

4,196

8,297,290

9,406,409

22,570

2,436,595

345,525    
191,423    
—    
824,320    
336,564    
233,873    
373,980    
205,862    
—    
—    
278,519    
—    

5,737

4,120

1,999,969

1,329,536

4,095

1,587,941

57,573

2,559,314

20,022

1,496,379

16,438

2,023,340

5,418

2,062,475

3,511

4,106

1,374,328

1,636,273

50,678

2,017,692

14,621

1,947,085

51,553

2,204,112

2015 Proxy Statement  57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 _____________ 

(a)  Mr. Herren became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on November 1, 2014. His salary and annual incentive 
compensation are pro-rated for a partial year of service. Mr. Herren’s new hire grants include RSUs valued at $2,079,720. Mr. 
Herren’s fiscal 2015 bonus consists of a $75,000 installment of a $150,000 sign-on bonus.  Mr. Herren's other compensation includes 
reimbursement of relocation expenses, amounting to $12,838 plus a tax gross-up of $6,482. 

(b)  Mr. Blum’s Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation consists of amounts earned as sales commissions during fiscal 2015. 

Commissions and sales bonuses are paid quarterly for the previous quarter’s commissions and bonus earned. 

Sales commissions 
Short-term cash incentive plan (EIP) 

Total 

Fiscal 2015 

575,000
249,320

824,320

$ 

$ 

              Mr. Blum’s fiscal 2015 other compensation includes authorized spouse travel and gifts in connection with a business     
              trip, tax gross-ups of $22,044 for certain perquisites, the 401(k) plan match, and standard health benefits. 

(c)  Mr. Hawkins resigned as Chief Financial Officer effective July 31, 2014; his resignation made him ineligible to receive compensation 
under our fiscal 2015 EIP. Mr. Hawkins’ fiscal 2015 other compensation includes authorized spouse travel and gifts in connection 
with a business trip, tax gross-ups of  $21,083 for certain perquisites, the 401(k) plan match, and standard health benefits.  

(d)  Fiscal 2013 bonuses primarily relate to amounts paid under the Autodesk, Inc. Incentive Performance Plan in recognition of 

Autodesk's performance under the metrics approved for that Plan. In addition, in fiscal 2013, Ms. Becker, Mr. Blum and Mr. Di 
Fronzo received anniversary bonuses in recognition of their years of service.  

(e)  Amounts consist of the aggregate grant date value for PSU and RSU awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, 

based on target levels of achievement (the probable outcome at grant) in the case of PSUs. The assumptions used in the valuation of 
these awards are set forth in Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2015. The maximum value of PSU awards is capped at 
180% of target. The maximum values for PSU awards granted in fiscal 2015 are as follows: Mr. Bass: $9,970,845; Ms. Becker: 
$862,588; Mr. Blum: $847,298; Mr. Di Fronzo: $862,588; and Mr. Hawkins: $1,201,081. Mr. Hawkins forfeited his PSU and RSU 
awards when he separated from the Company. Actual PSU awards earned in fiscal 2015 by the other named executive officers are 
shown in “Long-Term Incentive Compensation" in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”  

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2015  

Grants of plan-based awards reflect grants made to our named executive officers under our non-equity incentive plans and 
equity compensation plans during fiscal 2015. 

The following table includes potential threshold, target and maximum amounts payable under our short-term cash incentive 
plan (EIP) for performance during fiscal 2015, and do not constitute compensation on top of the amounts included in the 
Summary Compensation Table. However, these amounts do not reflect amounts actually earned for fiscal 2015.  The following 
table also includes amounts relating to PSUs and RSUs issued under our 2012 Employee Plan.  See “Change in Control 
Arrangements and Employment Agreements” below for a further description of certain terms relating to these awards. See 
“Annual Incentive Award Decisions” and “Long-Term Incentive Compensation” in the “Compensation Discussion and 
Analysis” beginning on page 39 for actual amounts earned in fiscal 2015 by the named executive officers and further discussion 
of the role of plan-based and other awards in our overall executive compensation program. 

2015 Proxy Statement 58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents information concerning grants of plan-based awards to each of the named executive officers 
during fiscal 2015: 

Name 

Carl Bass 

R. Scott 

Herren 

Jan 

Becker 

Steve M. 

 Blum 

Pascal W. 

Di Fronzo 

Mark J. 

Hawkins (a) 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-
Equity  Incentive Plan Awards (b) 

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (c) 

Grant 
Date 

  Threshold ($)    Target ($)  Maximum ($) 

Threshold ($)

Target 
(#) 

Maximum
 (#) 

3/25/2014 
  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014   
  3/25/2014   

  11/3/2014   

  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  

  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  

  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  

  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  
  3/25/2014  

—

—

—

—

—
—

107,753

318,750

— 
—  
—  
—  
—
—   1,332,500
—  
—
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

345,000

465,000

460,000

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

2,531,750

—

204,731

—

—

—

605,625

—

—

—

N/A 

—

—

—

655,500

—

—

—

883,500

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
41,580

36,500

30,000

—

—

—

—

4,290

5,100

—

—

4,125

5,100

—

—

4,290

5,100

—

—

6,270

6,800

—

—  
74,844   
65,700    
54,000    
—    
—    
—   
—   
7,722   
9,180   
—   
—   
7,425   
9,180   
—    
—   
7,722   
9,180   
—   
—   
11,286   
12,240   
—   

All  Other 
Stock 
Awards: 
Number of 
Shares of 
Stock (#)(d)

60,000
—

—

—

—

Grant Date 
Fair Value 
of Stock 
Awards ($) 
(e) 

2,986,800
2,140,538

1,879,020

1,519,800

—

36,000

2,079,720

—

15,000

—

—

—

15,000

—

—

—

15,000

—

—

—

20,000

—

—

—

—

746,700

220,849

258,366

—

746,700

212,355

258,366

—

746,700

220,849

258,366

—

995,600

322,780

344,488

—

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(a)  Mr. Hawkins forfeited his fiscal 2015 EIP, RSU and PSU awards upon his resignation from the Company on July 31, 2014. 
(b)  Reflects target and maximum dollar amounts payable under the EIP for performance during fiscal 2015, as described in 

“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation Programs.” “Threshold” refers to the minimum 
amount payable for a certain level of performance; “Target” refers to the amount payable if specified performance targets are 
reached; and “Maximum” refers to the maximum payout possible. Mr. Herren's amounts are pro-rated for a partial year of service. 
Mr. Blum’s amount in the “Target” column includes a fiscal 2015 target short-term cash incentive award of $230,000 and target sales 
commissions of $230,000. Mr. Blum’s maximum short-term cash incentive plan award is the same as the maximum for other named 
executive officers, but sales commissions do not have a preset maximum limit. 

(c)  Represents shares of our Common Stock subject to each of the PSU awards granted to the named executive officers in fiscal 2015 
under our 2012 Employee Plan.  These columns show the awards that were possible at the threshold, target and maximum levels of 
performance.  Shares were to be earned based upon annual billings and subscriptions goals for fiscal 2015 adopted by the 
Compensation Committee (the “Annual Financial Results”), as well as TSR compared against the S&P Computer Software Select 
Index (“Relative TSR”). In each case, Annual Financial Results for the relevant performance period could result in PSU attainment, 
subject to the Relative TSR modifier, of 0%-150% of target. Once that Annual Financial Results percentage is established, it is 
multiplied by a percentage ranging from 80%-120%, depending on Autodesk's Relative TSR performance for the period.  Ultimately, 
PSUs could be earned from 0%-180% of target.  Actual PSU awards earned in fiscal 2015 by the named executive officers under this 
program are shown in “Long-Term Incentive Compensation” in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” 

(d)  RSUs vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. 
(e)  Reflects the grant date fair value of each equity award. The assumptions used in the valuation of these awards are set forth in Note 1, 
“Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2015. These amounts do not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the named 
executive officers upon the vesting of RSUs or the sale of the Common Stock underlying such awards. 

2015 Proxy Statement  59

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2015 Year End 

The following table presents information concerning outstanding unexercised options and unvested RSU awards for each 
named executive officer as of January 31, 2015. This table includes options and RSUs granted under the 2012 Employee Plan, 
the 2008 Employee Stock Plan and the 2006 Employee Stock Plan. Unless otherwise indicated, all options granted to named 
executive officers vest at the rate of 25% per year over the first four years of the option term and all RSU awards vest in three 
equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. Hawkins forfeited his unvested awards 
upon his resignation from the Company on July 31, 2014. Accordingly, Mr. Hawkins does not hold any outstanding option or 
stock awards as of January 31, 2015. 

Option Awards 

Stock Awards 

Number of 
securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#) 
Unexercisable

75,000
—

Option 
Exercise
Price 
($) 

43.81
—

Option 
Expiration 
Date 

3/24/2021 
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Number
of  
Shares 
of Stock
That 
Have 
Not 
Vested 
(#) 

—
25,136

27,225

47,326

41,544

55,440

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

34,146

(e) 

60,000

36,000

6,875

43.81

3/24/2021 

—  

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(b) 

(c) 

(e) 

3,808

4,125

4,882

8,580

5,804

15,000

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#) 
Exercisable 
225,000  

—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     

— 

— 
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     

37,500 

12,500

43.81

3/24/2021 

—  

—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     

— 
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(b) 

(c) 

(e) 

4,950

5,362

4,695

8,250

5,804

15,000

6,875

43.81

3/24/2021 

—  

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(b) 

(c) 

(e) 

3,808

4,125

4,882

8,580

5,804

15,000

Market 
Value of 
Shares of 
Stock 
That 
Have Not 
Vested ($) 
(a) 

—  
1,357,595   
1,470,422   
2,556,077   
2,243,791   
2,994,314   
1,844,225   
3,240,600   

1,944,360 

— 
205,670   
222,791   
263,677   
463,406   
313,474   
810,150   

— 
267,350   
289,602   
253,577   
445,583   
313,474   
810,150   

— 
205,670   
222,791   
263,677   
463,406   
313,474   
810,150   

Name 

Carl Bass 

R. Scott 
Herren 

Jan 
Becker 

Steve M. 
Blum 

Grant 
Date 

3/24/2011 
3/8/2012   
3/8/2012   
  3/21/2013   
  3/21/2013   
  3/21/2013   
  3/25/2014   
  3/25/2014   

11/3/2014   

3/24/2011   
3/8/2012   
3/8/2012   
  3/21/2013   
  3/21/2013   
  3/25/2014   
  3/25/2014   

3/24/2011   
3/8/2012   
3/8/2012   
  3/21/2013   
  3/21/2013   
  3/25/2014   
  3/25/2014   

Pascal W. 
Di Fronzo 

3/24/2011   
3/8/2012   
3/8/2012   
  3/21/2013   
  3/21/2013   
  3/25/2014   
  3/25/2014   
________________ 

2015 Proxy Statement 60

Equity 
Incentive 
Plan    Awards:
Number of 
Unearned 
Shares That 
Have 
Not  Vested (#) 

Equity  
Incentive 
Plan     
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout 
Value of 
Unearned 
Shares That 
Have Not 
Vested ($) 

—
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

—

—
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

—
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

—
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)  Market value of RSUs that have not vested is computed by multiplying (i) $54.01, the closing price on the NASDAQ of Autodesk 
Common Stock on January 30, 2015, the last trading day of fiscal 2015, by (ii) the number of shares of stock underlying RSU 
awards. 

(b)  Awards relate to PSU awards granted on March 8, 2012 under the 2012 Plan, that were subject to achievement of annual revenue and 
non-GAAP operating margin goals for fiscal 2013 adopted by the Compensation Committee, and vests in thirds over a period of three 
years from grant date. 

(c)  Awards relate to the second year traunch of PSU awards granted on March 21, 2013 under the 2012 Plan. These PSUs were subject to 
achievement of annual net billings and total subscriptions for fiscal 2015 adopted by the Compensation Committee, as well as TSR 
compared against the S&P Computer Software Select Index.  The second year traunch of these PSUs were earned as of January 31, 
2015 and subject to vest on March 23, 2015. 

(d)  Award relates to the third year traunch of PSU awards granted on March 8, 2012, but amended on March 21, 2013 under the 2012 
Plan.  These PSUs were subject to achievement of annual net billings and total subscriptions for fiscal 2015 adopted by the 
Compensation Committee, as well as TSR compared against the S&P Computer Software Select Index.  The third year traunch of 
these PSUs were earned as of January 31, 2015 and subject to vest on March 23, 2015. 

(e)  Awards relate to the first year traunch of PSU awards granted on March 25, 2014 under the 2012 Plan. These PSUs were subject to 
achievement of annual net billings and total subscriptions for fiscal 2015 adopted by the Compensation Committee, as well as TSR 
compared against the S&P Computer Software Select Index.  The first year traunch of these PSUs were earned as of January 31, 2015 
and subject to vest on March 23, 2015. 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested at Fiscal 2015 Year End 

The following table presents certain information concerning the vesting of stock awards held by each of the named executive 
officers during fiscal 2015. 

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Carl Bass 
R. Scott Herren 

Jan Becker 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Mark J. Hawkins 

______________ 

Option Awards 

Stock Awards 

Number of 
Shares Acquired on 
Exercise (#) 

Value Realized on 
Exercise ($) (a) 

Number of 
Shares Acquired on 
Vesting (#) 

Value Realized on 
Vesting ($) (a) 

97,500
—

21,875

15,000

21,875

25,625

1,901,128
—

306,137

307,650

306,328

355,182

199,126    
—   
19,798   
25,610   
19,798   
37,829   

10,492,211
—

1,052,313

1,365,097

1,052,313

2,014,113

(a)  For options exercised, reflects the number of shares acquired upon exercise multiplied by the difference between the closing market 
price of our Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the underlying stock 
option. For RSUs vested, reflects the number of shares acquired on vesting multiplied by the closing market price of our Common 
Stock as reported on the NASDAQ on the vesting date. 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2015  

Under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, certain United States-based officers (including named executive officers) 
may defer compensation earned such as salary or awards under the short-term cash incentive plan (EIP). Deferral elections are 
made by eligible executive officers each year during an “open enrollment” period for amounts to be earned in the following 
year. Autodesk does not make any contribution for executive officers under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. 
Prior to April 2013, we maintained our Autodesk, Inc. Equity Incentive Deferral Plan, which permitted certain executive 
officers to defer up to 50% of their EIP award. 

2015 Proxy Statement  61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The following table presents information regarding non-qualified deferred compensation activity for each listed officer during 
fiscal 2015: 

Named Executive Officer 

Carl Bass 
R. Scott Herren 

Jan Becker 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Mark J. Hawkins 

 _____________ 

Executive 
Contributions 
(Distributions) 
in Fiscal 
Year ($) 

Aggregate 
Earnings/ 
(Losses) in 
Fiscal Year ($) (a) 

Aggregate 
Balance at 
Fiscal Year End ($) 

—
—

(323,958 )

68,621

—

—

—  
—  
25,216   
39,496   
14,997   
8,855   

—
—

591,709

629,544

171,284

130,059

(a)  None of the earnings or losses in this column are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table because they are not considered 

preferential or above market. 

Change-in-Control Arrangements and Employment Agreements 

In an effort to ensure the continued service of our key executive officers in the event of a change-in-control, each of our current 
executive officers, among other employees, participate in an amended and restated Executive Change in Control Program (the 
“Program”) that was approved by the Board in March 2006 and amended most recently in September 2013. Mr. Bass has a 
change-in-control provision in his employment agreement, as noted below. 

Executive Change in Control Program 

Under the terms of the Program, if, within sixty days prior or twelve months following a “change in control,” an executive 
officer who participates in the Program is terminated without “cause,” or voluntarily terminates his or her employment for 
“good reason” (as those terms are defined in the Program), the executive officer will receive (among other benefits), following 
execution of a release and non-solicit agreement: 

•   An amount equal to one and one-half times the sum of the executive officer’s annual base compensation and average 

annual bonus, plus the executive officer’s pro-rata bonus, provided the Company bonus targets are satisfied, payable in a 
lump sum; 

•   Acceleration of all of the executive officer’s outstanding incentive equity awards, including stock options and RSUs; and 

•   Reimbursement of the total applicable premium cost for medical and dental coverage for the executive officer and his or 

her eligible spouse and dependents until the earlier of 18 months from the date of termination or when the executive officer 
becomes covered under another employer’s employee benefit plans. 

•   An executive officer who is terminated for any other reason will receive severance or other benefits only to the extent the 
executive would be entitled to receive them under our then-existing benefit plans and policies. If the benefits provided 
under the Program constitute parachute payments under Section 280G of the Code and are subject to the excise tax 
imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then such benefits will be (1) delivered in full, or (2) delivered to such lesser extent 
that would result in no portion of the benefits being subject to the excise tax, whichever results in the executive officer 
receiving the greatest amount of benefits. 

2015 Proxy Statement 62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As defined in the Program, a “change in control” occurs if any person acquires 50% or more of the total voting power 
represented by voting securities, if Autodesk sells all or substantially all its assets, if Autodesk merges or consolidates with 
another corporation, or if the composition of the Board changes substantially. 

Employment Agreement with Carl Bass 

In March 2013, Autodesk entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Carl Bass that provides for, among 
other things, certain payments and benefits to be provided to Mr. Bass in the event his employment is terminated without 
“cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” including in connection with a “change of control” or following the completion of a 
Board-requested executive “transition period,” as each such term is defined in Mr. Bass's employment agreement. 

In the event Mr. Bass's employment is terminated by Autodesk without cause or if Mr. Bass resigns for good reason, and such 
termination is not in connection with a change of control, Mr. Bass will receive (i) payment of 200% of his then current base 
salary for 12 months; (ii) payout of his pro-rata bonus for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, provided Autodesk bonus 
targets are satisfied, to be paid in one lump sum on or before March 15th of the succeeding fiscal year; (iii) fully accelerated 
vesting of all of his then-outstanding, unvested equity awards (other than any awards that vest in whole or in part based on 
performance); (iv) with respect to his then outstanding unvested equity awards that vest in whole or in part based on 
performance, those awards will vest, as if he had remained continuously employed by Autodesk through the end of the 12-
month performance period in which his employment is terminated, based on the extent, if any, that the underlying performance 
criteria for those awards are satisfied for that performance period; (v) a period of not less than 12 months to exercise any vested 
stock options that were granted to Mr. Bass on or after February 2, 2009 (provided that such options shall expire, if earlier, on 
the date when they would have expired if his employment had not terminated); and (vi) reimbursement for premiums paid for 
continued health benefits for Mr. Bass and his eligible dependents until the earlier of 12 months following termination or the 
date Mr. Bass becomes covered under similar health plans. In addition, Mr. Bass is subject to non-solicitation and non-
competition covenants for 12 months following a termination that gives rise to the severance benefits discussed above. 

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If, in connection with a change of control, Mr. Bass's employment is terminated by Autodesk without cause or if Mr. Bass 
resigns for good reason, Mr. Bass will receive (i) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to 200% of his then current annual 
base salary and average annual bonus; (ii) payout of his pro-rata bonus for the fiscal year of Autodesk in which termination 
occurs provided Autodesk bonus targets are satisfied, to be paid in one lump sum on or before March 15th of the succeeding 
fiscal year; (iii) fully accelerated vesting of all of his then outstanding unvested equity awards, including awards that would 
otherwise vest only upon satisfaction of performance criteria; (iv) a period of not less than twelve (12) months to exercise any 
vested stock options that were granted to Mr. Bass by Autodesk on or after February 2, 2009 (provided that such options shall 
expire, if earlier, on the date when they would have expired if his employment had not terminated); and (v) reimbursement for 
premiums paid for continued health benefits for Mr. Bass and his eligible dependents until the earlier of 18 months following 
termination or the date Mr. Bass becomes covered under similar health plans. 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control 

The tables below list the estimated amount of compensation payable to each of the named executive officers in the event of 
voluntary termination, involuntary not-for-cause termination, for cause termination, termination following a change in control, 
and termination in the event of disability or death of the executive. The amounts shown for all named executive officers assume 
that such termination was effective as of January 31, 2015, and include all components of compensation, benefits and 
perquisites payable under the Executive Change in Control Program effective during the 2015 fiscal year or, in the case of Mr. 
Bass, pursuant to his employment agreement, discussed above. Estimated amounts for share-based compensation are based on 
the closing price of our Common Stock on the NASDAQ on Friday, January 30, 2015, which was $54.01 per share. The actual 
amounts for all named executive officers to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation. Mr. 
Hawkins resigned from Autodesk effective July 31, 2014 and was not eligible for compensation in connection with the 
termination of his employment. 

2015 Proxy Statement  63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl Bass 

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Executive Benefits and Payments 

Compensation: 

Base Salary (1) 

Short-Term Cash Incentive 
Plan (EIP) (2) 
Equity Awards (3) 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance (4) 

Disability Income (5) 

Accidental Death or 
Dismemberment (6) 
Life Insurance (7) 

Accrued Vacation Pay (8) 

Total Executive Benefits and 
Payments Upon Separation 

R. Scott Herren 

Executive Benefits and Payments 

Compensation: 

Base Salary (1) 

Short-Term Cash Incentive 
Plan (EIP) (2) 
Equity Awards (3) 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance (4) 

Disability Income (5) 

Accidental Death or 
Dismemberment (6) 
Life Insurance (7) 

Total Executive Benefits and 
Payments Upon Separation 

2015 Proxy Statement 64

Involuntary 
Not For Cause 
or Voluntary 
for Good 
Reason 
(Except Change 
in Control) 
Termination on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Involuntary 
Not for Cause 
or Voluntary 
For Good 
Reason 
(Change in 
Control) 
Termination on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination 
on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Voluntary 
Termination 
on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Disability on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

—   

—
—   

—   
—   

—
—   
—   

2,132,000

1,448,428

16,471,648

24,475

—

—

—

—

—

20,076,551

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,132,000   

—

3,343,082 
21,264,496   

1,448,428

—

36,713   
—   

— 
—   
—   

24,475

2,021,923

1,066,000

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,066,000

2,000,000

—

26,776,291 

4,560,826

3,066,000

Involuntary 
Not For Cause 
or Voluntary 
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change 
in Control)  
Termination on 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination 
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

—  

—
—  

—  
—  

—
—  

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Involuntary 
Not for Cause  
or Voluntary  
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on   

215,507   

278,435 
1,944,360   

Disability on
1/31/2015 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,710,000

1,710,000

31,030   
—   

— 
—   

20,686

2,493,918

1,710,000

—

2,469,332 

4,224,604

3,420,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jan Becker 

Executive Benefits and Payments 

Compensation: 

Base Salary (1) 

Short-Term Cash Incentive 
Plan (EIP) (2) 
Equity Awards (3) 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance (4) 

Disability Income (5) 

Accidental Death or 
Dismemberment (6) 
Life Insurance (7) 

Total Executive Benefits and 
Payments Upon Separation 

Steven M. Blum 

Executive Benefits and Payments   

Compensation: 

Base Salary (1) 

Short-Term Cash 
Incentive Plan (EIP) (2) 
Sales Commissions and 
Bonus (9) 
Equity Awards (3) 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance (4) 

Disability Income (5) 

Accidental Death or 
Dismemberment (6) 
Life Insurance (7) 

Total Executive Benefits and 
Payments Upon Separation 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause 
or Voluntary 
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change 
in Control)  
Termination on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2015 ($)   

For Cause 
Termination 
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

—   

—
—   

—   
—   

—
—   

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Involuntary 
Not for Cause  
or Voluntary 
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

637,500   

741,381 
3,062,819   

Disability on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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31,030   
—   

20,686

1,157,357

— 
—   

425,000

—

425,000

850,000

4,472,730 

1,603,043

1,275,000

Involuntary 
Not For Cause 
or Voluntary 
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change 
in Control)  
Termination on 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination 
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

Involuntary 
Not for Cause 
or Voluntary 
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on   

Disability on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

—   

— 

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

— 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

690,000  

1,334,845  

862,500  
3,218,168  

36,713  
—  

—  

—  

—  

— 

— 
—  

24,475  
2,870,084  

2,000,000 
—  

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,000,000

2,000,000

6,142,226  

4,894,559 

4,000,000

2015 Proxy Statement  65

 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

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Executive Benefits and Payments   

Compensation: 

Base Salary (1) 

Short-Term Cash 
Incentive Plan (EIP) (2) 
Equity Awards (3) 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance (4) 

Disability Income (5) 

Accidental Death or 
Dismemberment (6) 
Life Insurance (7) 

Total Executive Benefits and 
Payments Upon Separation 

 _____________ 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause 
or Voluntary 
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change 
in Control)  
Termination on 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination 
on  
1/31/2015 ($) 

Involuntary 
Not for Cause 
or Voluntary 
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on   

Disability on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2015 ($) 

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

— 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

690,000  

799,014  
3,062,819  

36,079  
—  

—  
—  

—  

— 
—  

24,053  
2,870,084  

2,000,000 
—  

—

—

—

—

—

2,000,000

460,000

4,587,912  

4,894,137 

2,460,000

(1)  Base Salary: For Mr. Bass, the amounts shown would be paid in accordance with his employment agreement that was in effect as of 
January 31, 2015. For the other named executive officers, the amounts shown would be paid in accordance with the Executive 
Change in Control Program effective during the 2015 fiscal year. 

(2)  Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan (EIP): For Mr. Bass, the amounts shown would be paid in accordance with his employment 

agreement that was in effect as of January 31, 2015. For the other named executive officers, the amounts shown would be paid in 
accordance with the Executive Change in Control Program effective during the 2015 fiscal year.  These amounts are based on the 
cash value of the short-term cash incentive plan. 

(3)  Equity Awards: For Mr. Bass, the amounts shown reflect the value of unvested equity awards accelerated in accordance with his 

employment agreement that was in effect as of January 31, 2015. For the other named executive officers, the amounts shown reflect 
the value of unvested equity awards accelerated in accordance with the Executive Change in Control Program effective during the 
2015 fiscal year. Reported values are based on (i) the excess of the closing price of our Common Stock on January 30, 2015 ($54.01 
per share), over the exercise price with respect to unvested stock options, and (ii) the closing price of our Common Stock on January 
30, 2015 ($54.01 per share) in the case of RSUs and PSUs. 

(4)  Health Insurance: For Mr. Bass, in accordance with his employment agreement that was in effect as of January 31, 2015, these 

amounts represent the cost of continuing coverage for Mr. Bass and his dependents.  The amount shown in the Involuntary Not for 
Cause or Voluntary for Good Reason (Except Change in Control) Termination column reflects twelve months of coverage after 
separation.  The amounts in the Involuntary Not for Cause or Voluntary for Good Reason (Change in Control) Termination column 
reflect eighteen months of coverage after separation. For the other named executive officers, these amounts represent the cost of 
continuing coverage for medical and dental benefits for each executive and his or her dependents (i) in the case of the Disability 
column, for twelve months in accordance with Autodesk's benefits program, and (ii) in the case of the Involuntary Not for Cause or 
Voluntary for Good Reason (Change in Control) Termination column, for eighteen months after separation in accordance with the 
Executive Change in Control Program effective during the 2015 fiscal year. 

(5)  Disability Income: Reflects the estimated present value of all future payments to each executive under his or her elected disability 
program, which represent 100% of base salary for the first 90 days, and then 66- 2/3% of salary thereafter, with a maximum of 
$20,000 per month, until the age of 65. These payments would be made by the insurance provider, not by Autodesk. 

(6)  Accidental Death or Dismemberment: Reflects the lump-sum amount payable to each executive or his or her beneficiaries by 
Autodesk’s insurance provider in the event of the executive’s accidental death. There is also a prorated lump sum payment for 
dismemberment. The amount shown as payable upon dismemberment is based upon the payout for the most severe dismemberment 
under the plan. 

(7)  Life Insurance: Reflects the lump-sum amount payable to beneficiaries by Autodesk’s insurance provider in the event of the 

executive’s death. 

2015 Proxy Statement 66

 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8)  Accrued Vacation Pay: At January 31, 2015, Mr. Bass had no accrued vacation. 
(9)  Sales Commissions and Bonus: For Mr. Blum, amounts reflect the fiscal 2015 sales commissions and bonuses earned. 

Compensation of Directors 

During fiscal 2015, our non-employee directors were eligible to receive the annual compensation set forth below: 

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Non-executive Chairman of the Board 
Chair of the Audit Committee 
Chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee 
Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 

$75,000 and 8,300 RSUs
$65,000
$25,000
$20,000
$10,000

an additional
an additional
an additional
an additional

The annual compensation cycle for non-employee directors begins on the date of the annual stockholders' meeting and ends on 
the date of the next annual stockholders meeting (“Directors' Compensation Cycle”). Director compensation in the tables below 
represents the portion of annual compensation with respect to service during Autodesk's fiscal 2015. 

No later than December 31 of the year prior to a director's re-election to the Board, the director can elect to receive up to 100% 
of his or her annual fees in the form of RSUs issued at a rate of $1.20 worth of stock for each $1.00 of cash compensation 
foregone. The RSUs are issued at the beginning of the Directors' Compensation Cycle on the date of the annual meeting of 
stockholders and will vest on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders in the following year, provided that the recipient is 
a director on such date. For the period from June 13, 2013 through June 10, 2014, all of our non-employee directors, except  
Mr. Beveridge, Mr. Georgens, Ms. Rafael and Mr. West, elected to convert 100% of the cash portion of their annual fees to 
RSUs. Mr. Beveridge, Mr. Georgens, Ms. Rafael and Mr. West did not elect to receive any portion of their annual fees in the 
form of RSUs and instead received 100% cash. For the period from June 10, 2014 through June 10, 2015, all of our non-
employee directors, except Mr. Beveridge, Mr. Georgens, Ms. Rafael and Mr. West, elected to convert 100% of the cash portion 
of their annual fees to RSUs. Mr. Beveridge, Mr. Georgens, Ms. Rafael and Mr. West did not elect to receive any portion of 
their annual fees in the form of RSUs and instead received 100% cash. If elected, cash compensation is accrued monthly and 
paid quarterly, in arrears. 

During fiscal 2015, Autodesk's 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan provided for the automatic grant of RSUs to our non-
employee directors. Upon being elected or appointed to our Board, each non-employee director would be  provided an initial 
grant of 12,400 RSUs (“Initial RSUs”), with subsequent annual grants of 8,300 RSUs (“Subsequent Annual RSUs”). The Initial 
RSUs vest over a three-year period; Subsequent Annual RSUs vest over a one-year period. 

On March 12, 2015, the Board amended the 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan to change Initial RSUs and Subsequent Annual 
RSUs from fixed numbers of shares (12,400 and 8,300, respectively) to fixed dollar values of shares ($450,000 and $250,000, 
respectively) based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. As a result, the directors will receive Subsequent Annual 
RSUs with a grant date value of $250,000 on the date of the Annual Meeting. 

2015 Proxy Statement  67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The table below presents information concerning the compensation paid by us to each of our non-employee directors for fiscal 
2015. Mr. Bass, who was an Autodesk employee during fiscal 2015, did not receive additional compensation for his service as a 
director. 

Director 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
J. Hallam Dawson 

Thomas Georgens 

Per-Kristian Halvorsen 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Steven M. West 

Fees Earned or 
Paid in Cash 
($) (a) 

Stock Awards 
($) (b) 

Total 
($) 

140,000
75,000

75,000

85,000

95,000

100,000

75,000

75,000

75,000

448,864    
463,850    
448,864    
465,842    
467,846    
468,830    
448,864    
463,850    
448,864    

588,864
538,850

523,864

550,842

562,846

568,830

523,864

538,850

523,864

(a)  Fees Earned or Paid in Cash reflects the dollar amounts of fees earned. As noted above, during fiscal 2015, directors could elect to 

receive up to 100% of their compensation in the form of RSUs in lieu of cash. The following table represents actual cash received by 
the directors in fiscal 2015 based on their elections. See footnote (b) for more information regarding the RSUs granted in lieu of cash. 

Director 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
J. Hallam Dawson 
Thomas Georgens 
Per-Kristian Halvorsen 
Mary T. McDowell 
Lorrie M. Norrington 
Betsy Rafael 
Stacy J. Smith 
Steven M. West 

Fees Actually Paid in Cash ($) 

140,000
—
75,000
—
—
—
75,000
—
75,000

(b)   The Stock Awards column reflects (i) the grant date fair value of the Initial RSUs and Subsequent Annual RSUs and (ii) the pro-rata 
grant date fair value of 20% of the stock awards the directors earned during fiscal 2015 in lieu of cash. The 20% represents the 
premium of $1.20 worth of stock for each $1.00 of cash compensation foregone.  The assumptions used in the valuation of these 
awards are set forth in Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements in our fiscal 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2015. These amounts do not correspond to the actual 
value that will be realized by the directors upon the vesting of RSUs or the sale of the Common Stock underlying such awards.  

2015 Proxy Statement 68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the total amounts and fair values, as well as the 20% premium, of RSUs granted on June 13, 2013, in 
lieu of cash foregone for the June 13, 2013, through June 10, 2014, Directors' Compensation Cycle: 

Director 

Crawford W. Beveridge 

J. Hallam Dawson 

Thomas Georgens 

Per-Kristian Halvorsen 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Steven M. West 

Restricted Stock Unit 

Total Number 
of Shares (#) 

Number of Shares 
Representing the 
20% Premium (#)

Grant Date Fair 
Value of Stock 
Awards ($) 

Grant Date Fair Value of the 
20% Premium of the Stock 
Awards ($) 

—

2,508

—

2,842

3,177

3,344

—

2,508

—

— 

418   

— 

473   
529   
557   

— 

418   

— 

—  
89,987   
—   
101,971   
113,991   
119,983   
—   
89,987   
—   

—

14,998

—

16,971

18,981

19,985

—

14,998

—

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The following table shows the total amounts and fair values, as well as the 20% premium, of RSUs granted on June 10, 2014, in 
lieu of cash foregone for the June 10, 2014, through June 10, 2015, Directors' Compensation Cycle: 

Director 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
J. Hallam Dawson 

Thomas Georgens 

Per-Kristian Halvorsen 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Steven M. West 

Restricted Stock Unit 

Total 
Number of 
Shares (#) 

Number of Shares 
Representing the 
20% Premium (#)

Grant Date Fair 
Value of Stock 
Awards ($) 

Grant Date Fair Value 
of the 20% Premium of 
the Stock Awards ($) 

—
1,664

—

1,886

2,107

2,218

—

1,664

—

— 
277

— 

314

351

369

— 

277

— 

—  
89,989   
—   
101,995   
113,947   
119,949   
—   
89,989   
—  

—
14,980

—

16,981

18,982

19,956

—

14,980

—

The following table shows the total amounts and fair values of Subsequent Annual RSUs and Initial RSUs granted during fiscal 
2015. 

Director 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
J. Hallam Dawson 
Thomas Georgens 
Per-Kristian Halvorsen 
Mary T. McDowell 
Lorrie M. Norrington 
Betsy Rafael 
Stacy J. Smith 
Steven M. West 

Restricted Stock Unit 

Grant Date 

Number of 
Shares (#) 

Grant Date Fair 
Value of Stock 
Awards ($) 

6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014
6/10/2014

8,300 
8,300 
8,300 
8,300 
8,300 
8,300 
8,300 
8,300 
8,300 

448,864
448,864
448,864
448,864
448,864
448,864
448,864
448,864
448,864

2015 Proxy Statement  69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The aggregate number of each director's stock options and RSUs outstanding at January 31, 2015, was:  

Directors 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
J. Hallam Dawson 
Thomas Georgens 
Per-Kristian Halvorsen 
Mary T. McDowell 
Lorrie M. Norrington 
Betsy Rafael 
Stacy J. Smith 
Steven M. West 

Aggregate Number of Shares 
Underlying Outstanding Stock 
Options Outstanding 

Aggregate Number of Shares 
Underlying Outstanding Restricted 
Stock Units 

45,000
40,000
—
40,000
45,000
50,000
—
50,000
—

8,300
9,964
8,300
10,186
10,407
10,518
8,300
9,964
8,300

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of Autodesk’s Common Stock as of 
March 31, 2015, for each person or entity who is known by Autodesk to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding 
shares of Autodesk Common Stock, each of Autodesk’s directors (including the nominees for directors), each of the named 
executive officers, and all directors and executive officers as a group. 

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5% Stockholders, Directors and Officers (1) 

Principal Stockholders: 
The Vanguard Group, Inc. (4) 

Soroban Capital GP LLC (5) 

Clearbridge Investments, LLC (6) 

Lone Pine Capital LLC (7) 
BlackRock, Inc. (8) 
Non-Employee Directors: 
Crawford W. Beveridge (9) 

J. Hallam Dawson (10) 

Tom Georgens 

Per-Kristian Halvorsen (11) 

Mary T. McDowell (12) 

Lorrie M. Norrington (13) 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith (14) 

Steven M. West 

Named Executive Officers: 
Carl Bass (15) 

R. Scott Herren (16) 

Steven M. Blum (17) 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo (18) 

Jan Becker 

Mark J. Hawkins 

All directors and executive officers as a group (14 individuals) (19) 

 _______________ 

2015 Proxy Statement 70

Common Stock 
Beneficially 
Owned (2) 

Percentage 
Beneficially 
Owned (3) 

17,169,012   
16,167,814   
14,577,116   
14,463,336    
13,673,395    

73,773   
83,936   
8,308   
57,052   
67,533   
61,378   
—   
71,864   
24,905   

584,799   
—   
103,374   
35,390   
55,167   
—   
1,227,479   

7.5 %

7.1 %

6.4 %

6.3 %
6.0 %

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
* Represents less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding Common Stock. 

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(1)  Unless otherwise indicated in their respective footnote, the address for each listed person is c/o Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, 

San Rafael, California 94903. 

(2)  The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, and the 
information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under Rule 13d-3, beneficial ownership 
includes any shares the individual or entity has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2015, through the exercise of any 
stock option or other right. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, each person or entity has sole voting and investment power 
(or shares such powers with his or her spouse) with respect to the shares shown as beneficially owned. 

(3)  The total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2015, was 229,123,864. 
(4)  As of December 31, 2014, the reporting date of The Vanguard Group, Inc.’s most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(g) 
of the Exchange Act filed on February 9, 2015, The Vanguard Group, Inc. was deemed to have sole voting power with respect to 
394,091 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 16,797,836 shares, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares, and shared 
dispositive power with respect to 371,176 shares. The address of The Vanguard Group, Inc. is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 
19355. 

(5)  As of December 31, 2014, the reporting date of Soroban Capital GP LLC's most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(g) 
of the Exchange Act filed on February 17, 2015, Soroban Capital GP LLC, Soroban Capital Partners LP, Soroban Capital Partners GP 
LLC and Eric W. Mandelblatt were deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 16,167,814 shares, of which 
Soroban Master Fund LP held shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 12,513,527 shares.  None of those parties held sole 
voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares. The address of Soroban Capital GP LLC, Soroban Capital Partners GP LP, 
Soroban Capital Partners GP LLC and Eric W. Mandelblatt is 444 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022.  The address 
of Soroban Master Fund, LP is 45 Market Street, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman KY1-1103, Cayman Islands. 

(6)  As of December 31, 2014, the reporting date of Clearbridge Investments, LLC's most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to 

Section 13(g) of the Exchange Act filed on February 17, 2015, Clearbridge Investments, LLC was deemed to have sole voting power 
with respect to 14,198,592 shares,  sole dispositive power with respect to 14,577,116 shares, and shared voting and shared dispositive 
power with respect to 0 shares. The address of Clearbridge Investments, LLC is 620 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018. 

(7)  As of December 31, 2014, the reporting date of Lone Pine Capital LLC's most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(g) of 
the Exchange Act filed on February 17, 2015, Lone Pine Capital LLC held shares between Stephen F. Mandel, Jr., which were 
deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 0 shares, and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 
14,463,336 shares. The address of  Lone Pine Capital LLC and Stephen F Mandel, Jr. is Two Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, CT 
06830. 

(8)  As of December 31, 2014, the reporting date of BlackRock, Inc.’s most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(g) of the 
Exchange Act filed on January 12, 2015, BlackRock, Inc. was deemed to have sole voting power with respect to 11,711,892 shares, 
sole dispositve power with respect to 13,661,720 shares, and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 11,675 shares. The 
address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. 

(9)  Includes 40,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015.  
(10) Includes 40,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015.  
(11) Includes 35,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 
(12) Includes 45,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 
(13) Includes 50,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 
(14) Includes 50,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 
(15) Includes 300,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. Includes 90,057 shares held by an 

irrevocable trust, as to which Mr. Bass holds sole voting rights, but no dispositive rights, as special voting trustee. Mr. Bass disclaims 
beneficial ownership of the shares held in trust except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. 

(16) Upon commencement of his employment on  November 3, 2014, Mr. Herren was granted 36,000 RSUs, none of which vest within 60 

days of March 31, 2015.  

(17) Includes 50,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 
(18) Includes 6,875 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 
(19) Includes 616,875 shares subject to options exercisable, and RSUs that vest, within 60 days of March 31, 2015. 

2015 Proxy Statement  71

 
 
 
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Related Person Transactions 

Autodesk's Related Party Transactions Policy states that all transactions between or among Autodesk and its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries and any Related Party, as defined in the Policy, requires the prior written approval of the Chief Financial Officer. 
Non-routine transactions with vendors and suppliers to Autodesk and its wholly-owned subsidiaries require the prior written 
approval of the Corporate Controller. In addition, in accordance with our Code of Business Conduct and the charter for the 
Audit Committee, our Audit Committee reviews and approves in advance any proposed “related person” transactions. Any 
related person transaction will be disclosed in an SEC filing as required by the rules of the SEC. For purposes of these 
procedures, “related person” and “transaction” have the meanings contained in Item 404 of Regulation S-K. 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a 
registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with 
the SEC and the NASDAQ. Such executive officers, directors and stockholders also are required by SEC rules to furnish us 
with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. 

Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were 
required to be filed during fiscal 2015, we are not aware of any late Section 16(a) filings. 

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Audit Committee is a committee of the Board consisting solely of independent directors as required by the listing standards 
of the NASDAQ and rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board, which is 
available on Autodesk's website at www.autodesk.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance.” The composition of 
the Audit Committee, the attributes of its members and the responsibilities of the Audit Committee, as reflected in its charter, 
are intended to be in accordance with applicable requirements for corporate audit committees. The Audit Committee reviews 
and assesses the adequacy of its charter and the Audit Committee’s performance on an annual basis. 

As described more fully in its charter, the Audit Committee’s role includes the oversight of our financial, accounting and 
reporting processes; our system of internal accounting and financial controls; and oversight of the management of risks 
associated with the Company’s financial reporting, accounting and auditing matters. The Audit Committee oversees the 
appointment, compensation, engagement, retention, termination and services of our independent registered public accounting 
firm, Ernst & Young LLP, including conducting a review of its independence; reviewing and approving the planned scope of 
our annual audit; overseeing Ernst & Young LLP’s audit work; reviewing and pre-approving any audit and permissible non-
audit services and fees that may be performed by Ernst & Young LLP; reviewing with management and Ernst & Young LLP 
compliance by Autodesk with establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal financial and disclosure controls; 
reviewing our critical accounting policies and the application of accounting principles; monitoring the rotation of partners of 
Ernst & Young LLP on our audit engagement team as required by regulation; reviewing the Company’s treasury 
policies and tax positions; and overseeing the performance of our internal audit function. The Audit Committee establishes and 
oversees compliance by Autodesk with the procedures for handling complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting 
controls, or auditing matters, including procedures for confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees regarding 
accounting and auditing matters. The Audit Committee’s role also includes meeting to review our annual audited financial 
statements and quarterly financial statements with management and Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee held 13 
meetings during fiscal 2015. Management is responsible for the quarterly and annual financial statements and the reporting 
process, including the systems of internal controls. Ernst & Young LLP is responsible for expressing an opinion on the 

2015 Proxy Statement 72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles. Within this context, the Audit 
Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for fiscal 2015 with management and Ernst & Young LLP.  

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by applicable 
requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s communications with the 
Audit Committee concerning independence, has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the independence of that firm, and has 
considered whether the provision of non-audit services was compatible with maintaining the independence of that firm. In 
addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the matters required to be discussed by Public Company 
Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 16, “Communications with Audit Committees.” The Audit Committee also 
discussed with management and with Ernst & Young LLP the evaluation of Autodesk’s internal controls and the effectiveness of 
Autodesk’s internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

The Audit Committee discussed with Autodesk’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their 
respective audits. In addition, the Audit Committee met with the internal and the independent auditors, with and without 
management present, on a regular basis in fiscal 2015 and discussed the results of their examinations and the overall quality of 
Autodesk’s financial reporting. 

On the basis of these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board (and the Board has approved) 
that Autodesk’s audited financial statements be included in Autodesk’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
January 31, 2015, for filing with the SEC. 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Lorrie M. Norrington (Chair) 
J. Hallam Dawson 
Steven M. West 
Betsy Rafael 

OTHER MATTERS 

The Board does not know of any other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly 
presented at the Annual Meeting, shares of Common Stock represented by proxy will be voted in accordance with the discretion 
of the proxy holders. 

It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting, regardless of the number of shares that you hold. 
Autodesk urges you to vote at your earliest convenience. 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

April 28, 2015  
San Rafael, California 

2015 Proxy Statement  73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Appendix A 

AUTODESK, INC. 

2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PLAN 

(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE 

AS OF JUNE 10, 2015)∗1 

1.  Purposes  of  the  Plan.    The  purposes  of  this  2012  Employee  Stock  Plan  are  to  attract  and  retain  the  best 
available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, and to promote 
the success of the Company’s business. 

2.  Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:  

(a)  “Administrator”  means  the  Board  or  any  of  its  Committees  as  shall  be    administering  the  Plan,  in 

accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. 

(b)  “Applicable  Laws”  means  the  requirements  relating  to  the  administration  of  equity  compensation 
plans  under  U.S.  state  corporate  laws,  U.S.  federal  and  state  securities  laws,  the  Code,  any  stock 
exchange or  quotation  system  on  which  the  Shares  are  listed or  quoted  and  the  applicable  laws of 
any other country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan. 

(c)  “Award”  means,  individually  or  collectively,  a  grant  under  the  Plan  of  Incentive  Stock  Options, 

Nonqualified Stock Options, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units. 

(d)  “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and conditions 

applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. 
(e)  “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. 
(f)  “Change  of  Control”  means  the  occurrence  of  any  of  the  following  events,  in  one  or  a  series  of 

related transactions: 
(i)  any “person,” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, other than 
the Company, a subsidiary of the Company or a Company employee benefit plan, including any 
trustee of such plan acting as trustee, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 
13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 
fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding 
securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or 

(ii)  a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company 
with  any  other  corporation,  other  than  a  merger  or  consolidation  which  would  result  in  the 
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent 
(either  by  remaining  outstanding  or  by  being  converted  into  voting  securities  of  the  surviving 
entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities 
of  the  Company  or  such  surviving  entity  outstanding  immediately  after  such  merger  or 
consolidation; or 

(iii) the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company’s assets; or 
(iv) a  change  in  the  composition  of  the  Board,  as  a  result  of  which  fewer  than  a  majority  of  the 
Directors are Incumbent Directors.  “Incumbent Directors” shall mean Directors who either (A) 
are Directors as of the date this Plan is approved by the Board, or (B) are elected, or nominated 
for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Directors and 
whose election or nomination was not in connection with any transaction described in (i) or (ii) 
above  or  in  connection  with  an  actual  or  threatened  proxy  contest  relating  to  the  election  of 
directors of the Company. 

(g)  “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Reference to a specific section of 
the  Code  or  regulation  thereunder  shall  include  such  section  or  regulation,  any  valid  regulation 
promulgated  under  such  section,  and  any  comparable  provision  of  any  future  legislation  or 
regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation. 

1 * The Plan was originally adopted by the Board on November 7, 2011 and approved by the stockholders on January 6, 2012.  The Plan was 
amended and restated via Board approval on November 15, 2013, and was approved by the stockholders on January 14, 2014, to become 
effective on January 14, 2014. The Plan was further amended and restated via Board approval on March 12, 2015, and was approved by the 
stockholders on June 10, 2015, to become effective on June 10, 2015.  

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
                                                           
 
 
(h)  “Committee” means a Committee appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. 
(i)  “Common Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company. 
(j)  “Company” means Autodesk, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto. 
(k)  “Date of Grant” means, with respect to an Award, the date that the Award is granted and its exercise 
price  is  set  (if  applicable),  consistent  with  Applicable  Laws  and  applicable  financial  accounting 
rules. 

(l)  “Director” means a member of the Board. 
(m) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. 
(n)  “Earnings Per Share” means, as to any Performance Period, fully diluted earnings per share of the 
Company,  a  business  unit  or  an  industry  group,  as  defined  by  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles. 

(o)  “Effective Date” means January 6, 2012. 
(p)  “Employee”  means  any  person  employed  by  the  Company  or  any  Parent  or  Subsidiary  of  the 
Company.  An Employee shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence 
approved  by  the  Company  or  (ii) transfers  between  locations  of  the  Company  or  between  the 
Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.  For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no 
such  leave  may  exceed  ninety  days,  unless  reemployment  upon  expiration  of  such  leave  is 
guaranteed by statute or contract.  If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved 
by the Company is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the 91st day of such leave any 
Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option 
and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. 

(q)  “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Reference to a specific 
section  of  the  Exchange Act  or  regulation  thereunder  shall  include  such  section  or  regulation,  any 
valid  regulation  promulgated  under  such  section,  and  any  comparable  provision  of  any  future 
legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation. 
(r)  “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows: 

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(i)  If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market 
system,  including  without  limitation  the  Nasdaq  National  Market  of  the  National 
Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  Automated  Quotation  (“Nasdaq”) System,  the 
Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such 
stock  (or  the  closing  bid,  if  no  sales  were  reported) as  quoted  on  such  system  or 
exchange (or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock) on the 
day of determination; or 

(ii)  In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value 

shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator.  

(iii) If Fair Market Value is to be determined as of a date which is not a date on which the 
Common  Stock  is  traded,  then  the  Fair  Market  Value  on  such  date  shall  be  the  Fair 
Market Value on the next subsequent trading date. 

(s)  “Fiscal Year” means a fiscal year of the Company. 
(t)  “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within 

the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 

(u)  “Net Income” means, as to any Performance Period, net income for the Performance Period of the 
Company,  a  business  unit  or  an  industry  group,  as  defined  by  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles. 

(v)  “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. 
(w)  “Notice of Grant” means a written or electronic notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an 

individual Award.  The Notice of Grant is part of the Award Agreement. 
(x)  “Operating Margins” means the ratio of Operating Income to Revenue. 
(y)  “Operating Income” means income from operations of the Company, a business unit or an industry 

group, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. 

(z)  “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the 

Plan. 

(aa) “Parent” means a “parent corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in 

Section 424(e) of the Code. 

(bb) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan. 
(cc) “Performance Goals” means the goal(s) (or combined goal(s)) determined by the Administrator (in 
its discretion) to be applicable to a Participant with respect to Awards of Restricted Stock or 
Restricted Stock Units. Such Performance Goals may be made applicable to Awards which are 
intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, as well as Awards which not intended to 
comply with Section 162(m) of the Code.  As determined by the Administrator, the Performance 

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Goals applicable to an Award may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement using one or 
more of the following measures: (a) Revenue, (b) Earnings Per Share, (c) Net Income, (d) Operating 
Margins, (e) Total Stockholder Return, (f) recurring revenue (including annualized), (g) bookings, 
(h) billings, (i) number of customers, (j) objective customer indicators, (k) expenses, (l) cost 
reduction goals, (m) economic value added, (n) cash flow (including operating cash flow or free cash 
flow), (o) cash flow per share, and (p) sales or revenue targets, including product or product family 
targets. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award.  
Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable, (i) on Pro Forma numbers, (ii) in absolute terms, 
(iii) in relative terms (including, but not limited, the passage of time and/or against other companies 
or financial metrics), (iv) on a per share and/or share per capita basis, (v) against the performance of 
the Company as a whole or against particular segments, business units, industry groups or products 
of the Company and/or (vi) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.  Prior to the date on which such 
Performance Goals are determined, the Administrator shall stipulate whether any element(s) (for 
example, but not by way of limitation, the effect of mergers or acquisitions) shall be included in or 
excluded from the calculation of any Performance Goal with respect to any Participants 
(notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, whether or not such determinations result in any 
Performance Goal being measured on a basis other than generally accepted accounting principles).  
Such stipulation may also be made after the date such Performance Goals are determined to the 
extent that such stipulation would not violate Section 162(m) of the Code. 

(dd) “Performance Period” means any Fiscal Year or such longer period as determined by the 

Administrator in its sole discretion. 

(ee) “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are 
subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.  As 
provided in Section 9, such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of 
target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator, in 
its discretion. 

(ff)  “Plan” means this 2012 Employee Stock Plan, as set forth in this instrument and as hereafter 

amended from time to time. 

(gg) “Pro Forma” means calculation of a Performance Goal in a manner that excludes certain non-

recurring, unusual or non-cash expenses or credits, such as restructuring expenses, extraordinary tax 
events, expenses or credits related to equity compensation or the like, acquisition related expenses 
and charges, extraordinary items, income or loss from discontinued operations, and/or gains or losses 
from early extinguishment of debt instead of conforming to generally accepted accounting 
principles. 

(hh) “Restricted Stock” means an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 9. 
(ii)  (ii) “Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 10. 
(jj)  “Revenue”  means  net  sales  for  the  Performance  Period  of  the  Company,  a  business  unit  or  an 

industry group, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. 

(kk) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect 

when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan. 

(ll)  “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 
(mm) 

“Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of 

the Plan. 

(nn) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in 

Section 424(f) of the Code. 

(oo) “Total Stockholder Return” means the total return (change in share price plus reinvestment of any 

dividends) of a share of the Company’s common stock. 

3.  Stock Subject to the Plan. 

(a)  Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which 
may be issued under the Plan is equal to 30,550,000 Shares plus that number of Shares remaining for 
issuance  under  the  2008  Employee  Stock  Plan  as  of  January  6,  2012,  not  to  exceed  8,500,000 
Shares,  plus  that  number  of  Shares  that  are  subject  to  equity  awards  granted  under  the  2008 
Employee  Stock  Plan,  the  2008  Employee  Stock  Plan  (as  amended  and  restated),    the  2006 
Employee Stock Plan and the 1996 Stock Plan (collectively, the “Prior Plans”) which are outstanding 
as of January 6, 2012, not to exceed 6,000,000 Shares, and thereafter terminate, expire, lapse or are 
forfeited for any reason and which following the termination, expiration, lapse or forfeiture of such 
awards  do  not  again  become  available  for  issuance  under  the  Prior  Plans,  with  the  maximum 
aggregate total of Shares which may be issued under the Plan not to exceed 45,050,000 Shares. 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
(b)  The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.  Subject to Section 3(c) 
hereof, if an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or with 
respect to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, 
the  unpurchased  Shares  (or  for  Awards  other  than  Options,  the  forfeited  or  repurchased  Shares) 
which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the 
Plan has terminated).  Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not 
be  returned  to  the  Plan  and  will  not  become  available  for  future  distribution  under  the  Plan; 
provided,  however,  that  if  unvested  Shares  of  Restricted  Stock  or  Restricted  Stock  Units  are 
repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for 
future  grant  under  the  Plan.    Shares  used  to  pay  the  tax  and  exercise  price  of  an Award  will  not 
become available for future grant or sale under the Plan.  To the extent an Award under the Plan is 
paid  out  in  cash  rather  than  Shares,  such  cash  payment  will  not  result  in  reducing  the  number  of 
Shares  available  for  issuance  under  the  Plan.    Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  and,  subject  to 
adjustment  provided  in  Section 13,  the  maximum  number  of  Shares  that  may  be  issued  upon  the 
exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), 
plus,  to  the  extent  allowable under  Section 422 of  the  Code,  any  Shares  that  become  available  for 
issuance under the Plan under this Section 3(b). 

(c)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, each Share subject to an Incentive Stock Option or 

Nonqualified Stock Option shall be counted against the Shares authorized for issuance under the 
Plan as one Share.  Each Share subject to an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units 
shall be counted against the Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan as 1.79 Shares. Each 
Share which is subject to an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted under the 
Plan which is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof shall count 
as having returned 1.79 Shares to the total of number of Shares which are available for future grant 
or sale under the Plan. 

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4.  Administration of the Plan. 

(a) Procedure. 

(i)  Multiple Administrative Bodies.  The Plan may be administered by the Board or different 

Committees with respect to different groups of Employees.  

(ii)  Section 162(m).  To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify 
Awards  granted  hereunder  as  “performance-based  compensation”  within  the  meaning  of 
Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more 
“outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. 

(iii)  Rule 16b-3.  To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 
16b-3,  the  transactions  contemplated  hereunder  shall  be  structured  to  satisfy  the 
requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.  

(iv)  Other Administration.    Other  than  as  provided  above,  the  Plan  shall  be  administered  by 
(A) the  Board  or  (B) a  Committee,  which  committee  shall  be  constituted  to  satisfy 
Applicable Laws. 

(b) Powers of the Administrator.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, 
subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have 
the authority, in its discretion: 

(i) 

to  determine  the  Fair  Market  Value  of  the  Common  Stock,  in  accordance  with 
Section 2(r) of the Plan;  

(ii)  to select the Employees to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;  
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent Awards are granted hereunder;  
(iv) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;  
(v)  to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; 
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any 
Award granted hereunder.  With respect to Options, such terms and conditions include, but 
are  not  limited  to,  the  exercise  price,  the  time  or  times  when  Options  may  be  exercised, 
based  in  each  case  on  such  factors  as  the  Administrator,  in  its  sole  discretion,  shall 
determine;  

(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted hereunder; 
(viii) 

 to  prescribe,  amend  and  rescind  rules  and  regulations  relating  to  the  Plan, 
including  rules  and  regulations  relating  to  sub-plans  established  for  the  purpose  of 
qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws; 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan), including the 
discretionary  authority  to  extend  the  post-termination  exercisability  period  of  Options 
longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan; 

(x)  to  authorize  any  person  to  execute  on  behalf  of  the  Company  any  instrument  required  to 

effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator; 

(xi) to  allow  Participants  to  satisfy  withholding  tax  obligations  in  such  manner  as  may  be 

determined by the Administrator in accordance with the terms of the Plan; 

(xii) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to Awards; and 
(xiii) 

to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering 

the Plan. 

(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision.  The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations 
shall be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and shall be given the 
maximum deference permitted by law. 

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5.  Eligibility.  Awards may be granted only to Employees. 

6.  No  Employment  Rights.    Neither  the  Plan  nor  any  Award  shall  confer  upon  a  Participant  any  right  with 
respect  to  continuing  the  Participant’s  employment  with  the  Company  or  its  Subsidiaries,  nor  shall  they  interfere  in  any 
way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s or Subsidiary’s right, as the case may be, to terminate such employment 
at any time, with or without cause or notice. 

7.  Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective on January 6, 2012 and continue in effect, unless terminated 

earlier, until June 30, 2022. 

8.  Stock Options. 

(a) Grant  of  Options.    Subject  to  the  terms  and  provisions  of  the  Plan,  Options  may  be  granted  to 
Employees  at  any  time  and  from  time  to  time  as  determined  by  the  Administrator  in  its  sole 
discretion.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine the number of Shares subject to 
each Option, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant shall be granted Options covering 
more than a total of 1,500,000 Shares; provided, however, that such limit shall be 3,000,000 Shares 
in  the  Participant’s  first  Fiscal Year  of  Company  service.    The Administrator  may  grant  Incentive 
Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, or a combination thereof. 

(b) Term.   The  term  of  each  Option  shall  be  stated  in  the  Notice  of  Grant;  provided,  however,  that  the 
term  shall  be  no  longer  than  ten  (10)  years  from  the  Date  of  Grant.    Moreover,  in  the  case  of  an 
Incentive  Stock  Option  granted  to  a  Participant  who,  at  the  time  the  Incentive  Stock  Option  is 
granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of 
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall be no 
longer than five (5) years from the Date of Grant.  Subject to the five (5) and ten (10) year limits set 
forth  in  the  preceding  sentence,  the  Administrator  may,  after  an  Option  is  granted,  extend  the 
maximum term of the Option.  Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, any extension of 
the term of an Option pursuant to this Section 8(b) shall comply with Code Section 409A. 

(c) Option Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of 
an  Option  shall  be  determined  by  the  Administrator  and  shall  be  no  less  than  100%  of  the  Fair 
Market  Value  per  share  on  the  Date  of  Grant;  provided,  however,  that  in  the  case  of  an  Incentive 
Stock Option granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns 
stock  representing  more  than  ten  percent  (10%) of  the  voting  power  of  all  classes  of  stock  of  the 
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the 
Fair Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant. 

Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  in  the  event  that  the  Company  or  a  Subsidiary  consummates  a 
transaction described in Section 424(a) of the Code (e.g., the acquisition of property or stock from an 
unrelated  corporation),  persons  who  become  Employees  on  account  of  such  transaction  may  be 
granted  Options  in  substitution  for  options  granted  by  their  former  employer.    If  such  substitute 
Options  are granted,  the Administrator,  in its  sole  discretion  and  consistent  with Section  424(a) of 
the  Code,  may  determine  that  such  substitute  Options  shall  have  an  exercise  price  less  than  one 
hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Date of Grant. 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
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(d) No  Repricing.    The  exercise  price  for  an  Option  may  not  be  reduced  without  the  consent  of  the 
Company’s stockholders.  This shall include, without limitation, a repricing of the Option as well as 
an  Option  exchange  program  whereby  the  Participant  agrees  to  cancel  an  existing  Option  in 
exchange for (a) Awards with a lower exercise price, (b) a different type of Award, (c) cash, or (d) a 
combination of (a), (b) and/or (c). 

(e)  Waiting Period and Exercise Dates.  At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the 
period within which the Option may be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be 
satisfied  before  the  Option  may  be  exercised.    In  so  doing,  the Administrator  may  specify  that  an 
Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service period or until performance milestones 
are satisfied. 

(f)  Form of Consideration.  The Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for 
exercising an Option, including the method of payment.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, 
the Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant.  Subject 
to Applicable Laws, such consideration may consist entirely of: 

(i)  cash; 
(ii)  check; 
(iii) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been 
owned by the Participant for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a 
Fair  Market  Value  on  the  date  of  surrender  equal  to  the  aggregate  exercise  price  of  the 
Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised; 

(iv) delivery  to  the  Company  of  (A)  a  properly  executed  exercise  notice  together  with  such 
other  documentation  as  the  Administrator  and  the  broker,  if  applicable,  shall  require  to 
effect an exercise of the Option and (B) the sale proceeds required to pay the exercise price; 

(v)  any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or 
(vi) such  other  consideration  and  method  of  payment  for  the  issuance  of  Shares  to  the  extent 
permitted by Applicable Laws; provided, however, that in no case will loans be permitted as 
consideration for exercising an Option hereunder. 

(g) Exercise  of  Option;  Rights  as  a  Stockholder.    Any  Option  granted  hereunder  shall  be  exercisable 
according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the 
Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. 
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. 
An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written or electronic notice of 
exercise (in accordance with the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, 
and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.  Full payment may 
consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted 
by the Award Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in 
the name of the Participant.  Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the 
books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or 
receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the optioned stock, 
notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such 
Share promptly after the Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other 
right  for  which  the  record  date  is  prior  to  the  date  the  Share  is  issued,  except  as  provided  in 
Section 13 of the Plan. 
Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available for sale 
under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. 

(h)  Termination of Relationship as an Employee.  If a Participant ceases to be an Employee, other than 
by  reason  of  the  Participant’s  death  or  Disability,  the  Participant  may  exercise  his  or  her  Option 
within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement, to the extent that the Participant 
was entitled to exercise it on the date of termination.  In the absence of a specified time in the Award 
Agreement,  the  Option  shall  remain  exercisable  for  three  (3)  months  following  the  date  of  the 
Participant’s termination, to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise it on the date of 
termination. 

(i)  Disability.  If a Participant ceases to be an Employee by reason of the Participant’s Disability, the 
Participant  may  exercise  his  or  her  Option  for  twelve  (12)  months  following  the  date  of  the 
Participant’s termination, to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise it on the date of 
termination. 

(j) Death of Participant.  If a Participant ceases to be an Employee by reason of the Participant’s death, 
the Option may be exercised for twelve (12) months following the date of the Participant’s death, to 
the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise it on such date, by the Participant’s designated 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
beneficiary,  provided  such  beneficiary  has  been  designated  prior  to  Participant’s  death  in  a  form 
acceptable to the Administrator.  If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then 
such  Option  may  be  exercised  by  the  personal  representative  of  the  Participant’s  estate  or  by  the 
person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with 
the laws of descent and distribution. 

(k) General.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after its term has 
expired.  If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the 
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.  If, after termination, 
the  Participant  (or  the  Participant’s  beneficiary  or  representative,  as  the  case  may  be)  does  not 
exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, 
and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. 

(l)  ISO $100,000 Rule.    Each  Option shall  be designated  in  the  Notice  of Grant  as  either  an  Incentive 
Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However, notwithstanding such designations, to the 
extent  that  the  aggregate  Fair  Market  Value  of  Shares  subject  to  a  Participant’s  Incentive  Stock 
Options granted by the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary, which become exercisable for the first 
time during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds 
$100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.  For purposes of this 
Section 8(k),  Incentive  Stock  Options  shall  be  taken  into  account  in  the  order  in  which  they  were 
granted, and the Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time of grant. 

9.  Restricted Stock. 

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(a)  Grant of Restricted Stock.  Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any 
time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Employees as the Administrator, 
in its sole discretion, shall determine.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine the 
number of Shares to be granted to each Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no 
Participant shall receive more than a total of 750,000 Shares of Restricted Stock (and/or Restricted 
Stock Units); provided, however, that such limit shall be 1,500,000 Shares in the Participant’s first 
Fiscal Year of Company service. 

(b)  Restricted Stock Agreement.  Each Award of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by an Award 

Agreement that shall specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other 
terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine.  Unless the 
Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company as 
escrow agent until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed. 

(c)  Transferability.  Except as provided in this Section 9, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, 

transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable 
Period of Restriction. 

(d)  Other Restrictions.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on 

Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate, in accordance with this 
Section 9(d). 

(i)  General Restrictions.  The Administrator may set restrictions based upon continued 

employment or service with the Company and its affiliates, the achievement of specific 
performance objectives (Company-wide, departmental, or individual), the achievement of 
Performance Goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, other Applicable Laws, or 
any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion. 

(ii)  Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted 
Stock as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the 
Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of 
Performance Goals.  The Performance Goals shall be set by the Administrator on or before 
the latest date permissible to enable the Restricted Stock to qualify as “performance-based 
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.  In granting Restricted Stock which is 
intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator shall follow any 
procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure 
qualification of the Restricted Stock under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in 
determining the Performance Goals). 

(iii) Legend.  The Administrator, in its discretion, may legend the Shares representing 

Restricted Stock to give appropriate notice of such restrictions. 

(e)  Removal of Restrictions.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9, Shares of Restricted Stock 

covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan shall be released from escrow as soon 
as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction.  The Administrator, in its discretion, may 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
accelerate the time at which any restrictions shall lapse or be removed.  After the restrictions have 
lapsed, the Participant shall be entitled to have any legend or legends under Section 9(d)(iii) 
removed from his or her Share, and the Shares shall be freely transferable by the Participant.  The 
Administrator (in its discretion) may establish procedures regarding the release of Shares from 
escrow and the removal of legends, as necessary or appropriate to minimize administrative burdens 
on the Company. 

(f)  Voting Rights.  During the Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock 

granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the 
Administrator determines otherwise. 

(g)  Dividends and Other Distributions.  During the Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of 
Restricted Stock shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to 
such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement.  Any such dividends or distribution 
shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of 
Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid, unless otherwise provided in the Award 
Agreement. 

(h)  Return of Restricted Stock to the Company.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the 

Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed shall revert to the Company and again shall 
become available for grant under the Plan. 

10.  Restricted Stock Units. 

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(a)  Grant of Restricted Stock Units.  Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Employees at any time 
and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.  The 
Administrator shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Restricted Stock Units 
granted to each Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant shall receive more 
than a total of 750,000 Restricted Stock Units (and/or Shares of Restricted Stock); provided, 
however, that such limit shall be 1,500,000 Restricted Stock Units in the Participant’s first Fiscal 
Year of Company service. 

(b)  Value of Restricted Stock Units.  Each Restricted Stock Unit shall have an initial value equal to the 

Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date. 

(c)  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.  Each Award of Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an 
Award Agreement that shall specify any vesting conditions, the number of Restricted Stock Units 
granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall 
determine. 

(d)  Performance Objectives and Other Terms.  The Administrator, in its discretion, shall set performance 

objectives or other vesting criteria which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will 
determine the number or value of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participants.  
Each Award of Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify 
the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole 
discretion, shall determine. 

(i)  General Performance Objectives, Performance Goals or Vesting Criteria.  The 

Administrator may set performance objectives or vesting criteria based upon the 
achievement of Company-wide, departmental, or individual goals, Performance Goals, 
applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the 
Administrator in its discretion (for example, but not by way of limitation, continuous 
service as an Employee). 

(ii) Section 162(m) Performance Objectives.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted 

Stock Units as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the 
Administrator, in its discretion, may determine that the performance objectives applicable 
to Restricted Stock Units shall be based on the achievement of Performance Goals.  The 
Performance Goals shall be set by the Administrator on or before the latest date 
permissible to enable the Restricted Stock Units to qualify as “performance-based 
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.  In granting Restricted Stock Units that 
are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator shall follow 
any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure 
qualification of the Restricted Stock Units under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in 
determining the Performance Goals). 

(e)  Earning of Restricted Stock Units.  After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of 

Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Restricted Stock Units 
earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
to which the corresponding performance objectives have been achieved.  After the grant of a 
Restricted Stock Unit, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance 
objectives for such Restricted Stock Unit. 

(f)  Form and Timing of Payment of Restricted Stock Units.  Payment of vested Restricted Stock Units 

shall be made as soon as practicable after vesting (subject to any deferral permitted under 
Section 18).  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay Restricted Stock Units in the form of 
cash, in Shares or in a combination thereof. 

(g)  Cancellation of Restricted Stock Units.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unvested 

Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited to the Company and, except as otherwise determined by the 
Administrator, again shall be available for grant under the Plan. 

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11.  Leaves  of  Absence.    Unless  the  Administrator  provides  otherwise  or  except  as  otherwise  required  by 
Applicable  Laws,  vesting  of  Awards  granted  hereunder  shall  continue  during  any  leave  of  absence  approved  by  the 
Administrator. 

12.  Non-Transferability  of Awards.    Unless  determined  otherwise  by  the Administrator,  an Award  may  not  be 
sold,  pledged,  assigned,  hypothecated,  transferred,  or  disposed  of  in  any  manner  other  than  by  will  or  by  the  laws  of 
descent  or  distribution  and  may  be  exercised,  during  the  lifetime  of  the  recipient,  only  by  the  recipient.    If  the 
Administrator  makes  an  Award  transferable,  such  Award  shall  contain  such  additional  terms  and  conditions  as  the 
Administrator  deems  appropriate;  provided,  however,  that  such  Award  shall  in  no  event  be  transferable  for  value.  
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may, if the Administrator (in its discretion) so permits, transfer an Award to an 
individual or entity other than the Company.  Any such transfer shall be made in accordance with such procedures as the 
Administrator may specify from time to time. 

13.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. 

(a)  Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by 
each outstanding Award,  the number of  Shares which have  been  authorized for  issuance  under  the 
Plan but as to which no Awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon 
cancellation or expiration of an Award, as well as the price per Share of Common Stock covered by 
each such outstanding Award and the 162(m) Fiscal Year share issuance limits under Sections 8(a), 
9(a) and 10(a) hereof, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of 
issued  Shares  resulting  from  a  stock  split,  reverse  stock  split,  stock  dividend,  combination  or 
reclassification  of  the  Common  Stock,  or  any  other  increase  or  decrease  in  the  number  of  issued 
Shares  effected  without  receipt  of  consideration  by  the  Company;  provided,  however,  that 
conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected 
without receipt of consideration.”  Such adjustment shall be made by the Compensation Committee, 
whose  determination  in  that  respect  shall  be  final,  binding  and  conclusive.    Except  as  expressly 
provided  herein,  no  issuance  by  the  Company  of  shares  of  stock  of  any  class,  or  securities 
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall 
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award. 

(b)  Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, 
the Administrator  shall  notify  each  Participant  as  soon  as  practicable  prior  to  the  effective  date  of 
such proposed transaction.  The Administrator in its discretion may provide for a Participant to have 
the  right  to  exercise  his  or  her Award  until  ten  (10)  days  prior  to  such  transaction  as  to  all  of  the 
Shares covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be exercisable.  
In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option or forfeiture rights 
applicable  to  any  Award  shall  lapse  100%,  and  that  any  Award  vesting  shall  accelerate  100%, 
provided  the  proposed  dissolution  or  liquidation  takes  place  at  the  time  and  in  the  manner 
contemplated.    To  the  extent  it  has  not  been  previously  exercised,  an  Award  will  terminate 
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. 

(c)  Change of Control.  In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding Award shall be assumed 
or  an  equivalent Award  substituted  by  the  successor  corporation  or  a  Parent  or  Subsidiary  of  the 
successor corporation. 

In  the  event  that  the  successor  corporation  refuses  to  assume  or  substitute  for  the  Award,  the 
Participant  shall  fully  vest  in  and  have  the  right  to  exercise  all  of  his  or  her  outstanding  Options, 
including  Shares  as  to  which  such  Awards  would  not  otherwise  be  vested  or  exercisable,  all 
restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse and all Restricted Stock Units shall become fully vested; 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
 
provided, however, that, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, including but not 
limited to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, all performance goals or other vesting criteria 
will  be  deemed  achieved  at  one  hundred  percent  (100%)  of  target  levels  and  all  other  terms  and 
conditions met.  In addition, if an Option is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change of 
Control,  the Administrator  shall  notify  the  Participant  in  writing  or  electronically  that  the  Option 
shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, 
and the Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. 

For the purposes of this paragraph, an Award shall be considered assumed if, following the Change 
of Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award 
immediately  prior  to  the  Change  of  Control,  the  consideration  (whether  stock,  cash,  or  other 
securities  or  property)  received  in  the  Change  of  Control  by  holders  of  Common  Stock  for  each 
Share  held  on  the  effective  date  of  the  transaction  (and  if  holders  were  offered  a  choice  of 
consideration,  the  type  of  consideration  chosen  by  the  holders  of  a  majority  of  the  outstanding 
Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change of Control is not solely 
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of 
the  successor  corporation,  provide  for  the  consideration  to  be  received  upon  the  exercise  of  an 
Option or upon the payout of the Restricted Stock Unit Award, for each Share subject to the Award, 
to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the 
per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change of Control. 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or 
paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if 
the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s 
consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor 
corporation’s post-Change of Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an 
otherwise valid Award assumption. 

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14.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan. 

(a)  Amendment  and  Termination.    Subject  to  Section  8(d)  hereof,  the  Board  may  at  any  time  amend, 
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan; provided, however, that to the extent necessary and desirable to 
comply  with  any  Applicable  Law,  the  Company  shall  obtain  stockholder  approval  of  any  Plan 
amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required. 

(b)  Effect of Amendment or Termination.  No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the 
Plan  shall  impair  the  rights  of  any  Participant,  unless  mutually  agreed  otherwise  between  the 
Participant  and  the Administrator,  which  agreement  must  be  in  writing  (or  electronic  format)  and 
signed by the Participant and the Company. 

15.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. 

(a)  Legal  Compliance.    Shares  shall  not  be  issued  pursuant  to  the  exercise  of  an  Award  unless  the 
exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable 
Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such 
compliance. 

(b)  Investment  Representations.    As  a  condition  to  the  exercise  or  receipt  of  Shares  pursuant  to  an 
Award, the Company may require the person exercising or receiving Shares pursuant to an Award to 
represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that the Shares are being purchased 
only  for  investment  and  without  any  present  intention  to  sell  or  distribute  such  Shares  if,  in  the 
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required. 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
 
 
16.  Liability of Company. 

(a)  Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory 
body having jurisdiction,  which  authority  is  deemed  by  the  Company’s  counsel  to be  necessary  to 
the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in 
respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have 
been obtained. 

(b)  Grants  Exceeding Allotted  Shares.    If  the  Shares  covered  by  an Award  exceed,  as  of  the  Date  of 
Grant,  the  number  of  Shares  which  may  be  issued  under  the  Plan  without  additional  stockholder 
approval, such Award shall be void with respect to such excess Shares, unless stockholder approval 
of an amendment sufficiently increasing the number of Shares subject to the Plan is timely obtained 
in accordance with Section 14(b) of the Plan. 

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17.  Reservation  of  Shares.    The  Company,  during  the  term  of  this  Plan,  will  at  all  times  reserve  and  keep 

available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. 

18.  Deferrals.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to defer receipt of the payment 
of  cash  or  the  delivery  of  Shares  that  would  otherwise  be  due  to  such  Participant  under  an Award.   Any  such  deferral 
elections shall be subject to such rules and procedures as shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. 

19.  Participation.  No Employee shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under this Plan, or, having 

been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award. 

20.  No Rights as Stockholder.  Except to the limited extent provided in Sections 9(f) or 9(g), no Participant (nor 
any  beneficiary)  shall  have  any  of  the  rights  or  privileges  of  a  stockholder  of  the  Company  with  respect  to  any  Shares 
issuable pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), unless and until Shares shall have been issued, recorded on the records 
of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant (or beneficiary). 

21.  Withholding  Requirements.    Prior  to  the  delivery  of  any  Shares  or  cash  pursuant  to  an Award  (or  exercise 
thereof),  the  Company  shall  have  the  power  and  the  right  to  deduct  or  withhold,  or  require  a  Participant  to  remit  to  the 
Company,  an  amount  sufficient  to  satisfy  federal,  state,  local  and  foreign  taxes  (including  the  Participant’s  FICA 
obligation)  required  to  be  withheld  with  respect  to  such  Award  (or  exercise  thereof).    Notwithstanding  any  contrary 
provision  of  the  Plan,  if  a  Participant  fails  to  remit  to  the  Company  such  withholding  amount  within  the  time  period 
specified  by  the  Administrator  (in  its  discretion),  the  Participant’s  Award  may,  in  the  Administrator’s  discretion,  be 
forfeited and in such case the Participant shall not receive any of the Shares subject to such Award. 

22.  Section 409A.  To  the  extent  that  the  Administrator  determines  that  any  Award  granted  under  the  Plan  is 
subject  to  Section 409A  of  the  Code,  the  program  pursuant  to  which  such Award  is  granted  and  the Award Agreement 
evidencing  such Award  shall  incorporate  the  terms  and  conditions  required  by  Section 409A  of  the  Code.  To  the  extent 
applicable,  the  Plan  and  any Award Agreements  shall  be  interpreted  in  accordance  with  Section 409A  of  the  Code  and 
Department  of  Treasury  regulations  and  other  interpretive  guidance  issued  thereunder,  including  without  limitation  any 
such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan 
or  the  applicable  Award  Agreement  to  the  contrary,  in  the  event  that  following  the  Effective  Date  the  Administrator 
determines  that  any Award  may  be  subject  to  Section 409A  of  the  Code  and  related  Department  of  Treasury  guidance 
(including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Administrator may adopt 
such  amendments  to  the  Plan  and  the  applicable  Award  Agreement  or  adopt  other  policies  and  procedures  (including 
amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines 
are  necessary  or  appropriate  to  (a) exempt  the Award  from  Section 409A  of  the  Code  and/or  preserve  the  intended  tax 
treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the 
Code  and  related  Department  of  Treasury  guidance  and  thereby  avoid  the  application  of  any  penalty  taxes  under  such 
Section. 

23.  Withholding Arrangements.   The Administrator,  in  its  sole  discretion  and  pursuant  to  such  procedures  as  it 
may specify from time to time, may permit or require a Participant to satisfy all or part of the tax withholding obligations 
in connection with an Award by (a) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares, or (b) delivering to the 
Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld.  The amount so 
withheld  shall  not  exceed  the  amount  determined  by  using  the  minimum  federal,  state,  local  or  foreign  jurisdiction 
statutory withholding rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
withheld is to be determined.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered shall be determined as of the 
date that the taxes are required to be withheld. 

24.  Indemnification.  Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee, or of the Board, shall be 
indemnified  and  held  harmless  by  the  Company  against  and  from  (a) any  loss,  cost,  liability,  or  expense  that  may  be 
imposed  upon  or  reasonably  incurred  by  him  or  her  in  connection  with  or  resulting  from  any  claim,  action,  suit,  or 
proceeding  to  which  he  or  she  may  be  a  party  or  in  which  he  or  she  may  be  involved  by  reason  of  any  action  taken  or 
failure to act under the Plan or any Award Agreement, and (b) from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement 
thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit, 
or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle 
and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf.  The foregoing right of 
indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under 
the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or under any power 
that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless. 

25.  Successors.  All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to Awards granted hereunder, shall 
be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect 
purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company. 

26.  Gender and Number.  Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also 

shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural. 

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27.  Severability.    In  the  event  any  provision  of  the  Plan  shall  be  held  illegal  or  invalid  for  any  reason,  the 
illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the 
illegal or invalid provision had not been included. 

28.  Governing Law.  The Plan and all Award Agreements shall be construed in accordance with and governed by 

the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). 

29.  Captions.  Captions are provided herein for convenience only, and shall not serve as a basis for interpretation 

or construction of the Plan. 

2015 Proxy Statement Appendix A  

 
 
 
 
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________________________________________ 

FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 0-14338
_____________________________________________________________  

AUTODESK, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

111 McInnis Parkway,
San Rafael, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

94-2819853
(I.R.S. employer
Identification No.)

94903
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (415) 507-5000
 _____________________________________________________________ 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value

Name of each exchange
on which registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
_____________________________________________________________ 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

    No  

(“Exchange Act”).    Yes    

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 

12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 
days.    Yes  

    No    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T  (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 
period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

  No    
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and 
will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K 
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See 

the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  

  Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes    
As of July 31, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, there were approximately 226.6 million shares 

     No  

of the registrant’s common stock outstanding that were held by non-affiliates, and the aggregate market value of such shares held by non-affiliates of the 
registrant (based on the closing sale price of such shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on July 31, 2014) was approximately $12.1 billion. Shares of 
the registrant’s common stock held by each executive officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This 
determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of February 28, 2015, the registrant had outstanding 227,204,316 shares of common stock.

Portions of the Proxy Statement for registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), are incorporated by reference in Part III of this 

Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. The Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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AUTODESK, INC. FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 
of Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Signatures

PART I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

PART II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

PART III

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

PART IV

Item 15.

Page

4

15

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30

33

34

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58

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2015 Form 10-K  3

 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The discussion in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains trend analyses and other forward-looking statements within 

the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-
looking statements are any statements that look to future events and consist of, among other things, our business strategies, 
anticipated future financial results, the effectiveness of our efforts to successfully manage transitions to new business models 
and markets, our expectations regarding the continued transition of our business model, revenue from our channel partners and 
changes in mix of channel partners, our ability to increase our subscription base, expected market trends, including the growth 
of cloud, mobile and social computing, the effect of unemployment and availability of credit, the effects of  weak global 
economic conditions, the effects of revenue recognition, our backlog, expected trends in certain financial metrics, including 
expenses and the predictability and ratability of our revenue over time, the impact of acquisitions and investment activities, 
expectations regarding our cash needs, the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates and our hedging activities on our financial 
results, our ability to successfully expand adoption of our products, our ability to gain market acceptance of new businesses 
and sales initiatives, our ability to successfully increase sales of product suites as part of our overall sales strategy, and the 
impact of economic volatility and geopolitical activities in certain countries, and the resulting effect on our financial results. In 
addition, forward-looking statements also consist of statements involving expectations regarding product acceptance, 
continuation of our stock repurchase program, statements regarding our liquidity and short-term and long-term cash 
requirements, as well as statements involving trend analyses and statements including such words as “may,” “believe,” 
“could,” “anticipate,” “would,” “might,” “plan,” “expect,” and similar expressions or the negative of these terms or other 
comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and 
are subject to business and economic risks. As such, our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the 
forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth below in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and 
in our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update the forward-
looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as 
required by law.

ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS

Note: A glossary of terms used in this Form 10-K appears at the end of this Item 1.

PART I

GENERAL

We are a global leader in design software and services, offering customers productive business solutions through 

powerful technology products and services. We serve customers in the architecture, engineering and construction; 
manufacturing; and digital media, consumer, and entertainment industries. Our sophisticated software products enable our 
customers to experience their ideas before they are real. Customers are able to imagine, design, and create their ideas by 
visualizing, simulating and analyzing real-world performance early in the design process by creating and manipulating digital 
prototypes. These capabilities allow our customers to foster innovation, optimize and improve their designs, save time and 
money, improve quality, communicate intentions, and collaborate with others. Our professional software products are sold 
globally, both directly to customers and through a network of resellers and distributors.  Additionally, we sell a line of consumer 
products for digital art, personal design and creativity, and home design.  These products are sold over the Internet and in 
various digital storefronts, including the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. 

Segments

We report based on four reportable operating segments:

•  Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (“AEC”), which accounted for 35% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015;

• 

Platform Solutions and Emerging Business (“PSEB”), which accounted for 32% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015;

•  Manufacturing (“MFG”), which accounted for 27% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015; and

•  Media and Entertainment (“M&E”), which accounted for 6% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015.

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2015 Form 10-K  4

 
 
 
A summary of our net revenue and results of operations for our business segments is found in Note 13, “Segments,” in the 

Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our AEC, PSEB, and MFG segments derive revenue from the sale of licenses and subscriptions for software products and 

services to customers who design, build, and own buildings, infrastructures, and manufactured products.  In addition to 
software products, the AEC, PSEB, and MFG segments offer a range of services, including consulting, support, and training, 
largely dedicated to enhancing our ability to sell licenses and subscriptions to our software products. Our M&E segment derives 
revenue from the sale of licenses and subscriptions for software products to creative professionals, post-production facilities, 
and broadcasters for a variety of applications, including feature films, television programs, commercials, music and corporate 
videos, interactive game production, web design, and interactive web streaming. In addition, our animation products produced 
by our M&E segment are often used by customers of products from our other segments for the visualization of their designs.

The principal products and services of these segments include the following: 

• 

• 

Flagship products, which accounted for approximately 48% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015, are our core standalone 
horizontal,  vertical,  and  model-based  design  products  including  AutoCAD,  AutoCAD  LT,  AutoCAD  Mechanical, 
AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map, AutoCAD Architecture, 3ds Max, and Maya.

Suites, which accounted for approximately 36% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015, are a combination of products that 
target a specific user objective (product design, building design, etc.) and support a set of workflows for that objective, 
including Autodesk Building Design Suites, Autodesk Product Design Suites, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suites, and 
AutoCAD Design Suites.

•  New and Adjacent products, which accounted for approximately 16% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015, are new product 
offerings as well as products that are not considered flagship or suites, including Moldflow, Alias Design, Autodesk 
Creative Finishing products, and Vault. 

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in California in April 1982 and were reincorporated in Delaware in May 1994. Our principal 
executive office is located at 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903, and the telephone number at that address is 
(415) 507-5000. Our internet address is www.autodesk.com. The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 
8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
as amended, are available free of charge on the Investor Relations portion of our web site at www.autodesk.com as soon as 
reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The public may also read and 
copy any material we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549. The 
public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1 (800) SEC-0330.

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PRODUCTS

The principal product offerings from Autodesk’s different segments are as follows:

AEC

Our AEC software products help to improve the way building, civil infrastructure, process plant and construction projects 

are designed, built, and managed. A broad portfolio of solutions enables greater efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability across 
the entire project lifecycle. Our AEC solutions include advanced technology for building information modeling (“BIM”), 
AutoCAD-based design and documentation productivity software, sustainable design analysis applications, collaboration, and 
project management solutions. BIM, an integrated process for building and infrastructure design, analysis, documentation, and 
construction, uses consistent, coordinated information to improve communication and collaboration between the extended 
project team. AEC provides a comprehensive portfolio of BIM solutions that help customers deliver projects faster and more 
economically, while minimizing environmental impact. The segment’s principal product offerings included the following 
during fiscal 2015:

2015 Form 10-K  5

 
 
•  Autodesk Building Design Suites

Autodesk Building Design Suites ("BDS") give the power of BIM or CAD, with tools for modeling, visualization, and 

documentation. With a comprehensive set of tools, BDS gives customers the ability to manage all phases of design and 
construction. Three editions of BDS are available to meet each customer's particular business needs and offer the depth and 
breadth of the Autodesk portfolio.

•  Autodesk Revit 

Purpose-built for BIM, the Autodesk Revit products collect information about a building project and allow this 

information to be coordinated across all other representations of the project, so that every drawing sheet, 2D and 3D view and 
schedule is based on internally consistent and complete information from the same underlying building database. The Autodesk 
Revit products, including AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite, AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite, and AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite, 
provide an intuitive, sophisticated, model-based design and documentation system for architects; mechanical, electrical, and 
plumbing ("MEP") engineers; structural engineers; design-build teams; and other design and building industry professionals.

•  Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suites

The Infrastructure Design Suites are the BIM for Infrastructure design solution that combines intelligent, model-based 

tools to help the user to gain more accurate, accessible, and actionable insight. With unique access to the Autodesk 
infrastructure software portfolio, users can benefit throughout the execution and lifecycle of transportation, land, and water 
projects. Three editions of Infrastructure Design Suites are available to meet each customer's particular business needs and offer 
the depth and breadth of the Autodesk portfolio.

• 

 AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoCAD Civil 3D products provide a surveying, design, analysis, and documentation solution for civil engineering, 
including land development, transportation, and environmental projects. Using a model-centric approach that automatically 
updates documentation as design changes are made, AutoCAD Civil 3D products enable civil engineers, designers, drafters, and 
surveyors to significantly boost productivity and deliver higher-quality designs and construction documentation faster. With 
AutoCAD Civil 3D products, the entire project team works from the same consistent, up-to-date model so they stay coordinated 
throughout all project phases.

•  AutoCAD Map 3D

AutoCAD Map 3D software provides direct access to data needed for infrastructure planning, design, and management 

activities. AutoCAD Map 3D software helps professionals working on transportation, land development, water, and power 
projects to more easily create, manage, and analyze design geographic information system and asset data.

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PSEB

Our PSEB segment includes our design product, AutoCAD. Our AutoCAD product is a platform product that underpins 

our design product offerings for all the industries we serve. For example, our AEC and MFG segments offer tailored versions of 
AutoCAD software for the industries they serve. Our AutoCAD product also provides a platform for our developer partners to 
build custom solutions for a range of diverse design-oriented markets. PSEB's revenue primarily includes revenue from sales of 
licenses of our design products, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, as well as the AutoCAD Design Suite and many other design and 
consumer products. The segment’s principal product offerings included the following during fiscal 2015:

•  AutoCAD

AutoCAD software, which is our largest revenue-generating product, is a customizable and extensible computer-aided 
design (CAD) application for professional design, drafting, detailing, and visualization. AutoCAD software provides digital 
tools that can be used independently and in conjunction with other specific applications in fields ranging from construction to 
manufacturing, civil engineering, and process plant design.

2015 Form 10-K  6

 
 
 
•  AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT software is purpose built for professional drafting and detailing. AutoCAD LT includes document sharing 

capability without the need for software customization or certain advanced functionality found in our AutoCAD product. Users 
can share all design data with team members who use our AutoCAD product or other Autodesk products built on AutoCAD. 
AutoCAD LT software is our second largest revenue-generating product.

MFG

Our MFG segment provides manufacturers in automotive and transportation, industrial machinery, consumer products 

and building products with comprehensive digital prototyping solutions that bring together product data from all phases of the 
product development through production process to develop a single digital model created in Autodesk Inventor software. Our 
solutions for digital prototyping are scalable, attainable, cost-effective, and allow for real-world simulation, enabling a broad 
group of manufacturers to realize benefits with minimal disruption to existing workflows. MFG’s principal product offerings 
included the following during fiscal 2015:

•  Autodesk Product Design Suites 

Autodesk Product Design Suites ("PDS") is a comprehensive solution for digital prototyping, delivering 3D design, 
visualization and simulation tools to complete the entire engineering process. The digital prototyping capabilities of PDS can 
help customers design better products, reduce development costs and get to market faster. Two editions of PDS are available to 
meet each customer's particular business needs and offer the depth and breadth of the Autodesk portfolio.

•  Autodesk Inventor 

Autodesk Inventor allows manufacturers to go beyond 3D design to digital prototyping by giving engineers a 

comprehensive and flexible set of tools for 3D mechanical design, simulation, analysis, tooling, visualization, and 
documentation. With Autodesk Inventor, engineers can integrate AutoCAD drawings and model-based design data into a single 
digital model, creating a virtual representation of a final product that enables them to validate the form, fit, and function of the 
product before it is ever built. 

•  AutoCAD Mechanical

AutoCAD Mechanical software is purpose-built to accelerate the mechanical design process. AutoCAD Mechanical 

software offers users significant productivity gains and helps save hours of design time by including all the functionality of 
AutoCAD software, in addition to comprehensive libraries of standards-based parts and tools for automating common design 
tasks.

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•  Autodesk Moldflow

The Autodesk Moldflow family of injection molding simulation software provides tools that help manufacturers optimize 

the design of plastic parts and injection molds, and study the injection molding process.

M&E

Our M&E segment consists of two product groups: Animation and Creative Finishing. Animation products are sold as 

software only and provide tools for digital sculpting, modeling, animation, effects, rendering, and compositing for design 
visualization, visual effects and games production. Creative Finishing products are primarily sold as turnkey solutions for 
editing, finishing and visual effects design and color grading. Principal product offerings in our M&E segment’s Animation and 
Creative Finishing product groups included the following during fiscal 2015:

Animation

•  Autodesk 3ds Max

Autodesk 3ds Max software provides 3D modeling, animation, and rendering solutions that enable game developers, 
design visualization professionals and visual effects artists to digitally create realistic images, animations, and complex scenes 
and to digitally communicate abstract or complex mechanical, architectural, engineering, and construction concepts.

2015 Form 10-K  7

 
 
•  Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya software provides 3D modeling, animation, effects, rendering and compositing solutions that enable film 
and video artists, game developers, and design visualization professionals to digitally create engaging, lifelike images, realistic 
animations and simulations, extraordinary visual effects, and full length animated feature films.

Creative Finishing

•  Autodesk Flame, Autodesk Smoke, and Autodesk Lustre

Autodesk Flame software is an interactive real-time design, finishing, grading, and visual effects solution for supervised 
post-production. Autodesk Smoke software is a non-linear and non-compressed online editing, effects, and finishing software 
application and is used in commercials, music videos, corporate video, film as well as broadcast design projects. Autodesk 
Lustre software is a high-performance color grading solution used by artists for creative look development and final color and 
lighting effects for both film and television. 

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND INTRODUCTION

The technology industry is characterized by rapid technological change in computer hardware, operating systems, and 

software. In addition, our customers’ requirements and preferences rapidly evolve, as do their expectations of the performance 
of our software. To keep pace with these changes, we maintain a vigorous program of new product development to address 
demands in the marketplace for our products. 

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The software industry is undergoing a transition from the personal computer to cloud, social, and mobile computing. In 
fiscal 2015, we continued to successfully implement a strategic transition of our business model announced in fiscal 2014. We 
accelerated our move to the cloud and expanded our flexible product license offerings. We introduced Desktop Subscription 
(formerly known as rental) for a broader range of our product portfolio, expanded our new token-based licensing program to 
more enterprise customers, and continued to expand our industry leading cloud based offerings. These offerings are designed to 
give our customers even more value and flexibility to use our products, and also to attract new types of customers, such as 
project-based users and small businesses that have more variable needs. Further, to support our transition, we have discontinued 
licensing upgrades effective March 6, 2015 and, on February 4, 2015, we also announced that new commercial seats of most 
standalone software products will be available only by desktop subscription beginning February 1, 2016. Collectively, these 
measures helped increase many of our performance metrics including billings, deferred revenue, and subscriptions, which will 
result in more predictable and ratable revenue over time.

We dedicate considerable technical and financial resources to research and development to further enhance our existing 

products and to create new products and technologies. For example, in fiscal 2015, we announced that we would create Spark,  
a 3D printing software platform for developers to facilitate the advancement of 3D printing technology and begin 
manufacturing and selling Ember, an Autodesk-branded 3D printer.  The Ember 3D printer became available for consumer 
purchase in February 2015.

Research and development expenditures were $725.2 million or 29% of fiscal 2015 net revenue, $611.1 million or 27% of 

fiscal 2014 net revenue and $600.0 million or 26% of fiscal 2013 net revenue. Our software is primarily developed internally; 
however, we also use independent firms and contractors to perform some of our product development activities. Additionally, 
we acquire products or technology developed by others by purchasing or licensing products and technology from third parties. 
We continually review these investments in an effort to ensure that we are generating sufficient revenue or gaining a 
competitive advantage to justify their costs. 

The majority of our research and product development is performed in the United States, China, Singapore, and Canada. 

However, we employ experienced software developers in many of our other locations. Translation and localization of our 
products are performed in a number of local markets, principally Singapore and Switzerland. We generally localize and 
translate our products into German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and simplified and traditional Chinese.

We plan to continue to manage significant product development operations internationally over the next several years. We 

believe that our ability to conduct research and development at various locations throughout the world allows us to optimize 
product development, lower costs, and integrate local market knowledge into our development activities. We continually assess 

2015 Form 10-K  8

 
 
the significant costs and challenges, including intellectual property protection, against the benefits of our international 
development activities.

In addition, our business and our customers benefit from our relationships with a network of over 4,000 third-party 
developers who develop and sell their own products that further enhance the range of integrated solutions available to our 
customers.

For further discussion regarding risks from our product development and introduction efforts, see Item 1A, “Risk 

Factors.”

MARKETING AND SALES

We license or sell our products and services globally, primarily through indirect channels consisting of distributors and 
resellers.  To a lesser extent we also transact directly with a select set of customers who are primarily large corporations. Our 
indirect channel model includes both a two-tiered distribution structure, where distributors sell to resellers, and a one-tiered 
structure, where Autodesk sells directly to resellers. We have a network of approximately 2,200 resellers and distributors 
worldwide. For fiscal 2015, approximately 83% of our revenue was derived from indirect channel sales through distributors and 
resellers, and we expect that the majority of our revenue will continue to be derived from indirect channel sales in the future. 
We anticipate that our channel mix will change to support our new business model and plan to proactively work with our 
channel partners to ensure a smooth transition. We employ a variety of incentive programs and promotions to align our reseller 
channel with our business strategies. Sales through our largest distributor, Tech Data Corporation and its affiliates, accounted 
for 25%, 24%, and 23% of our net revenue for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We believe our business is not 
substantially dependent on Tech Data. Our customers through Tech Data are the resellers and end users who purchase our 
software licenses and services. Should any of the agreements between us and Tech Data be terminated for any reason, we 
believe the resellers and end users who currently purchase our products through Tech Data would be able to continue to do so 
under substantially the same terms from one of our many other distributors without substantial disruption to our revenue. No 
other distributor, reseller, or direct customer accounted for 10% or more of our revenue.

Our customer-related operations are divided into three geographic regions, the Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa 

(“EMEA”), and Asia Pacific (“APAC”). Each geographic region is supported by global marketing and sales organizations. 
These organizations develop and manage overall marketing and sales programs and work closely with a network of domestic 
and international sales offices. Fiscal 2015 net revenue in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC was $898.0 million (36%), $980.0 
million (39%), and $634.2 million (25%), respectively. We intend to continue to make our products available in foreign 
languages. We believe that international sales will continue to comprise the majority of our total net revenue. Adverse economic 
conditions and currency exchange rates in the countries that contribute a significant portion of our net revenue, including 
emerging economies, may have an adverse effect on our business in those countries and our overall financial performance. A 
summary of our financial information by geographic location is found in Note 13, “Segments,” in the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements. Our international operations and sales subject us to a variety of risks; see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for 
further discussion.

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We also work directly with reseller and distributor sales organizations, computer manufacturers, other software 
developers, and peripherals manufacturers in cooperative advertising, promotions, and trade-show presentations. We employ 
mass-marketing techniques such as webcasts, seminars, telemarketing, direct mailings, sponsorships, advertising in business 
and trade journals, and social media. We have a worldwide user group organization and we have created online user 
communities dedicated to the exchange of information related to the use of our products.

In addition to sales of new perpetual use software licenses, we generate revenue through several subscription-based 
business models.  The largest is our maintenance program, under which customers who own a perpetual use license for the most 
recent version of the underlying product are able to purchase maintenance that provides them with unspecified upgrades when-
and-if-available and are able to download e-Learning courses and receive online support over a one year or multi-year 
maintenance service period. We also offer more flexible term-based license offerings to our customers.

Our ability to effectively distribute our products depends in part upon the financial and business condition of our 
distributor and reseller networks. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, business with any one of our major distributors or 
large resellers could harm our business; see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for further discussion.

2015 Form 10-K  9

 
 
CUSTOMER AND RESELLER SUPPORT

We provide technical support and training to customers through a leveraged support model, augmented by direct 
programs designed to address certain specific needs. Our customers rely primarily on the resellers and distributors from which 
they purchased licenses to our products for technical support; however, we do provide certain direct support for some of our 
customers. We support our resellers and distributors through technical product training, sales training classes, the Internet, and 
telephone. We also provide online support directly to our customers through our maintenance program. There are also a number 
of user group forums in which customers are able to share information.

EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS

Education

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Our Education initiatives inspire the youth of today to imagine, design, and create a better world by offering free 

educational licenses of Autodesk software worldwide to students, educators, and educational institutions.

We help fuel a lifelong passion for design in students of all ages and collaborate with educators, institutions, and partners 

that encourage design learning and further Science, Technology, Engineering, Digital Arts, and Math (STEAM) education 
objectives.  Within the secondary and postsecondary global education markets, our learning content and standards based 
curriculum enable tomorrow’s workforce to graduate industry-ready, with marketable design skills that are in high demand.   
Whether these students are future professional designers or lifelong design hobbyists, our full portfolio of professional-grade 
and personal design products introduces students and educators at all levels to software that can unleash their creativity.

Sustainability

To help our customers imagine, design, and create a better world, our Sustainability Programs focus our efforts where we 

can have the greatest impact: providing sustainability solutions, delivering sustainable design learning and training 
opportunities, expanding access to technology, and leading by example with our sustainable business practices. This benefits 
our customers, who use our products and services to improve design decisions that have substantial and long-term 
environmental impacts. Through access to free resources including the Autodesk Sustainability Workshop, Building 
Performance Analysis Certificate ("BPAC") Program and building design courses, students and professionals are learning how 
to use design technology and analytics to make better, more sustainable design decisions during the design process. 

Philanthropy

The Autodesk Foundation (the "Foundation"), a privately funded 501(c)(3) charity organization established and solely 

funded by us, leads our philanthropic efforts. The purpose of the Foundation is twofold: to support employees to create a better 
world at work, at home, and in the community by matching employee’s volunteer time and/or donations to nonprofit 
organizations; and to support organizations and individuals using design to drive positive social and environmental impact. In 
the latter case, we use grant funding, software donations, and training to accomplish this goal, selecting the most impactful and 
innovative organizations around the world, thus, leading to a better future for our planet. On our behalf, the Foundation also 
administers a discounted software donation program to nonprofit organizations, social and environmental entrepreneurs, and 
others who are developing design solutions that will shape a more sustainable future. 

DEVELOPER PROGRAMS

One of our key strategies is to maintain an open-architecture design of our software products to facilitate third-party 

development of complementary products and industry-specific software solutions. This approach enables customers and third 
parties to customize solutions for a wide variety of highly specific uses. We offer several programs that provide marketing, 
sales, technical support, and programming tools to developers who develop add-on applications for our products. Over 4,000 
developers in the Autodesk Developer Network create interoperable products that further enhance the range of integrated 
solutions available to our customers.

COMPETITION

The markets for our products are highly competitive and subject to rapid change. We strive to increase our competitive 

separation by investing in research and development, allowing us to bring new products to market and create exciting new 

2015 Form 10-K  10

 
 
 
versions of existing products that offer compelling efficiencies for our customers. We also compete through investments in 
marketing and sales to more effectively reach new customers and better serve existing customers.

Our competitors include large, global, publicly traded companies; small, geographically focused firms; startup firms; and 

solutions produced in-house by their users. Our primary global competitors in the PSEB, AEC, and MFG segments include 
Adobe Systems Incorporated, ANSYS, Inc., AVEVA Group plc, Bentley Systems, Incorporated, Dassault Systèmes S.A. and its 
subsidiary Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), Intergraph 
Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hexagon AB, MSC Software Corporation, Nemetschek AG, PTC, 3D Systems, 
Seimens PLM, and Trimble Navigation Limited.

Our M&E segment also competes with a wide range of different companies from large, global, publicly-traded companies 

to small private entities. Large organizations that produce products that compete in some or all of our markets include Adobe 
Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology, Inc., SONY Corporation, and Technicolor, among others. The media and 
entertainment market is highly fragmented with complex interdependencies between many of the larger businesses. As a result, 
some of our competitors also own subsidiaries that are our customers or our partners in developing or bringing to market some 
of our solutions. In addition to traditional competitors in developed economies, we encounter new competitors in emerging 
economies.

The software industry has limited barriers to entry, and the availability of computing power with continually expanding 

performance at progressively lower prices contributes to the ease of market entry. The industry is presently undergoing a 
platform shift from the personal computer to cloud and mobile computing. This shift further lowers barriers to entry and poses a 
disruptive challenge to established software companies. The design software market is characterized by vigorous competition in 
each of the vertical markets in which we compete, both from existing competitors and by entry of new competitors with 
innovative technologies. Competition is increasingly enhanced by consolidation of companies with complementary products 
and technologies and the possibility that competitors in one vertical segment may enter other vertical segments that we serve. In 
addition, some of our competitors in certain markets have greater financial, technical, sales and marketing, and other resources 
than we do. Because of these and other factors, competitive conditions in these industries are likely to continue to intensify in 
the future. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced net revenue and profit margins, and loss of market 
share, any of which could harm our business. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for further discussion of risks regarding 
competition.

We believe that our future results depend largely upon our ability to better serve customers by offering new products, 
including cloud and mobile computing products, whether by internal development or acquisition, and to continue to provide 
existing product offerings that compete favorably with respect to ease of use, reliability, performance, range of useful features, 
continuing product enhancements, reputation, price, and training.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSES

We maintain an active program to legally protect our investment in technology through intellectual property rights. We 

protect our intellectual property through a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret protections, 
confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions. The nature and extent of legal protection associated with each such 
intellectual property right depends on, among other things, the type of intellectual property right and the given jurisdiction in 
which such right arises. We believe that our intellectual property rights are valuable and important to our business, including 
each of our segments.

Nonetheless, our intellectual property rights may not be successfully asserted in the future or may be invalidated, 
circumvented or challenged. In addition, the laws and enforcement of the laws of various foreign countries where our products 
are distributed do not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as U.S. laws. Enforcement of intellectual 
property rights against alleged infringers can sometimes lead to costly litigation and counterclaims. Our inability to protect our 
proprietary information could harm our business.

From time to time, we receive claims alleging infringement of a third party’s intellectual property rights, including 
patents. Disputes involving our intellectual property rights or those of another party have in the past and may in the future lead 
to, among other things, costly litigation or product shipment delays, which could harm our business.

We retain ownership of software we develop.  Desktop software is licensed to users pursuant to ‘click through’ or signed 
license agreements containing restrictions on duplication, disclosure, and transfer.  Cloud software and associated services are 
provided to users pursuant to on-line or signed terms of service agreements containing restrictions on access and use.

2015 Form 10-K  11

 
 
We believe that because of the limitations of laws protecting our intellectual property and the rapid, ongoing 

technological changes in both the computer hardware and software industries, we must rely principally upon software 
engineering and marketing skills to continually maintain and enhance our competitive market position.

While we have recovered some revenue resulting from the unauthorized use of our software products, we are unable to 

measure the full extent to which piracy of our software products exists. We believe, however, that software piracy is and can be 
expected to be a persistent problem that negatively impacts our revenue and financial results. We believe that our transition 
from perpetual use software licenses to a subscription-based business model combined with the change from desktop to cloud-
based computing will shift the incentives and means by which software is pirated.

In addition, through various licensing arrangements, we receive certain rights to intellectual property of others. We expect 

to maintain current licensing arrangements and to secure licensing arrangements in the future, as needed and to the extent 
available on reasonable terms and conditions, to support continued development and sales of our products and services. Some 
of these licensing arrangements require or may require royalty payments and other licensing fees. The amount of these 
payments and fees may depend on various factors, including but not limited to: the structure of royalty payments, offsetting 
considerations, if any, and the degree of use of the licensed technology.

See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for further discussion of risks related to protecting our intellectual property.

PRODUCTION AND SUPPLIERS

The production of our PSEB, AEC, MFG, and certain M&E software products involves duplication of the software 
media. The purchase of media and the transfer of the software programs onto media for distribution to customers are performed 
by us and by licensed subcontractors. Media for our products such as DVDs and USB flash drives are available from multiple 
sources. For certain products and countries, we offer customers an electronic software download option for both initial product 
fulfillment as well as product updates for maintenance subscribers. Customers who choose electronic fulfillment receive the 
latest version of the software from our vendor’s secure servers. For certain cloud-based products, we use a combination of co-
located hosting facilities as well as infrastructure-as-a-service providers like Amazon Web Services. Packaging materials are 
produced to our specifications by outside sources. Production is performed in leased facilities operated by independent third-
party contractors. To date, we have not experienced any material difficulties or delays in the production of our software and 
documentation.

EMPLOYEES

As of January 31, 2015, we employed approximately 8,823 people. None of our employees in the United States are 

represented by a labor union. In certain foreign countries, our employees are represented by work councils. We have never 
experienced any work stoppages and believe our employee relations are good. Reliance upon employees in other countries 
entails various risks and changes in these foreign countries, such as government instability or regulation unfavorable to foreign-
owned businesses, which could negatively impact our business in the future.

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2015 Form 10-K  12

 
 
ACQUISITIONS  

Over the past three years, we acquired new technology or supplemented our technology by purchasing businesses or 

certain technology related assets focused in specific markets or industries. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, 
and 2013, we acquired a number of companies and certain technology related assets, some of which were accounted for as 
business combinations.  The following were key acquisitions for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013:

Date of closing

Company

Details

June 2014

May 2014

Shotgun Software
Inc. ("Shotgun")

The acquisition of Shotgun provides a cloud-based production management solution that
enables digital studios to track, schedule, review, and collaborate on projects and images.
Shotgun was integrated, and the related goodwill has been assigned to, Autodesk's M&E
reportable segment.

Within
Technologies
Limited ("Within”)

The acquisition of Within will accelerate Autodesk’s development of tools and technologies
for advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing.  Within was integrated into, and the
related goodwill has been assigned to, Autodesk’s PSEB reportable segment. 

February 2014

Delcam plc
(“Delcam”)

November 2013

Graitec SA
(“Graitec”)

 The acquisition of Delcam provides Autodesk a range of design, manufacturing and
inspection software that enables automated CADCAM solutions for a variety of industries,
ranging from aerospace to toys and sports equipment.  Delcam was integrated into, and the
related goodwill has been assigned to, Autodesk's MFG reportable segment.

The acquisition of Graitec (including Graitec’s Advance Steel and Advance Concrete product
lines, and associated employees) enhanced Autodesk’s offerings for structural engineering
and expanded our portfolio of technology for BIM for structural fabrication and detailing. 
Graitec was integrated into Autodesk’s AEC segment.

December 2012

PI-VR GmbH ("PI-
VR")

The PI-VR acquisition brings sophisticated visualization solutions that will strengthen and
enhance our expertise in and offerings for automotive visualization.  PI-VR has been
integrated into, and the related goodwill was assigned to, the MFG segment.

October 2012

Qontext ("Qontext") The Qontext acquisition provides us with an enterprise business and social collaboration

platform which extends our reach into design networks via contextual workflows.  This also
expands our expertise in cloud and social networking by supplementing existing knowledge
in cloud, web, and mobile development. Qontext has been integrated into, and the related
goodwill was assigned to, the PSEB segment.
The Socialcam acquisition strengthens our ability to make our product line more social, and
deliver more mobile/web oriented products. In addition, the acquisition integrated with
Autodesk 360 to further provide collaboration features to our professional customers.
Socialcam has been integrated into, and the related goodwill was assigned to, the PSEB
segment.

The Vela acquisition provides a platform to deliver project information to the point of
construction. Vela, integrated with Navisworks, augments the model-based data created in
Revit, establishing a bi-direction and visual link between model elements and relevant
information - streamlining the information management process from design through
construction to hand-over and into operations.  In addition, this acquisition delivers model-
based construction via mobile and cloud. Vela has been integrated into, and the related
goodwill was assigned to, the AEC segment.

August 2012

Socialcam, Inc.
("Socialcam")

June 2012

Vela Systems, Inc.
("Vela")

BACKLOG

We typically ship products shortly after receipt of an order, which is common in the software industry. Our backlog 
consists of current software license product orders which have not yet shipped. The category of current software license product 
orders which we have not yet shipped consists of orders from customers with approved credit status for currently available 
software products.

Backlog was $40.4 million at January 31, 2015 compared to $19.7 million at January 31, 2014. The actual amount of 

backlog at any particular time may not be a meaningful indicator of future business prospects as this amount is impacted by a 
number of factors not related to future trends or events such as the order fulfillment process, the method of software delivery or 
the linearity of our business within the fiscal period. 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Billings—Amounts billed to customers during the current fiscal period net of any partner incentives or other discounts. 

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2015 Form 10-K  13

 
  
  
 
 
BIM (Building Information Modeling)—BIM describes a model-based technology linked with a database of project 
information, and is the process of generating and managing information throughout the life cycle of a building. BIM is used as a 
digital representation of the building process to facilitate exchange and interoperability of information in digital formats.

Constant currency growth rates—We attempt to represent the changes in the underlying business operations by 
eliminating fluctuations caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as well as eliminating hedge gains or losses 
recorded within the current and comparative periods. Our constant currency methodology removes all hedging gains and losses 
from the calculation.

Digital prototyping—Digital prototyping allows designers, architects and engineers to analyze, simulate, and visualize a 

design using a digital or virtual model rather than a physical model.

Flagship—Autodesk flagship products are our core design products. Flagship includes the following products: 3ds Max, 

AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD vertical products (such as AutoCAD Architecture and Mechanical), Civil 3D, Inventor 
products (standalone), Map 3D, Maya, and Revit products (standalone). 

License and Other revenue—License and other revenue consists of two components: (1) all forms of product license 

revenue and (2) other revenue. Product license revenue includes software license revenue from the sale of seat licenses, term-
based licenses from our desktop subscription and enterprise offerings, and product revenue for Creative Finishing. Other 
revenue includes revenue from consulting, training, Autodesk Developers Network and Creative Finishing customer support, 
and is recognized over time, as the services are performed.

Maintenance—Our maintenance program provides our customers with a cost effective and predictable budgetary option 

to obtain the productivity benefits of our new releases and enhancements when and if released during the term of their 
contracts. Under our maintenance program, customers are eligible to receive unspecified upgrades when and if available, 
downloadable training courses and online support. We recognize maintenance revenue over the term of the agreements, 
generally between one and three years. 

New and Adjacent—Autodesk new and adjacent products include Autodesk's new product offerings as well as products 

that are not included in flagship or suites. New and adjacent includes the following services and products: Autodesk Alias 
Design products, Autodesk 360 products, Autodesk Consulting, Autodesk Simulation, Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics, 
Autodesk Buzzsaw, Autodesk CF Design, Autodesk Constructware, Autodesk Consumer products, Autodesk Creative Finishing 
products, Delcam products, Autodesk Moldflow products, Autodesk Navisworks, Autodesk Scaleform, Autodesk Vault 
products, and all other products.

Suites—Autodesk design suites are a combination of products that target a specific user objective (product design, 

building design, etc.) and support a set of workflows for that objective. Our current design and creation suites include: 
AutoCAD Design Suite, Autodesk Building Design Suite, Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite, Autodesk Factory Design 
Suite, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite, Autodesk Plant Design Suite, and Autodesk Product Design Suite. 

Subscription revenue—Autodesk subscription revenue consists of three components:  (1) maintenance revenue from our 

software products; (2) maintenance revenue from our term-based desktop subscription and enterprise offerings; and (3) revenue 
from our cloud service offerings.

Total Subscriptions—Consists of subscriptions from our maintenance, desktop, cloud service and enterprise license 
offerings that are active as of the quarter end date.  For certain cloud based and enterprise license offerings, subscriptions 
represent the monthly average activity reported within the last three months of the quarter end date.  Total subscriptions do not 
include data from education offerings, consumer product offerings, certain Creative Finishing product offerings, Autodesk 
Buzzsaw, Autodesk Constructware, and third party products.  Subscriptions acquired with the acquisition of a business are 
captured once the data conforms to our subscription count methodology and when added, may cause variability in the 
comparison of this calculation.    

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2015 Form 10-K  14

 
 
ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS

We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves significant risks, a number of which are beyond our control. In 
addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following discussion highlights some of these risks and the 
possible impact of these factors on our business, financial condition, and future results of operations. If any of the following risks 
actually occur, our business, financial condition, or results of operations may be adversely impacted, causing the trading price of 
our common stock to decline. In addition, these risks and uncertainties may impact the “forward-looking” statements described 
elsewhere  in  this  Form  10-K  and  in  the  documents  incorporated  herein  by  reference. They  could  affect  our  actual  results  of 
operations, causing them to differ materially from those expressed in “forward-looking” statements. 

Global economic and political conditions may further impact our business, financial results, and financial condition. 

As our business has expanded globally, we have increasingly become subject to risks arising from adverse changes in 

global economic and political conditions. The past several years were characterized by weak global economic conditions, 
volatile credit markets, relatively high unemployment, a low level of liquidity in many financial markets, increased government 
deficit spending and debt levels, uncertainty about certain governments' abilities to repay such debt or to address certain fiscal 
issues, and volatility in many financial instrument markets. If economic growth in countries where we do business slows, or if 
such countries experience further economic recessions, customers may delay or reduce technology purchases. This could result 
in reductions in sales of our products and services, longer sales cycles, and slower adoption of our technologies.

Over the past several years, many of our customers have experienced tighter credit, negative financial news, and weaker 
financial performance of their businesses and have reduced their workforces, thereby reducing the number of licenses and the 
number of maintenance contracts they purchase from us. In addition, a number of our customers rely, directly and indirectly, on 
government spending. Current debt balances of many countries without proportionate increases in revenues have caused many 
countries to reduce spending and in some cases have forced those countries to restructure their debt in an effort to avoid 
defaulting under those obligations. This has not only impacted those countries but others that are holders of such debt and those 
assisting in such restructuring.

These actions may impact, and over the past several years have negatively impacted, our business, financial results, and 

financial condition. Moreover, our financial performance may be negatively impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

lack of credit available to and the insolvency of key channel partners, which may impair our distribution channels and 
cash flows; 

counterparty failures negatively impacting our treasury functions, including timely access to our cash reserves and 
third-party fulfillment of hedging transactions; 

counterparty failures negatively affecting our insured risks; 

inability of banks to honor our existing line of credit, which could increase our borrowing expenses or eliminate our 
ability to obtain short-term financing; and 

decreased borrowing and spending by our end users on small and large projects in the industries we serve, thereby 
reducing demand for our products. 

Uncertainty about current and future economic and political conditions on us, our customers and partners, makes it 

difficult for us to forecast operating results and to make decisions about future investments.

A slower economic recovery in industries important to our business may adversely affect our business, financial results, 

and financial condition.  If a macro-economic recovery does not occur as rapidly as anticipated, our ability to meet our long-
term financial targets may also be adversely affected.

If we fail to successfully manage our business model transition to cloud-based products and more flexible product licenses, our 
results of operations could be negatively impacted.

To address the industry transition from personal computer to cloud, social, and mobile computing, we have accelerated 
our move to the cloud and are offering more flexible product licenses.  As part of this transition, we announced in fiscal 2014 
that we are discontinuing upgrades after fiscal 2015 and, on February 4, 2015, we also announced that new commercial seats of 

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2015 Form 10-K  15

 
 
 
most standalone software products will be available only by desktop subscription beginning February 1, 2016. As a result, we 
expect to derive an increasing portion of our revenues in the future from subscriptions. This subscription model prices and 
delivers our products in a way that differs from the historical perpetual pricing and delivery methods. These changes reflect a 
significant shift from perpetual license sales and distribution of our software in favor of providing our customers the right to 
access certain of our software in a hosted environment or use downloaded software for a specified subscription period.

Our ability to achieve our financial objectives is subject to risks and uncertainties. The new offerings require a 

considerable investment of technical, financial, legal, and sales resources, and a scalable organization. Market acceptance of 
such offerings is affected by a variety of factors, including but not limited to: security, reliability, performance, current license 
terms, customer preference, social/community engagement, customer concerns with entrusting a third party to store and manage 
their data, public concerns regarding privacy and the enactment of restrictive laws or regulations. Whether our business model 
transition will prove successful and will accomplish our business and financial objectives is subject to numerous uncertainties, 
including but not limited to: customer demand, attach and renewal rates, channel acceptance, our ability to further develop and 
scale infrastructure, our ability to include functionality and usability in such offerings that address customer requirements, tax 
and accounting implications, pricing, and our costs.  In addition, the metrics we use to gauge the status of our business model 
transition may evolve over the course of the transition as significant trends emerge.  If we are unable to successfully establish 
these new offerings and navigate our business model transition in light of the foregoing risks and uncertainties, our results of 
operations could be negatively impacted.

Our strategy to develop and introduce new products and services exposes us to risks such as limited customer acceptance, costs 
related to product defects, and large expenditures that may not result in additional net revenue or could result in decreased net 
revenue.

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Rapid technological changes, as well as changes in customer requirements and preferences, characterize the software 

industry. Just as the transition from mainframes to personal computers transformed the industry 30 years ago, we believe our 
industry is undergoing a similar transition from the personal computer to cloud, mobile, and social computing. Customers are 
also reconsidering the manner in which they license software products, which requires us to constantly evaluate our business 
model and strategy. In response, we are focused on providing solutions to enable our customers to be more agile and 
collaborative on their projects. We are also developing consumer products for digital art, personal design and creativity, and 
home design. We devote significant resources to the development of new technologies. In addition, we frequently introduce 
new business models or methods that require a considerable investment of technical and financial resources such as an increase 
in our portfolio of, and focus on, suites and, most recently, our introduction of flexible license and service offerings. We are 
making such investments through further development and enhancement of our existing products and services, as well as 
through acquisitions of new product lines. Such investments may not result in sufficient revenue generation to justify their costs 
and could result in decreased net revenue. For example, in fiscal 2015, we announced that we would create Spark, a 3D printing 
software platform for developers to facilitate the advancement of 3D printing technology, and begin manufacturing and selling 
Ember, an Autodesk-branded 3D printer. If we are not able to meet customer requirements, either with respect to our software 
or hardware products or the manner in which we provide such products, or if we are not able to adapt our business model to 
meet our customers' requirements, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted.

In particular, a critical component of our growth strategy is to have customers of our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 
products expand their portfolios to include our suites and cloud-based services. We want customers using standalone Autodesk 
products to expand their portfolio with our suites and cloud-based offerings, and we are taking steps to accelerate this 
migration. At times, sales of licenses of our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT or standalone Autodesk flagship products have 
decreased without a corresponding increase in suites product or cloud-based services revenue or without purchases of customer 
seats to our suites.  Should this continue, our results of operations will be adversely affected. Also, adoption of our cloud and 
mobile computing offerings and changes in the delivery of our software and services to our customers, such as desktop 
subscription (formally referred to as rental) offerings, will change the way in which we recognize revenue relating to our 
software and services, with a potential negative impact on our financial performance.  The accounting impact of these offerings 
and other business decisions are expected to result in an increase in the percentage of our ratable revenue, as well as recurring 
revenue, making for a more predictable business over time, while potentially reducing our upfront perpetual revenue stream.  
Additionally, the software products we offer are complex, and despite extensive testing and quality control, may contain errors 
or defects. These errors or defects could result in the need for corrective releases to our software products, damage to our 
reputation, loss of revenue, an increase in product returns or lack of market acceptance of our products, any of which would 
likely harm our business.

Our executive management team must act quickly, continuously, and with vision, given the rapidly changing customer 

expectations and technology advancements inherent in the software industry, the extensive and complex efforts required to 

2015 Form 10-K  16

 
 
create useful and widely accepted products and the rapid evolution of cloud computing, mobile devices, new computing 
platforms, and other technologies, such as consumer products. Although we have articulated a strategy that we believe will 
fulfill these challenges, if we fail to execute properly on that strategy or adapt that strategy as market conditions evolve, we may 
fail to meet our customers' expectations, fail to compete with our competitors' products and technology, and lose the confidence 
of our channel partners and employees. This in turn could adversely affect our business and financial performance. 

Our entry into 3D printing presents many of the risks described above concerning developing and introducing new 
products as well as new risks for us. The manufacturing and 3D printing markets are highly competitive and some of our 
competitors have superior experience and resources to us. We have limited experience designing, developing, and selling 
hardware products and no experience developing and selling printers.  The market for 3D printing is nascent and may not 
develop as rapidly as we expect. Our sale of 3D printers could subject us to product and other liability that we do not currently 
face.  If any of these risks materialize, it could adversely affect our business and financial performance as well as our reputation 
and brand. 

We are dependent on international revenue and operations, exposing us to significant regulatory, global economic, intellectual 
property, collections, currency exchange rate, taxation, political instability, and other risks, which could adversely impact our 
financial results.

We are dependent on our international operations for a significant portion of our revenue. International net revenue 

represented 71% and 70% of our net revenue in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our international revenue, including that 
from emerging economies, is subject to general economic and political conditions in foreign markets, including conditions in 
foreign markets resulting from economic and political conditions in the U.S. Our revenue is also impacted by the relative 
geographical and country mix of our revenue over time. At times, these factors adversely impact our international revenue, and 
consequently our business as a whole. Our dependency on international revenue makes us much more exposed to global 
economic and political trends, which can negatively impact our financial results, even if our results in the U.S. are strong for a 
particular period. Further, a significant portion of our earnings from our international operations may not be freely transferable 
to the U.S. due to remittance restrictions, adverse tax consequences or other factors. Our intent is that amounts related to 
foreign earnings permanently reinvested outside the U.S. will remain outside the U.S., and we will meet our U.S. liquidity 
needs through ongoing cash flows, external borrowings (such as our senior notes), or both. However, if, in the future, amounts 
held by foreign subsidiaries are needed to fund our operations in the U.S., or to service our external borrowings, the repatriation 
of such amounts to the U.S. could result in a significant incremental tax liability in the period in which the decision to repatriate 
occurs and payment of any such tax liability would reduce the cash available to fund our operations.

We anticipate that our international operations will continue to account for a significant portion of our net revenue, and, 

as we expand our international development, sales and marketing expertise, will provide significant support to our overall 
efforts in countries outside of the U.S. Risks inherent in our international operations include:

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fluctuating currency exchange rates, including risks related to any hedging activities we undertake;

unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and practices;

delays resulting from difficulty in obtaining export licenses for certain technology;

tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers and restrictions;

transportation delays;

operating in locations with a higher incidence of corruption and fraudulent business practices, particularly in emerging 
economies;

increasing enforcement by the U.S. under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, adoption of stricter anti-corruption laws 
in certain countries, including the United Kingdom;

difficulties in staffing and managing foreign sales and development operations, 

longer collection cycles for accounts receivable;

2015 Form 10-K  17

 
 
• 

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potential changes in tax laws, including possible U.S. and foreign tax law changes that, if enacted, could significantly 
impact how multinational companies are taxed;

tax arrangements with foreign governments, including our ability to meet and renew the terms of those tax 
arrangements;

laws regarding the management of and access to data and public networks;

possible future limitations upon foreign owned businesses;

increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities;

inadequate local infrastructure;

greater difficulty in protecting intellectual property; and 

other factors beyond our control, including popular uprisings, terrorism, war, natural disasters, and diseases. 

Some of our business partners also have international operations and are subject to the risks described above. Even if we 

are able to successfully manage the risks of international operations, our business may be adversely affected if our business 
partners are not able to successfully manage these risks.

Existing and increased competition and rapidly evolving technological changes may reduce our revenue and profits. 

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The software industry has limited barriers to entry, and the availability of computing devices with continually expanding 

performance at progressively lower prices contributes to the ease of market entry. The industry is presently undergoing a 
platform shift from the personal computer to cloud and mobile computing. This shift further lowers barriers to entry and poses a 
disruptive challenge to established software companies. The markets in which we compete are characterized by vigorous 
competition, both by entry of competitors with innovative technologies and by consolidation of companies with complementary 
products and technologies. In addition, some of our competitors in certain markets have greater financial, technical, sales and 
marketing, and other resources. Furthermore, a reduction in the number and availability of compatible third-party applications, 
or our inability to rapidly adapt to technological and customer preference changes, including those related to cloud computing, 
mobile devices, and new computing platforms, may adversely affect the sale of our products. Because of these and other 
factors, competitive conditions in the industry are likely to intensify in the future. Increased competition could result in price 
reductions, reduced net revenue and profit margins and loss of market share, any of which would likely harm our business. 

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows. 

Because we conduct a substantial portion of our business outside the U.S. and we make certain business and resource 

decisions based on assumptions about foreign currency, we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange 
rates. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and economic conditions change, and they could 
have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. 

We use derivative instruments to manage a portion of our cash flow exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange 

rates. As part of our risk management strategy, we use foreign currency contracts to manage a portion of our exposures of 
underlying assets, liabilities, and other obligations, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations. These foreign 
currency instruments have maturities that extend for one to twelve months in the future, and provide us with some protection 
against currency exposures. However, our attempts to hedge against these risks may not be completely successful, resulting in 
an adverse impact on our financial results. 

The fluctuations of currencies in which we conduct business can both increase and decrease our overall revenue and 
expenses for any given fiscal period. Although our foreign currency cash flow hedge program extends beyond the current 
quarter in order to reduce our exposure to foreign currency volatility, we do not attempt to completely mitigate this risk, and in 
any case, will incur transaction fees in adopting such hedging programs. Such volatility, even when it increases our revenues or 
decreases our expenses, impacts our ability to accurately predict our future results and earnings. 

2015 Form 10-K  18

 
 
If we do not maintain good relationships with the members of our distribution channel, or achieve anticipated levels of sell-
through, our ability to generate revenue will be adversely affected. If our distribution channel suffers financial losses, becomes 
financially unstable or insolvent, or is not provided the right mix of incentives to sell our products, our ability to generate 
revenue will be adversely affected. 

We sell our software products both directly to end-users and through a network of distributors and resellers. For fiscal 

2015 and fiscal 2014, approximately 83% and 84% of our revenue was derived from indirect channel sales through distributors 
and resellers, respectively, and we expect that the majority of our revenue will continue to be derived from indirect channel 
sales in the future. Our ability to effectively distribute our products depends in part upon the financial and business condition of 
our distributor and reseller network. Computer software distributors and resellers typically are not highly capitalized, have 
previously experienced difficulties during times of economic contraction and experienced difficulties during the past several 
years. We have processes to ensure that we assess the creditworthiness of distributors and resellers prior to our sales to them. In 
the past we have taken steps to support them, and may take additional steps in the future, such as extending credit terms and 
providing temporary discounts. These steps, if taken, could harm our financial results. If our distributors and resellers were to 
become insolvent, they would not be able to maintain their business and sales, or provide customer support services, which 
would negatively impact our business and revenue. 

We rely significantly upon major distributors and resellers in both the U.S. and international regions, including the 
distributor Tech Data Corporation and its global affiliates (“Tech Data”). Tech Data accounted for 25% and 24% of our total net 
revenue for fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. Although we believe that we are not substantially dependent on Tech Data, if 
Tech Data were to experience a significant disruption with its business or if our relationship with Tech Data were to 
significantly deteriorate, it is possible that our ability to sell to end users would be, at least temporarily, negatively impacted. 
This could in turn negatively impact our financial results. 

Over time, we have modified and will continue to modify aspects of our relationship with our distributors and resellers, 

such as their incentive programs, pricing to them and our distribution model to motivate and reward them for aligning their 
businesses with our strategy and business objectives. Changes in these relationships and underlying programs could negatively 
impact their business and harm our business. In addition, the loss of or a significant reduction in business with those distributors 
or resellers or the failure to achieve anticipated levels of sell-through with any one of our major international distributors or 
large resellers could harm our business. In particular, if one or more of such distributors or resellers were unable to meet their 
obligations with respect to accounts payable to us, we could be forced to write off such accounts and may be required to delay 
the recognition of revenue on future sales to these customers. These events could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
results.

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Our financial results fluctuate within each quarter and from quarter to quarter making our future revenue and financial results 
difficult to predict. 

Our quarterly financial results have fluctuated in the past and will continue to do so in the future. These fluctuations could 
cause our stock price to change significantly or experience declines. In addition to the other factors described in this Part I, Item 
1A, some of the factors that could cause our financial results to fluctuate include: 

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general market, economic, business, and political conditions in particular geographies, including Europe, APAC, and 
emerging economies;

failure to produce sufficient revenue, billings or subscription growth, and profitability;

failure to achieve anticipated levels of customer acceptance to our business model transition, including the impact of 
the end of upgrades and perpetual licenses;

•  weak or negative growth in one or more of the industries we serve, including AEC, manufacturing, and digital media 

and entertainment markets;

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fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the effectiveness of our hedging activity; 

failure to achieve and maintain cost reductions and productivity increases;

dependence on and the timing of large transactions; 

2015 Form 10-K  19

 
 
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changes in product mix, pricing pressure or changes in product pricing;

changes in billings linearity;

the ability of governments around the world to adopt fiscal policies, meet their financial and debt obligations, and to 
finance infrastructure projects;

lower growth or contraction of our maintenance program;

restructuring or other accounting charges and unexpected costs or other operating expenses; 

failure to expand our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT customer base to related design products and services; 

our inability to rapidly adapt to technological and customer preference changes, including those related to cloud 
computing, mobile devices, new computing platforms, and 3D printing; 

the timing of the introduction of new products by us or our competitors; 

the success of new business or sales initiatives and increasing our portfolio of product suites; 

the financial and business condition of our reseller and distribution channels; 

failure to accurately predict the impact of acquired businesses or to identify and realize the anticipated benefits of 
acquisitions, and successfully integrate such acquired businesses and technologies; 

perceived or actual technical or other problems with a product or combination of products; 

unexpected or negative outcomes of matters and expenses relating to litigation or regulatory inquiries; 

increases in cloud services-related expenses;

security breaches and potential financial penalties to customers and government entities;

timing of additional investments in the development of our platform or deployment of our services;

timing of product releases and retirements; 

changes in tax laws or regulations, tax arrangements with foreign governments or accounting rules, such as increased 
use of fair value measures; 

changes in revenue recognition or other accounting guidelines employed by us and/or established by the Financial 
Accounting Standards Board or other rule-making bodies;

changes in sales compensation practices; 

failure to effectively implement our copyright legalization programs, especially in developing countries; 

failure to achieve sufficient sell-through in our channels for new or existing products; 

renegotiation or termination of royalty or intellectual property arrangements; 

interruptions or terminations in the business of our consultants or third-party developers;

the timing and degree of expected investments in growth and efficiency opportunities; 

failure to achieve continued success in technology advancements;  

catastrophic events or natural disasters;

2015 Form 10-K  20

 
 
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regulatory compliance costs;

potential goodwill impairment charges related to prior acquisitions; and

adjustments arising from ongoing or future tax examinations.

We have also experienced fluctuations in financial results in interim periods in certain geographic regions due to 
seasonality or regional economic or political conditions. In particular, our financial results in Europe during our third quarter 
are usually affected by a slower summer period, and our Asia Pacific operations typically experience seasonal slowing in our 
third and fourth quarters. 

Our operating expenses are based in part on our expectations for future revenue and are relatively fixed in the short term. 

Accordingly, any revenue shortfall below expectations has had, and in the future could have, an immediate and significant 
adverse effect on our profitability. Greater than anticipated expenses or a failure to maintain rigorous cost controls would also 
negatively affect profitability. 

Our business could suffer as a result of risks, costs, and charges associated with strategic acquisitions and investments.

We regularly acquire or invest in businesses, software products and technologies that are complementary to our business 

through acquisitions, strategic alliances or equity or debt investments. For example, in fiscal 2015 we acquired Delcam, a 
leading supplier of advanced CADCAM and industrial measurement solutions for the manufacturing industry. The risks 
associated with such acquisitions include, among others, the difficulty of assimilating products, operations and personnel, 
inheriting liabilities such as intellectual property infringement claims, the failure to realize anticipated revenue and cost 
projections, the requirement to test and assimilate the internal control processes of the acquired business in accordance with the 
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the diversion of management's time and attention. 

In addition, such acquisitions and investments involve other risks such as: 

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the inability to retain customers, key employees, vendors, distributors, business partners, and other entities associated 
with the acquired business; 

the potential that due diligence of the acquired business or product does not identify significant problems; 

exposure to litigation or other claims in connection with, or inheritance of claims or litigation risk as a result of, an 
acquisition, including but not limited to, claims from terminated employees, customers, or other third parties; 

the potential for incompatible business cultures;  

significant higher than anticipated transaction or integration-related costs;  

potential additional exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and

the potential impact on relationships with existing customers, vendors, and distributors as business partners as a result 
of acquiring another business.

We may not be successful in overcoming such risks, and such acquisitions and investments may negatively impact our 

business. In addition, such acquisitions and investments have in the past and may in the future contribute to potential 
fluctuations in our quarterly financial results. These fluctuations could arise from transaction-related costs and charges 
associated with eliminating redundant expenses or write-offs of impaired assets recorded in connection with acquisitions and 
investments. These costs or charges could negatively impact our financial results for a given period, cause quarter to quarter 
variability in our financial results or negatively impact our financial results for several future periods. 

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2015 Form 10-K  21

 
 
 
Because we derive a substantial portion of our net revenue from a small number of products, including our AutoCAD-based 
software products and suites, if these products are not successful, our revenue will be adversely affected. 

We derive a substantial portion of our net revenue from sales of licenses of a limited number of our products, including 
AutoCAD software, products based on AutoCAD, which include our suites that serve specific markets and products that are 
interoperable with AutoCAD. Any factor adversely affecting sales of these products, including the product release cycle, market 
acceptance, product competition, performance and reliability, reputation, price competition, economic and market conditions, 
and the availability of third-party applications, would likely harm our financial results. During fiscal 2015 and 2014, combined 
revenue from our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT products, not including suites having AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT as a 
component, represented 28% and 30% of our total net revenue, respectively. 

A breach of security in our products, services or computer systems may compromise the integrity of our products or services, 
harm our reputation, create additional liability and adversely impact our financial results. 

We make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our source code and computer systems. The risk of a 

security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign 
governments and cyber terrorists, has increased as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions 
from around the world have increased. These threats include but are not limited to identity theft, unauthorized access, DNS 
attacks, wireless network attacks, viruses and worms, advanced persistent threat (APT), application centric attacks, peer-to-peer 
attacks, phishing, backdoor trojans, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.  Any of the foregoing could attack our 
products, services or computer systems. Despite significant efforts to create security barriers to such programs, it is virtually 
impossible for us to entirely eliminate this risk. Like all software, our software is vulnerable to cyber attacks. In the past, 
hackers have targeted our software, and they may do so in the future. The impact of cyber attacks could disrupt the proper 
functioning of our software products or services, cause errors in the output of our customers' work, allow unauthorized access 
to sensitive, proprietary or confidential information of ours or our customers, and other destructive outcomes. Moreover, as we 
continue to invest in new lines of consumer products and services we are exposed to increased security risks and the potential 
for unauthorized access to, or improper use of, the information of our consumer users. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our 
reputation may suffer, customers may stop buying our products or services, we could face lawsuits and potential liability, and 
our financial performance could be negatively impacted.

We rely on third parties to provide us with a number of operational services, including hosting and delivery and certain of our 
customer services and other operations. Any interruption or delay in service from these third parties, breaches of security or 
privacy, or failures in data collection could expose us to liability, harm our reputation, and adversely impact our financial 
performance. 

We rely on hosted computer services from third parties for services that we provide our customers and computer 
operations for our internal use. As we gather customer data and host certain customer data in third-party facilities, a security 
breach could compromise the integrity or availability or result in the theft of customer data. In addition, our operations could be 
negatively affected in the event of a security breach, and we could be subject to the loss or theft of confidential or proprietary 
information, including source code. 

Unauthorized access to this data may be obtained through break-ins, breaches of our secure networks by unauthorized 
parties, employee theft or misuse, or other misconduct. We rely on a number of third-party suppliers in the operation of our 
business for the provision of various services and materials that we use in the operation of our business and production of our 
products. Although we seek to diversify our third-party suppliers, we may from time to time rely on a single or limited number 
of suppliers, or upon suppliers in a single country, for these services or materials. The inability of such third parties to satisfy 
our requirements could disrupt our business operations or make it more difficult for us to implement our business strategy. If 
any of these situations were to occur, our reputation could be harmed, we could be subject to third-party liability, including 
under data protection and privacy laws in certain jurisdictions, and our financial performance could be negatively impacted. 

If we are not able to adequately protect our proprietary rights, our business could be harmed. 

We rely on a combination of patent, copyright and trademark laws, trade secret protections, confidentiality procedures, 

and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary rights. Despite such efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized 
parties from time to time have copied aspects of our software products or have obtained and used information that we regard as 
proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of our software products is time-consuming and costly. We are unable to measure the 

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2015 Form 10-K  22

 
 
extent to which piracy of our software products exists and we expect that software piracy will remain a persistent problem, 
particularly in emerging economies. Furthermore, our means of protecting our proprietary rights may not be adequate.

Additionally, we actively protect the secrecy of our confidential information and trade secrets, including our source code. 

If unauthorized disclosure of our source code occurs, we could potentially lose future trade secret protection for that source 
code. The loss of future trade secret protection could make it easier for third parties to compete with our products by copying 
functionality, which could adversely affect our financial performance and our reputation. We also seek to protect our 
confidential information and trade secrets through the use of non-disclosure agreements with our customers, contractors, 
vendors, and partners. However, it is possible that our confidential information and trade secrets may be disclosed or published 
without our authorization. If this were to occur, it may be difficult and/or costly for us to enforce our rights, and our financial 
performance and reputation could be negatively impacted.

We may face intellectual property infringement claims that could be costly to defend and result in the loss of significant rights. 

As more software patents are granted worldwide, the number of products and competitors in our industry segments grows 

and the functionality of products in different industry segments overlaps, we expect that software product developers will be 
increasingly subject to infringement claims. Infringement or misappropriation claims have in the past been, and may in the 
future be, asserted against us, and any such assertions could harm our business. Additionally, certain patent holders without 
products have become more aggressive in threatening and pursuing litigation in attempts to obtain fees for licensing the right to 
use patents. Any such claims or threats, whether with or without merit, have been and could in the future be time-consuming to 
defend, result in costly litigation and diversion of resources, cause product shipment delays, or require us to enter into royalty or 
licensing agreements. In addition, such royalty or license agreements, if required, may not be available on acceptable terms, if 
at all, which would likely harm our business. 

A significant portion of our revenue is generated through maintenance revenue.  Decreases in maintenance attach or renewal 
rates or a decrease in the number of new licenses we sell would negatively impact our future revenue and financial results. 

Our maintenance customers have no obligation to attach maintenance to their initial license or renew their maintenance 
contract after the expiration of their initial maintenance period, which is typically one year. Our customers' attach and renewal 
rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including the overall global economy, the health of their 
businesses, and the perceived value of the maintenance program. If our customers do not attach maintenance to their initial 
license or renew their maintenance contract for our products, our maintenance revenue will decline and our financial results will 
suffer. 

In addition, a portion of the growth of our maintenance revenue has typically been associated with growth of the number 
of licenses that we sell. Any reduction in the number of licenses that we sell, even if our customers' attach rates do not change, 
will have a negative impact on our future maintenance revenue. This in turn would impact our business and harm our financial 
results. 

We recognize maintenance revenue ratably over the term of the maintenance contracts, which is predominantly one year, 

but may also range up to five years. Decreases in maintenance billings will negatively impact future maintenance revenue, 
however future maintenance revenue will also be impacted by other factors such as the amount, timing, and mix of contract 
terms of future billings.

From time to time we realign or introduce new business and sales initiatives; if we fail to successfully execute and manage 
these initiatives, our results of operations could be negatively impacted. 

As part of our effort to accommodate our customers' needs and demands and the rapid evolution of technology, we from 

time to time evolve our business and sales initiatives such as realigning our development and marketing organizations, and 
expanding our portfolio of suites and our offering of software as a service, and realigning our internal resources in an effort to 
improve efficiency. We may take such actions without clear indications that they will prove successful, and at times, we have 
been met with short-term challenges in the execution of such initiatives. Market acceptance of any new business or sales 
initiative is dependent on our ability to match our customers' needs at the right time and price. Often we have limited prior 
experience and operating history in these new areas of emphasis. If any of our assumptions about expenses, revenue or revenue 
recognition principles from these initiatives proves incorrect, or our attempts to improve efficiency are not successful, our 
actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, and our financial results will be negatively impacted.  

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2015 Form 10-K  23

 
 
 
 
Net revenue, billings, earnings or subscriptions shortfalls or the volatility of the market generally may cause the market price of 
our stock to decline. 

The market price for our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations and may continue to fluctuate 
significantly. The market price for our common stock may be affected by a number of factors, including the other factors 
described in this Part I, Item 1A and the following: 

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shortfalls in our expected financial results, including net revenue, billings, earnings, subscriptions, or other key 
performance metrics;

results and future projections related to our business model transition, including the impact of the end of upgrades and 
perpetual licenses;

quarterly variations in our or our competitors' results of operations; 

general socio-economic, political or market conditions;

changes in estimates of future results or recommendations or confusion on the part of analysts and investors about the 
short-term and long-term impact to our business resulting from our business model transition;

uncertainty about certain governments' abilities to repay debt or effect fiscal policy;

the announcement of new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors; 

unusual events such as significant acquisitions, divestitures, regulatory actions, and litigation; 

changes in laws, rules, or regulations applicable to our business; 

outstanding debt service obligations; and

other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance, such as instability affecting the economy or the 
operating performance of our competitors.

Significant changes in the price of our common stock could expose us to additional costly and time-consuming litigation. 

Historically, after periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, a company becomes more susceptible to 
securities class action litigation. This type of litigation is often expensive and diverts management's attention and resources. 

Our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to attract and retain key personnel. 

Our success and ability to invest and grow depend largely on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, 

professional, managerial, sales, and marketing personnel. Historically, competition for these key personnel has been intense. 
The loss of services of any of our key personnel (including key personnel joining our company through acquisitions), the 
inability to retain and attract qualified personnel in the future, or delays in hiring required personnel, particularly engineering 
and sales personnel, could make it difficult to meet key objectives, such as timely and effective product introductions and 
financial goals. 

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2015 Form 10-K  24

 
 
Changes in laws and/or regulations related to the Internet or related to privacy and data security concerns may impact our 
business or expose us to increased liability. 

The future success of our business depends upon the continued use of the Internet as a primary medium for commerce, 
communication, and business applications. Federal, state, or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, 
and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting data privacy and the transmission of certain types of content using the 
Internet. For example, the State of California has adopted legislation requiring operators of commercial websites and mobile 
applications that collect personal information from California residents to conspicuously post and comply with privacy policies 
that satisfy certain requirements. Several other U.S. states have adopted legislation requiring companies to protect the security 
of personal information that they collect from consumers over the Internet, and more states may adopt similar legislation in the 
future. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission has used its authority under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act 
to bring actions against companies for failing to maintain adequate security for personal information collected from consumers 
over the Internet and for failing to comply with privacy-related representations made to Internet users. The U.S. Congress has at 
various times proposed federal legislation intended to protect the privacy of Internet users and the security of personal 
information collected from Internet users that would impose additional compliance burdens upon companies collecting personal 
information from Internet users, and the U.S. Congress may adopt such legislation in the future. The European Union also has 
adopted various directives regulating data privacy and security and the transmission of content using the Internet involving 
residents of the European Union, including those directives known as the Data Protection Directive, the E-Privacy Directive, 
and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive, and may adopt similar directives in the future. Several other 
countries, including Canada and several Latin American and Asian countries, have constitutional protections for, or have 
adopted legislation protecting, individuals' personal information. Additionally, some federal, state, or foreign governmental 
bodies have established laws that seek to censor the transmission of certain types of content over the Internet or require that 
individuals be provided with the ability to permanently delete all electronic personal information, such as the German 
Multimedia Law of 1997. 

Given the variety of global privacy and data protection regimes, it is possible we may find ourselves subject to 

inconsistent obligations. For instance, the USA Patriot Act is considered by some to be in conflict with certain directives of the 
European Union. Situations such as these require that we make prospective determinations regarding compliance with 
conflicting regulations. Increased enforcement of existing laws and regulations, as well as any laws, regulations or changes that 
may be adopted or implemented in the future, could limit the growth of the use of public cloud applications or communications 
generally, result in a decline in the use of the Internet and the viability of Internet-based applications, and require 
implementation of additional technological safeguards. 

Our investment portfolio consists of a variety of investment vehicles in a number of countries that are subject to interest rate 
trends, market volatility, and other economic factors. If general economic conditions decline, this could cause the credit ratings 
of our investments to deteriorate, illiquidity in the financial marketplace, and we may experience a decline in interest income, 
and an inability to sell our investments, leading to impairment in the value of our investments. 

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It is our policy to invest our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities in highly liquid instruments with, and in the 

custody of, financial institutions with high credit ratings and to limit the amounts invested with any one institution, type of 
security, and issuer. However, we are subject to general economic conditions, interest rate trends, and volatility in the financial 
marketplace that can affect the income that we receive from our investments, the net realizable value of our investments 
(including our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities) and our ability to sell them. In the U.S., for example, the yields 
on our portfolio securities are very low due to general economic conditions. Any one of these factors could reduce our 
investment income, or result in material charges, which in turn could impact our overall net income and earnings per share. 

From time to time we make direct investments in privately held companies. The privately held companies in which we 

invest are considered inherently risky. The technologies and products these companies have under development are typically in 
the early stages and may never materialize, which could result in a loss of all or a substantial part of our initial investment in 
these companies. The evaluation of privately held companies is based on information that we request from these companies, 
which is not subject to the same disclosure regulations as U.S. publicly traded companies, and as such, the basis for these 
evaluations is subject to the timing and accuracy of the data received from these companies.

A loss on any of our investments may cause us to record an other-than-temporary impairment charge. The effect of this 
charge could impact our overall net income and earnings per share. In any of these scenarios, our liquidity may be negatively 
impacted, which in turn may prohibit us from making investments in our business, taking advantage of opportunities and 
potentially meeting our financial obligations as they come due. 

2015 Form 10-K  25

 
 
We are subject to legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries, and we may be named in additional legal proceedings or become 
involved in regulatory inquiries in the future, all of which are costly, distracting to our core business and could result in an 
unfavorable outcome, or a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the 
trading price for our securities. 

We are involved in legal proceedings and receive inquiries from regulatory agencies. As the global economy has changed 

and our business has evolved, we have seen an increase in litigation activity and regulatory inquiries. Like many other high 
technology companies, the number and frequency of inquiries from U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies we have received 
regarding our business and our business practices, and the business practices of others in our industry, have increased in recent 
years. In the event that we are involved in significant disputes or are the subject of a formal action by a regulatory agency, we 
could be exposed to costly and time consuming legal proceedings that could result in any number of outcomes. Any claims or 
regulatory actions initiated by or against us, whether successful or not, could result in expensive costs of defense, costly 
damage awards, injunctive relief, increased costs of business, fines or orders to change certain business practices, significant 
dedication of management time, diversion of significant operational resources, or otherwise harm our business. In any of these 
cases, our financial results could be negatively impacted. 

Changes in existing financial accounting standards or practices, or taxation rules or practices may adversely affect our results 
of operations. 

Changes in existing accounting or taxation rules or practices, new accounting pronouncements or taxation rules, or 
varying interpretations of current accounting pronouncements or taxation practice could have a significant adverse effect on our 
results of operations or the manner in which we conduct our business. Further, such changes could potentially affect our 
reporting of transactions completed before such changes are effective. 

For example, the U.S.-based Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) is currently working together with the 
International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) on several projects to further align accounting principles and facilitate 
more comparable financial reporting between companies who are required to follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles (“GAAP”) under SEC regulations and those who are required to follow IFRS outside of the U.S. These efforts by the 
FASB and IASB may result in different accounting principles under GAAP that may result in materially different financial 
results for us in areas including, but not limited to principles for recognizing revenue and lease accounting. 

It is not clear if or when these potential changes in accounting principles may become effective, whether we have the 
proper systems and controls in place to accommodate such changes and the impact that any such changes may have on our  
consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, as we evolve and change our business and 
sales models, we are currently unable to determine how these potential changes may impact our new models, particularly in the 
area of revenue recognition.

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We regularly invest resources to update and improve our information technology systems. Should our investments not succeed, 
or if delays or other issues with new or existing internal technology systems disrupt our operations, our business could be 
harmed. 

We rely on our network and data center infrastructure, technology systems and our websites for our development, 
marketing, operational, support, sales, accounting, and financial reporting activities. We are continually investing resources to 
update and improve these systems and environments in order to meet the growing and evolving requirements of our business 
and customers. Such improvements are often complex, costly, and time consuming. In addition, such improvements can be 
challenging to integrate with our existing technology systems, or uncover problems with our existing technology systems. 
Unsuccessful implementation of hardware or software updates and improvements could result in disruption in our business 
operations, loss of revenue, errors in our accounting and financial reporting, or damage to our reputation. 

Although we believe we currently have adequate internal control over financial reporting, we are required to evaluate our 
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any adverse results from 
such evaluation could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on our stock 
price. 

Pursuant to Section 404, we are required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial 
reporting. The report contains, among other matters, an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial 
reporting as of the end of our fiscal year, including a statement as to whether or not our internal control over financial reporting 

2015 Form 10-K  26

 
 
is effective. This assessment must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting 
identified by management. 

If our management identifies one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and such 

weakness remains uncorrected at fiscal year-end, we will be unable to assert such internal control is effective at fiscal year-end. 
If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective at fiscal year-end (or if our independent 
registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls or concludes that 
we have a material weakness in our internal controls), we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of 
our financial reports, which would likely have an adverse effect on our business and stock price.

In preparing our financial statements we make certain assumptions, judgments, and estimates that affect amounts reported in 
our consolidated financial statements, which, if not accurate, may significantly impact our financial results. 

We make assumptions, judgments, and estimates for a number of items, including the fair value of financial instruments, 

goodwill, long-lived assets and other intangible assets, the realizability of deferred tax assets, and the fair value of stock awards. 
We also make assumptions, judgments, and estimates in determining the accruals for employee related liabilities including 
commissions, bonuses, and sabbaticals; and in determining the accruals for uncertain tax positions, partner incentive programs, 
product returns reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts, asset retirement obligations, and legal contingencies. These 
assumptions, judgments, and estimates are drawn from historical experience and various other factors that we believe are 
reasonable under the circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially 
from our estimates, and such differences could significantly impact our financial results. 

Our financial results could be negatively impacted if our tax positions are overturned by tax authorities. 

We are a U.S.-based multinational company subject to tax in multiple U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax 
rate is based on our expected geographic mix of earnings, statutory rates, intercompany transfer pricing, and enacted tax rules. 
Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions on a worldwide basis. 
We believe our tax positions, including intercompany transfer pricing policies, are consistent with the tax laws in the 
jurisdictions in which we conduct our business. It is possible that these positions may be overturned by jurisdictional tax 
authorities and may have a significant impact on our effective tax rate. 

We rely on third-party technologies and if we are unable to use or integrate these technologies, our product and service 
development may be delayed and our financial results negatively impacted. 

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We rely on certain software that we license from third parties, including software that is integrated with internally 
developed software and used in our products to perform key functions. These third-party software licenses may not continue to 
be available on commercially reasonable terms, and the software may not be appropriately supported, maintained or enhanced 
by the licensors. The loss of licenses to, or inability to support, maintain, and enhance any such software could result in 
increased costs, or in delays or reductions in product shipments until equivalent software can be developed, identified, licensed, 
and integrated, which would likely harm our business. 

Disruptions with licensing relationships and third-party developers could adversely impact our business. 

We license certain key technologies from third parties. Licenses may be restricted in the term or the use of such 

technology in ways that negatively affect our business. Similarly, we may not be able to obtain or renew license agreements for 
key technology on favorable terms, if at all, and any failure to do so could harm our business. 

Our business strategy has historically depended in part on our relationships with third-party developers who provide 
products that expand the functionality of our design software. Some developers may elect to support other products or may 
experience disruption in product development and delivery cycles or financial pressure during periods of economic downturn. 
In particular markets, such disruptions have in the past, and would likely in the future, negatively impact these third-party 
developers and end users, which could harm our business. 

Additionally, technology created by outsourced product development, whether outsourced to third parties or developed 

externally and transferred to us through business or technology acquisitions, have certain additional risks such as effective 
integration into existing products, adequate transfer of technology know-how, and ownership and protection of transferred 
intellectual property. 

2015 Form 10-K  27

 
 
As a result of our strategy of partnering with other companies for product development, our product delivery schedules could 
be adversely affected if we experience difficulties with our product development partners. 

We partner with certain independent firms and contractors to perform some of our product development activities. We 

believe our partnering strategy allows us to, among other things, achieve efficiencies in developing new products and 
maintaining and enhancing existing product offerings. Our partnering strategy creates a dependency on such independent 
developers. Independent developers, including those who currently develop products for us in the U.S. and throughout the 
world, may not be able or willing to provide development support to us in the future. In addition, use of development resources 
through consulting relationships, particularly in non-U.S. jurisdictions with developing legal systems, may be adversely 
impacted by, and expose us to risks relating to, evolving employment, export, and intellectual property laws. These risks could, 
among other things, expose our intellectual property to misappropriation and result in disruptions to product delivery schedules. 

Our business may be significantly disrupted upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event. 

Our business is highly automated and relies extensively on the availability of our network and data center infrastructure, 
our internal technology systems and our websites. We also rely on hosted computer services from third parties for services that 
we provide to our customers and computer operations for our internal use. The failure of our systems or hosted computer 
services due to a catastrophic event, such as an earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, weather event, telecommunications failure, 
power failure, cyber attack, or war, could adversely impact our business, financial results, and financial condition. We have 
developed disaster recovery plans and maintain backup systems in order to reduce the potential impact of a catastrophic event, 
however there can be no assurance that these plans and systems would enable us to return to normal business operations. In 
addition, any such event could negatively impact a country or region in which we sell our products. This could in turn decrease 
that country's or region's demand for our products, thereby negatively impacting our financial results.  

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We issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes in a debt offering in December 2012 and have 
an existing $400.0 million revolving credit facility, and may incur other debt in the future, all of which may adversely affect our 
financial condition and future financial results. 

In December 2012, we issued 1.95% notes due December 15, 2017 in an aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million 

and 3.6% notes due December 15, 2022 in an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million. As the December 2017 and 
December 2022 debt matures, we will have to expend significant resources to either repay or refinance these notes. If we decide 
to refinance the notes, we may be required to do so on different or less favorable terms or we may be unable to refinance the 
notes at all, both of which may adversely affect our financial condition.  

We also have a $400.0 million revolving credit facility.  As of January 31, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings on the 

line of credit. Although we have no current plans to borrow under this credit facility, we may use the proceeds of any future 
borrowing for general corporate purposes, or for future acquisitions or expansion of our business. Our existing and future levels 
of indebtedness may adversely affect our financial condition and future financial results by, among other things:

• 

• 

increasing our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions;

requiring the dedication of a greater than expected portion of our expected cash from operations to service our 
indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of expected cash flow available for other purposes, including capital 
expenditures and acquisitions; and

• 

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry.

We are required to comply with the covenants set forth in our senior unsecured notes and revolving credit facility. Our 
ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control. If we breach any of the covenants and do 
not obtain a waiver from the note holders or lenders, then, subject to applicable cure periods, any outstanding indebtedness may 
be declared immediately due and payable.  In addition, changes by any rating agency to our credit rating may negatively impact 
the value and liquidity of our securities. Under certain circumstances, if our credit ratings are downgraded or other negative 
action is taken, the interest rate payable by us under our revolving credit facility could increase. Downgrades in our credit 
ratings could also restrict our ability to obtain additional financing in the future and could affect the terms of any such 
financing. 

2015 Form 10-K  28

 
 
 
ITEM 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES

We lease 1,873,000 square feet of office space in 142 locations in the United States and internationally through our 
foreign subsidiaries. In addition, we own 107,000 square feet of office space in six locations internationally through our foreign 
subsidiaries. Our executive offices and corporate headquarters are located in leased office space in San Rafael, California. Our 
San Rafael facilities consist of 220,000 square feet under leases that have expiration dates ranging from December 2017 to 
December 2019. We and our foreign subsidiaries lease additional space in various locations throughout the world for local 
sales, product development, and technical support personnel.

All facilities are in good condition. Our facilities, excluding those in restructuring, are operating at capacities averaging 
80% occupancy worldwide as of January 31, 2015. We believe that our existing facilities and offices are adequate to meet our 
requirements for the foreseeable future. See Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information about our lease commitments.

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations, and proceedings in the normal course of business activities 

including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights, commercial, employment, piracy prosecution, business 
practices, and other matters. In our opinion, resolution of pending matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on 
our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position. Given the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings, 
there is a reasonable possibility that an unfavorable resolution of one or more such proceedings could in the future materially 
affect our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position in a particular period, however, based on the information 
known by us as of the date of this filing and the rules and regulations applicable to the preparation of our financial statements, 
any such amount is either immaterial or it is not possible to provide an estimated amount of any such potential loss. 

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

  Not applicable.

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2015 Form 10-K  29

 
 
PART II

ITEM 5. 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ADSK. The following table lists 

the high and low sales prices for each quarter in the last two fiscal years.

Fiscal 2015

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2014

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Dividends

High

Low

$

$

58.68

$

57.59

58.75

63.00

41.42

$

40.27

42.82

54.18

44.76

46.09

48.38

53.89

35.51

33.01

34.16

40.09

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We did not declare any cash or stock dividends in either fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014. We anticipate that, for the foreseeable 

future, we will not pay any cash or stock dividends.

Stockholders

As of January 31, 2015, the number of common stockholders of record was 479. Because many of our shares of common 

stock are held by brokers or other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of 
stockholders represented by the record holders.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Autodesk's stock repurchase program is largely to help offset the dilution from the issuance of stock under our employee 

stock plans and for such other purposes as may be in the interests of Autodesk and its stockholders, and has the effect of 
returning excess cash generated from our business to stockholders. The number of shares acquired and the timing of the 
purchases are based on several factors, including general market conditions, the volume of employee stock option exercises, 
stock issuance, the trading price of our common stock, cash on hand and available in the U.S., and company defined trading 
windows. During the three and twelve months ended January 31, 2015, we repurchased 1.1 million and 6.9 million shares, 
respectively, of our common stock. At January 31, 2015, 14.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under the 
repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors. This program does not have a fixed expiration date. See Note 9, 
“Stockholders' Equity,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

2015 Form 10-K  30

 
 
 
The following table provides information about the repurchase of common stock in open-market transactions during the 

quarter ended January 31, 2015:

(Shares in millions)

November 1- November 30

December 1 - December 31

January 1 - January 31
Total

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

Average
Price Paid per
Share

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs(1)

Maximum Number of Shares
that May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs(2)

0.4

0.4

0.3

1.1

$

$

59.66

59.98

57.76

59.26

0.4

0.4

0.3

1.1

15.6

15.1

14.8

____________________ 
(1)  Represents shares purchased in open-market transactions under the stock repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors.
(2)  These amounts correspond to the plan approved by the Board of Directors in June 2012 that authorizes the repurchase of 30.0 

million shares. The plan does not have a fixed expiration date.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

There were no sales of unregistered securities during the three months ended January 31, 2015.

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2015 Form 10-K  31

 
 
Company Stock Performance

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total return (equal to dividends plus stock appreciation) 
for our Common Stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, and the Dow Jones U.S. Software Index. The following graph 
and related information will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor will such information 
be incorporated by reference into any filing pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Stockholder Return (1)

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___________________ 
(1)  Assumes $100 invested on January 31, 2010, in Autodesk’s stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, and the Dow Jones U.S. 

Software Index, with reinvestment of all dividends. Total stockholder returns for prior periods are not an indication of future investment 
returns.

2015 Form 10-K  32

 
 
ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations, and should 
be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” 
and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K to fully understand 
factors that may affect the comparability of the information presented below. The financial data for the fiscal years ended 
January 31, 2015 and 2014 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements 
that are included in this Form 10-K. The Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
for the year ended January 31, 2013 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial 
statements that are included in this Form 10-K.  The Consolidated Balance Sheet for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013 is 
derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this Form 
10-K.  The financial data for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2012 and 2011 are derived from audited, consolidated financial 
statements which are not included in this Form 10-K.

For the Fiscal Year:

Net revenue

Income from operations

Net income

        Cash flow from operations

Common Stock Data:

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

Dividends paid per share

At Year End:

Total assets

Long-term liabilities

Stockholders’ equity

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

(In millions, except per share data)

$

2,512.2

$

2,273.9

$

2,312.2

$

2,215.6

$

1,951.8

120.7

81.8

708.1

284.8

228.8

563.5

305.9

247.4

559.1

355.6

285.3

573.5

$

0.36

$

1.02

$

1.09

$

1.25

$

0.35

—

1.00

—

1.07

—

1.22

—

$

4,913.8

$

4,595.0

$

4,308.4

$

3,227.8

$

1,294.5

2,219.2

1,262.0

2,261.5

1,221.5

2,043.2

390.8

1,882.9

271.4

212.0

540.8

0.93

0.90

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308.5

2015 Form 10-K  33

 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 
OF OPERATIONS

The discussion in our MD&A and elsewhere in this Form 10-K contains trend analyses and other forward-looking 
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934. Forward-looking statements are any statements that look to future events and consist of, among other things, our 
business strategies, including those discussed in “Strategy” and “Overview of Fiscal 2015” below, anticipated future net 
revenue, future GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share, operating margin, operating expenses, billings, other future financial 
results (by product type and geography) and subscriptions, the effectiveness of our efforts to successfully manage transitions to 
new business models and markets, our expectations regarding the continued transition of our business model, our ability to 
increase our subscription base, expected market trends, including the growth of cloud, mobile, and social computing, the effect 
of unemployment and availability of credit, the effects of weak global economic conditions, the effects of revenue recognition, 
our backlog, expected trends in certain financial metrics, including expenses, the impact of acquisitions and investment 
activities, expectations regarding our cash needs, the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates and our hedging activities on our 
financial results, our abilities to successfully expand adoption of our products, our ability to gain market acceptance of new 
businesses and sales initiatives, our ability to successfully increase sales of product suites as part of our overall sales strategy, 
and the impact of economic volatility and geopolitical activities in certain countries, particularly emerging economy countries, 
and the resulting effect on our financial results. In addition, forward-looking statements also consist of statements involving 
expectations regarding product capability and acceptance, continuation of our stock repurchase program, statements regarding 
our liquidity and short-term and long-term cash requirements, as well as statements involving trend analyses and statements 
including such words as “may,” “believe,” “could,” “anticipate,” “would,” “might,” “plan,” “expect,” and similar 
expressions or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements speak only as of 
the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are subject to business and economic risks. As such, our actual results could 
differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth above in Item 1A, 
“Risk Factors,” and in our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to 
update the forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were 
made, except as required by law.

Strategy

Autodesk’s vision is to help people imagine, design, and create a better world. We do this by developing software and 

services for the world’s designers, architects, engineers, digital artists, professionals, and non-professionals alike—the people 
who imagine, design, and create the world's products, buildings, infrastructure, films, and games. Autodesk serves professional 
customers in three primary markets: architecture, engineering, and construction; manufacturing; and digital media and 
entertainment.

Our goal is to provide our customers with the world’s most innovative, and engaging design software and services. Our 

product and services portfolio allows our customers to digitally visualize, simulate, and analyze their projects, helping them to 
better understand the consequences of their design decisions; save time, money, and resources; and become more innovative.

Autodesk was founded during the platform transition from mainframes and engineering workstations to personal 

computers. We developed and sustained a compelling value proposition based upon desktop software for the personal computer. 
Just as the transition from mainframes to personal computers transformed the industry over 30 years ago, we believe our 
industry is undergoing a similar transition from the personal computer to cloud, social, and mobile computing. To address this 
transition we have accelerated our move to the cloud and mobile devices and are offering more flexible licensing. For example, 
in fiscal 2014, we began offering Autodesk BIM 360, PLM 360, Sim 360, and Fusion 360, a few of our cloud based offerings, 
which provide tools, including social and mobile capabilities, to help streamline design, collaboration, and data management 
processes. We believe that customer adoption of these new offerings will continue to grow as customers across a range of 
industries begin to take advantage of the scalable computing power and flexibility provided through these new services. 

Our strategy is to lead our customers and the industries they serve to the new cloud and mobile platforms. This entails 

both a technological shift and a business model shift. During fiscal 2014, we announced more flexible term-based license 
offerings, including term-based desktop subscriptions, for certain products.  These offerings are designed to give our customers 
even more flexibility with how they use our products and service offerings and address new types of customers such as project-
based users and small businesses. As part of this transition, we have discontinued upgrades effective March 6, 2015. On 
February 4, 2015, we also announced that new commercial seats of most standalone software products will be available only by 
desktop subscription beginning February 1, 2016.

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2015 Form 10-K  34

 
 
Over the next three years, we expect to increase our subscription base and customer value, which we believe will help 

drive billings growth. During the transition, revenue, deferred revenue, operating margin, and earnings per share will be 
affected as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than up front and as new offerings bring a wider variety of price points.

For fiscal 2015, our billings increased 18%, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The difference between our 10% year-

over-year growth in revenue and our 18% year-over-year growth in billings represents 8 percentage points from the increase in 
deferred revenue, primarily driven by an increase in subscription billings over the past fiscal year and the business model 
transition.

At January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014, our total subscriptions were 2.23 million and 1.85 million, respectively. 
Subscription additions were led by maintenance subscriptions and benefited from promotional activity driving upgrades and 
maintenance renewals.

For the past three years, suites have been an important growth area to our overall strategy. As our customers in all 
industries adopt our design suites, we believe they will experience an increase in their productivity and the value of their design 
data. For fiscal 2015, revenue from suites increased 17%, as compared to the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of revenue, 
suites increased to 36% in fiscal 2015 as compared to 34% in fiscal 2014. 

Another key element of our growth strategy is increasing our global penetration. Much of the growth in the world’s 
construction and manufacturing is happening in emerging economies. Further, emerging economies face many of the challenges 
that our design technology can help address, including infrastructure build-out and innovative design and manufacturing. In 
fiscal 2015, revenue from emerging economies increased 14% as compared to fiscal 2014 and represented 15% of net revenue 
for both fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014.  While we continue to believe there are long-term growth opportunities in emerging 
economies, conducting business in these countries presents significant challenges, including economic volatility, geopolitical 
risk, local competition, limited intellectual property protection, poorly developed business infrastructure, scarcity of talent, 
software piracy, and different purchase patterns as compared to the developed world.

Today, complex challenges such as globalization, urbanization, and sustainable design are driving our customers to new 

levels of performance and competitiveness, and we are committed to helping them address those challenges and take advantage 
of new opportunities. To achieve these goals, we are capitalizing on two of our strongest competitive advantages: our ability to 
bring advanced technology to mainstream markets, and the breadth and depth of our product portfolio.

We bring powerful new design capabilities to volume markets. Our products are designed to be easy-to-learn and use, and 

to provide customers with a low cost of deployment, a low total cost of access to our software offerings, and a rapid return on 
investment. In addition, our software architecture allows for extensibility and integration with other products. The breadth of 
our technology and product line gives us a unique competitive advantage, because it allows our customers to address a wide 
variety of problems in ways that transcend industry and disciplinary boundaries. This is particularly important in helping our 
customers address the complex challenges mentioned above. We also believe that our technological leadership and global brand 
recognition have positioned us well for long-term growth and industry leadership.

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In addition to the competitive advantages afforded by our technology, our large global network of distributors, resellers, 

third-party developers, customers, educational institutions, educators, and students is a key competitive advantage. This 
network of partners and relationships provides us with a broad and deep reach into volume markets around the world. Our 
distributor and reseller network is extensive and provides our customers with the resources to purchase, deploy, learn, and 
support our products quickly and easily. We have a significant number of registered third-party developers who create products 
that work well with our products and extend them for a variety of specialized applications.

 Autodesk is committed to helping fuel a lifelong passion for design in students of all ages. In fiscal 2014, we initiated a 

new program offering free educational licenses of Autodesk software worldwide to students, educators, and educational 
institutions.  Targeting both the secondary and postsecondary school markets, we collaborate with educators, institutions and 
partners that encourage design learning and further Science, Technology, Engineering, Digital Arts, and Math (STEAM) 
education initiatives.   Our intention is to make Autodesk software the ubiquitous design software of choice for those poised to 
become the next generation of professional users.

Our strategy includes improving our product functionality and expanding our product offerings through internal 

development as well as through the acquisition of products, technology, and businesses. Acquisitions often increase the speed at 
which we can deliver product functionality to our customers; however, they entail cost and integration challenges and may, in 
certain instances, negatively impact our operating margins. We continually review these trade-offs in making decisions 

2015 Form 10-K  35

 
 
 
regarding acquisitions. We currently anticipate that we will continue to acquire products, technology, and businesses as 
compelling opportunities become available. 

Our strategy depends upon a number of assumptions to successfully make the transition toward new cloud and mobile 
platforms, including the related technology and business model shifts; making our technology available to mainstream markets; 
leveraging our large global network of distributors, resellers, third-party developers, customers, educational institutions, and 
students; improving the performance and functionality of our products; and adequately protecting our intellectual property. If 
the outcome of any of these assumptions differs from our expectations, we may not be able to implement our strategy, which 
could potentially adversely affect our business. For further discussion regarding these and related risks see Part I, Item 1A, 
“Risk Factors.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In 

preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we make assumptions, judgments, and estimates that can have a significant 
impact on amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We base our assumptions, judgments, and estimates on 
historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could 
differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We regularly reevaluate our assumptions, 
judgments, and estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe that of all our significant accounting 
policies, the following policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies we 
believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations.

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Revenue Recognition.    We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred 

or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. However, determining whether 
and when some of these criteria have been satisfied often involves assumptions and judgments that can have a significant 
impact on the timing and amount of revenue we report.

For multiple element arrangements containing only software and software-related elements, we allocate the sales price 
among each of the deliverables using the residual method, under which revenue is allocated to undelivered elements based on 
our vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value. VSOE is the price charged when an element is sold separately 
or a price set by management with the relevant authority. If we do not have VSOE of an undelivered software license, we defer 
revenue recognition on the entire sales arrangement until all elements for which we do not have VSOE are delivered. If we do 
not have VSOE for undelivered maintenance or services, the revenue for the arrangement is recognized over the longest 
contractual service period in the arrangement. We are required to exercise judgment in determining whether VSOE exists for 
each undelivered element based on whether our pricing for these elements is sufficiently consistent.

For multiple elements arrangements involving non-software elements, including cloud subscription services, our revenue 

recognition policy is based upon the accounting guidance contained in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition.  For these 
arrangements, we first allocate the total arrangement consideration based on the relative selling prices of the software group of 
elements as a whole and to the non-software elements. We then further allocate consideration within the software group to the 
respective elements within that group using the residual method as described above. We exercise judgment and use estimates in 
connection with the determination of the amount of revenue to be recognized in each accounting period.

We allocate the total arrangement consideration among the various elements based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling 

price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or the best 
estimated selling price ("BESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. BESP represents the price at which Autodesk would 
transact for the deliverable if it were sold regularly on a standalone basis. To establish BESP for those elements for which 
neither VSOE nor TPE are available, we perform a quantitative analysis of pricing data points for historical standalone 
transactions involving such elements for a twelve-month period. As part of this analysis, we monitor and evaluate the BESP 
against actual pricing to ensure that it continues to represent a reasonable estimate of the standalone selling price, considering 
several other external and internal factors including, but not limited to, pricing and discounting practices, contractually stated 
prices, the geographies in which we offer our products and services, and the type of customer (i.e. distributor, value-added 
reseller, and direct end user, among others). We analyze BESP at least annually or on a more frequent basis if a significant 
change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices.

2015 Form 10-K  36

 
 
Our assessment of likelihood of collection is also a critical factor in determining the timing of revenue recognition. If we 
do not believe that collection is probable, the revenue will be deferred until the earlier of when collection is deemed probable or 
payment is received.

Our indirect channel model includes both a two-tiered distribution structure, where distributors sell to resellers, and a 

one-tiered structure where Autodesk sells directly to resellers. Our product license revenue from distributors and resellers are 
generally recognized at the time title to our product passes to the distributor, in a two-tiered structure, or reseller, in a one-tiered 
structure, provided all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. This policy is predicated on our ability to estimate sales 
returns, among other criteria. We are also required to evaluate whether our distributors and resellers have the ability to honor 
their commitment to make fixed or determinable payments, regardless of whether they collect payment from their customers. 
Our policy also presumes that we have no significant performance obligations in connection with the sale of our product 
licenses by our distributors and resellers to their customers. If we were to change any of these assumptions or judgments, it 
could cause a material increase or decrease in the amount of revenue that we report in a particular period.

As part of the indirect channel model, Autodesk has a partner incentive program that uses quarterly attainment monetary 

rewards to motivate distributors and resellers to achieve mutually agreed upon business goals in a specified time period. A 
portion of these incentives reduce license and other revenue in the current period. The remainder, which relates to incentives on 
our Subscription Program, is recorded as a reduction to deferred revenue in the period the maintenance transaction is billed and 
subsequently recognized as a reduction to maintenance revenue over the contract period. These incentive balances do not 
require significant assumptions or judgments. The reserves associated with the partner incentive program are treated on the 
balance sheet as either contra account receivable (when due to distributors and direct resellers) or accounts payable (when due 
to indirect resellers).

Marketable Securities.     As described in Note 2, “Financial Instruments,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, our investments in marketable securities are measured at the end of each reporting period and reported at fair value. 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or 
most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement 
date. In determining the fair value of our investments we are sometimes required to use various alternative valuation 
techniques. Inputs to valuation techniques are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained 
from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created 
the following fair value hierarchy:

•  Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

•  Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in 
markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers 
are observable in active markets; and

•  Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value 

drivers are unobservable.

This hierarchy requires us to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, 

when determining fair value.  This is generally true for our cash and cash equivalents and the majority of our marketable 
securities, which we consider to be Level 1 assets and Level 2 assets. However, determining the fair value of marketable 
securities when observable inputs are not available (Level 3) requires significant judgment. For example, we use probability 
weighted discounted cash flow models, in which some of the inputs are unobservable in the market, to estimate the fair value of 
our convertible debt securities. These assumptions are inherently subjective and involve significant management judgment. 
Whenever possible, we use observable market data and rely on unobservable inputs only when observable market data is not 
available, when determining fair value.

All of Autodesk’s marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. We recognize an impairment charge 

when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. Autodesk considers 
various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which the 
fair value has been less than Autodesk’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and 
Autodesk’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the 
market value. 

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Business Combinations.     We allocate the fair value of the consideration transferred to the assets and liabilities acquired, 

as well as to in-process research and development based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Any residual 
purchase price is recorded as goodwill. The purchase price allocation requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, 
especially at the acquisition date with respect to intangible assets and deferred revenue obligations.

Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made are reasonable, they are based in part on historical 

experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Examples 
of critical estimates used in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future include but 
are not limited to: 

• 

future expected cash flows from sales, maintenance agreements, and acquired developed technologies; 

• 

the acquired company’s trade name and customer relationships as well as assumptions about the period of time the 
acquired trade name and customer relationships will continue to be used in the combined company’s product portfolio; 

•  expected costs to develop the in-process research and development into commercially viable products and estimated 

cash flows from the projects when completed; and 

•  discount rates used to determine the present value of estimated future cash flows.

These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and if different estimates were used the purchase price for the 

acquisition could be allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities differently from the allocation that we have made. In 
addition, unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates, and if 
such events occur we may be required to record a charge against the value ascribed to an acquired asset or an increase in the 
amounts recorded for assumed liabilities.

Goodwill.     When we acquire a business, a portion of the consideration transferred is typically allocated to acquired 
technology and other identifiable intangible assets, such as customer relationships and developed technology. The excess of the 
consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition-date fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is 
recorded as goodwill. The amounts allocated to acquired technology and other intangible assets represent our estimates of their 
fair values at the acquisition date. We amortize the acquired technology and other intangible assets with finite lives over their 
estimated useful lives. The estimation of acquisition-date fair values of intangible assets and their useful lives requires us to 
make assumptions and judgments, including but not limited to an evaluation of macroeconomic conditions as they relate to our 
business, industry and market trends, projections of future cash flows, and appropriate discount rates. 

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We test goodwill for impairment annually in our fourth fiscal quarter or sooner should events or changes in circumstances 

indicate potential impairment.  An optional assessment of qualitative factors of impairment (“optional assessment”) can be 
utilized prior to necessitating a two-step quantitative impairment test.  Should the optional assessment be utilized for any given 
fiscal year, qualitative factors to consider include cost factors; financial performance; legal, regulatory, contractual, political, 
business, or other factors; entity specific factors; industry and market considerations, macroeconomic conditions, and other 
relevant events and factors affecting the reporting unit. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is more 
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, then performing the two-step 
impairment test is unnecessary.

Under the two-step quantitative impairment test, we use discounted cash flow models that include assumptions regarding 
projected cash flows. Variances in these assumptions could have a significant impact on our conclusion as to whether goodwill 
is impaired, or the amount of any impairment charge. Impairment charges, if any, result from instances where the fair values of 
net assets associated with goodwill are less than their carrying values. As changes in business conditions and our assumptions 
occur, we may be required to record impairment charges.

For our annual impairment assessment in fiscal 2015, we utilized the optional assessment for Delcam, which has been 

deemed a separate reporting unit within our Manufacturing ("MFG") operating segment. Based on a review of the qualitative 
factors described above, we determined that for our Delcam reporting unit it was more likely than not that the fair value of the 
reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. As a result, we concluded that performing the two-step impairment test was not 
necessary for Delcam.

We used the quantitative two-step impairment test for each of our remaining reporting units: Platform Solutions and 
Emerging Business (“PSEB”), MFG, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction ("AEC"), and Media and Entertainment 

2015 Form 10-K  38

 
 
(“M&E”). When applying the quantitative two-step impairment test, a discounted cash flow model was used, which included 
assumptions regarding projected cash flows.  Based on this testing, we determined that the fair value was substantially in excess 
of the carrying value for each of the four reporting units and therefore the goodwill of each reporting unit was not impaired 
during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

Realizability of Long-Lived Assets.     We assess the realizability of our long-lived assets and related intangible assets, 

other than goodwill, annually during the fourth fiscal quarter, or sooner should events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. We consider the following factors important in determining when to 
perform an impairment review: significant under-performance of a business or product line relative to budget; shifts in business 
strategies which affect the continued uses of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; and the results of past 
impairment reviews. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess recoverability of these assets. 

We assess recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the 
assets are expected to generate. If impairment indicators were present based on our undiscounted cash flow models, which 
include assumptions regarding projected cash flows, we would perform a discounted cash flow analysis to assess impairments 
on long-lived assets. Variances in these assumptions could have a significant impact on our conclusion as to whether an asset is 
impaired or the amount of any impairment charge. Impairment charges, if any, result in situations where any fair values of these 
assets are less than their carrying values.

In addition to our recoverability assessments, we routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of our long-lived 
assets. Any reduction in the useful life assumption will result in increased depreciation and amortization expense in the quarter 
when such determinations are made, as well as in subsequent quarters.

We will continue to evaluate the values of our long-lived assets in accordance with applicable accounting rules. As 

changes in business conditions and our assumptions occur, we may be required to record impairment charges.

Income Taxes.     We have $185.1 million of net deferred tax assets as of January 31, 2015, primarily a result of tax 
credits, net operating losses, and timing differences for reserves, accrued liabilities, stock options, deferred revenue, purchased 
technologies, and capitalized intangibles, partially offset by the establishment of U.S. deferred tax liabilities on unremitted 
earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, and valuation allowances against U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets. We perform a 
quarterly assessment of the recoverability of these net deferred tax assets and believe that we will generate sufficient future 
taxable income in appropriate tax jurisdictions to realize the net deferred tax assets. Our judgments regarding future 
profitability may change due to future market conditions and other factors, including intercompany transfer pricing adjustments. 
Any change in future profitability may require material adjustments to these net deferred tax assets, resulting in a reduction in 
net income in the period when such determination is made. We believe our tax positions, including intercompany transfer 
pricing policies, are consistent with the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business.  It is possible that these 
positions may be challenged by jurisdictional tax authorities and may have a significant impact on our effective tax rate.  

Stock-Based Compensation.     We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value of the award, and 
recognize expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. We estimate the fair value of 
certain stock-based payment awards (including grants of stock options and employee stock purchases related to the employee 
stock purchase plan) using either the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model or a binomial-lattice model (e.g., Monte 
Carlo simulation model). To determine the grant-date fair value of our stock-based payment awards, we use a Black-Scholes 
model or the quoted stock price on the date of grant, unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in which case we use 
the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the 
probability that market conditions will be achieved. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the 
expected term of the award, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, the risk-free interest rate for the 
expected term of the award, and expected dividends. The variables used in these models are reviewed on a quarterly basis and 
adjusted, as needed. Share-based compensation cost for restricted stock is measured on the closing fair market value of our 
common stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as 
expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Legal Contingencies.     As described in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” and Part II, Item 8, Note 8, “Commitments 

and Contingencies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we are periodically involved in various legal claims and 
proceedings. We routinely review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the 
potential loss from any matter is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we record a liability for the 
estimated loss. Because of inherent uncertainties related to these legal matters, we base our loss accruals on the best information 

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2015 Form 10-K  39

 
 
available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess our potential liability and may revise our 
estimates. Such revisions could have a material impact on future quarterly or annual results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

See Part II, Item 8, Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated 

Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and 
estimated effects on results of operations and financial condition.

Overview of Fiscal 2015 

Net Revenue

Cost of revenue

Gross Profit

Operating expenses

Income from Operations

Fiscal Year
Ended January
31, 2015

As a % of Net
Revenue

Fiscal Year
Ended January
31, 2014

As a % of Net
Revenue

$

$

2,512.2

342.1

2,170.1

2,049.4

120.7

(in millions)

100% $

14%

86%

82%

5% $

2,273.9

274.3

1,999.6

1,714.8

284.8

100%

12%

88%

75%

13%

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During fiscal 2015, as compared to the prior fiscal year, net revenue increased 10%, gross profit increased 9%, and 
income from operations decreased 58%. Contributing to the year over year decrease in income from operations during fiscal 
2015 was an increase in operating expenses, offset by increases in both subscription revenue and license and other revenue.

We continue to make progress on our business model transition announced in fiscal 2014 with more flexible licenses and 

service offerings that have ratable revenue streams.  As a result, our net revenue for fiscal 2015 excluded approximately $87 
million that was deferred as a result of the transition.  The $87 million related to flexible licensing arrangements with certain 
enterprise customers and had a particular impact on license revenue in the Americas and EMEA geographies, as well as our 
AEC and MFG business segments.   

Our business experienced year over year growth in our AEC, MFG, and PSEB segments, many of our major products, 

particularly our AEC suites, and all of our geographic areas, particularly EMEA. This growth contributed to the year over year 
increase in both subscription and license and other revenue during fiscal 2015.  We also experienced growth in our total 
subscriptions and billings during fiscal 2015, as compared to fiscal 2014, primarily due to promotional activity driving upgrades 
and maintenance renewals in advance of the end of upgrades after fiscal 2015. 

Income from operations for fiscal 2015 was negatively impacted by increased spend as a result of the business model 

transition, the incremental employee costs associated with acquisitions, investments in our move to the cloud, as well as 
increased spending on other key initiatives.  

The reasons for these changes are discussed below under the heading “Results from Operations.” 

Revenue Analysis

Revenue from flagship products represented 48% and 51% of total net revenue during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, 
respectively. Revenue from flagship products increased by 2% as compared to the prior fiscal year. Revenue from suites 
represented 36% and 34% of total net revenue for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively, and increased by 17% compared to 
the prior fiscal year.  Revenue from new and adjacent products represented 16% and 14% of total net revenue during fiscal 
2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. Revenue from new and adjacent products increased by 24% as compared to fiscal 2014. 

We rely significantly upon major distributors and resellers in both the U.S. and international regions, including Tech Data 
Corporation and its global affiliates (collectively, “Tech Data”). Tech Data accounted for 25% and 24% of our consolidated net 
revenue during fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. We believe our business is not substantially dependent on Tech Data. Our 
customers through Tech Data are the resellers and end users who purchase our software licenses and services. Should any of the 
agreements between Tech Data and us be terminated for any reason, we believe the resellers and end users who currently 

2015 Form 10-K  40

 
 
 
 
purchase our products through Tech Data would be able to continue to do so under substantially the same terms from one of our 
many other distributors without substantial disruption to our revenue. 

Operating Margin Analysis

Income from operations decreased 58% in fiscal 2015 due to a $334.6 million or 20% increase in our operating expenses 

and a $67.8 million or 25% increase in cost of revenue, as compared to fiscal 2014. Partially offsetting the increase in our spend 
was a $238.3 million or 10% increase in net revenue, as compared to the prior fiscal year. Our operating margin decreased to 
5% for fiscal 2015 from 13% for fiscal 2014. The increase in cost of revenue was driven by employee related expenses 
associated with the business model transition as well as the inclusion of Delcam related costs and an increase in cloud service 
costs as compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in operating expenses between fiscal 2015 and 2014 was driven by 
higher employee related costs, primarily due to increased headcount and higher commissions expense as a result of increased 
billings. Also impacting the increase in operating expenses during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 was an increase in 
professional fees related to acquisition and business model transition initiatives. 

Further discussion regarding the cost of revenue and operating expense activities are discussed below under the heading 

“Results of Operations.”

Foreign Currency Analysis

We generate a significant amount of our revenue in the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Total net 
revenue for fiscal 2015 increased 10% on an as reported basis compared to the prior fiscal year, and was negatively impacted by 
foreign exchange rate changes during fiscal 2015.  Had applicable exchange rates from fiscal 2014 been in effect during fiscal 
2015 and had we excluded foreign exchange hedge gains and losses from both fiscal 2014 and 2015 (“on a constant currency 
basis”), net revenue would have increased 12% compared to the prior fiscal year. 

Our total spend, defined as cost of revenue plus operating expenses, during fiscal 2015 increased 20% on an as reported 

basis as compared to the prior fiscal year.  Had applicable exchange rates from fiscal 2014 been in effect during fiscal 2015 and 
had we excluded foreign exchange hedge gains and losses from both fiscal 2014 and 2015, total spend would have increased 
21% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior fiscal year.    

Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar may have a significant effect on net revenue, total spend, and income from 
operations in future periods. We use foreign currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate effect on a portion of the net 
revenue of certain anticipated transactions but do not attempt to completely mitigate the impact of fluctuations of such foreign 
currency against the U.S. dollar.

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Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Items

At January 31, 2015, we had $2,299.4 million in cash and marketable securities. We completed fiscal 2015 with higher 

deferred revenue and accounts receivable balances as compared to the prior fiscal year. Our deferred revenue balance at 
January 31, 2015 included $936.8 million of deferred subscription revenue primarily related to customer maintenance contracts, 
which will be recognized as revenue ratably over the life of the contracts. The term of our maintenance contracts is typically 
between one and three years. Our cash flow from operations increased 26% to $708.1 million as of January 31, 2015 from 
$563.5 million at January 31, 2014. We repurchased 6.9 million shares of our common stock for $372.4 million during fiscal 
2015. Comparatively, we repurchased 10.5 million shares of our common stock for $423.8 million during fiscal 2014. Further 
discussion regarding the balance sheet and cash flow activities are discussed below under the heading “Liquidity and Capital 
Resources.” 

Business Outlook

Autodesk's business model is evolving.  We continue to assess current business offerings including introducing more 
flexible license and service offerings that have ratable revenue streams. The accounting impact of these offerings and other 
business decisions are expected to result in an increase in the percentage of our ratable revenue, making for a more predictable 
business over time, while correspondingly reducing our upfront perpetual revenue stream. Over time, we expect our business 
model transition to expand our customer base by eliminating higher up-front licensing costs and providing more flexibility in 
how customers gain access to and pay for our products. We also expect our traditional perpetual license revenue to decline 
without a corresponding decrease in expenses over the next 12 to 24 months. In the future, we expect this business model 
transition will increase our long-term revenue growth rate by increasing total subscriptions and customer value over time. 

2015 Form 10-K  41

 
 
We expect net revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 will range from $625 million to $645 million, and that GAAP 

diluted earnings per share will range from $0.01 to $0.06 while non-GAAP diluted earnings per share will range from $0.25 to 
$0.30.  Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share exclude $0.16 related to stock-based compensation expense and $0.08 related to 
the amortization of acquisition related intangibles, net of tax.

We expect net billings for fiscal 2016 to increase by approximately 3% to 5% compared to fiscal 2015. We expect net 

revenue for fiscal 2016 to increase by approximately 3% to 5% compared to fiscal 2015, and that GAAP diluted earnings per 
share will range from $0.10 to $0.25 while non-GAAP diluted earnings per share will range from $1.05 to $1.20. Non-GAAP 
earnings per diluted share exclude $0.70 related to stock-based compensation expense and $0.25 related to the amortization of 
acquisition related intangibles, net of tax. Autodesk anticipates fiscal 2016 GAAP operating margin to be approximately 2% to 
4% and non-GAAP operating margin to be approximately 13% to 15%.  The non-GAAP operating margin excludes 8 
percentage points related to stock-based compensation expense and 3 percentage points related to the amortization of 
acquisition related intangibles, net of tax. Autodesk expects to add approximately 375,000 to 425,000 net new subscriptions in 
fiscal 2016.

We remain diligent about managing our spend while making essential investments to drive growth. If we are unable to 

successfully achieve our major business initiatives we may not achieve our financial goals.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Increase (decrease)
compared to prior fiscal
year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Increase (decrease)
compared to prior fiscal
year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,341.4

1,170.8

2,512.2

898.0

980.0

634.2

2,512.2

$

86.5

151.8

238.3

79.1

128.2

31.0

238.3

$

$

$

7 % $

1,254.9

15 %

1,019.0

10 % $

2,273.9

10 % $

15 %

5 %

818.9

851.8

603.2

10 % $

2,273.9

$

(109.2)

70.9

(38.3)

(17.3)

(16.7)

(4.3)

(38.3)

(8)% $

1,364.1

7 %

948.1

(2)% $

2,312.2

(2)% $

(2)%

(1)%

836.2

868.5

607.5

(2)% $

2,312.2

872.6

$

142.0

19 % $

730.6

$

29.5

4 % $

701.1

796.7

675.6

167.3

7.5

96.2

(7.4)

1 %

17 %

(4)%

789.2

579.4

174.7

$

2,512.2

$

238.3

10 % $

2,273.9

$

(53.8)

5.6

(19.6)

(38.3)

(6)%

1 %

(10)%

843.0

573.8

194.3

(2)% $

2,312.2

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Net Revenue:

License and other (1)

Subscription (1)

Net Revenue by Geographic Area:

Americas

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Asia Pacific

Net Revenue by Operating Segment:

Architecture, Engineering, and

Construction (1)

Platform Solutions and

Emerging Business (1)

Manufacturing (1)

Media and Entertainment (1)

____________________ 

(1)  For comparability, the presentation of the balances at January 31, 2013 was adjusted to align to current year presentation.

Fiscal 2015 Net Revenue Compared to Fiscal 2014 Net Revenue

Certain prior period balances have been updated to conform with current period presentation.

License and Other Revenue

License and other revenue consists of two components: (1) all forms of product license revenue and (2) other revenue. 

Product license revenue includes software license revenue from the sale of seat licenses, term-based licenses from our desktop 
subscription and enterprise offerings, and product revenue for Creative Finishing. Other revenue includes revenue from 
consulting, training, Autodesk Developers Network, and Creative Finishing customer support, and is recognized as the services 
are performed.

2015 Form 10-K  42

 
 
 
 
 
Total License and other revenue increased 7% during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014.  This increase was primarily 
due to a 7% increase in product license revenue as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase in product 
license revenue was primarily due to an 8% increase in suites revenue and an increase of 4% in revenue from our flagship 
products.

During fiscal 2015, the 7% increase in product license revenue was due to a 7% increase in the average net revenue per 

seat while the number of seats sold remained flat compared to the prior fiscal year. Product license revenue, as a percentage of 
License and other revenue, was 89% for both fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014. 

During fiscal 2015, total other revenue represented 11% of license and other revenue, and 6% of total net revenue.  Other 

revenue increased by 7% during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. This increase is primarily due to a 17% increase in 
revenue from consulting, partially offset by a 65% decrease in revenue from our education products as a result of our strategic 
transition to offer free educational licenses of Autodesk software to students, educators, and institutions.

Backlog related to current software license product orders that had not shipped at the end of the fiscal year increased by 

$20.7 million from $19.7 million at January 31, 2014 to $40.4 million at January 31, 2015. Backlog from current software 
license product orders that we have not yet shipped consists of orders for currently available licensed software products from 
customers with approved credit status. 

Subscription Revenue

Our Subscription revenue consists of three components: (1) maintenance revenue from our software products; (2) 

maintenance revenue from our term-based desktop subscription and enterprise offerings; and (3) revenue from our cloud service 
offerings. Our maintenance program provides our customers of software products with a cost effective and predictable 
budgetary option to obtain the productivity benefits of our new releases and enhancements when and if released during the term 
of their contracts. Under our maintenance program, customers are eligible to receive unspecified upgrades when and if 
available, downloadable training courses, and online support.  We recognize maintenance revenue ratably over the term of the 
maintenance agreement, which is generally between one and three years. Revenue for our cloud service offerings is recognized 
ratably over the contract term commencing with the date our service is made available to customers and all other revenue 
recognition criteria have been satisfied.

Subscription revenue increased 15% during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a 15% increase in 
commercial maintenance revenue. The 15% increase in commercial maintenance revenue was due to a 9% increase from net 
revenue per maintenance seat and a 6% increase from commercial enrollment during the corresponding maintenance contract 
term. Commercial maintenance revenue represented 96% and 95% of Subscription revenue for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, 
respectively.

Changes in Subscription revenue lag changes in net billings for subscription contracts because we recognize the revenue 
from those contracts ratably over their contract terms. Net subscription billings increased 22% during fiscal 2015 as compared 
to the prior fiscal year primarily due to an increase in maintenance subscription billings. 

Our deferred subscription revenue balance at January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014 was $936.8 million and $789.3 

million, respectively, and primarily related to customer maintenance agreements, which will be recognized as revenue ratably 
over the term of the maintenance agreement.

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Net Revenue by Geographic Area

Net revenue in the Americas geography increased by 10% as reported and on a constant currency basis during fiscal 2015, 

as compared to the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to a 16% increase in our suites revenue and an 18% 
increase in our new and adjacent product revenue in this geography during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase 
in this geography was led by the U.S.

Net revenue in the EMEA geography increased by 15% on an as reported basis and 13% on a constant currency basis 
during fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to a 24% increase in our suites products 
and a 45% increase in our new and adjacent product revenue in this geography during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. 
The increase in our revenue in this geography was led by Germany and France.

2015 Form 10-K  43

 
 
Net revenue in the APAC geography increased 5% on an as reported basis and 11% on a constant currency basis, during 

fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a 4% increase in our flagship products and a 5% increase in 
our suites products in this geography. Our revenue in this geography during fiscal 2015 benefited from increases in revenue 
from South Korea and India, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from Japan.

Net revenue in emerging economies increased 14% during fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due 

to increases in revenue from India and Mexico. Revenue from emerging economies represented 15% of total net revenue for 
both fiscal 2015 and 2014.

International net revenue represented 71% and 70% of our total net revenue for fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. We 

believe that international revenue will continue to comprise a majority of our total net revenue. Unfavorable economic 
conditions in the countries that contribute a significant portion of our net revenue, including in emerging economies, may have 
an adverse effect on our business in those countries and our overall financial performance. Changes in the value of the U.S. 
dollar relative to other currencies have significantly affected, and could continue to significantly affect, our financial results for 
a given period even though we hedge a portion of our current and projected revenue. Additionally, weak global economic 
conditions that have been characterized by restructuring of sovereign debt, high unemployment, and volatility in the financial 
markets may impact our future financial results. 

Net Revenue by Operating Segment

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We have four reportable segments: AEC, PSEB, MFG, and M&E. We have no material inter-segment revenue.

Net revenue for AEC increased by 19% during fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to a 31% 

increase in revenue from our AEC suites, which was primarily driven by Autodesk Building Design Suite and Autodesk 
Infrastructure Design Suite. 

Net revenue for PSEB increased by 1% during fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to a 3% 
increase in revenue from our flagship product AutoCAD LT. Revenue from AutoCAD remained flat in fiscal 2015 as compared 
to fiscal 2014.   

Net revenue for MFG increased by 17% during fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to the 
acquisition of Delcam plc ("Delcam"). Also contributing to the increase in net revenue for MFG was a 9% increase in revenue 
from our MFG suites, which was primarily driven by the Autodesk Product Design Suite, as compared to fiscal 2014.

Net revenue for M&E decreased by 4% during fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to an 11% 
decrease in revenue from Creative Finishing and a 2% decrease in revenue from Animation.  The decline in Creative Finishing 
was marked by a general decrease in the M&E industry end-market demand, partially offset by a 33% increase in sales of our 
Creative Finishing hardware products. The decrease in Animation revenue was primarily due to a 20% decrease in revenue 
from our M&E suites, which was driven by our Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite, partially offset by a 5% increase in our 
flagship product 3ds Max.  M&E revenue is impacted by a general decrease in the M&E industry end-market demand, the 
planned inclusion of our M&E products in other Autodesk industry suites, and the business model transition as customers are 
opting for desktop subscription.

Fiscal 2014 Net Revenue Compared to Fiscal 2013 Net Revenue

This discussion has been updated to conform with current period's presentation.

License and Other Revenue

Total License and other revenue decreased 8% during fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.  This decrease was 

primarily due to a 7% decrease in product license revenue as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The decline in 
product license revenue was primarily due to a decrease of 15% in revenue from our flagship products partially offset by an 
increase of 10% in our suites products. 

During fiscal 2014, the 7% decrease in product license revenue was due to a 21% decrease in the number of seats sold 

partially offset by a 14% increase in the average net revenue per seat. Product license revenue, as a percentage of License and 
other revenue, was 89% for both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. 

2015 Form 10-K  44

 
 
During fiscal 2014, total other revenue represented 11% of License and other revenue.  Other revenue decreased by 11% 
during fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. This decrease is primarily due to a 56% decrease in our education products as a 
result of our transition to granting no or low-cost software licenses to educational institutions in select regions and to key 
partners during fiscal 2014, consistent with our strategy.  

Backlog related to current software license product orders that had not shipped at the end of the fiscal year decreased by 

$0.3 million, from $20.0 million at January 31, 2013 to $19.7 million at January 31, 2014. 

Subscription Revenue

Subscription revenue increased 7% during fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to a 9% increase in 

commercial maintenance revenue. The 9% increase in commercial maintenance revenue was due to a 4% increase from 
commercial enrollment during the corresponding maintenance contract term and a 5% increase from net revenue per 
maintenance seat. Commercial maintenance revenue represented 95% and 94% of Subscription revenue for fiscal 2014 and 
fiscal 2013, respectively.

Net subscription billings remained flat during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to a decline in 

multi-year maintenance subscriptions partially offset by an increase in billings from suites, which have higher maintenance 
subscription prices. 

Our deferred subscription revenue balance at January 31, 2014 and January 31, 2013 was $789.3 million and $753.1 

million, respectively, and primarily related to customer maintenance agreements, which will be recognized as revenue ratably 
over the term of the maintenance agreement.

Net Revenue by Geographic Area

Net revenue in the Americas geography decreased by 2% as reported and on a constant currency basis during fiscal 2014, 

as compared to the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to a 13% decrease in our flagship product revenue 
partially offset by a 14% increase in our suites revenue in this geography during fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. The 
decrease in our revenue in this geography was led by Canada and Brazil partially offset by an increase in revenue from the U.S. 

Net revenue in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA") geography decreased by 2%, and remained flat on a 
constant currency basis, during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to a 13% 
decrease in our flagship products partially offset by a 21% increase in our suites products in this geography during fiscal 2014 
as compared to fiscal 2013. The decrease in our revenue in this geography was led by Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands 
partially offset by an increase in revenue from Finland and the United Kingdom.

Net revenue in the APAC geography decreased 1% and increased by 5% on a constant currency basis, during fiscal 2014 
as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a 3% decrease in our flagship products partially offset by a 10% increase 
in our suites products in this geography. Our revenue in this geography during fiscal 2014 was impacted by decreases in 
revenue from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, partially offset by an increase in revenue from China.

Net revenue in emerging economies remained flat during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to 

increases in revenue from Lebanon and China offset by a decrease in revenue from the Russian Federation. Revenue from 
emerging economies represented 15% and 14% of total net revenue for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

International net revenue represented 70% and 71% of our total net revenue for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. We 

believe that international revenue will continue to comprise a majority of our total net revenue. 

Net Revenue by Operating Segment

Net revenue for PSEB decreased by 6% during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to a 9% and 

4% decrease in revenue from our flagship products, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, respectively.  

Net revenue for AEC increased by 4% during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to a 31% 

increase in revenue from our AEC suites, which was primarily driven by Autodesk Building Design Suite and Autodesk 
Infrastructure Design Suite. 

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2015 Form 10-K  45

 
 
Net revenue for MFG increased by 1% during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to a 9% 
increase in revenue from our MFG suites, which was primarily driven by the Autodesk Product Design Suite. This increase was 
partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our flagship product, AutoCAD Mechanical.

Net revenue for M&E decreased by 10% during fiscal 2014 as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a 7% 

decrease in revenue from Animation and a 17% decrease in revenue from Creative Finishing. The decrease in Animation 
revenue was primarily due to a 9% decrease in revenue from our flagship product, Maya, and a 16% decrease from our M&E 
suites, which was driven by our Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite. The decline in Creative Finishing was marked by a 
general decrease in M&E industry end-market demand. 

Cost of Revenue and Operating Expenses

Cost of Revenue

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

Cost of revenue:

License and other

Subscription

As a percentage of net revenue

$

$

$

$

208.5

133.6

342.1

14%

29.8

38.0

67.8

17% $

40%

25% $

$

$

178.7

95.6

274.3

12%

12.7

23.1

35.8

8% $

32%

15% $

166.0

72.5

238.5

10%

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Cost of license and other revenue includes labor costs associated with product setup and fulfillment and costs of fulfilling 

consulting and training services contracts and collaborative project management services contracts. Cost of license and other 
revenue also includes stock-based compensation expense, direct material and overhead charges, amortization of purchased 
technology, professional services fees and royalties. Direct material and overhead charges include the cost of hardware sold 
(mainly PC-based workstations for Creative Finishing in the M&E segment), costs associated with transferring our software to 
electronic media, physical media, packaging materials, and shipping and handling costs.

Cost of license and other revenue increased 17% during fiscal 2015, as compared to fiscal 2014, primarily from the 

acquisition of Delcam and consulting support costs associated with an increased headcount and increased professional fees 
related to the building out of the consulting services offered within customer contracts. Cost of license and other revenue 
increased 8% during fiscal 2014, as compared to fiscal 2013, primarily due to an increase in consulting support costs. 

Cost of subscription revenue includes the labor costs of providing product support to our maintenance and cloud 
subscription customers, including rent and occupancy, shipping and handling costs, professional services fees related to 
operating our network infrastructure, including depreciation expense and operating lease payments associated with computer 
equipment, data center costs, salaries, and related expenses of network operations. Cost of subscription revenue increased 40% 
during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to higher employee-related costs as a result of increased premium 
support headcount as well as an increase in cloud services-related expenses. Cost of subscription revenue increased 32% during 
fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to an increase in cloud services-related expenses.

Cost of revenue, at least over the near term, is affected by the volume and mix of product sales, mix of physical versus 

electronic fulfillment, fluctuations in consulting costs, amortization of purchased technology, new customer support offerings, 
royalty rates for licensed technology embedded in our products, and employee stock-based compensation expense. 

We expect cost of revenue to increase in absolute dollars and slightly increase as a percentage of net revenue during fiscal 

2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, primarily due to an increase in costs associated with meeting our major business initiatives.

2015 Form 10-K  46

 
 
 
 
 
Marketing and Sales

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Decrease compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

Marketing and sales

$

998.0

$

155.4

18% $

842.6

$

(32.9)

(4)% $

875.5

As a percentage of net revenue

40%

37%

38%

Marketing and sales expenses include salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation expense for our 
marketing and sales employees, the expense of travel, entertainment and training for such personnel, the costs of programs 
aimed at increasing revenue, such as advertising, trade shows and expositions, and various sales and promotional programs. 
Marketing and sales expenses also include labor costs of sales and order processing, sales and dealer commissions, rent and 
occupancy, and the cost of supplies and equipment. 

Marketing and sales expenses increased 18% during fiscal 2015, as compared to fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher 

employee-related costs from salaries, commissions, and bonuses as well as advertising and promotional expenses. Marketing 
and sales expenses decreased 4% during fiscal 2014, as compared to fiscal 2013, primarily due to lower advertising and 
promotional expenses and employee-related costs from salaries, bonuses, and commissions.

We expect to balance our need to invest in the marketing and sales of our products with our desire to actively manage our 

marketing and sales operating expenses. As a result, we expect marketing and sales expense to slightly increase in absolute 
dollars and slightly decrease as a percentage of net revenue in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to an 
increase in costs as we work towards meeting our major business initiatives.

Research and Development

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

Research and development

$

725.2

$

114.1

19% $

611.1

$

11.1

2% $

600.0

As a percentage of net revenue

29%

27%

26%

Research and development expenses, which are expensed as incurred, consist primarily of salaries, bonuses, benefits, and 

stock-based compensation expense for research and development employees, and the expense of travel, entertainment and 
training for such personnel, rent and occupancy, and professional services such as fees paid to software development firms and 
independent contractors. 

Research and development expenses increased 19% during fiscal 2015, as compared to fiscal 2014, primarily due to an 
increase in employee-related costs from salaries and bonuses and an increase in professional fees. Research and development 
expenses increased 2% during fiscal 2014, as compared to fiscal 2013, primarily due to an increase in employee-related costs 
from salaries and fringe benefits and an increase in professional fees partially offset by a decline in stock-based compensation 
expense due to a one-time charge associated with the acquisition of Socialcam in fiscal 2013. 

We expect research and development expense to increase in absolute dollars but remain consistent as a percentage of net 

revenue during fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, as we continue to invest in product development in fiscal 2016.

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2015 Form 10-K  47

 
 
 
 
 
 
General and Administrative

For comparability, the balances at January 31, 2014 and January 31, 2013, including the table, were adjusted to align to 

current year presentation, and therefore the discussion has been updated accordingly.

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

General and administrative

As a percentage of net revenue

$

283.3

$

71.5

34% $

211.8

$

5.5

3% $

206.3

11%

9%

9%

General and administrative expenses include salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation expense for our 
finance, human resources, and legal employees, as well as professional fees for legal and accounting services, gains and losses 
on our operating expense cash flow hedges, expense of travel, entertainment and training, expense of communication, and the 
cost of supplies and equipment.

General and administrative expenses increased 34% from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015 primarily due to an increase in 

employee-related costs from salaries and bonuses and an increase in professional fees. General and administrative expenses 
increased 3% from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014, primarily due to an increase in employee-related costs from salaries and fringe 
benefits in fiscal 2014. 

We expect general and administrative expense to increase in absolute dollars and slightly increase as a percentage of net 

revenue during fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, primarily due to an increase in costs associated with supporting our 
major business initiatives.

Amortization of Purchased Intangibles

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Increase compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Decrease compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

Amortization of purchased
intangibles

$

39.8

$

3.3

9% $

36.5

$

(5.6)

(13)% $

42.1

As a percentage of net revenue

2%

2%

2%

Amortization of purchased intangibles increased 9% from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015, primarily related to the accumulated 

effects associated with amortization expense of intangible assets purchased over time, including $164.1 million in assets 
purchased in fiscal 2015 as compared to $40.3 million purchased in fiscal 2014. 

Amortization of purchased intangibles decreased 13% from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014, primarily related to the 

accumulated effects associated with amortization expense of intangible assets purchased over time, including $40.3 million in 
assets purchased in fiscal 2014 as compared to $76.9 million purchased in fiscal 2013.

We expect amortization of purchased intangibles expense to decrease in absolute dollars and slightly decrease as a 

percentage of net revenue during fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015.

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2015 Form 10-K  48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges, Net

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2015

Decrease compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2014

(in millions)

Decrease compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2013

Restructuring charges, net

As a percentage of net revenue

$

3.1

$

(9.7)

(76)% $

12.8

$

(31.1)

(71)% $

43.9

—%

1%

2%

During fiscal 2014, our Board of Directors approved a world-wide restructuring plan in order to re-balance staffing levels 

to better align them with the evolving needs of the business.  During fiscal 2015, Autodesk recorded a restructuring charge of 
$3.1 million.  Of this amount, $2.5 million was recorded for one-time termination benefits and other costs and $0.6 million was 
recorded for facilities-related costs. 

During fiscal 2013, the our Board of Directors approved a world-wide restructuring plan in line with the Company's 
strategy, including its continuing shift to cloud and mobile computing. The approved plan included a reduction in force and the 
consolidation of certain leased facilities. 

See Note 15, “Restructuring Reserves,” in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Interest and Other (Expense) Income, Net

The following table sets forth the components of interest and other income, net:

Interest and investment (expense) income, net

(Loss) gain on foreign currency

Loss on strategic investments
Other income

Interest and other (expense) income, net

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

(in millions)

2013

(13.2) $

(9.8) $

(3.9)

(23.3)

2.7

4.0

(1.8)

2.7

(37.7) $

(4.9) $

$

$

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1.2

(4.0)

2.0

4.1

Interest and other (expense) income, net, increased $32.8 million during fiscal 2015, as compared to fiscal 2014, primarily 
due to an increase in losses on our privately held strategic investments. The increase in the loss on strategic investments during 
fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 is primarily due to other-than-temporary impairments on two of our privately held 
strategic investments and losses on the derivative portion of our strategic investments that are marked-to-market each period. 

Interest and other (expense) income, net, decreased $9.0 million during fiscal 2014, as compared to fiscal 2013, primarily 

due to interest expense resulting from the December 2012 issuance of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount 
of 1.95% senior notes due December 15, 2017 and $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.6% senior notes 
due December 15, 2022. Interest and investment income fluctuates based on average cash, marketable securities and debt 
balances, average maturities, and interest rates.

Provision for Income Taxes

We account for income taxes and the related accounts under the liability method. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are 
determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted rates 
expected to be in effect during the year in which the basis differences reverse.

Our effective tax rate was 1% and 18% during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.  Our effective tax rate decreased 
17 percentage points from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015 due to an increase in tax benefits from foreign earnings taxed at different 
rates in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 and increased benefit from research credits, offset in part by lower tax benefits 
from stock-based compensation. 

2015 Form 10-K  49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Our effective tax rate was 18% and 20% during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our effective tax rate decreased two 

percentage points from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014 primarily due to an increase in tax benefits from foreign earnings taxed at 
different rates in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, offset in part by lower tax benefits from restructuring and additional tax 
expense associated with uncertain tax positions and audit assessments.

Our future effective tax rate may be materially impacted by the amount of benefits and charges from tax amounts 

associated with our foreign earnings that are taxed at rates different from the federal statutory rate, research credits, state 
income taxes, the tax impact of stock-based compensation, accounting for uncertain tax positions, business combinations, U.S. 
Manufacturer's deduction, closure of statute of limitations or settlement of tax audits, changes in valuation allowances and 
changes in tax laws including possible U.S. tax law changes that, if enacted, could significantly impact how U.S. multinational 
companies are taxed on foreign subsidiary earnings. A significant amount of our earnings is generated by our Europe and Asia 
Pacific subsidiaries. Our future effective tax rates may be adversely affected to the extent earnings are lower than anticipated in 
countries where we have lower statutory tax rates or we repatriate certain foreign earnings on which U.S. taxes have not 
previously been provided. 

At January 31, 2015, we had net deferred tax assets of $185.1 million. We believe that we will generate sufficient future 

taxable income in appropriate tax jurisdictions to realize these assets.

For additional information regarding our income tax provision and reconciliation of our effective rate to the federal 

statutory rate of 35%, see Note 4, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other Financial Information

In addition to our results determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) discussed above, we 
believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance. For the fiscal years 
ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, our gross profit, gross margin, income from operations, operating margin, net income, 
and diluted earnings per share on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis were as follows (in millions except for gross margin, operating 
margin and per share data):

Gross profit

Non-GAAP gross profit

Gross margin

Non-GAAP gross margin

Income from operations

Non-GAAP income from operations

Operating margin

Non-GAAP operating margin

Net income

Non-GAAP net income (1)

Diluted earnings per share (2)

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (1) (2)

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2,170.1

2,232.2

86%

89%

120.7

382.4

5%

15%

81.8

272.3

0.35

1.17

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2014

(Unaudited)

1,999.6

2,049.8

88%

90%

284.8

510.5

13%

22%

228.8

385.6

1.00

1.68

2013

2,073.7

2,118.6

90%

92%

305.9

587.9

13%

25%

247.4

450.0

1.07

1.94

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

_______________
(1)  Effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, Autodesk began excluding gains and losses on strategic investments for purposes of its 
non-GAAP financial measures. Prior period non-GAAP interest and other income (expense), net, net income, and earnings per share 
amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.

(2)  Earnings per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore the sum of the earnings per share amount 

for the quarters may not equal the total for the year.

For our internal budgeting and resource allocation process and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons, we use 
non-GAAP measures to supplement our consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP measures 
do not include certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results. We use non-GAAP measures in 
making operating decisions because we believe those measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our earning 

2015 Form 10-K  50

 
 
 
 
 
 
potential and performance for management by excluding certain expenses and charges that may not be indicative of our core 
business operating results.  For the reasons set forth below, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors 
both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational 
decision-making and (2) they are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health 
of our business. This allows investors and others to better understand and evaluate our operating results and future prospects in 
the same manner as management, compare financial results across accounting periods and to those of peer companies and to better 
understand the long-term performance of our core business. We also use some of these measures for purposes of determining 
company-wide incentive compensation. 

There are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in 
accordance  with  GAAP  and  may  be  different  from  non-GAAP  financial  measures  used  by  other  companies. The  non-GAAP 
financial measures included above are limited in value because they exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon 
our reported financial results. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by 
management about which charges are excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures. We compensate for these limitations by 
analyzing current and future results on a GAAP basis as well as a non-GAAP basis and also by providing GAAP measures in our 
public disclosures. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information is meant to be considered in addition to, not as a substitute 
for or in isolation from, the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We urge investors to 
review the reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures included below, and 
not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. 

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2015 Form 10-K  51

 
 
Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(In millions except for gross margin, operating margin, and per share data):

$

$

$

2015

Fiscal Year Ended
January 31,

2014

(Unaudited)

2013

2,170.1

$

1,999.6

$

2,073.7

8.9

53.2

6.0

44.2

5.2

39.7

2,232.2

$

2,049.8

$

2,118.6

86%

1%

2%

89%

$

120.7

165.6

53.2

39.8

3.1

88%

—%

2%

90%

$

284.8

132.2

44.2

36.5

12.8

90%

—%

2%

92%

305.9

156.3

39.7

42.1

43.9

$

382.4

$

510.5

$

587.9

5%

7%

2%

1%

—%

15%

$

81.8

$

$

$

165.6

53.2

39.8

3.1

23.3

(18.7)

(75.8)

272.3

0.35

0.71

0.23

0.17

0.01

0.10

(0.08)

(0.32)

$

$

$

$

$

13%

6%

2%

1%

—%

22%

228.8

132.2

44.2

36.5

12.8

1.8

(10.2)

(60.5)

385.6

1.00

0.57

0.19

0.16

0.06

—

(0.04)

(0.26)

$

1.17

$

1.68

$

13%

7%

2%

1%

2%

25%

247.4

156.3

39.7

42.1

43.9

4.0

(26.7)

(56.7)

450.0

1.07

0.67

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.02

(0.12)

(0.24)

1.94

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Gross profit

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Non-GAAP gross profit

Gross margin

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Non-GAAP gross margin

Income from operations

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

Non-GAAP income from operations

Operating margin

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

Non-GAAP operating margin

Net income

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

Loss on strategic investments (1)

Discrete tax provision items

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments

Non-GAAP net income

Diluted net income per share (2)

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

Loss on strategic investments (1)

Discrete tax provision items

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments

Non-GAAP diluted net income per share (2)

2015 Form 10-K  52

 
 
 
 
 
_______________
(1)  Effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, Autodesk began excluding gains and losses on strategic investments for purposes of its 
non-GAAP financial measures. Prior period non-GAAP interest and other income (expense), net, net income, and earnings per share 
amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.

(2)  Earnings per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore the sum of the earnings per share amount 

for the quarters may not equal the total for the year. 

Our non-GAAP financial measures may exclude the following:

Stock-based compensation expenses.  We exclude stock-based compensation expenses from non-GAAP measures primarily 
because they are non-cash expenses and management finds it useful to exclude certain non-cash charges to assess the appropriate 
level of various operating expenses to assist in budgeting, planning, and forecasting future periods.  Moreover, because of varying 
available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types that companies can use under FASB 
ASC Topic 718, we believe excluding stock-based compensation expenses allows investors to make meaningful comparisons 
between our recurring core business operating results and those of other companies.

Amortization of acquisition-related developed technologies and purchased intangibles.  We incur amortization of acquisition-
related developed technology and purchased intangibles in connection with acquisitions of certain businesses and technologies. 
Amortization of developed technologies and purchased intangibles is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly 
affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions.  Management finds it useful to exclude these variable charges from our cost 
of revenues to assist in budgeting, planning, and forecasting future periods. Investors should note that the use of intangible assets 
contributed  to  our  revenues  earned  during  the  periods  presented  and  will  contribute  to  our  future  period  revenues  as  well. 
Amortization of developed technologies and purchased intangible assets will recur in future periods.

Goodwill impairment.  This is a non-cash charge to write-down goodwill to fair value when there was an indication that the 
asset was impaired. As explained above, management finds it useful to exclude certain non-cash charges to assess the appropriate 
level of various operating expenses to assist in budgeting, planning, and forecasting future periods.

Restructuring charges (benefits), net.  These expenses are associated with realigning our business strategies based on current 
economic conditions. In connection with these restructuring actions, we recognize costs related to termination benefits for former 
employees whose positions were eliminated, and the closure of facilities and cancellation of certain contracts. We exclude these 
charges because these expenses are not reflective of ongoing business and operating results.  We believe it is useful for investors 
to understand the effects of these items on our total operating expenses. 

Loss (gain) on strategic investments.  We exclude gains and losses related to our strategic investments from our non-GAAP 
measures primarily because management finds it useful to exclude these variable gains and losses on these investments in assessing 
our financial results. Included in these amounts are non-cash unrealized gains and losses on the derivative components and realized 
gains and losses on the sale or losses on the impairment of these investments.  We believe excluding these items is useful to 
investors because these excluded items do not correlate to the underlying performance of our business and these losses or gains 
were incurred in connection with strategic investments which do not occur regularly. 

Establishment of a valuation allowance on certain net deferred tax assets.  This is a non-cash charge to record a valuation 
allowance on certain deferred tax assets. As explained above, management finds it useful to exclude certain non-cash charges to 
assess the appropriate level of various cash expenses to assist in budgeting, planning, and forecasting future periods.

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Discrete tax items.  We exclude the GAAP tax provision, including discrete items, from the non-GAAP measure of income, 
and include a non-GAAP tax provision based upon the projected annual non-GAAP effective tax rate. Discrete tax items include 
income tax expenses or benefits that do not relate to ordinary income from continuing operations in the current fiscal year, unusual 
or infrequently occurring items, or the tax impact of certain stock-based compensation. Examples of discrete tax items include, 
but are not limited to, certain changes in judgment and changes in estimates of tax matters related to prior fiscal years, certain 
costs related to business combinations, certain changes in the realizability of deferred tax assets or changes in tax law. Management 
believes this approach assists investors in understanding the tax provision and the effective tax rate related to ongoing operations. 
We believe the exclusion of these discrete tax items provides investors with useful supplemental information about the Company's 
operational performance.

2015 Form 10-K  53

 
 
Income tax effects on the difference between GAAP and non-GAAP costs and expenses.  The income tax effects that are 
excluded  from  the  non-GAAP  measures  relate  to  the  tax  impact  on  the  difference  between  GAAP  and  non-GAAP  expenses, 
primarily due to stock-based compensation, amortization of purchased intangibles and restructuring charges (benefits) for GAAP 
and non-GAAP measures.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of cash is from the sale of licenses to our products. Our primary use of cash is payment of our 
operating costs, which consist primarily of employee-related expenses, such as compensation and benefits, as well as general 
operating expenses for marketing, facilities, and overhead costs. In addition to operating expenses, we also use cash to fund our 
stock repurchase program and invest in our growth initiatives, which include acquisitions of products, technology, and 
businesses. See further discussion of these items below.

At January 31, 2015, our principal sources of liquidity were cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling 

$2,299.4 million and net accounts receivable of $458.9 million. 

In fiscal 2013, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.95% senior notes due December 15, 2017 and 

$350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.6% senior notes due December 15, 2022, (collectively, the "Senior Notes"). As 
of March 18, 2015, we have $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes outstanding. Our senior notes do not 
contain any financial covenants. In addition, we have a line of credit facility that permits unsecured short-term borrowings of up 
to $400.0 million. The credit facility contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and two financial 
covenants: a leverage ratio, and an interest coverage ratio. The credit facility limits our ability to incur additional indebtedness 
and has certain other restrictions on our activities as defined in the credit agreement. As of January 31, 2015, we were in 
compliance with the credit facility’s covenants. We have no amounts outstanding under the credit facility as of March 18, 2015. 
The credit facility expires in May 2018. Borrowings under the credit facility and the net proceeds from the offering of the 
Senior Notes are available for general corporate purposes. 

Our cash and cash equivalents are held by diversified financial institutions globally. Our primary commercial banking 
relationship is with Citigroup and its global affiliates. In addition, Citibank N.A., an affiliate of Citigroup, is one of the lead 
lenders and agent in the syndicate of our $400.0 million line of credit.

The decrease in our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities to $2,299.4 million at January 31, 2015 from 
$2,544.4 million at January 31, 2014 is primarily due to cash used for acquisitions, including business combination and 
technology purchases, the repurchase of common stock, and lower proceeds from the issuance of common stock as compared to 
the prior fiscal year.  The cash proceeds from the issuance of common stock varies based on our stock price, stock option 
exercise activity, and the volume of employee purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESP Plan”). These 
decreases to cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities are partially offset by an increase in cash generated by operating 
activities.

The primary source for net cash provided by operating activities of $708.1 million for fiscal 2015 was net income of $81.8 

million increased by the effect of non-cash expenses totaling $311.5 million associated with depreciation, amortization, 
accretion, and stock-based compensation. In addition, net cash flow provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities was 
$296.0 million. The primary working capital sources of cash were an increase in deferred revenue and accrued compensation 
for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014.  Our days sales outstanding in trade receivables was 63 at January 31, 2015 compared 
to 66 at January 31, 2014.  The decrease in days sales outstanding primarily relates to improved billings linearity. The primary 
working capital uses of cash were a decrease in income taxes payable and an increase in accounts receivable for fiscal 2015 
compared to fiscal 2014.

At January 31, 2015, our short-term investment portfolio had an estimated fair value of $615.8 million and a cost basis of 

$612.3 million. The portfolio fair value consisted of $258.4 million invested in commercial paper, $148.0 million invested in 
corporate debt securities, $101.9 million invested in certificates of deposit, $37.9 million invested in U.S. government agency 
securities, and $29.3 million invested in municipal securities. 

At January 31, 2015, $40.3 million of trading securities were invested in a defined set of mutual funds as directed by the 
participants in our Deferred Compensation Plan (see Note 6, “Deferred Compensation,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for further discussion).

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2015 Form 10-K  54

 
 
Long-term cash requirements for items other than normal operating expenses are anticipated for the following: common 

stock repurchases; the acquisition of businesses, software products, or technologies complementary to our business; and capital 
expenditures, including the purchase and implementation of internal-use software applications.

Our strategy includes improving our product functionality and expanding our product offerings through internal 

development as well as through the acquisition of products, technology, and businesses. Acquisitions often increase the speed at 
which we can deliver product functionality to our customers; however, they entail cost and integration challenges and, in certain 
instances, negatively impact our operating margins. We continually review these trade-offs in making decisions regarding 
acquisitions. We currently anticipate that we will continue to acquire products, technology, and businesses as compelling 
opportunities become available. Our decision to acquire businesses or technology is dependent on our business needs, the 
availability of suitable sellers and technology, and our own financial condition.

Our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances are concentrated in a few locations around the world, with 
substantial amounts held outside of the U.S. As of January 31, 2015, approximately 81% of our total cash, cash equivalents, and 
marketable securities are located offshore and will fluctuate subject to business needs. Certain amounts held outside the U.S. 
could be repatriated to the U.S. (subject to local law restrictions), but under current U.S. tax law, could be subject to U.S. 
income taxes less applicable foreign tax credits. We have provided for the U.S. income tax liability on foreign earnings, except 
for foreign earnings that are considered permanently reinvested outside the U.S. Our intent is that amounts related to foreign 
earnings permanently reinvested outside the U.S. will remain outside the U.S. and we will meet our U.S. liquidity needs 
through ongoing cash flows, external borrowings, or both. We regularly review our capital structure and consider a variety of 
potential financing alternatives and planning strategies to ensure we have the proper liquidity available in the locations in which 
it is needed and to fund our existing stock buyback program with cash that has not been permanently reinvested outside the U.S.

Cash from operations could also be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the risks 
detailed in Part I, Item 1A titled “Risk Factors.” However, based on our current business plan and revenue prospects, we believe 
that our existing balances, our anticipated cash flows from operations and our available credit facility will be sufficient to meet 
our working capital and operating resource expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. 

Our revenue, earnings, cash flows, receivables, and payables are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency 

exchange rates, for which we have put in place foreign currency contracts as part of our risk management strategy. See Part II, 
Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for further discussion.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant financial contractual obligations at January 31, 2015 and the effect such 

obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

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Notes

Operating lease obligations

Purchase obligations

Deferred compensation obligations

Pension obligations

Other obligations (1)

Total (2)

Total

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal Years
2017-2018

(in millions)

Fiscal Years
2019-2020

Thereafter

$

871.6

$

20.4

$

439.8

$

25.2

$

386.2

222.7

85.4

40.3

34.3

10.8

54.9

63.7

5.3

3.5

1.1

87.1

14.4

5.0

6.9

5.7

48.1

7.3

4.9

6.4

3.2

32.6

—

25.1

17.5

0.8

$

1,265.1

$

148.9

$

558.9

$

95.1

$

462.2

____________________ 
(1)  Other obligations include asset retirement obligations.
(2)  This table generally excludes amounts already recorded on the balance sheet as current liabilities, certain purchase obligations as 

discussed below, long term deferred revenue, and amounts related to income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions, since we cannot 
predict with reasonable reliability the timing of cash settlements to the respective taxing authorities (see Note 4, “Income Taxes” to the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

2015 Form 10-K  55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes consist of the Senior Notes issued in December 2012.  The Senior Notes consist of $400.0 million aggregate 
principal amount of 1.95% senior notes due December 15, 2017 notes and $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.6% 
senior notes due December 15, 2022.

Operating lease obligations consist primarily of obligations for facilities, net of sublease income, computer equipment 

and other equipment leases.

Purchase obligations are contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services and are defined as agreements that are 

enforceable and legally binding on Autodesk and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be 
purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations 
relate primarily to enterprise subscription agreements, IT infrastructure costs, and marketing costs.

Deferred compensation obligations relate to amounts held in a rabbi trust under our non-qualified deferred compensation 

plan. See Note 6, “Deferred Compensation,” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information 
regarding this plan.

Pension obligations relate to our obligations for pension plans outside of the U.S. See Note 14, “Retirement Benefit 

Plans,” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding these obligations.

Purchase orders or contracts for the purchase of supplies and other goods and services are not included in the table above. 

We are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase 
orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase orders are based on our current 
procurement or development needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within short time horizons. We do not have significant 
agreements for the purchase of supplies or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed our expected 
requirements for three months. In addition, we have certain software royalty commitments associated with the shipment and 
licensing of certain products. 

The expected timing of payment of the obligations discussed above is estimated based on current information. Timing of 
payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services or changes to agreed-
upon amounts for some obligations.

We provide indemnifications of varying scopes and certain guarantees, including limited product warranties. Historically, 

costs related to these warranties and indemnifications have not been significant, but because potential future costs are highly 
variable, we are unable to estimate the maximum potential impact of these guarantees on our future results of operations.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Autodesk's stock repurchase program is largely to help offset the dilution from the issuance of stock under our employee 

stock plans and for such other purposes as may be in the interests of Autodesk and its stockholders, and has the effect of 
returning excess cash generated from our business to stockholders. The number of shares acquired and the timing of the 
purchases are based on several factors, including general market conditions, the volume of employee stock option exercises, 
stock issuance, the trading price of our common stock, cash on hand and available in the U.S., and company defined trading 
windows. During the three and twelve months ended January 31, 2015, we repurchased 1.1 million and 6.9 million shares of 
our common stock, respectively. At January 31, 2015, 14.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under our current 
repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors. This program does not have a fixed expiration date. See Note 9, 
“Stockholders' Equity,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of January 31, 2015, we did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases, as 

defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

2015 Form 10-K  56

 
 
ITEM 7A.  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign currency exchange risk

Our revenue, earnings, cash flows, receivables, and payables are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign 
currency exchange rates. Our risk management strategy utilizes foreign currency contracts to manage our exposure to foreign 
currency volatility that exists as part of our ongoing business operations. We utilize cash flow hedge contracts to reduce the 
exchange rate impact on a portion of the net revenue or operating expense of certain anticipated transactions. In addition, we 
use balance sheet hedge contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with foreign currency denominated 
receivables and payables. As of January 31, 2015 and 2014, we had open cash flow and balance sheet hedge contracts with 
future settlements within one to twelve months. Contracts were primarily denominated in euros, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, 
British pounds, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars. We do not enter into any foreign exchange derivative instruments for 
trading or speculative purposes. The notional amount of our option and forward contracts was $381.2 million and $557.2 
million at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

We use foreign currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate impact on the net revenue and operating expenses of 
certain anticipated transactions. A sensitivity analysis performed on our hedging portfolio as of January 31, 2015 indicated that 
a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar from its value at January 31, 2015 and 2014 would increase the fair value of 
our foreign currency contracts by $35.1 million and $7.9 million, respectively. A hypothetical 10% depreciation of the dollar 
from its value at January 31, 2015 would decrease the fair value of our foreign currency contracts by $16.5 million. A 
hypothetical 10% depreciation of the dollar from its value at January 31, 2014 would increase the fair value of our foreign 
currency contracts by $3.7 million.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate movements affect both the interest income we earn on our short term investments and the market value of 

certain longer term securities. At January 31, 2015, we had $1,588.7 million of cash equivalents and marketable securities, 
including $615.8 million classified as short-term marketable securities and $273.0 million classified as long-term marketable 
securities. If interest rates were to move up by 50 or 100 basis points over a twelve month period, the potential decline in fair 
value on our marketable securities would be $2.9 million or $4.7 million, respectively. 

Other Market Risk

From time to time we make direct investments in privately held companies. The privately held companies in which we 

invest are considered inherently risky. The technologies and products these companies have under development are typically in 
the early stages and may never materialize, which could result in a loss of all or a substantial part of our initial investment in 
these companies. The evaluation of privately held companies is based on information that we request from these companies, 
which is not subject to the same disclosure regulations as U.S. publicly traded companies, and as such, the basis for these 
evaluations is subject to the timing and accuracy of the data received from these companies.

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2015 Form 10-K  57

 
 
ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)

Net revenue:

License and other

Subscription

Total net revenue

Cost of revenue:

Cost of license and other revenue

Cost of subscription revenue

Total cost of revenue

Gross profit

Operating expenses:

Marketing and sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

Interest and other (expense) income, net
Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

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Weighted average shares used in computing basic net income per share

Weighted average shares used in computing diluted net income per share

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

1,341.4

$

1,254.9

$

1,170.8

2,512.2

208.5

133.6

342.1

1,019.0

2,273.9

178.7

95.6

274.3

1,364.1

948.1

2,312.2

166.0

72.5

238.5

2,170.1

1,999.6

2,073.7

998.0

725.2

283.3

39.8

3.1

2,049.4

120.7

(37.7)

83.0

(1.2)

81.8

0.36

0.35

227.1

232.4

$

$

$

842.6

611.1

211.8

36.5

12.8

875.5

600.0

206.3

42.1

43.9

1,714.8

1,767.8

284.8

(4.9)

279.9

(51.1)

228.8

1.02

1.00

224.0

229.6

$

$

$

305.9

4.1

310.0

(62.6)

247.4

1.09

1.07

226.4

231.7

$

$

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2015 Form 10-K  58

 
 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)

Net income

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of reclassifications:

Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax effect of ($0.7), $1.1, and ($0.5))
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (net of tax effect of ($0.2), $0.3,

and ($0.6))

Change in defined benefit pension items (net of tax effect of $1.8, $0.6, and $0.4)
Net change in cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) gain (net of tax effect of $4.9, $2.1, and
$2.1)

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

Total comprehensive income

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

81.8

$

228.8

$

247.4

39.3

(0.2)

(16.0)

(75.8)

(52.7)

0.7

(1.1)

5.4

0.1

5.1

(6.4)

2.0

(6.1)

(1.1)

(11.6)

$

29.1

$

233.9

$

235.8

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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2015 Form 10-K  59

 
 
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share data)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Deferred income taxes, net

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Marketable securities

Computer equipment, software, furniture, and leasehold improvements, net

Developed technologies, net

Goodwill

Deferred income taxes, net

Other assets

Total assets

Current liabilities:

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation

Accrued income taxes

Deferred revenue

Other accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Deferred revenue

Long term income taxes payable

Long term notes payable, net of discount

Other liabilities

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

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Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized 2.0; none issued or outstanding at January 31,
2015 and 2014

Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.01 par value; shares authorized 750.0; 227.0
outstanding at January 31, 2015 and 226.7 outstanding at January 31, 2014

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

January 31,
2015

January 31,
2014

$

1,410.6

$

1,853.0

615.8

458.9

85.1

100.9

414.1

423.7

56.8

87.4

2,671.3

2,835.0

$

$

273.0

159.2

86.5

1,456.2

100.0

167.6

277.3

130.3

63.1

1,009.9

131.1

148.3

4,913.8

$

4,595.0

100.5

$

253.3

28.2

900.8

117.3

84.5

181.2

24.3

696.2

85.3

1,400.1

1,071.5

256.3

158.8

747.2

132.2

204.4

211.8

746.4

99.4

—

—

1,773.1

(53.3)

499.4

2,219.2

$

4,913.8

$

1,637.3

(0.6)

624.8

2,261.5

4,595.0

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2015 Form 10-K  60

 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)

Operating Activities

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion

Stock-based compensation expense

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

Restructuring charges, net

     Other operating activities

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combinations:

Accounts receivable

Deferred income taxes

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Deferred revenue

Accrued income taxes

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities

Purchases of marketable securities

Sales of marketable securities

Maturities of marketable securities

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Capital expenditures

Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing Activities

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

Draws on line of credit

Proceeds from debt, net of discount

Repayments of line of credit

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

Other financing activities

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of fiscal year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of fiscal year

Supplemental cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year for interest

Net cash paid during the year for income taxes

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

81.8

$

228.8

$

247.4

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145.9

165.6

(0.5)

3.1

16.2

(17.3)

(18.8)

6.8

130.8

245.2

(50.7)

708.1

128.9

132.2

(9.1)

12.8

(16.1)

72.3

(49.4)

(20.3)

(19.6)

66.0

37.0

563.5

127.8

156.3

(12.9)

43.9

6.7

(98.1)

(28.3)

0.1

(28.3)

113.3

31.2

559.1

(1,355.1)

(1,214.2)

(1,397.7)

190.0

969.0

(630.0)

(75.5)

(4.0)

(905.6)

135.4

(372.4)

—

—

—

0.5
(3.4)
(239.9)

(5.0)

(442.4)

1,853.0

1,410.6

20.4

63.4

$

$

$

537.0

742.1

(176.1)

(64.2)

(18.6)

(194.0)

288.2

(423.8)

—

—

—

9.1
—
(126.5)

(2.2)

240.8

1,612.2

1,853.0

20.5

75.7

$

$

$

332.9

764.8

(263.7)

(56.4)

(27.1)

(647.2)

220.2

(431.2)

110.0

745.6

(110.0)

12.9
(6.1)
541.4

2.0

455.3

1,156.9

1,612.2

0.4

59.7

$

$

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2015 Form 10-K  61

 
 
 
 
 
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AUTODESK, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In millions)

Balances, January 31, 2012
Common shares issued under stock plans
Stock-based compensation expense
Tax benefits from employee stock plans
Net income
Other comprehensive (loss)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
Balances, January 31, 2013
Common shares issued under stock plans
Stock-based compensation expense
Tax benefits from employee stock plans
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
Balances, January 31, 2014
Common shares issued under stock plans
Stock-based compensation expense
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
Balances, January 31, 2015

Common stock and
additional paid-in
capital

Shares
225.9
10.2
—
—
—
—
(12.5)
223.6
13.6
—
—
—
—
(10.5)
226.7
7.2
—
—
—
(6.9)
227.0

Amount
$ 1,365.4
220.2
139.8
(4.3)
—
—
(271.3)
1,449.8
288.2
132.2
(12.2)
—
—
(220.7)
1,637.3
135.4
165.6
—
—
(165.2)
$ 1,773.1

$

$

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss) income

5.9
—
—
—
—
(11.6)

Retained
earnings
$ 511.6
—
—
—
247.4
—
— (159.9)
599.1
—
—
—
228.8

(5.7)
—
—
—
—
5.1
— (203.1)
624.8
—
—
81.8
—
— (207.2)
(53.3) $ 499.4

(0.6)
—
—
—
(52.7)

Total
stockholders'
equity

$

$

1,882.9
220.2
139.8
(4.3)
247.4
(11.6)
(431.2)
2,043.2
288.2
132.2
(12.2)
228.8
5.1
(423.8)
2,261.5
135.4
165.6
81.8
(52.7)
(372.4)
2,219.2

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2015 Form 10-K  62

 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2015 
(Tables in millions of dollars, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

1.     Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Business

Autodesk, Inc. (“Autodesk” or the “Company”) is a world leading design software and services company, offering 
customers productive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. The Company serves customers in 
the architecture, engineering, and construction; manufacturing; and digital media, consumer, and entertainment industries. The 
Company’s sophisticated software products enable its customers to experience their ideas before they are real by allowing them 
to imagine, design, and create their ideas and to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance early in the design 
process by creating digital prototypes. These capabilities allow Autodesk’s customers to foster innovation, optimize and 
improve their designs, help save time and money, improve quality, and collaborate with others. Autodesk software products are 
sold globally, both directly to customers and through a network of resellers and distributors. 

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Autodesk and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. 

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. 

Reclassifications 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, Autodesk combined maintenance revenue and cloud services offering-related 

revenue into one category named “Subscription.”  As a result, revenue and cost of revenue related to cloud service offerings 
previously reflected in “License and other revenue” and “Cost of license and other revenue” were reclassified to “Subscription 
revenue” and “Cost of subscription revenue.”  These revenues and expenses have been reclassified in the Consolidated 
Statements of Operations for fiscal year 2013 to conform to the current period presentation as follows:

Reclassifications within revenue:

Decrease to License and other revenue

Increase to Subscription revenue

Reclassifications within cost of revenue:

Decrease to Cost of license and other revenue

Increase to Cost of subscription revenue

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2013

$

$

(26.5)

26.5

(32.1)

32.1

During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, Autodesk elected to present amortization of purchased customer relationships, 

trade names, patents, and user lists as a separate line item within operating expenses.  As a result, amortization previously 
reflected in “General and Administrative” expense was reclassified to “Amortization of Purchased Intangibles" within 
Operating Expenses.  These expenses have been reclassified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for fiscal years 2014 
and 2013 to conform to the current period presentation as follows:

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Reclassifications within operating expenses:

(Decrease) to general and administrative

Increase to amortization of purchased intangibles

Fiscal year ended
January 31,

2014

2013

$

(36.5) $

(42.1)

36.5

42.1

2015 Form 10-K  63

 
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires 

management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in Autodesk’s consolidated financial 
statements and notes thereto. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial 
statements. On a regular basis, management evaluates these estimates and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially 
from these estimates.

Examples of significant estimates and assumptions made by management involve the determination of the fair value of 

acquired assets and liabilities, goodwill, financial instruments, long-lived assets and other intangible assets, the realizability of 
deferred tax assets, and the fair value of stock awards. The Company also makes assumptions, judgments, and estimates in 
determining the accruals for uncertain tax positions, variable compensation, partner incentive programs, product returns 
reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts, asset retirement obligations, and legal contingencies.  

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The assets and liabilities of Autodesk’s foreign subsidiaries are translated from their respective functional currencies into 

U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenue and expense amounts are translated at exchange rates 
that approximate those rates in effect during the period in which the underlying transactions occur. Foreign currency translation 
adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).

Gains and losses realized from foreign currency transactions, those transactions denominated in currencies other than the 

foreign subsidiary’s functional currency, are included in interest and other income, net. Monetary assets and liabilities are 
remeasured using foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the period, and non-monetary assets are remeasured based on 
historical exchange rates.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Under its risk management strategy, Autodesk uses derivative instruments to manage its short-term exposures to 

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates which exist as part of ongoing business operations. Autodesk’s general practice 
is to hedge a majority of transaction exposures denominated in euros, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, British pounds, Canadian 
dollars, and Australian dollars. These instruments have maturities between one to 12 months in the future. Autodesk does not 
enter into any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

The bank counterparties in all contracts expose Autodesk to credit-related losses in the event of their nonperformance. 

However, to mitigate that risk, Autodesk only contracts with counterparties who meet the Company’s minimum requirements 
under its counterparty risk assessment process. Autodesk monitors ratings, credit spreads, and potential downgrades on at least 
a quarterly basis. Based on Autodesk’s on-going assessment of counterparty risk, the Company will adjust its exposure to 
various counterparties. Autodesk generally enters into master netting arrangements, which reduce credit risk by permitting net 
settlement of transactions with the same counterparty. However, Autodesk does not have any master netting arrangements in 
place with collateral features.

Autodesk accounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and carries them at fair 
value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether 
it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are adjusted to fair value 
through earnings. See Note 2, "Financial Instruments" for information regarding Autodesk's hedging activities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Autodesk considers all highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and remaining maturities of three 
months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair 
value.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities are stated at fair value. Marketable securities maturing within one year that are not restricted are 

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2015 Form 10-K  64

 
 
Autodesk determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates 

such classification as of each balance sheet date. Autodesk carries all “available-for-sale securities” at fair value, with 
unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in stockholders’ equity until disposition or maturity. Autodesk carries all 
“trading securities” at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, recorded in “Interest and other income, net” in the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

All of Autodesk’s marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company recognizes an 
impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. 
Autodesk considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and 
extent to which the fair value has been less than Autodesk’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the 
investee, and Autodesk’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated 
recovery in the market value. Autodesk did not record any other-than temporary impairment charges during fiscal years ended 
January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. For additional information, see “Concentration of Credit Risk” within this Note 1 and Note 
2, “Financial Instruments.”

Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following as of January 31:

Trade accounts receivable

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

Product returns reserve

Partner programs and other obligations

Accounts receivable, net

2015

2014

$

$

495.4

$

(6.3)

(2.6)

(27.6)

458.9

$

464.6

(4.9)

(4.0)

(32.0)

423.7

Allowances for uncollectible trade receivables are based upon historical loss patterns, the number of days that billings are 

past due, and an evaluation of the potential risk of loss associated with problem accounts.

The product returns reserves are based on historical experience of actual product returns, estimated channel inventory 

levels, the timing of new product introductions, channel sell-in for applicable markets, and other factors.

As part of the indirect channel model, Autodesk has a partner incentive program that uses quarterly attainment of 
monetary rewards to motivate distributors and resellers to achieve mutually agreed upon business goals in a specified time 
period. A portion of these incentives reduce license and other revenue in the current period. The remainder, which relates to 
incentives on our Subscription Program, is recorded as a reduction to deferred revenue in the period the maintenance 
transaction is billed and subsequently recognized as a reduction to maintenance revenue over the contract period. These 
incentive balances do not require significant assumptions or judgments. The reserves associated with the partner incentive 
program are treated on the consolidated balance sheet as either contra account receivable (when due to distributors and direct 
resellers) or accounts payable (when due to indirect resellers).

Concentration of Credit Risk

Autodesk places its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities in highly liquid instruments with, and in the custody 

of, diversified financial institutions globally with high credit ratings and limits the amounts invested with any one institution, 
type of security, and issuer.

Geographical concentrations of consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities held by Autodesk as of 

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January 31: 

United States

Other Americas

Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”)

Asia Pacific (“APAC”)

2015

2014

19%

1%

56%

24%

25%

1%

57%

17%

2015 Form 10-K  65

 
 
Autodesk’s primary commercial banking relationship is with Citigroup Inc. and its global affiliates. Citibank, N.A., an 
affiliate of Citigroup, is one of the lead lenders and an agent in the syndicate of Autodesk’s $400.0 million line of credit facility.   
It is Autodesk’s policy to limit the amounts invested with any one institution by type of security and issuer.

Autodesk’s accounts receivable are derived from sales to a large number of resellers, distributors, and direct customers in 

the Americas; EMEA; and APAC geographies. Autodesk performs ongoing evaluations of these partners' financial condition 
and limits the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally does not require collateral from such parties. 
Total sales to the Company's largest distributor Tech Data Corporation, and its global affiliates (“Tech Data”), accounted for 
25%, 24%, and 23% of Autodesk's net revenue for fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The 
majority of the net revenue from sales to Tech Data relates to Autodesk's Platform Solutions and Emerging Business ("PSEB") 
segment and is for sales made outside of the United States. In addition, Tech Data accounted for 22% and 24% of trade 
accounts receivable at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Computer Equipment, Software, Furniture, and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Computer equipment, software, and furniture are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful 
lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Depreciation expense was $52.1 million in fiscal 2015, $47.2 million in 
fiscal 2014, and $45.6 million in fiscal 2013.

Computer equipment, software, furniture, leasehold improvements and the related accumulated depreciation at January 31 

were as follows:

Computer hardware, at cost

Computer software, at cost

Leasehold improvements, land, and buildings, at cost

Furniture and equipment, at cost

Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, at cost

Less: Accumulated depreciation

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2014

$

194.0

$

84.9

176.3

53.0

508.2

(349.0)

163.0

80.9

163.7

51.7

459.3

(329.0)

130.3

Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, net

$

159.2

$

Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized for application development 

activities, if material, and immediately expensed for preliminary project activities and post-implementation activities. These 
capitalized costs are amortized over the software’s expected useful life, which is generally three years.  During fiscal 2015, 
Autodesk wrote-off $25.8 million of fully depreciated assets.

Software Development Costs

Software development costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are included in research and 

development expenses. Autodesk defines establishment of technological feasibility as the completion of a working model. 
Software development costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility through the period of general 
market availability of the products are capitalized and generally amortized over a three year period, if material. Autodesk had 
no material capitalized software development costs at January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014. 

Other Intangible Assets, Net

Other intangible assets include developed technologies, customer relationships, trade names, patents, user lists, and the 

related accumulated amortization. These assets are shown as “Developed technologies, net” and as part of “Other assets” in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The majority of Autodesk’s other intangible assets are amortized to expense over the estimated 
economic life of the product, which ranges from one to ten years. Amortization expense for developed technologies, customer 
relationships, trade names, patents, and user lists was $92.9 million in fiscal 2015, $80.7 million in fiscal 2014 and $82.0 
million in fiscal 2013.

2015 Form 10-K  66

 
 
Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at January 31 were as follows:

Developed technologies, at cost

Customer relationships, trade names, patents, and user lists, at cost (1)

Less: Accumulated amortization

Other intangible assets, net

2015

2014

538.4

$

348.9

887.3

(715.4)

171.9

$

462.4

268.1

730.5

(626.2)

104.3

$

$

_______________ 
(1) 

Included as a net balance in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Customer relationships and trade names include the 
effects of foreign currency translation. 

The weighted average amortization period for developed technologies, customer relationships, and trade names during 

fiscal 2015 was 4.2 years. Expected future amortization expense for developed technologies, customer relationships, trade 
names, patents, and user lists for each of the fiscal years ended thereafter is as follows:

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

Goodwill

Fiscal Year ended
January 31,

$

$

73.2

49.7

24.0

15.5

5.3

4.2

171.9

Goodwill consists of the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired in business 
combinations. Autodesk assigns goodwill to the reporting unit associated with each business combination, and tests goodwill 
for impairment annually in its fourth fiscal quarter or more often if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. For purposes 
of the goodwill impairment test, a reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. 

Autodesk has the option to perform an assessment of qualitative factors of impairment (“optional assessment”) prior to 

necessitating a two-step quantitative impairment test.  Should the optional assessment be utilized for any given fiscal year, 
qualitative factors to consider include cost factors; financial performance; legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or 
other factors; entity specific factors; industry and market considerations, macroeconomic conditions, and other relevant events 
and factors affecting the reporting unit. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is more likely than not that 
the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test is 
unnecessary.

Therefore, the two-step quantitative impairment test is necessary when either Autodesk does not utilize the optional 

assessment or, as a result of the optional assessment, it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is 
greater than its carrying value.  In performing the two-step impairment test, Autodesk uses discounted cash flow models which 
include assumptions regarding projected cash flows. Variances in these assumptions could have a significant impact on 
Autodesk's conclusion as to whether goodwill is impaired, or the amount of any impairment charge. Impairment charges, if any, 
result from instances where the fair values of net assets associated with goodwill are less than their carrying values. As changes 
in business conditions and assumptions occur, Autodesk may be required to record impairment charges.  The process of 
evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the 
analysis. The value of Autodesk’s goodwill could also be impacted by future adverse changes such as: (i) declines in Autodesk’s 
actual financial results, (ii) a sustained decline in Autodesk’s market capitalization, (iii) significant slowdown in the worldwide 
economy or the industries Autodesk serves, or (iv) changes in Autodesk’s business strategy or internal financial forecast results.

For the fiscal 2015 annual goodwill impairment testing, Autodesk had five reporting units: PSEB, Manufacturing 

("MFG"), Architecture, Engineering, and Construction ("AEC"), Media and Entertainment ("M&E"), and Delcam.  

2015 Form 10-K  67

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For the annual impairment assessment in fiscal 2015, Autodesk utilized the optional assessment for Delcam. Based on a 

review of the qualitative factors described above, we determined that for our Delcam reporting unit, it was more likely than not 
that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. As a result, we concluded that performing the two-step 
impairment test was not necessary for Delcam.

For each of the remaining four reporting units, Autodesk did not utilize the optional assessment but rather performed the 

quantitative two-step impairment test. In performing the quantitative two-step test, Autodesk used a discounted cash flow model 
which included assumptions regarding projected cash flows.  Based on this testing, Autodesk determined that the fair value was 
substantially in excess of the carrying value for each of the four reporting units and therefore the goodwill of each reporting unit 
was not impaired during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. In addition, Autodesk did not recognize any goodwill 
impairment losses in fiscal 2014 or 2013.

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 is as follows:

Balance as of January 31, 2014

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Delcam plc

Within Technologies Limited

Shotgun Software Inc.

Goodwill acquired from other

acquisitions

Effect of foreign currency

translation, purchase accounting
adjustments, and other

Balance as of January 31, 2015

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

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Platform
Solutions and
Emerging
Business

Architecture,
Engineering,
and

Construction Manufacturing

Media and
Entertainment

Delcam

Total

$

142.3

$

415.2

$

411.6

$

190.0

$

— $

1,159.1

—

142.3

—

80.6

—

117.8

—

415.2

—

—

—

—

411.6

—

—

—

28.1

20.1

(149.2)

40.8

—

—

43.2

15.3

—

—

196.1

(149.2)

1,009.9

196.1

80.6

43.2

181.3

(13.2)

(16.3)

(9.0)

(3.3)

(13.1)

(54.9)

327.5

—

427.0

—

422.7

—

245.2

(149.2)

183.0

—

1,605.4

(149.2)

$

327.5

$

427.0

$

422.7

$

96.0

$

183.0

$

1,456.2

2015 Form 10-K  68

 
 
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014 is as follows:

Balance as of January 31, 2013

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Graitec SA

Goodwill acquired from other
acquisitions
Effect of foreign currency translation,
purchase accounting adjustments, and
other

Balance as of January 31, 2014

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Platform
Solutions and
Emerging
Business

Architecture,
Engineering, and
Construction

Manufacturing

Media and
Entertainment

Total

$

129.5

$

310.3

$

389.9

$

191.0

$

—

129.5

—

12.8

—

310.3

73.4

32.0

—

389.9

—

22.2

(149.2)

41.8

—

—

1,020.7

(149.2)

871.5

73.4

67.0

—

(0.5)

(0.5)

(1.0)

(2.0)

142.3

—

415.2

—

411.6

—

190.0

(149.2)

$

142.3

$

415.2

$

411.6

$

40.8

$

1,159.1

(149.2)

1,009.9

Purchase accounting adjustments reflect revisions made to the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocations during 

fiscal 2015 and 2014.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

At least annually or more frequently as circumstances dictate, Autodesk reviews its long-lived assets for impairment 
whenever impairment indicators exist.  Autodesk continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate 
the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, 
Autodesk assesses recoverability of these assets.  Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts of the 
assets to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate.  If the long-lived assets are considered to be 
impaired, the impairment to be recognized is equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair 
market value. Autodesk did not recognize any impairment of long-lived assets during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 
2014, and 2013, respectively.

In addition to the recoverability assessments, Autodesk routinely reviews the remaining estimated useful lives of its long-

lived assets. Any reduction in the useful life assumption will result in increased depreciation and amortization expense in the 
quarter when such determinations are made, as well as in subsequent quarters.

Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred tax assets arise primarily from tax credits, net operating losses, and timing differences for reserves, accrued 

liabilities, stock options, deferred revenue, purchased technologies, and capitalized intangibles, partially offset by the 
establishment of U.S. deferred tax liabilities on unremitted earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, and valuation allowances 
against U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets. We perform a quarterly assessment of the recoverability of these net deferred tax 
assets and believe that we will generate sufficient future taxable income in appropriate tax jurisdictions to realize the net 
deferred tax assets. They are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those 
temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce gross deferred 
tax assets to the amount “more likely than not” expected to be realized.

Revenue Recognition

Autodesk recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have 

been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. 

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2015 Form 10-K  69

 
 
For multiple element arrangements containing only software and software-related elements, Autodesk allocates the sales 

price among each of the deliverables using the residual method, under which revenue is allocated to undelivered elements based 
on their vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value. VSOE is the price charged when an element is sold 
separately or a price set by management with the relevant authority. If Autodesk does not have VSOE of an undelivered 
element, revenue recognition is deferred on the entire sales arrangement until all elements for which Autodesk does not have 
VSOE are delivered. If Autodesk does not have VSOE for undelivered maintenance or services, the revenue for the 
arrangement is recognized over the longest contractual service period in the arrangement. Revenue recognition for significant 
lines of business is discussed further below.

For multiple element arrangements involving non-software elements, including cloud subscription services, our revenue 

recognition policy is based upon the accounting guidance contained in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition.  For these 
arrangements, Autodesk first allocates the total arrangement consideration based on the relative selling prices of the software 
group of elements as a whole and the non-software elements. Autodesk then further allocates consideration within the software 
group to the respective elements within that group using the residual method as described above. Autodesk exercises judgment 
and uses estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of revenue to be recognized in each accounting period.

Autodesk allocates the total arrangement consideration among the various elements based on a selling price hierarchy. The 

selling price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or the 
best estimated selling price ("BESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. BESP represents the price at which Autodesk 
would transact for the deliverable if it were sold regularly on a standalone basis. To establish BESP for those elements for 
which neither VSOE nor TPE are available, Autodesk performs a quantitative analysis of pricing data points for historical 
standalone transactions involving such elements for a twelve-month period. As part of this analysis, Autodesk monitors and 
evaluates the BESP against actual pricing to ensure that it continues to represent a reasonable estimate of the standalone selling 
price, considering several other external and internal factors including, but not limited to, pricing and discounting practices, 
contractually stated prices, the geographies in which Autodesk offers products and services, and the type of customer (i.e. 
distributor, value-added reseller, and direct end user, among others). Autodesk analyzes BESP at least annually or on a more 
frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis, or if significant selling price variances 
are experienced.

Autodesk’s assessment of likelihood of collection is also a critical element in determining the timing of revenue 

recognition. If collection is not probable, the revenue will be deferred until the earlier of when collection is deemed probable or 
cash is received.

License and other revenue are comprised of two components: (1) all forms of product license revenue and (2) other 

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revenue.

(1) All Forms of Product License Revenue

 Product license revenue includes: software license revenue from the sale of new seat licenses and upgrades and 

product revenue for Creative Finishing.

(2) Other Revenue

Other revenue includes revenue from consulting, training, Autodesk Developers Network, and Creative Finishing 

customer support, and is recognized over time, as the services are performed. 

Autodesk's Subscription revenue consists of two components: maintenance revenue for our software products and 
revenue for our cloud service offerings, including Autodesk 360. Autodesk's maintenance program provides our commercial 
and educational customers of perpetual products with a cost effective and predictable budgetary option to obtain the 
productivity benefits of our new releases and enhancements when and if released during the term of their contracts. Under 
Autodesk's maintenance program, customers are eligible to receive unspecified upgrades when and if available, downloadable 
training courses, and online support.  Autodesk recognizes maintenance revenue ratably over the term of the maintenance 
agreement, which is generally between one and three years but can occasionally be as long as five years. Revenue for 
Autodesk's cloud service offerings is recognized ratably over the contract term commencing with the date Autodesk's service is 
made available to customers and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied.

2015 Form 10-K  70

 
 
Taxes Collected from Customers

Autodesk nets taxes collected from customers against those remitted to government authorities in the consolidated 

financial statements. Accordingly, taxes collected from customers are not reported as revenue.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of revenue for all periods presented.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, as 

follows:

Cost of license and other revenue

Cost of subscription

Marketing and sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards and ESP Plan purchases

Tax benefit

$

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

4.6

4.3

72.4

56.0

28.3

165.6

(45.2)

$

3.8

2.2

58.6

43.7

23.9

132.2

(36.4)

3.7

1.5

64.3

61.8

25.0

156.3

(35.5)

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Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards and ESP Plan

purchases, net

$

120.4

$

95.8

$

120.8

Autodesk determines the grant-date fair value of its share-based payment awards using a Black-Scholes Merton Option 

("BSM") pricing model or the quoted stock price on the date of grant, unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in 
which case Autodesk uses a binomial-lattice model (e.g., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo simulation model 
utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved. Autodesk uses the following 
assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards:

Range of expected volatilities

Range of expected lives (in years)

Expected dividends

Range of risk-free interest rates

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2015

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2014

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2013

Performance
Stock Unit (1)

30%

N/A

—%

0.1%

ESP Plan

29 - 33%

0.5 - 2.0

—%

0.0 - 0.6%

Performance
Stock Unit (1)

34%

N/A

—%

0.1%

ESP Plan

Stock Option (2)

ESP Plan

27 - 36%

0.5 - 2.0

—%

41 - 45%

3.6 - 4.6

—%

41 - 44%

0.5 - 2.0

—%

0.1 - 0.4%

0.5 - 0.8%

0.1 - 0.3%

 _______________
(1)  Autodesk did not grant PSUs in fiscal 2013 that were subject to market conditions. 
(2)  Autodesk did not grant stock options in fiscal 2015 or 2014. 

Autodesk estimates expected volatility for stock-based awards based on the average of the following two measures. The 
first is a measure of historical volatility in the trading market for the Company’s common stock, and the second is the implied 
volatility of traded forward call options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The expected volatility for PSUs 
subject to market conditions includes the expected volatility of Autodesk's peer companies within the S&P Computer Software 
Select Index. 

Autodesk estimates the expected life of stock-based awards using both exercise behavior and post-vesting termination 

behavior as well as consideration of outstanding options.

Autodesk did not pay cash dividends in fiscal 2015, 2014, or 2013 and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in 

the foreseeable future. Consequently, an expected dividend yield of zero is used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing 
model and the Monte Carlo simulation model.

2015 Form 10-K  71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The risk-free interest rate used in the BSM option pricing model and the Monte Carlo simulation model for stock-based 

awards is the historical yield on U.S. Treasury securities with equivalent remaining lives.

Autodesk recognizes expense only for the stock-based awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Therefore, Autodesk 
has developed an estimate of the number of awards expected to cancel prior to vesting (“forfeiture rate”). The forfeiture rate is 
estimated based on historical pre-vest cancellation experience and is applied to all stock-based awards. The Company estimates 
forfeitures at the time of grant and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expenses incurred were $23.9 million in fiscal 2015, $15.6 

million in fiscal 2014, and $15.6 million in fiscal 2013.

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding 

for the period, excluding stock options and restricted stock units. Diluted net income per share is computed based upon the 
weighted average shares of common shares outstanding for the period and potentially dilutive common shares, including the 
effect of stock options and restricted stock units under the treasury stock method.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

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The funded status of Autodesk's defined benefit pension plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The 
funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation for the 
fiscal years presented. The projected benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid 
upon retirement based on employee services already rendered and estimated future compensation levels. The fair value of plan 
assets represents the current market value of Autodesk's cumulative company and participant contributions made to the various 
plans in effect.

Net periodic benefit cost is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and includes service cost, interest cost, 
expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and gains or losses previously recognized as a component of 
other comprehensive income. Certain events, such as changes in the employee base, plan amendments, and changes in actuarial 
assumptions may result in a change in the defined benefit obligation and the corresponding change to other comprehensive 
income. 

Gains and losses and prior service costs not recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated 

Statements of Operations as they arise are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income in the Consolidated 
Statements of Comprehensive Income. Those gains and losses and prior service costs are subsequently amortized as a 
component of net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service lives of the plan participants using a corridor 
approach to determine the portion of gain or loss subject to amortization.

The measurement of projected benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost is based on estimates and assumptions that 

reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of services, as well 
as certain assumptions, including estimates of discount rates, expected return of plan assets, rate of compensation increases, 
interest rates, and mortality rates.

Accounting Standards in Fiscal 2015

With the exception of those discussed below, there have been no recent changes in accounting pronouncements issued by 

the FASB or adopted by the Company during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, that are of significance, or potential 
significance, to the Company. 

2015 Form 10-K  72

 
 
Accounting Standards Adopted 

Effective February 1, 2014, Autodesk prospectively adopted FASB's Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11 
regarding ASC Topic 740 “Income Tax.” This ASU clarifies the guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, or 
a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the consolidated financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net 
operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The adoption of this ASU resulted in an $81.9M 
reduction of both our long term taxes payable and long-term deferred tax assets as of January 31, 2015.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards 

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 regarding ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” 

This ASU provides principles for recognizing revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers with the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU will be effective for 
Autodesk’s fiscal year beginning February 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. Autodesk is currently evaluating the 
accounting, transition, and disclosure requirements of the standard and cannot currently estimate the financial statement impact 
of adoption. 

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2015 Form 10-K  73

 
 
2.     Financial Instruments 

The following tables summarize the Company's financial instruments' amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross 

unrealized losses, and fair value by significant investment category as of January 31, 2015 and 2014. 

January 31, 2015

Amortized
Cost

Gross
unrealized
gains

Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair
Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Cash equivalents (1):

Corporate debt securities

Custody cash deposit

Commercial paper

Corporate bond

Money market funds

Marketable securities:

Short-term available for sale

Agency bond

Corporate debt securities

Municipal bond

Certificate of deposit

Commercial paper

Short-term trading securities

Mutual funds

Long-term available for sale

Agency bond

Corporate debt securities

Municipal securities

U.S. government agency securities

Convertible debt securities (2)

Derivative contracts (3)

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$

258.6

141.5

161.0

11.5

127.3

37.9

148.0

29.2

101.9

258.4

36.9

50.6

199.4

13.3

8.9

4.7

3.5

$

— $

— $

258.6

$

258.6

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

0.1

0.1

—

—

3.4

0.2

0.6

0.1

0.1

2.5

19.5

26.6

$

—

—

—

—

—

(0.1)

—

—

—

—

—

(0.2)

—

—

(2.1)

(7.0)

(9.4)

141.5

161.0

11.5

127.3

37.9

148.0

29.3

101.9

258.4

141.5

—

11.5

—

37.9

148.0

29.3

101.9

—

40.3

40.3

50.8

199.8

13.4

9.0

5.1

16.0

50.8

199.8

13.4

9.0

—

—

—

161.0

—

127.3

—

—

—

—

258.4

—

—

—

—

—

—

15.1

$ 1,609.8

$ 1,042.0

$

561.8

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5.1

0.9

6.0

Total

$

1,592.6

$

Included in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

____________________ 
(1) 
(2)  Considered "available for sale" and included in "Other assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
(3) 

Included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” "Other assets," or “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

2015 Form 10-K  74

 
 
 
January 31, 2014

Amortized
Cost

Gross
unrealized
gains

Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair
Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Cash equivalents (1):

Certificates of deposit and time deposits $

280.7

$

— $

— $

280.7

$

30.4

$

250.3

$

Municipal securities

Commercial paper

Money market funds

Marketable securities:

Short-term available for sale

Commercial paper and corporate debt

securities

Time deposits

U.S. government agency securities

Agency bond

Municipal securities

Other (2)

Short-term trading securities

Mutual funds

Long-term available for sale

Corporate debt securities

Agency bond

U.S. government agency securities

Municipal securities

Convertible Debt Securities (3)

Derivative contracts (4)

2.0

280.5

262.8

261.0

37.1

11.3

42.7

11.7

11.4

35.6

179.7

43.3

9.8

43.5

21.4

10.8

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3.3

0.7

0.1

—

0.3

3.2

14.8

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.0

280.5

262.8

261.0

37.1

11.3

42.7

11.7

11.4

2.0

—

—

95.4

—

11.3

42.7

11.7

11.4

38.9

38.9

(0.1)

180.3

180.3

—

—

—

(4.4)

(6.0)

43.4

9.8

43.8

20.2

19.6

43.4

9.8

43.8

—

—

—

280.5

262.8

165.6

37.1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

10.5

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

20.2

9.1

Total

$

1,545.3

$

22.4

$

(10.5)

$ 1,557.2

$

521.1

$ 1,006.8

$

29.3

Included in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

____________________ 
(1) 
(2)  Consists of agency discount notes, U.S. treasury bills, and other short-term securities.
(3)  Considered "available for sale" securities and included in "Other assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” "Other assets," or “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying 
(4) 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Autodesk classifies its marketable securities as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying 

contractual maturity date. Marketable securities with remaining maturities of less than 12 months are classified as short-term 
and marketable securities with remaining maturities greater than 12 months are classified as long-term. Autodesk may sell 
certain of its marketable securities prior to their stated maturities for strategic purposes or in anticipation of credit deterioration. 

Autodesk applies fair value accounting for certain financial assets and liabilities, which consist of cash equivalents, 
marketable securities, and other financial instruments, on a recurring basis. The Company defines fair value as the price that 
would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the 
measurement date.  Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure 
fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and 
significant to the fair value measurement: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs 
other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or 
liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for 
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market 
data, which require Autodesk to develop its own assumptions. When determining fair value, Autodesk uses observable market 
data and relies on unobservable inputs only when observable market data is not available. There have been no transfers between 
fair value measurement levels during the year ended January 31, 2015.

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Autodesk's cash equivalents, marketable securities, and financial instruments are primarily classified within Level 1 or 

Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Autodesk values it's available for sale securities on pricing from pricing vendors, who may 
use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either 
directly or indirectly in determining fair value (Level 2). Autodesk's Level 2 securities are valued primarily using observable 
inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Autodesk's Level 3 securities consist of 
investments held in auction rate securities, convertible debt securities, and derivative contracts which are valued using 
probability weighted discounted cash flow models and some of the inputs to the models are unobservable in the market.

A reconciliation of the change in Autodesk’s Level 3 items for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was as 

follows:

Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)

Derivative
Contracts

Convertible
Debt
Securities

Taxable
Auction-Rate
Securities

Balance at January 31, 2013

Purchases

Settlements

Losses included in earnings (1)

Losses included in OCI (1)

Balance at January 31, 2014

Purchases

Settlements

Losses included in earnings

Gains included in OCI

Balance at January 31, 2015

$

10.7

$

17.5

$

1.3

—

(2.9)

—

9.1

0.1

(0.8)

(7.5)

—

0.9

3.1

—

—

(0.4)

20.2

0.6

(3.0)

(13.3)

0.6

5.1

$

$

$

Total

$

32.4

4.2

—

(4.0)

(0.2)

—

—

—

—

—

—

— $

4.4

(4.0)

(3.1)

(0.4)

29.3

0.7

(3.8)

(20.8)

0.6

6.0

(1) For comparability, the presentation of prior period balances were adjusted to align with current year presentation.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of Autodesk's “available-for-sale securities” classified by the 

contractual maturity date of the security:

Due in 1 year

Due in 1 year through 5 years

Total

January 31, 2015

Cost

Fair Value

$

$

575.4

$

276.9

852.3

$

575.5

278.1

853.6

As of January 31, 2015 and 2014, Autodesk did not have any securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater 

than twelve months.

As of January 31, 2015 and 2014 Autodesk had $52.6 million and $49.8 million, respectively, in direct investments of 

privately held companies accounted for under the cost method, which are periodically assessed for other-than-temporary 
impairment. If Autodesk determines that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, Autodesk writes down the 
investment to its fair value. Autodesk estimates fair value of its cost method investments considering available information such 
as pricing in recent rounds of financing, current cash positions, earnings and cash flow forecasts, recent operational 
performance, and any other readily available market data. During fiscal 2015, Autodesk recorded $19.2 million in other-than-
temporary impairments on its privately held equity investments. During fiscal 2014, Autodesk recorded no other-than-
temporary impairment on its privately held equity investments. The impairment expense was recorded in “Interest and other 
(expense) income, net” on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations.

2015 Form 10-K  76

 
 
                                          
 
 
 
 
 
The sales or settlement of “available-for-sale securities” in fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 resulted in a gain of $0.7 million 

and a loss of $0.2 million, respectively. The sales or redemptions of “available-for-sale securities” in fiscal 2013 resulted in no 
gains or losses. The losses and gains were recorded in "Interest and other (expense) income, net" on the Company's 
Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Proceeds from the sale and maturity of marketable securities for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were $1,159.0 million and 

$1,279.1 million, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Under its risk management strategy, Autodesk uses derivative instruments to manage its short-term exposures to 

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that exist as part of ongoing business operations. Autodesk's general practice is 
to hedge a portion of transaction exposures denominated in euros, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, British pounds, Canadian dollars 
and Australian dollars. These instruments have maturities between one to twelve months in the future. Autodesk does not enter 
into derivative instrument transactions for trading or speculative purposes. 

The bank counterparties to the derivative contracts potentially expose Autodesk to credit-related losses in the event of 
their nonperformance. However, to mitigate that risk, Autodesk only contracts with counterparties who meet the Company's 
minimum requirements under its counterparty risk assessment process. Autodesk monitors ratings, credit spreads, and potential 
downgrades on at least a quarterly basis. Based on Autodesk's on-going assessment of counterparty risk, the Company will 
adjust its exposure to various counterparties. Autodesk generally enters into master netting arrangements, which reduce credit 
risk by permitting net settlement of transactions with the same counterparty.  However, Autodesk does not have any master 
netting arrangements in place with collateral features.

Foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges 

Autodesk uses foreign currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate impact on a portion of the net revenue or operating 

expense of certain anticipated transactions. These contracts are designated and documented as cash flow hedges. The 
effectiveness of the cash flow hedge contracts is assessed quarterly using regression analysis as well as other timing and 
probability criteria. To receive cash flow hedge accounting treatment, all hedging relationships are formally documented at the 
inception of the hedge and the hedges are expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes to future cash flows on hedged 
transactions. The gross gains and losses on these hedges are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and are 
reclassified into earnings at the time the forecasted revenue or expense is recognized. In the event the underlying forecasted 
transaction does not occur, or it becomes probable that it will not occur, Autodesk reclassifies the gain or loss on the related 
cash flow hedge from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest and other (expense) income, net” in the Company's 
Consolidated Financial Statements at that time. 

The net notional amount of these contracts are presented net settled and were $336.6 million at January 31, 2015 and 
$351.7 million at January 31, 2014. Outstanding contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet at fair value. The majority of the net gain of $42.8 million remaining in “Accumulated other comprehensive 
loss” as of January 31, 2015 is expected to be recognized into earnings within the next twelve months.

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Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 

Autodesk uses foreign currency contracts which are not designated as hedging instruments to reduce the exchange rate 

risk associated primarily with foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. These forward contracts are marked-to-
market at the end of each fiscal quarter with gains and losses recognized as “Interest and other (expense) income, net.” These 
derivative instruments do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because 
gains and losses on these derivative instruments are intended to offset the gains or losses resulting from the settlement of the 
underlying foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. The net notional amounts of these foreign currency 
contracts are presented net settled and were $44.6 million at January 31, 2015 and $205.5 million at January 31, 2014. 

From time to time and consistent with its risk management policy, Autodesk also uses derivative instruments to hedge its 
economic exposure related to committed, in-process acquisitions priced in foreign currency.  Such derivatives do not qualify for 
hedge accounting and are marked-to-market through earnings, with any gain or loss reflected immediately in “Interest and other 
(expense) income, net,” in each period. 

2015 Form 10-K  77

 
 
In addition to these foreign currency contracts, Autodesk holds derivative instruments issued by privately held companies, 
which are not designated as hedging instruments. These derivatives consist of certain conversion options on the convertible debt 
securities held by Autodesk and an option to acquire a privately held company. These derivatives are recorded at fair value as of 
each balance sheet date and are recorded in “Other assets.” Changes in the fair values of these instruments are recognized in income 
as “Interest and other (expense) income, net.”

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments:

The fair value of derivative instruments in Autodesk’s Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows as of January 31, 

2015 and January 31, 2014:

Balance Sheet Location

January 31, 2015

January 31, 2014

Fair Value at

Derivative Assets

Foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Total derivative assets

Derivative Liabilities

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets (1)

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets and Other
assets

Foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges

Other accrued liabilities (2)

Total derivative liabilities

$

$

$

$

20.4

$

4.4

0.9

21.3

$

5.4

5.4

$

$

16.9

21.3

1.7

1.7

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(1)  Considering Autodesk's master netting arrangements, these contracts are presented net settled.  The gross balance is $23.8 million and 

$5.9 million at January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014, respectively.

(2)  Considering Autodesk's master netting arrangements, these contracts are presented net settled.  The gross balance is $8.7 million and 

$3.2 million at January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014, respectively.

The effects of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on Autodesk’s Consolidated Statements of Operations were 

as follows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively (amounts presented include any income tax 
effects):

Amount of gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income on
derivatives (effective portion)

Amount and location of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive

income into income (effective portion)

Net revenue

Operating expenses

Total

Amount and location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
(ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)

Interest and other (expense) income, net

Foreign Currency Contracts

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

46.4

$

12.2

$

5.1

10.5

$

13.1

$

(3.5)

(1.6)

7.0

$

11.5

$

16.0

(4.6)

11.4

0.9

$

(0.1) $

(0.2)

$

$

$

$

2015 Form 10-K  78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on Autodesk’s Consolidated Statements of Operations 

were as follows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively (amounts presented include any 
income tax effects):

Amount and location of (loss) gain recognized in income on derivative

Interest and other (expense) income, net

$

(25.5) $

12.8

$

1.5

Foreign Exchange Contracts

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

3.     Employee and Director Stock Plans 

Stock Plans

As of January 31, 2015, Autodesk maintained two active stock plans for the purpose of granting equity awards to 
employees and to non-employee members of Autodesk’s Board of Directors: the 2012 Employee Stock Plan (as amended, the 
“2012 Employee Plan”), which is available only to employees, and the Autodesk 2012 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan (“2012 
Directors' Plan”), which is available only to non-employee directors. Additionally, there are three expired or terminated plans 
with options outstanding. The exercise price of all stock options granted under these plans was equal to the fair market value of 
the stock on the grant date.

The 2012 Employee Plan was approved by Autodesk's stockholders and became effective on January 6, 2012.  On 
January 14, 2014, Autodesk's stockholders approved amendments to the 2012 Employee Plan, which increased the number of 
shares reserved for issuance under the plan by 11.4 million shares and added additional performance goals to the plan. The 2012 
Employee Plan replaced the 2008 Employee Stock Plan, as amended ("2008 Plan"), and no further equity awards may be 
granted under the 2008 Plan. The 2012 Employee Plan reserves up to 32.6 million shares which includes 26.6 million shares 
reserved under the 2012 Employee Plan, as well as up to 6.0 million shares forfeited under certain prior employee stock plans 
during the life of the 2012 Employee Plan.  The 2012 Employee Plan permits the grant of stock options, restricted stock units, 
and restricted stock awards.  Each restricted stock unit or restricted stock award granted will be counted against the shares 
authorized for issuance under the 2012 Employee Plan as 1.79 shares.  If a granted option, restricted stock unit, or restricted 
stock award expires or becomes unexercisable for any reason, the unpurchased or forfeited shares that were granted may be 
returned to the 2012 Employee Plan and may become available for future grant under the 2012 Employee Plan.  As of 
January 31, 2015, 22.1 million shares subject to options or restricted stock awards have been granted under the 2012 Employee 
Plan. Options and restricted stock that were granted under the 2012 plan vest over periods ranging from immediately upon grant 
to over a three year period and options expire 10 years from the date of grant.  The 2012 Employee Plan will expire on June 30, 
2022. At January 31, 2015, 12.3 million shares were available for future issuance under the 2012 Employee Plan. 

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The 2012 Director's Plan was approved by Autodesk's stockholders and became effective on January 6, 2012.  The 2012 
Directors' Plan replaced the 2010 Outside Directors' Stock Plan, as amended ("2010 Plan"). The 2012 Directors' Plan permits 
the grant of stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted stock awards to non-employee members of Autodesk’s Board of 
Directors. Each restricted stock unit or restricted stock award granted will be counted against the shares authorized for issuance 
under the 2012 Directors' Plan as 2.11 shares. As of January 31, 2015, 0.6 million shares subject to restricted stock unit awards 
have been granted under the 2012 Directors' Plan. Restricted stock units that were granted under the 2012 Outside Directors' 
Plan vest over one to three years from the date of grant. The 2012 Directors' Plan reserved 2.6 million shares of Autodesk 
common stock. The 2012 Directors' Plan will expire on June 30, 2022. At January 31, 2015, 2.0 million shares were available 
for future issuance under the 2012 Director's Plan. 

2015 Form 10-K  79

 
 
 
 
 
The following sections summarize activity under Autodesk’s stock plans.

Stock Options:

A summary of stock option activity for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 is as follows:

Number of
Shares

(in millions)

Weighted
average exercise
price per share

Weighted average
remaining
contractual term

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (3)

(in years)

(in millions)

Options outstanding at January 31, 2014

Granted (1)

Exercised

Canceled/Forfeited

Options outstanding at January 31, 2015

Options vested and exercisable at January 31, 2015

Options vested and exercisable as of January 31, 2015 and expected to
vest thereafter (2)

Options available for grant at January 31, 2015

$

$

$

$

5.9

—

(3.2)

—

2.7

2.5

2.7

14.3

33.54

—

32.76

—

34.46

33.72

34.46

4.2

3.9

4.2

$

$

$

53.1

49.9

53.1

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(1)  Autodesk did not grant stock options in the twelve months ended January 31, 2015.
(2)  Options expected to vest reflect an estimated forfeiture rate.
(3)  Represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on Autodesk’s closing stock price of $54.01 per share as of January 31, 2015, which 

would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.

As of January 31, 2015, compensation cost of $0.6 million related to non-vested options is expected to be recognized over 

a weighted average period of 0.2 years. 

The following table summarizes information about the pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised and the weighted 
average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013: 

Intrinsic value of options exercised (1)

Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted (2)

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

$

67.6

$

— $

149.0

$

— $

90.9

13.4

——————
(1)  The intrinsic value of options exercised is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the option and the market value of 

the stock on the date of exercise.

(2)  The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted is calculated, as of the stock option grant date, using the 

Black-Scholes Merton ("BSM") option pricing model.  For the twelve months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, Autodesk did not 
grant stock options.

2015 Form 10-K  80

 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes information about options vested and exercisable, and outstanding at January 31, 2015: 

Options Vested and Exercisable

Number of
Shares
(in millions)

Weighted
average
contractual
life
(in years)

Weighted
average
exercise
price per
share

Aggregate
intrinsic
value(1)
(in millions)

Number of
Shares
(in millions)

Options Outstanding

Weighted
average
contractual
life
(in years)

Weighted
average
exercise
price per
share

Aggregate
intrinsic
value(1)
(in millions)

Range of per-share
exercise prices:

$12.31 - $29.49

$29.50 - $41.62

$42.39 - $43.81

0.9

1.2

0.4

2.5

$

23.76

38.73

43.80

3.9

$

33.72

$

49.9

0.9

1.3

0.5

2.7

$

23.83

38.85

43.79

4.2

$

34.46

$

53.1

____________________ 
(1)  Represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on Autodesk’s closing stock price of $54.01 per share as of January 31, 2015, which 

would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.

These options will expire if not exercised at specific dates ranging through September 2022. 

Restricted Stock:

A summary of restricted stock unit activity for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 is as follows:

Unreleased restricted stock units at January 31, 2014

Granted

Vested

Canceled/Forfeited

Performance Adjustment (1)

Unreleased restricted stock units at January 31, 2015

Unreleased
Restricted Stock
Units

(in thousands)

Weighted
average grant
date fair value

6,515.6

$

4,481.8

(2,675.6)

(445.8)

(74.7)

7,801.3

$

39.15

54.17

37.36

41.43

42.23

48.46

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(1)  Based on Autodesk's financial results for the performance period, the fiscal 2014 and 2013 performance stock units were earned at 

65.8% and 92.3% of the target award, respectively. The vesting of the performance stock units is subject to the holders satisfying the 
remaining service condition of the awards.

For the restricted stock units granted during fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the weighted average 
grant date fair value was $54.17, $42.37, and $33.32, respectively.  The grant date fair value of the shares vested during fiscal 
years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $100.0 million, $73.8 million, and $33.6 million, respectively. 

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, Autodesk granted 4.0 million restricted stock units. The restricted stock 

units vest over periods ranging from immediately upon grant to a pre-determined date that is typically within three years from 
the date of grant. Restricted stock units are not considered outstanding stock at the time of grant, as the holders of these units 
are not entitled to any of the rights of a stockholder, including voting rights. The fair value of the restricted stock units is 
expensed ratably over the vesting period. Autodesk recorded stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units 
of $118.9 million, $74.9 million, and $70.5 million during fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  
Included in the $70.5 million incurred in fiscal 2013, Autodesk incurred $16.6 million relating to the acceleration of vesting of 
equity awards held in Socialcam for Socialcam employees immediately prior to the acquisition.  As of January 31, 2015, total 
compensation cost not yet recognized of $245.0 million related to non-vested awards, is expected to be recognized over a 
weighted average period of 1.8 years. At January 31, 2015, the number of restricted stock units granted but unvested was 6.9 
million.

2015 Form 10-K  81

 
 
 
 
 
 
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During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, Autodesk granted 0.5 million performance stock units ("PSUs") for which 

the ultimate number of shares earned is determined based on the achievement of performance criteria at the end of the stated 
performance period.  The performance criteria are based upon billings and subscriptions goals adopted by the Compensation 
and Human Resource Committee (the “Annual Financial Results”), as well as total stockholder return compared against the 
S&P Computer Software Select Index (“Relative TSR”).  Each PSU covers a three year period: 

•  Up to one third of the PSU may vest following year one depending upon the achievement of Annual Financial Results 

for year one as well as 1 year Relative TSR (covering year one).

•  Up to one third of the PSU may vest following year two depending upon the achievement of Annual Financial Results 

for year two as well as 2 year Relative TSR (covering years one and two).

•  Up to one third of the PSU may vest following year three depending upon the achievement of Annual Financial 

Results for year three as well as 3 year Relative TSR (covering years one, two, and three).

PSUs are not considered outstanding stock at the time of grant, as the holders of these units are not entitled to any of the 

rights of a stockholder, including voting rights. Autodesk has determined the grant-date fair value for these awards using a 
Monte Carlo simulation model since the awards are subject to a market condition.  The fair value of the performance restricted 
stock units is expensed using the accelerated attribution method over the vesting period. Autodesk recorded stock-based 
compensation expense related to PSUs of $17.5 million, $8.7 million, and $8.1 million during fiscal year ended January 31, 
2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively. As of January 31, 2015, total compensation cost not yet recognized of $2.5 million related to 
non-vested PSUs, is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years. At January 31, 2015, the number of 
PSUs granted but unvested was 0.9 million.

1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (“ESP Plan”)

Under Autodesk’s ESP Plan, which was approved by stockholders in 1998, eligible employees may purchase shares of 
Autodesk’s common stock at their discretion using up to 15% of their eligible compensation subject to certain limitations, at not 
less than 85% of fair market value as defined in the ESP Plan. At January 31, 2015, a total of 40.7 million shares were available 
for future issuance. This amount automatically increases on the first trading day of each fiscal year by an amount equal to the 
lesser of 10.0 million shares or 2% of the total of (1) outstanding shares plus (2) any shares repurchased by Autodesk during the 
prior fiscal year. Under the ESP Plan, the Company issues shares on the first trading day following March 31 and September 30 
of each fiscal year. The ESP Plan expires during fiscal 2018.

Autodesk issued 2.1 million shares under the ESP Plan at an average price of $33.91 per share in fiscal 2015, 2.9 million 

shares at an average price of $22.61 per share in fiscal 2014, and 2.9 million shares at an average price of $21.79 per share in 
fiscal 2013. The weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted under the ESP Plan during fiscal 2015, 2014, and 
2013, calculated as of the award grant date using the BSM option pricing model, was $15.14, $11.80, and $12.21 per share, 
respectively. Autodesk recorded $23.9 million, $22.9 million, and $34.0 million of compensation expense associated with the 
ESP Plan in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes the number of outstanding options granted to employees and directors, as well as the 

number of securities remaining available for future issuance under these plans as of January 31, 2015:

Plan category

Equity compensation plans approved by security

holders

Total

(a)

(b)

(c)

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (a)) (in millions)

10.5

10.5

$

$

34.46

34.46

55.0 (1)

55.0   

____________________ 
(1) 

Included in this amount are 40.7 million securities available for future issuance under Autodesk’s ESP Plan.

2015 Form 10-K  82

 
 
 
4.     Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

Federal:

Current

Deferred

State:

Current

Deferred

Foreign:

Current

Deferred

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

(43.8) $

(11.9)

29.1

$

(41.4)

(13.2)

9.0

69.5

(8.4)

0.6

—

63.9

(1.1)

$

1.2

$

51.1

$

30.9

(13.3)

7.8

(18.6)

54.3

1.5

62.6

During fiscal year 2015, the Company reduced its current federal and state taxes payable by $0.5 million related to excess 

tax benefits from non-qualified stock options, offsetting additional paid-in capital.  Pursuant to accounting standards related to 
stock-based compensation, the Company has unrecorded excess stock option tax benefits of $217.9 million as of January 31, 
2015. These amounts will be credited to additional paid-in-capital when such amounts reduce cash taxes payable. Foreign 
pretax income was $302.5 million in fiscal 2015, $380.5 million in fiscal 2014, and $383.3 million in fiscal 2013.

The differences between the U.S. statutory rate and the aggregate income tax provision are as follows:

Income tax provision at U.S. Federal statutory rate

State income tax benefit, net of the U.S. Federal benefit

Foreign income taxed at rates different from the U.S. statutory rate

U.S. valuation allowance

Tax effect of non-deductible stock-based compensation

Research and development tax credit benefit

Tax (benefit) expense from closure of income tax audits and changes in uncertain

tax positions

Tax effect of officer compensation in excess of $1.0 million

U.S. Manufacturer's deduction

Other

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

29.0

$

98.0

$

(4.0)

(40.0)

2.9

15.7

(7.2)

(0.7)

2.4

—

3.1

1.2

$

(2.9)

(57.1)

2.1

10.8

(8.8)

3.6

3.0

(0.1)

2.5

$

51.1

$

108.5

(1.7)

(54.5)

1.7

21.1

(7.0)

(2.8)

1.8

(4.9)

0.4

62.6

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Significant components of Autodesk’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Stock-based compensation

Research and development tax credit carryforwards

Foreign tax credit carryforwards

Accrued compensation and benefits

Other accruals not currently deductible for tax

Purchased technology and capitalized software

Fixed assets

Tax loss carryforwards

Deferred Revenue

Other

Total deferred tax assets

Less:  valuation allowance

Net deferred tax assets

Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries

Total deferred tax liability

Net deferred tax assets

January 31,

2015

2014

$

$

39.9

62.6

—

43.6

18.4

13.2

16.2

16.0

48.0

7.4

265.3

(70.8)

194.5

(9.4)

(9.4)

$

185.1

$

37.4

78.4

16.3

38.6

14.5

23.4

17.5

12.6

33.1

5.1

276.9

(67.2)

209.7

(21.8)

(21.8)

187.9

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Effective February 1, 2014, Autodesk prospectively adopted FASB's Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11

regarding ASC Topic 740 “Income Tax.”  This ASU clarifies the guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, or 
a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the consolidated financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net 
operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. Research and development tax credit carryforwards 
and foreign tax credit carryforwards as of January 31, 2015 have been reduced by unrecognized tax benefits to the extent the 
tax credit carryforwards would be expected to offset tax liabilities in the event the uncertain tax positions are disallowed.

  The valuation allowance increased by $3.6 million, $15.9 million, and $3.8 million in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, 
respectively. The fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013 changes in valuation allowance were primarily related to U.S. and Canadian 
deferred taxes. 

Autodesk provides U.S. income taxes on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries, except to the extent subsidiaries' earnings 

are considered permanently reinvested outside the U.S.  As of January 31, 2015, the cumulative amount of earnings upon which 
U.S. income taxes have not been provided was $1,809.4 million.  The unrecognized deferred tax liability for these earnings was 
approximately $514.4 million.

Realization of the net deferred tax assets of $185.1 million is dependent upon the company's ability to generate future 

taxable income in appropriate tax jurisdictions to obtain benefit from the reversal of temporary differences, net operating loss 
carryforwards and tax credits. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods 
if estimates of future taxable income are reduced and Autodesk then determines that it is not more likely than not to realize such 
deferred tax assets.

As of January 31, 2015, Autodesk had $21.7 million of cumulative federal tax loss carryforwards and $354.3 million of 
cumulative state tax loss carryforwards, which may be available to reduce future income tax liabilities in certain jurisdictions. 
These federal and state tax loss carryforwards will expire beginning fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2034 and fiscal 2015 through 
fiscal 2034, respectively.  Autodesk also had $7.4 million of cumulative UK tax loss carryforwards, which may be available to 
reduce future income tax liabilities indefinitely.  Autodesk had $9.2 million of cumulative federal and state capital loss 
carryforwards as of January 31, 2015 which are available to offset future capital gains through fiscal 2018. 

As of January 31, 2015, Autodesk had $104.7 million of cumulative federal research tax credit carryforwards, $54.8 
million of cumulative California state research tax credit carryforwards, and $59.8 million of cumulative Canadian federal tax 
credit carryforwards, which may be available to reduce future income tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions. The federal 
credit carryforwards will expire beginning fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2035, the state credit carryforwards may reduce future 

2015 Form 10-K  84

 
 
 
 
California income tax liabilities indefinitely, and the Canadian tax credit carryforwards will expire beginning fiscal 2024 
through fiscal 2034. Autodesk also has $163.6 million of cumulative foreign tax credit carryforwards, which may be available 
to reduce future U. S. tax liabilities. The foreign tax credit will expire beginning fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2026.

Utilization of net operating losses and tax credits may be subject to an annual limitation due to ownership change 
limitations provided in the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. This annual limitation may result in the 
expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization.

As a result of certain business and employment actions and capital investments undertaken by Autodesk, income earned 

in certain Europe and Asia Pacific countries is subject to reduced tax rates through fiscal 2016 and 2020, respectively with 
extensions available with incremental business and employment actions. The net income tax benefits attributable to the tax 
status of these business arrangements are estimated to be $1.2 million ($0.01 basic net income per share) in fiscal 2015, $9.7 
million ($0.04 basic net income per share) in fiscal 2014, and $6.6 million ($0.03 basic net income per share) in fiscal 2013. 
The income tax benefits were offset partially by accruals of U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings, among other factors.

As of January 31, 2015, the company had $245.8 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $227.3 million 

would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. It is possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the 
next twelve months; however an estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made at this time.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the fiscal year

$

222.1

$

212.7

$

201.1

Increases for tax positions of prior years

Decreases for tax positions of prior years

Increases for tax positions related to the current year

Decreases relating to settlements with taxing authorities

Reductions as a result of lapse of the statute of limitations

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at the end of the fiscal year

3.2

(2.5)

33.2

(5.4)

(4.8)

1.8

(0.3)

15.3

(4.6)

(2.8)

0.4

(0.4)

17.8

(3.0)

(3.2)

$

245.8

$

222.1

$

212.7

It is the company's continuing practice to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax 
expense. Autodesk had $2.0 million, $2.8 million, and $1.9 million, net of tax benefit, accrued for interest and an immaterial 
amount accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Autodesk and its subsidiaries are subject to income tax in the United States as well as numerous state and foreign 
jurisdictions. Autodesk's U.S. and state income tax returns for fiscal year 2003 through fiscal year 2015 remain open to 
examination. In addition, Autodesk files tax returns in multiple foreign taxing jurisdictions with open tax years ranging from 
fiscal year 2003 to 2015.

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5.     Acquisitions 

During the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014, Autodesk completed the business combinations and 

technology purchases described below. The results of operations for the following acquisitions are included in the 
accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations since their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations 
have not been presented because the effects of the following acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material 
to Autodesk's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

For acquisitions accounted for as business combinations, Autodesk recorded the tangible and intangible assets acquired 

and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair values assigned to the identifiable 
intangible assets acquired were based on estimates and assumptions determined by management. Autodesk recorded the excess 
of consideration transferred over the aggregate fair values as goodwill. 

2015 Form 10-K  85

 
 
Fiscal 2015 Acquisitions

On June 27, 2014, Autodesk acquired Shotgun Software, Inc. (“Shotgun”) for total consideration of $54.5 million, of 
which $51.2 million was cash consideration. Prior to acquiring Shotgun, Autodesk had a convertible debt investment in the 
company with an acquisition-date fair value of $3.3 million using a market approach to value the investment. Shotgun was a 
privately-owned company that provided a cloud-based production management solution that enabled digital studios to track, 
schedule, review, and collaborate on projects and images. Shotgun has been integrated into, and the related goodwill was 
assigned to, Autodesk's M&E segment. Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. 

On May 29, 2014, Autodesk acquired all the outstanding shares of Within Technologies Limited ("Within Technologies”) 
for total cash consideration of $88.0 million. Autodesk used its non-U.S.-based cash for the transaction. Within Technologies is 
a United Kingdom based developer of design and simulation software for next generation manufacturing processes.  The Within 
Technologies acquisition is expected to accelerate Autodesk’s development of tools and technologies for advanced 
manufacturing.  Within Technologies has been integrated into Autodesk’s PSEB reportable segment. The amount of goodwill 
that is expected to be deductible for U.S. income tax purposes is $78.9 million.

On February 6, 2014, Autodesk acquired the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Delcam plc (“Delcam”), for 

$284.6 million. Delcam was previously listed as a public company (LON: DLC) and is a leading supplier of advanced 
CADCAM and industrial measurement solutions for the manufacturing industry. With this transaction Autodesk gains Delcam’s 
range of design, manufacturing, and inspection software that provide automated CADCAM solutions for a variety of industries, 
ranging from aerospace to toys and sports equipment. The transaction was structured as a cash offer for all the outstanding 
shares of Delcam, and Delcam has been integrated into Autodesk's MFG reportable segment. The amount of goodwill that is 
expected to be deductible for U.S. income tax purposes is $166.0 million.

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, Autodesk also completed 21 other business combination and technology 
acquisitions for total cash consideration of $234.5 million. These business combinations and technology acquisitions were not 
material individually or in aggregate to Autodesk's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by major class for each of the 

business combinations and technology acquisitions completed during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015:

Developed technologies

Customer relationships and other non-current intangible assets

Trade name

Goodwill

Deferred Revenue (current and non-current)

Deferred tax liability

Net tangible assets (liabilities)

Shotgun Within

Delcam

Other

$

$

5.4

7.5

1.6

4.6

3.6

1.2

$ 28.9

$

39.0

39.7

16.5

9.8

6.3

43.2

80.6

190.4

180.6

(0.7)

(2.6)

0.1

—

(1.7)

(0.3)

(10.4)

(13.2)

32.7

(0.4)

(2.1)

1.3

$

54.5

$ 88.0

$ 284.6

$

234.5

For Shotgun and certain other business combinations, the allocation of purchase price consideration to certain assets and 

liabilities is not yet finalized. Autodesk's estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period (up to 
one year from the acquisition date). The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized are 
amounts for tax assets and liabilities, pending finalization of estimates and assumptions in respect of certain tax aspects of the 
transaction and residual goodwill.

Fiscal 2014 Acquisitions 

On November 21, 2013, Autodesk acquired all of the outstanding shares of Graitec SA (“Graitec”) for total cash 
consideration of $87.0 million.  The acquisition enhances Autodesk’s current offerings for structural engineering and expands 
our portfolio of technology for Building Information Modeling ("BIM") for structural fabrication and detailing. Graitec has 
been integrated into Autodesk’s AEC segment. The amount of goodwill that is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes is $64.1 
million.  

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2015 Form 10-K  86

 
 
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, Autodesk also completed 14 other business combination and technology 

acquisitions for total cash consideration of approximately $89.7 million. These business combinations and technology 
acquisitions were not material individually or in aggregate to Autodesk's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by major class for each of the 

business combinations and technology acquisitions completed during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014:

Developed technologies

Customer relationships

Trade name

Goodwill

Deferred tax (liability) asset

Net tangible assets

Total

6.     Deferred Compensation 

Graitec

Other

$ 15.9

$ 15.9

2.2

1.7

73.4

(6.2)

—

2.8

1.8

67.0

0.7

1.5

$ 87.0

$ 89.7

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At January 31, 2015, Autodesk had marketable securities totaling $888.8 million, of which $40.3 million related to 

investments in debt and equity securities that are held in a rabbi trust under non-qualified deferred compensation plans. The 
total related deferred compensation liability was $40.3 million at January 31, 2015, of which $5.3 million was classified as 
current and $35.0 million was classified as non-current liabilities. The value of debt and equity securities held in the rabbi trust 
at January 31, 2014 was $38.9 million. The total related deferred compensation liability at January 31, 2014 was $38.9 million, 
of which $1.9 million was classified as current and $37.0 million was classified as non-current liabilities. The securities are 
recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the current portion of "Marketable Securities". The current and non-current 
portions of the liability are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Accrued compensation” and “Other liabilities,” 
respectively.

7.     Borrowing Arrangements 

In December 2012, Autodesk issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.95% senior notes due December 15, 

2017 and $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.6% senior notes due December 15, 2022, (collectively, the "Senior 
Notes"). Autodesk received net proceeds of $739.3 million from issuance of the Senior Notes, net of a discount of $4.5 million 
and issuance costs of $6.1 million.  Both the discount and issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense over the 
respective terms of the Senior Notes using the effective interest method. The proceeds of the Senior Notes are available for 
general corporate purposes. Autodesk may redeem the Senior Notes at any time, subject to a make whole premium. In addition, 
upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, Autodesk may be required to repurchase the Senior Notes, at 
a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. The Senior Notes 
contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to create certain liens, to enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions and 
to consolidate or merge with, or convey, transfer, or lease all or substantially all of our assets, subject to significant 
qualifications and exceptions. Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Senior Notes was approximately $759.9 
million as of January 31, 2015. 

Autodesk’s line of credit facility permits unsecured short-term borrowings of up to $400.0 million with an option to 
request an increase in the amount of the credit facility by up to an additional $100.0 million, and is available for working capital 
or other business needs. This credit agreement contains customary covenants that could restrict the imposition of liens on 
Autodesk’s assets, and restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness or make dispositions of assets if Autodesk 
fails to maintain the financial covenants. The financial covenants consist of a leverage ratio, and an interest coverage ratio. The 
line of credit is syndicated with various financial institutions, including Citibank, N.A., an affiliate of Citigroup, which is one of 
the lead lenders and an agent. As of January 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the credit facility’s covenants. The credit 
facility expires in May 2018.  At January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014, Autodesk had no outstanding borrowings on this line 
of credit. 

2015 Form 10-K  87

 
 
8.     Commitments and Contingencies 

Lease commitments

Autodesk leases office space and computer equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements that expire at 

various dates through 2088. The leases generally provide that Autodesk pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses related 
to the leased assets. Certain of these lease arrangements contain escalation clauses whereby monthly rent increases over time. 
At January 31, 2015, the aggregate future minimum lease payments required were as follows:

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Less: Sublease income

$

$

55.4

47.3

40.7

29.1

19.5

32.6

224.6

1.9

222.7

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Rent expense related to these operating leases recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease period, was as follows:

Rent expense

Purchase commitments

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

55.0

$

50.2

$

56.1

In the normal course of business, Autodesk enters into various purchase commitments for goods or services. Total non-
cancellable purchase commitments as of January 31, 2015 were approximately $85.4 million for periods through fiscal 2020. 
These purchase commitments primarily result from contracts for the acquisition of IT infrastructure, marketing, and software 
development services. 

Autodesk has certain royalty commitments associated with the shipment and licensing of certain products. Royalty 

expense is generally based on a dollar amount per unit shipped or a percentage of the underlying revenue. Royalty expense, 
which was recorded under cost of license and other revenue on Autodesk’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, was $17.9 
million in fiscal 2015, $18.0 million in fiscal 2014, and $16.4 million in fiscal 2013.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

In the normal course of business, Autodesk provides indemnifications of varying scopes, including limited product 
warranties and indemnification of customers against claims of intellectual property infringement made by third parties arising 
from the use of its products or services. Autodesk accrues for known indemnification issues if a loss is probable and can be 
reasonably estimated. Historically, costs related to these indemnifications have not been significant, and because potential 
future costs are highly variable, Autodesk is unable to estimate the maximum potential impact of these indemnifications on its 
future results of operations.

In connection with the purchase, sale, or license of assets or businesses with third parties, Autodesk has entered into or 
assumed customary indemnification agreements related to the assets or businesses purchased, sold or licensed. Historically, 
costs related to these indemnifications have not been significant, and because potential future costs are highly variable, 
Autodesk is unable to estimate the maximum potential impact of these indemnifications on its future results of operations.

As permitted under Delaware law, Autodesk has agreements whereby it indemnifies its officers and directors for certain 

events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at Autodesk’s request in such capacity. The maximum 
potential amount of future payments Autodesk could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; 

2015 Form 10-K  88

 
 
 
 
however, Autodesk has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage that is intended to reduce its financial exposure and 
may enable Autodesk to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. Autodesk believes the estimated fair value of these 
indemnification agreements in excess of applicable insurance coverage is minimal.

Legal Proceedings

Autodesk is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations, and proceedings in the normal course of business 
activities including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights, commercial, employment, piracy prosecution, 
business practices, and other matters. In the Company's opinion, resolution of pending matters is not expected to have a 
material adverse impact on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or its financial position. Given the unpredictable 
nature of legal proceedings, there is a reasonable possibility that an unfavorable resolution of one or more such proceedings 
could in the future materially affect the Company's results of operations, cash flows, or financial position in a particular period, 
however, based on the information known by the Company as of the date of this filing and the rules and regulations applicable 
to the preparation of the Company's financial statements, any such amount is either immaterial or it is not possible to provide an 
estimated amount of any such potential loss.

9.     Stockholders' Equity 

Preferred Stock

Under Autodesk’s Certificate of Incorporation, 2.0 million shares of preferred stock are authorized. At January 31, 2015, 

there were no preferred shares issued or outstanding. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the preferred stock in one 
or more series and to fix rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including dividends and the number of shares 
constituting any series or the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by the stockholders.

Common Stock Repurchase Programs

Autodesk has a stock repurchase program that is used to offset dilution from the issuance of stock under the Company’s 

employee stock plans and for such other purposes as may be in the interests of Autodesk and its stockholders, which has the 
effect of returning excess cash generated from the Company’s business to stockholders. Autodesk repurchased and retired 6.9 
million shares in fiscal 2015 at an average repurchase price of $53.83 per share, 10.5 million shares in fiscal 2014 at an average 
repurchase price of $40.43 per share, and 12.5 million shares in fiscal 2013 at an average repurchase price of $34.50. 

At January 31, 2015, 14.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under the repurchase program approved by 
the Board of Directors. The number of shares acquired and the timing of the purchases are based on several factors, including 
general market and economic conditions, the number of employee stock option exercises and stock issuances, the trading price 
of Autodesk common stock, cash on hand and available in the United States, cash requirements for acquisitions, and Company 
defined trading windows. 

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10.     Interest and Other (Expense) Income, net 

Interest and other (expense) income, net, consists of the following:

Interest and investment (expense) income, net

(Loss) gain on foreign currency

Loss on strategic investments

Other income

Interest and other (expense) income, net

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

(13.2) $

(9.8) $

(3.9)

(23.3)

2.7

4.0

(1.8)

2.7

(37.7) $

(4.9) $

4.9

1.2

(4.0)

2.0

4.1

$

$

2015 Form 10-K  89

 
 
 
 
11.     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, was comprised of the following:

Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Derivative
Instruments

Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Available for
Sale
Securities

Defined
Benefit
Pension
Components

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

Total (1)

Balances, January 31, 2013

$

2.8

$

2.9

$

(13.1) $

1.7

$

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income

Tax effects

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Balances, January 31, 2014
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income

Tax effects
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Balances, January 31, 2015

11.1

(11.5)

1.1
0.7
3.5

47.0

(7.0)
(0.7)
39.3
42.8

$

$

(0.2)

(1.2)

0.3
(1.1)
1.8

(1.7)

1.7
(0.2)
(0.2)
1.6

3.9

0.9

0.6
5.4
(7.7)

(2.0)

—

2.1
0.1
1.8

(18.3)

(80.7)

0.5
1.8
(16.0)
(23.7) $

—
4.9
(75.8)
(74.0) $

$

(5.7)

12.8

(11.8)

4.1
5.1
(0.6)

(53.7)

(4.8)
5.8
(52.7)
(53.3)

(1) For comparability, the presentation of prior period balances were adjusted to align with current year presentation.

Reclassifications related to gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in Interest and other (expense) 

income, net. Refer to "Note 2: Financial Instruments" for the amount and location of reclassifications related to derivative 
instruments. Reclassifications of the defined benefit pension components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit 
cost. Refer to "Note 14: Retirement Benefit Plans."  

12.     Net Income Per Share 

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for 

the period, excluding stock options and restricted stock units. Diluted net income per share is based upon the weighted average 
number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period and potentially dilutive common shares, including the effect of 
stock options and restricted stock units under the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the computation of the 
numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted net income per share amounts:

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Numerator:

Net income

Denominator:

Denominator for basic net income per share—weighted average shares

Effect of dilutive securities

Denominator for dilutive net income per share

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

81.8

$

228.8

$

247.4

227.1

5.3

232.4

0.36

0.35

$

$

224.0

5.6

229.6

1.02

1.00

$

$

226.4

5.3

231.7

1.09

1.07

The computation of diluted net income per share does not include shares that are anti-dilutive under the treasury stock 
method because their exercise prices are higher than the average market value of Autodesk’s stock during the fiscal year. For 
the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 0.1 million, 5.4 million, and 9.6 million potentially anti-dilutive 
shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of net income per share.

2015 Form 10-K  90

                                         
 
 
 
 
13.     Segments 

Autodesk reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the 

internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s 
reportable segments. Autodesk has four reportable segments:  AEC, PSEB, MFG, and M&E. Autodesk has no material inter-
segment revenue.

The AEC, PSEB, and MFG segments derive revenue from the sale of licenses for software products and services to 
customers who design, build, manage, or own building, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Autodesk's M&E segment 
derives revenue from the sale of products to creative professionals, post-production facilities, and broadcasters for a variety of 
applications, including feature films, television programs, commercials, music and corporate videos, interactive game 
production, web design, and interactive web streaming.

AEC software products help to improve the way building, civil infrastructure, process plant, and construction projects are 

designed, built, and managed. A broad portfolio of solutions enables greater efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability across the 
entire project lifecycle. Autodesk AEC solutions include advanced technology for BIM, AutoCAD-based design and 
documentation productivity software, sustainable design analysis applications, and collaborative project management solutions. 
BIM, an integrated process for building and infrastructure design, analysis, documentation, and construction, uses consistent, 
coordination information to improve communication and collaboration between the extended project team. AEC provides a 
comprehensive portfolio of BIM solutions that help customers deliver projects faster and more economically, while minimizing 
environmental impact. AEC’s revenue primarily includes revenue from the sales of licenses of  Autodesk Building Design 
Suites,  Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suites, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Map 3D. 

PSEB includes Autodesk’s design product, AutoCAD. Autodesk’s AutoCAD product is a platform product that underpins 

the Company’s design product offerings for the industries it serves. For example, AEC and MFG offer tailored versions of 
AutoCAD software for the industries they serve. Autodesk’s AutoCAD product also provides a platform for Autodesk’s 
developer partners to build custom solutions for a range of diverse design-oriented markets.  PSEB's revenue primarily includes 
revenue from sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, the AutoCAD Design Suite and many other design products, including 
consumer design products, as well as from sales of licenses of other Autodesk's design products. 

MFG provides the manufacturers in automotive and transportation, industrial machinery, consumer products and building 

products with comprehensive digital prototyping solutions that bring together design data from all phases of the product 
development process to develop a single digital model created in Autodesk Inventor software. Autodesk’s solutions for digital 
prototyping enable a broad group of manufacturers to realize benefits with minimal disruption to existing workflows. MFG’s 
revenue primarily includes revenue from the sales of licenses of Autodesk Product Design Suites, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD 
Mechanical, and Autodesk Moldflow products.

M&E consists of two product groups: Animation, including design visualization, and Creative Finishing. Animation 
products, such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, and the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites, provide tools for digital 
sculpting, modeling, animation, effects, rendering and compositing, for design visualization, visual effects, and games 
production. M&E products are also included in a number of PSEB, AEC, and MFG focused suites. Creative Finishing products, 
such as Autodesk Flame, Autodesk Smoke, and Autodesk Lustre, provide editing, finishing, and visual effects design and color 
grading.

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All of Autodesk’s reportable segments distribute their respective products primarily through authorized resellers and 

distributors and, to a lesser extent, through direct sales to end-users.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1, “Business and Summary of 

Significant Accounting Policies.” Autodesk evaluates each segment’s performance on the basis of gross profit. Autodesk 
currently does not separately accumulate and report asset information by segment, except for goodwill, which is disclosed in 
Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

2015 Form 10-K  91

 
 
Information concerning the operations of Autodesk’s reportable segments is as follows:

Net revenue:

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (1)

Platform Solutions and Emerging Business (1)

Manufacturing

Media and Entertainment (1)

Gross profit:

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (1)

Platform Solutions and Emerging Business (1)

Manufacturing

Media and Entertainment

Unallocated (2)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion:

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Platform Solutions and Emerging Business

Manufacturing

Media and Entertainment

Unallocated

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

872.6

$

730.6

$

796.7

675.6

167.3

789.2

579.4

174.7

701.1

843.0

573.8

194.3

2,512.2

$

2,273.9

$

2,312.2

785.8

$

663.8

$

712.3

604.0

127.3

(59.3)

716.8

531.5

137.8

(50.3)

642.0

788.8

531.3

156.5

(44.9)

2,170.1

$

1,999.6

$

2,073.7

$

1.3

6.8

3.0

0.3

$

0.2

5.5

0.9

0.2

134.5

122.1

145.9

$

128.9

$

0.2

1.8

0.5

0.4

124.9

127.8

$

$

$

$

$

$

_______________
(1)  Prior period segment revenue amounts have been updated to conform to the current period's presentation.
(2)  Unallocated amounts primarily relate to corporate expenses and other costs and expenses that are managed outside the reportable 

segments, including stock-based compensation expense.

Information regarding Autodesk’s operations by geographic area is as follows:

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2015

2014

2013

$

736.4

$

672.3

$

161.6

898.0

980.0

269.0

365.2

634.2

146.6

818.9

851.8

274.5

328.7

603.2

672.1

164.1

836.2

868.5

278.3

329.2

607.5

$

2,512.2

$

2,273.9

$

2,312.2

Net revenue:

Americas

U.S.

Other Americas

Total Americas

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Asia Pacific

Japan

Other Asia Pacific

Total Asia Pacific

Total net revenue

2015 Form 10-K  92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information regarding Autodesk’s long-lived assets by geographic area is as follows:

Long-lived assets (1):

Americas

U.S.

Other Americas

Total Americas

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Asia Pacific

Total long-lived assets

January 31,

2015

2014

$

$

108.8

$

3.1

111.9

25.0

22.3

89.0

2.9

91.9

27.2

11.2

159.2

$

130.3

____________________
(1)  Long-lived assets exclude deferred tax assets, marketable securities, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Prior period amounts have 

been updated to conform to the current period's presentation.

14.     Retirement Benefit Plans 

Pretax Savings Plan

Autodesk has a 401(k) plan that covers nearly all U.S. employees. Eligible employees may contribute up to 50% of their 

pretax salary, subject to limitations mandated by the Internal Revenue Service. Autodesk makes voluntary cash contributions 
and matches a portion of employee contributions in cash. Autodesk’s contributions were $11.2 million in fiscal 2015, $8.1 
million in fiscal 2014, and $7.9 million in fiscal 2013. Autodesk does not allow participants to invest in Autodesk common 
stock through the 401(k) plan.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Autodesk maintains certain defined benefit pension plans to employees primarily located in countries outside of the U.S, 

particularly the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Japan. The Company deposits funds for specific plans, consistent with the 
requirements of local law, with insurance companies, third-party trustees, or into government-managed accounts, and accrues 
for the unfunded portion of the obligation, where material. Depending on the design of the plan, local customs, and market 
circumstances, the liabilities of a plan may exceed qualified plan assets. 

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2015 Form 10-K  93

 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation and plan assets

The changes in the projected benefit obligations and plan assets for the plans described above were as follows:

Beginning projected benefit obligation
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (gain)
Benefits paid
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Curtailments and settlements
Contributions by plan participants
Business combinations
Ending projected benefit obligation

Beginning fair value of plan assets
Actual return on plan assets
Contributions paid by employer
Contributions paid by plan participants
Benefit payments
Curtailments and settlements
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Business combinations
Ending fair value of plan assets
Funded status

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2015

2014

$

$

$

$
$

62.2
4.6
3.9
18.8
(7.5)
(1.2)
(2.9)
5.9
60.9
144.7

$

$

$

40.7
4.1
4.9
5.9
(7.5)
(2.9)
(1.2)
60.2
104.2
$
(40.5) $

61.5
5.4
1.1
(3.2)
(5.9)
0.8
—
2.5
—
62.2

37.5
0.9
5.2
2.5
(5.9)
—
0.5
—
40.7
(21.5)

Amounts included within the business combinations line above represent plan assets and liabilities assumed under the 

acquisition of Delcam.

The amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at the end of each period were as follows:

Other long-term liabilities
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax
Net amount recognized

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

$

$

40.5
26.6
67.1

$

$

21.5
8.7
30.2

On a worldwide basis, our defined benefit plans were 72% funded as of January 31, 2015. Funded status is not indicative 

of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of Autodesk's obligation to fund retirement accounts.

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2015 Form 10-K  94

 
 
As of January 31, 2015, the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation was $124.3 million for the pension plans ($45.3 
million as of January 31, 2014). Included in the aggregate data in the following tables are the amounts applicable to our defined 
benefit plans, with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, as well as plans with projected benefit obligations 
in excess of plan assets. Amounts related to such plans at the end of each period were as follows:

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligations
Plan Assets
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligations
Plan Assets

Pension Plan Assets

Fiscal Year Ended
January 31,

2015

2014

$

$

124.0
103.9

144.7
104.2

$

$

45.3
40.7

62.2
40.7

The investments of the plans are managed by insurance companies or third-party investment managers selected by 
Autodesk's Trustees, consistent with regulations or market practice of the country where the assets are invested. Investments 
managed by qualified insurance companies or third-party investment managers under standard contracts follow local 
regulations, and Autodesk is not actively involved in their investment strategies.

Pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following investment categories at the end 

of each period as follows:

Investment fund
Insurance contracts
Total assets measured at fair value
Cash

Total pension plan assets at fair value

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

$

Level 1
55.7
—
55.7
0.1

$

Level 2
4.9
43.5
48.4
—

$

$

55.8

$

48.4

$

Level 3

Total

— $
—
—
—

— $

$

60.6
43.5
104.1
0.1

104.2

$

2014

Total

—
40.2
40.2
0.5

40.7

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The assets held in the investment fund in the preceding table are invested in a diversified growth fund actively managed 
by Russell Investments in association with Aon Hewitt. The objective of the fund is to generate capital appreciation on a long-
term basis through a diversified portfolio of investments. The fund aims to deliver equity-like returns in the medium to long 
term with around two-thirds the volatility of equity markets. The fair value of the assets held in the investment fund classified 
as Level 1 are priced daily using observable inputs for identical assets. The fair value of the assets held in the investment fund 
classified as Level 2 are priced monthly at net asset value with quarterly redemption attributes.

The insurance contracts in the preceding table represent the immediate cash surrender value of assets managed by 
qualified insurance companies. Autodesk does not have control over the target allocation or visibility of the investment 
strategies of those investments. Insurance contracts and investments held by insurance companies made up 42% of total plan 
assets as of January 31, 2015 (99% as of January 31, 2014). 

2015 Form 10-K  95

 
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated benefit payments over the next 10 fiscal years are as follows:

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021-2025

Funding Expectations

$

Pension
Benefits

3.5
3.4
3.5
3.3
3.1
17.5

Our expected required funding for the plans during fiscal 2016 is approximately $4.6 million.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit pension plans for fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013 are as 

follows:

Service cost for benefits earned during the period
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of loss
Net periodic benefit cost

Amounts Recorded in OCI

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

$

4.6
3.9
(4.6)
(0.1)
0.6
4.4

$

$

5.4
1.1
(0.8)
(0.1)
1.0
6.6

$

$

4.5
1.3
(0.8)
(0.1)
0.7
5.6

The components of other comprehensive income for the defined benefit pension plans before taxes for fiscal 2015, 2014, 

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and 2013 are as follows:

Net loss (gain) for period
Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of net loss
Other comprehensive loss (income)

Amounts Recorded in AOCI

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

$

18.4
0.1
(0.6)
17.9

$

$

(3.9) $
0.1
(1.0)
(4.8) $

6.3
0.1
(0.7)
5.7

The amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income loss before taxes at the end of each period were as 

follows:

Net prior service credit
Net actuarial loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax

2015 Form 10-K  96

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

$

$

(1.8) $
28.4
26.6

$

(1.9)
10.6
8.7

 
 
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year for the 

qualified defined benefit pension plan and other benefit plans are as follows: 

Amortization of prior service credit

Amortization of the net loss

Total amortization

Assumptions

Pension
Benefits

$

$

0.1

(1.5)

(1.4)

Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine costs for the plans for each period were as follows:

Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

3.3%
3.9%
2.2%

2.3%
1.9%
2.2%

1.8%
2.0%
2.1%

The weighted-average expected long-term rate of return for the plan assets is 3.9%. The weighted-average expected long-

term rate of return on plan assets is based on the interest rates guaranteed under the insurance contracts, and the expected rate of 
return appropriate for each category of assets weighted for the distribution within the diversified investment fund. The 
assumptions used for the plans are based upon customary rates and practices for the location of the plans. Factors such as asset 
class allocations, long-term rates of return (actual and expected), and results of periodic asset liability modeling studies are 
considered when constructing the long-term rate of return assumption for our pension plans. 

Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans at the end of each period were 

as follows:

Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2015

2014

2013

2.4%
1.2%

2.2%
2.2%

1.8%
2.0%

In selecting the appropriate discount rate for the plans, the Company uses country-specific information, adjusted to reflect 

the duration of the particular plan. The discount rate was based on highly rated long-term bond indexes and yield curves that 
match the duration of the plan’s benefit obligations.

Defined Contribution Plans

Autodesk also provides defined contribution plans in certain foreign countries where required by statute. Autodesk’s 
funding policy for foreign defined contribution plans is consistent with the local requirements in each country. Autodesk’s 
contributions to these plans were $23.5 million in fiscal 2015, $22.3 million in fiscal 2014, and $21.5 million in fiscal 2013.

Other Plans

In addition, Autodesk offers a non-qualified deferred compensation plan to certain key employees whereby they may 
defer a portion (or all) of their annual compensation until retirement or a different date specified by the employee in accordance 
with terms of the plan. See Note 6, “Deferred Compensation,” for further discussion.

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2015 Form 10-K  97

 
 
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  15.     Restructuring Reserves 

During fiscal 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a world-wide restructuring plan in order to re-
balance staffing levels to better align them with the evolving needs of the business. The Company authorized plan included a 
reduction of approximately 85 positions and the consolidation of four leased facilities, with a total cost of approximately $15.0 
million ("Fiscal 2014 Plan"). By July 31, 2014, the personnel and facilities related actions included in this restructuring plan 
were substantially complete.

During fiscal 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a world-wide restructuring plan in line with the 
Company's strategy, including its continuing shift to cloud and mobile computing ("Fiscal 2013 Plan"). The approved plan 
resulted in a reduction of approximately 500 positions and the consolidation of eight leased facilities, with an aggregate charge 
of $46.2 million to date.  By January 31, 2014, the personnel and facilities related actions included in this restructuring plan 
were substantially complete.

The following table sets forth the restructuring activities for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:

Balances,
January 31, 2014

Additions

Payments

Adjustments (1)

Balances,
January 31, 2015

Fiscal 2013 Plan

Employee termination costs

Lease termination and asset costs

Fiscal 2014 Plan

Employee termination costs

Lease termination and asset costs

Total

Current portion (2)

Non-current portion (2)

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

0.1

0.2

3.5

1.3

5.1

4.0

1.1

5.1

— $

0.3

2.5

0.3

3.1

— $

(0.3)

(6.0)

(0.5)

$

(6.8) $

(0.1) $

—

0.3

0.2

$

$

$

—

0.2

—

1.4

1.6

0.7

0.9

1.6

____________________
(1)  Adjustments include the impact of foreign currency translation.
(2)  The current and non-current portions of the reserve are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Other accrued liabilities” 

and “Other liabilities,” respectively.

Fiscal 2013 Plan

Employee termination costs

Lease termination and asset costs

Fiscal 2014 Plan

Employee termination costs

Lease termination and asset costs

Total

Current portion (2)

Non-current portion (2)

Total

Balances,
January 31, 2013

Additions

Payments

Adjustments (1)

Balances,
January 31, 2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

4.5

2.8

—

—

7.3

5.8

1.5

7.3

$

0.8

1.5

9.4

1.1

(5.0)

(4.2)

(5.7)

(0.2) $

0.1

(0.2)

0.2

12.8

$

(14.9) $

(0.1) $

$

$

0.1

0.2

3.5

1.3

5.1

4.0

1.1

5.1

_______________
(1)  Adjustments include the impact of foreign currency translation.
(2)  The current and non-current portions of the reserve are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Other accrued liabilities” 

and “Other liabilities,” respectively.

2015 Form 10-K  98

 
 
16.     Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

2015
Net revenue

Gross profit

Income from operations

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

Income from operations includes the

following items:

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of acquisition related

intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

2014
Net revenue

Gross profit

Income from operations

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

Income from operations includes the

following items:

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of acquisition related

intangibles

Restructuring charges, net

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Fiscal year

592.5

$

637.1

$

618.0

$

664.6

$

513.8

42.2

(7.3)

28.3

0.12

0.12

$

$

549.2

49.9

(11.6)

31.3

0.14

0.13

$

$

532.0

14.6

(0.9)

10.7

0.05

0.05

$

$

575.1

14.0

18.6

11.5

0.05

0.05

$

$

2,512.2

2,170.1

120.7

(1.2)

81.8

0.36

0.35

33.6

$

39.8

$

43.1

$

49.1

$

165.6

23.9
2.3

24.6
0.8

22.6
—

21.9
—

93.0
3.1

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Fiscal year

570.4

$

561.7

$

555.2

$

586.6

$

502.9

81.4

(17.0)

55.6

0.25

0.24

$

$

493.9

83.6

(20.1)

61.7

0.28

0.27

$

$

488.1

68.1

(11.6)

57.6

0.26

0.25

$

$

514.7

51.7

(2.4)

53.9

0.24

0.23

$

$

2,273.9

1,999.6

284.8

(51.1)

228.8

1.02

1.00

33.5

$

31.0

$

31.6

$

36.1

$

132.2

21.6

0.4

20.3

1.7

18.2

4.4

20.6

6.3

80.7

12.8

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2015 Form 10-K  99

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Autodesk, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Autodesk, Inc. as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, and the 
related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended January 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 
15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 
position of Autodesk, Inc. at January 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each 
of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, 
in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a 
whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
Autodesk, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and 
our report dated March 18, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Francisco, California
March 18, 2015 

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2015 Form 10-K  100

 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Autodesk, Inc.

We have audited Autodesk, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2015, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Autodesk, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over 
financial  reporting,  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  included  in  the 
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control 
over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over  financial  reporting,  assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness  exists,  testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in 
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

As  indicated  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting,  management’s 
assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls 
of Delcam, plc, which is included in the 2015 consolidated financial statements of Autodesk, Inc. and constituted 6 percent of total 
assets as of January 31, 2015 and 2 percent of revenues, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial 
reporting of Autodesk, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Delcam plc.

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In our opinion, Autodesk, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 

January 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated balance sheets of Autodesk, Inc. as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of 
operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 
2015 of Autodesk, Inc. and our report dated March 18, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Francisco, California
March 18, 2015 

2015 Form 10-K  101

 
 
ITEM 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the 
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
as required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) of the 
Exchange Act) are effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports 
that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and 
reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and (ii) is accumulated and 
communicated to Autodesk’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to 
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable 
assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 

15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the quarter ended January 31, 2015 that have 
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness 
of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2015. In making this assessment, our management used the 
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in the 2013 Internal 
Control—Integrated Framework. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not 
expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will necessarily prevent all 
errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, 
assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that 
there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent 
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances 
of fraud, if any, within Autodesk have been detected.

In accordance with guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, companies are permitted to exclude 

acquisitions from their final assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the first fiscal year in which the 
acquisition occurred. Our management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting excluded the internal control 
activities of Delcam plc (Delcam), which we acquired February 6, 2014, as discussed in Note 5, “Acquisitions,” of the Notes to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have included the financial results of Delcam in the consolidated financial 
statements from the date of acquisition. Total revenues subject to Delcam’s internal control over financial reporting represented 
2 percent of our consolidated total revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. Total assets subject to Delcam’s internal 
control over financial reporting represented 6 percent of our consolidated total assets as of January 31, 2015.

Our management has concluded that, as of January 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting is effective to 

provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our independent registered public accounting 
firm, Ernst & Young, LLP, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in 
Item 8 herein.

2015 Form 10-K  102

 
 
ITEM 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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2015 Form 10-K  103

 
 
PART III

Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Annual Report because we intend to file a definitive proxy 

statement pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal 
year covered by this Annual Report (the “Proxy Statement”) and certain information included therein is incorporated herein by 
reference. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement that specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by 
reference.

ITEM 10. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Proposal One—

Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Corporate Governance” in our 
Proxy Statement.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following sets forth certain information as of March 18, 2015 regarding our executive officers.

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Name
Carl Bass

R. Scott Herren

Jan Becker

Steve M. Blum

Pascal W. Di Fronzo

Age

Position

57

53

62

50

50

President and Chief Executive Officer

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Real Estate

Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Services

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Carl Bass joined Autodesk in September 1993 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2006. 
Mr. Bass served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 2014 to November 2014 and August 2008 to April 2009. From 
June 2004 to April 2006, Mr. Bass served as Chief Operating Officer. From February 2002 to June 2004, Mr. Bass served as 
Senior Executive Vice President, Design Solutions Group. From August 2001 to February 2002, Mr. Bass served as Executive 
Vice President, Emerging Business and Chief Strategy Officer. From June 1999 to July 2001, he served as President and Chief 
Executive Officer of Buzzsaw.com, Inc., a spin-off from Autodesk. Mr. Bass has also held other executive positions within 
Autodesk. Mr. Bass was a director of McAfee, Inc. from January 2008 until its acquisition by Intel Corporation in February 
2011.  Mr. Bass has served on the board of directors of E2open, Inc. since July 2011.

R. Scott Herren  joined Autodesk in November 2014 and serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. 

Prior to joining Autodesk, Mr. Herren was the Senior Vice President of Finance for Citrix Systems, Inc. from September 2011 
to October 2014 where he led the company’s finance, accounting, tax, treasury, investor relations, real estate, and facilities 
teams.  From March 2000 to September 2011, Mr. Herren held a variety of leadership positions at Citrix including Vice 
President and Managing Director for EMEA and Vice President and General Manager of the Virtualization Systems Group.  
Prior to Citrix, Mr. Herren served at FedEx Corporation as Vice President, Financial Planning. Prior to FedEx, he spent 13 years 
at International Business Machines Corporation in senior financial positions.

Jan Becker joined Autodesk in September 1992 and has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and 

Corporate Real Estate since June 2000.  Ms. Becker previously served in other capacities in the Human Resources Department 
at Autodesk.  Prior to joining Autodesk, Ms. Becker held a variety of senior management positions at Sun Microsystems.  Prior 
to Sun Microsystems, Ms. Becker worked both domestically and internationally at a number of high-tech organizations, 
including Activision, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Hewlett-Packard Company.

Steven M. Blum joined Autodesk in January 2003 and has served as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Services 

since February 2011.  From January 2003 to February 2011, he served as Senior Vice President of Americas Sales. Prior to this 
position, Blum was Executive Vice President of Sales and Account Management for Parago, Inc.  Blum also held positions at 
Mentor Graphics, most recently serving as Vice President of America's sales.  Before joining Mentor Graphics, he held 
engineering and sales positions at NCR Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices.  

Pascal W. Di Fronzo joined Autodesk in June 1998 and has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and 
Secretary since March 2007.  From March 2006 to March 2007, Mr. Di Fronzo served as Vice President, General Counsel and 

2015 Form 10-K  104

 
 
Secretary, and served as Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from March 2005 through March 
2006.  Previously, Mr. Di Fronzo served in other business and legal capacities in our Legal Department.  Prior to joining 
Autodesk, he advised high technology and emerging growth companies on business and intellectual property transactions and 
litigation while in private practice.

There is no family relationship among any of our directors or executive officers.

ITEM 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Corporate Governance" 

and “Executive Compensation,” in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12. 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Security Ownership of 
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” and “Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our 
Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13. 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Certain Relationships 

and Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance—Independence of the Board of Directors” in our Proxy 
Statement.

ITEM 14. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Proposal Two—

Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 15. 

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)     The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

PART IV

1.  Financial Statements:  The information concerning Autodesk’s financial statements, and Report of Ernst & Young 
LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein to 
the section of this Report in Item 8, entitled “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

2.  Financial Statement Schedule:    The following financial statement schedule of Autodesk, Inc., for the fiscal years 
ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, is filed as part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with the 
Consolidated Financial Statements of Autodesk, Inc.:

Schedule II    Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information 
required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

3.  Exhibits:  See Item 15(b) below. We have filed, or incorporated into this Report by reference, the exhibits listed on 

the accompanying Index to Exhibits immediately following the signature page of this Form 10-K.

(b)     Exhibits:

We have filed, or incorporated into the Report by reference, the exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to 
Exhibits immediately following the signature page of this Form 10-K.

(c)     Financial Statement Schedules: See Item 15(a), above.

ITEM 15(A)(2)  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE II

Description

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2015

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Product returns reserves

Partner Program reserves (1)

Restructuring

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2014

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Product returns reserves

Partner Program reserves (1)

Restructuring

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2013

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Product returns reserves

Partner Program reserves (1)

Restructuring

Balance at
Beginning
of Fiscal Year

Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses or
Revenues

Deductions
and
Write-Offs

Balance at
End of Fiscal Year

$

$

$

$

$

$

4.9

4.0

38.4

5.6

5.6

4.9

48.3

8.9

5.5

5.8

36.5

2.4

(in millions)

1.6

$

0.2

$

17.4

237.3

3.2

18.8

239.2

7.2

1.3

$

2.0

$

23.1

278.6

12.8

24.0

288.5

16.1

1.5

$

1.4

$

25.8

286.9

45.1

26.7

275.1

38.6

6.3

2.6

36.5

1.6

4.9

4.0

38.4

5.6

5.6

4.9

48.3

8.9

 ____________________
(1)  The partner program reserves balance impacts "Accounts receivable, net" and "Accounts payable" on the accompanying Consolidated 

Balance Sheets.

2015 Form 10-K  106

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly 

caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Dated:

March 18, 2015

AUTODESK, INC.
By:

/S/    CARL BASS        

Carl Bass
President and Chief Executive Officer

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2015 Form 10-K  107

 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and 
appoints Carl Bass and R. Scott Herren each as his or her attorney-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him or her in 
any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and 
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all 
that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities as of March 18, 2015.

Title

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Vice President and Controller
     (Principal Accounting Officer)

Director
(Non-executive Chairman of the Board)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

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Signature

/s/    CARL BASS        

Carl Bass

/s/    R. SCOTT HERREN        

R. Scott Herren

/s/    PAUL UNDERWOOD      

Paul Underwood

/s/    CRAWFORD W. BEVERIDGE        

Crawford W. Beveridge

/s/    J. HALLAM DAWSON        

J. Hallam Dawson

/s/    THOMAS GEORGENS        

Thomas Georgens

/s/    PER-KRISTIAN HALVORSEN        

Per-Kristian Halvorsen

/s/    MARY T. MCDOWELL        

Mary T. McDowell

/s/    LORRIE M. NORRINGTON        

Lorrie M. Norrington

/s/    ELIZABETH RAFAEL    

Elizabeth Rafael

/s/    STACY J. SMITH       

Stacy J. Smith

/s/    STEVEN M. WEST        

Steven M. West

2015 Form 10-K  108

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Exhibit No.

Description

Index to Exhibits

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, file no. 000-14338)

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2013)

Indenture dated December 13, 2012, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association  (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2012)

First Supplemental Indenture (including Form of Notes) dated December 13, 2012, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and 
U.S. Bank National Association. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant's Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2012)

Description of Registrant's Performance Stock Unit Program (incorporated by reference to Item 5.02 of the Registrant's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2014)

Description of Registrant's Sales Commission Plan (incorporated by reference to Item 5.02 of the Registrant's Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2014)

Registrant’s 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on June 10, 2010 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013)

Registrant’s 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan Forms of Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2005)

Registrant’s 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan Form of Agreement (non-U.S. Employees) (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 
2014)

Registrant’s 2000 Directors’ Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)

Registrant’s 2000 Directors’ Option Plan Forms of Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2008)

Registrant’s 2006 Employee Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2005)

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Registrant’s 2006 Employee Stock Plan Forms of Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 filed with the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006 and Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 20, 2007)

Registrant’s 2008 Employee Stock Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with 
the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2010)

Registrant’s 2008 Employee Stock Plan Forms of Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2008)

Registrant’s 2008 Employee Stock Plan Form of Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2009)

Registrant’s 2008 Employee Stock Plan Forms of Restricted Stock Unit Agreements (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)

Registrant’s 2008 Employee Stock Plan Forms of Agreement (non-U.S. Employees) (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.14 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009)

2015 Form 10-K  109

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Exhibit No.
10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26*

10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

10.30*

10.31*

10.32*

10.33*

10.34*

10.35*

Description

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with 
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 2014)

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.3 filed with the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2012)

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 
filed with the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2012)

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan Form of Stock Option Agreement (non-U.S. Employees) (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2012)

Text of amendment to certain stock option agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2006)

Amendments to certain stock option agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 filed with the Registrant’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009)

Registrant’s 2010 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2009)

Registrant’s 2010 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2010)

Registrant’s 2010 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2010)

Registrant's 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2012)

Registrant's 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.5 filed with the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2012)

Form of Promise to Make Cash Payment and Option Amendment (U.S. Employees) (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2007)

Form of Promise to Make Cash Payment and Option Amendment (Canadian Employees) (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 99.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2007)

Registrant’s Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2010)

Registrant’s 2005 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of January 1, 2008, 
as further amended and restated, effective as of December 31, 2008, as further amended and restated, effective as of 
January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2009)

Participants, target awards and payout formulas for fiscal year 2015 under the Registrant's Executive Incentive Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Item 5.02 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2014) 

Executive Change in Control Program, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2013)

Sub-Plan of the Autodesk, Inc. 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2014)

Form of Indemnification Agreement executed by Autodesk and each of its officers and directors (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.8 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 
2005)

Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Registrant and Carl Bass dated March 21, 2013 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 
2013)

R. Scott Herren Offer Letter dated September 23, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the 
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2014) 

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2015 Form 10-K  110

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Exhibit No.

10.36*

10.37*

10.38

10.39

10.40

21.1

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

32.1†

Description

Registrant’s Equity Incentive Deferral Plan as amended and restated effective as of June 12, 2008 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 
2008)

Amendment to Registrant's Equity Incentive Deferral Plan effective as of February 17, 2012 (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.37 filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 

for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012)

Office Lease between Registrant and the J.H.S. Trust for 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA, as amended 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal 
quarter ended October 31, 2004)

Fourth Amendment to Lease between Registrant and the J.H.S. Holdings L.P. for 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA 
for the fiscal year 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 
ended January 31, 2010)

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2013, by and among the Registrant, the lenders from time 
to time party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2013)

  List of Subsidiaries (filed herewith)

  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) (filed herewith)

  Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this Annual Report)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed 
herewith)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed 
herewith)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

101.INS ††

  XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH ††

101.CAL ††

101.DEF ††

101.LAB ††

101.PRE ††

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 ____________________
* 
† 

Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are not deemed filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Autodesk, Inc. under the Securities Act of 
1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Form 10-K, 
irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

††   The financial information contained in these XBRL documents is unaudited. 

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2015 Form 10-K  111

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Board of Directors 

Company Executive Officers  

Corporate Headquarters 

Carl Bass 
President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Autodesk, Inc. 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
non-Executive Chairman of the Board, 
Autodesk, Inc. 

Carl Bass 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Jan Becker 
Senior Vice President, Human 
Resources and Corporate Real Estate  

Steven M. Blum 
Senior Vice President, Worldwide 
Sales and Services  

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 
Senior Vice President, General 
Counsel and Secretary  

R. Scott Herren 
Senior Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer  

J. Hallam Dawson 

Thomas Georgens 

Per-Kristian Halvorsen 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Steven M. West 

Worldwide Headquarters 
Autodesk, Inc. 
111 McInnis Parkway 
San Rafael, CA  94903 
USA 

Asia Pacific Headquarters 
Autodesk Asia Pte Ltd 
3 Fusionopolis Way 
#10-21 Symbiosis 
Singapore 138633 
Singapore 

European Headquarters 
Autodesk Development Sàrl 
Rue du Puits-Godet 6 
Case Postale 35 
2002 Neuchâtel 
Switzerland 

Legal Counsel 

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati 
Professional Corporation 
650 Page Mill Road 
Palo Alto, CA  94304 
USA 

Transfer Agent 

Computershare Trust Company N.A. 
350 Indiana Street, Suite 750 
Golden, CO  80401 
USA 

Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm 

Ernst & Young, LLP 
560 Mission Street, Suite 1600 
San Francisco, CA  94105 
USA 

Notice of Annual Meeting 

Held at Autodesk, Inc.’s San Francisco office at The Landmark at One Market Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, California, USA, 
June 10, 2015, 3:00 p.m. Pacific time. 

Investor Relations 

For more information, including copies of this annual report free of charge, write to us at:  Investor Relations, Autodesk, Inc., 111 
McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA  94903, USA; Phone us at +1-415-507-6705; email us at investor.relations@autodesk.com; or visit 
our website at: www.autodesk.com. 

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FISCAL YEAR

2015

Annual Report 

Notice of annual meeting and 

proxy statement

Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA 94903 

Autodesk is a registered trademark or trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. 
All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and 
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that 
may appear in this document.

© 

2 015

 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. 

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