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FY2018 Annual Report · Autodesk
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FISCAL YEAR

2018

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.

© 

2 018

 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Board of Directors

Company Executive Officers

Corporate Headquarters

Andrew Anagnost

President and Chief Executive Officer, 

Autodesk, Inc.

Andrew Anagnost

President and Chief  

Executive Officer

Crawford W. Beveridge

Steven M. Blum

non-Executive Chairman of the Board, 

SVP, Worldwide Field Operations

Pascal W. Di Fronzo

SVP, Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal

Officer & Secretary

Carmel Galvin,

SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer 

R. Scott Herren

SVP, Chief Financial Officer 

Autodesk, Inc.

Carl Bass*

Karen Blasing

Reid French

Thomas Georgens*

Richard S. Hill*

Mary T. McDowell

Lorrie M. Norrington

Betsy Rafael

Stacy J. Smith

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

Switerland

Legal Counsel

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Professional Corporation

650 Page Mill Road

Palo Alto, CA 94304

USA

Transfer Agent

By Regular Mail 

P.O. BOX 505000

Louisville, KY 40233

USA

Computershare Trust Company N.A.

Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young, LLP

560 Mission Street, Suite 1600

San Fransisco, CA 94105

USA

Notice of Annual Meeting

June 12, 2018, 3:00 p.m. Pacific time.

Investor Relations

our website at: www.autodesk.com.

distinguished service to Autodesk.

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

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  

* Messrs. Bass, Georgens and Hill are not standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting. The Board thanks each of them for their  

May 1, 2018  

Dear Autodesk Stockholder: 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  attend Autodesk’s  2018 Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  to  be  held  on  Tuesday,  June 12, 
2018,  at  3:00  p.m.,  Pacific  Time,  at  our  San  Francisco  office,  The  Landmark,  One  Market  Street,  2nd  Floor,  San  Francisco, 
California 94105. 

The 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held for the following purposes: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

To elect the eight directors listed in the accompanying Proxy Statement; 

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 
fiscal year ending January 31, 2019; 

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

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

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The  accompanying  Notice  of  2018 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  2018,  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, 

Andrew Anagnost 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Time and Date

Place

Items of Business

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Adjournments and Postponements

Record Date

Voting

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 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)

(2)

(3)

(4)

To elect the eight directors listed in the accompanying Proxy Statement to 
serve  for  the  coming  year  and  until  their  successors  are  duly  elected  and 
qualified.
To  ratify  the  appointment  of  Ernst &  Young  LLP  as  our  independent 
registered  public  accounting  firm  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  January 31, 
2019.
To  hold  a  non-binding  vote  to  approve  compensation  for  our  named 
executive officers.
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 2018 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 16, 2018.
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 2018 Annual Meeting and Procedural Matters” in 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.

Pascal W. Di Fronzo
SVP, Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

This notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy card are being made available on or about 
May 1, 2018.

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING AND PROCEDURAL MATTERS 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDERS' 
MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 12, 2018 

PROPOSAL ONE—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 

Nominees 

Summary of Director Nominee Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and Skills 

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 

Fiscal 2018 Business Model Transition and Performance Metrics 

Stockholder Engagement and Actions Taken 

Compensation Guiding Principles 

Leading Compensation and Governance Practices 

Vote Recommendations 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 

Stock Ownership Guidelines 

Independence of the Board 

Outside Board Memberships 

Board Meetings and Board Committees 

Board Leadership Structure 

Risk Oversight 

Sustainability 

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 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

Executive Summary 

The Compensation-Setting Process 

Competitive Compensation Positioning 

The Principal Elements of the Executive Compensation Program 

Report of the Compensation Committee 

Summary Compensation Table and Narrative Disclosure 

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2018 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2018 Year End 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested at Fiscal 2018 Year End 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2018 

CEO Pay Ratio 

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 

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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 

APPENDIX A - RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP SPEND 

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The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant. 
Based on the Committee’s review, the fiscal 2018 compensation peer group consisted of the following companies: 

Company 

Reported Fiscal Year 

Revenue ($'s in Billions) 

  Market Capitalization as of 
1/31/2018 ($'s in billions) 

Adobe Systems, Inc. 
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 

7.30 
2.50 
PROXY STATEMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
4.04 
2.82 

1-Dec-17 
31-Dec-17 

Citrix Systems, Inc. 

31-Mar-17 

31-Dec-17 

CA, Inc. 

Electronic Arts, Inc. 

31-Mar-17 

Intuit Inc. 

PROPOSALS AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS 

31-Jul-17 

Juniper Networks, Inc. 

31-Dec-17 

4.85 

5.18 

5.03 

1.28 

98.13 
11.38 

14.78 

13.33 

38.98 

43.00 

9.56 

N/A 

Mentor Graphics Corporation 
Proposal 

National Instruments Corporation 

NetApp, Inc. 

1.  Election of Directors 

Nuance Communications, Inc. 

31-Jan-17 

31-Dec-17 

28-Apr-17 

30-Sep-17 

PTC Inc. 

2. Ratification of Appointment of Independent      

30-Sep-17 

28-Feb-17 

Red Hat, Inc. 

Registered Public Accounting Firm 

salesforce.com, inc. 

Symantec Corporation 

31-Jan-18 
3. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation 
31-Mar-17 
31-Oct-17 

Synopsys, Inc. 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Autodesk Percentile Ranking 

31-Jan-18 

Board Recommendation 

1.29 

Page Number 

6.54 

FOR each Nominee 

5.52 

1.94 

16.48 

17 

5.23 

1.16 

FOR 

2.41 

10.48 

4.02 

FOR 

2.72 

2.06 

25% 

8.44 

25 

23.25 

83.14 
27
16.92 

13.79 

25.24 

73% 

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Your vote is very important. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to read the Proxy 
In  September  2017,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  compensation  peer  group  that  would  be  used  for  fiscal  2019  compensation 
decision  making.  The  Committee  determined  that  each  of  the  peers  was  still  appropriate,  except  for  Mentor  Graphics 
Statement and to vote. You can vote online or by telephone, or you can request, sign, date and return your proxy 
Corporation which was removed as a result of its acquisition by Siemens AG in March 2017. The Committee also chose to add 
Ansys,  Inc  and  Cadence  Design  Systems  Inc,  given  their  size,  industry  comparability  and  the  fact  that  they  compete  with 
Autodesk for executive talent. 

card as soon as possible. 

of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. 

For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please refer to the section entitled “Questions and Answers 
When determining the base salary, incentive targets, equity grants and target total direct compensation opportunity for each of 
About the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Procedural Matters” below and the instructions on the Notice 
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.    This  also  provides  flexibility  for  variances  in  compensation  where 
appropriate,  based  on  each  executive  officer’s  leadership,  contributions  and  particular  skills  or  expertise  as  well  as  retention 
considerations. 

2018 Proxy Statement  1 

2018 Proxy Statement  45 
2018 Proxy Statement 
 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Independent consultant 

Fiscal 2018 Performance and Company Events 

Fiscal 2018 Business Model Transition and Performance Metrics 

The  Committee  retained  Exequity  LLP  as  its  compensation  adviser  for  fiscal  2018.  Exequity  provided  advice  and 
recommendations on many issues: total compensation philosophy; program design, including program goals, components, and 
metrics;  peer  data;  compensation  trends  in  the  high  technology  sector  and  general  market  for  senior  executives;  separation 
plans;  the  compensation  of  the  CEO  and  the  other  executive  officers;  and  disclosure  of  our  executive  pay  programs.    The 
The software industry is undergoing a transition from the PC to cloud, mobile and social computing. Our strategy is to lead the 
Committee has considered the independence of Exequity in light of NASDAQ's listing standards for compensation committee 
industries  we  serve  to  cloud-based  technologies  and  business  models. As  part  of  the  transition,  we  discontinued  selling  new 
independence  and  the  rules  of  the  SEC.    The  Committee  requested  and  received  a  written  confirmation  from  Exequity 
perpetual  licenses  and  now  offer  term-based  subscriptions  for  our  products,  cloud  service  offerings,  and  flexible  enterprise 
addressing the independence of the firm and its senior advisers working with the Committee.  The Committee discussed these 
business agreements (collectively referred to as "subscription plan"). 
considerations and concluded that the work performed by Exequity did not raise any conflict of interest. 

Over time, Autodesk’s business model transition will result in a more predictable, recurring and profitable business. However, 
during  the  transition,  traditional  financial  metrics  such  as  revenue,  margins,  EPS  and  cash  flow  from  operations  have  been 
adversely impacted. This is primarily a result of revenue for new subscription offerings being recognized over time rather than 
up front and subscription offerings generally have a lower initial price than perpetual offerings. Despite the lower initial price, 
our subscription plan offerings are expected to increase the lifetime value of Autodesk’s customers. 

Management 

Competitive Compensation Positioning and Peer Group 

The  Committee  also  consults  with  management  and  Autodesk’s  Human  Resources  Group  regarding  executive  and  non-
Following  Andrew  Anagnost’s  appointment  as  Chief  Executive  Officer  ("CEO"),  and  in  consultation  with  the  Board  of 
executive employee compensation plans, including administration of Autodesk’s equity incentive plans. 
Directors  (the  "Board"),  he  established  three  strategic  priorities  of  completing  the  subscription  transition,  digitizing  the 
Company,  and  re-imagining  manufacturing,  construction,  and  production.  To  free  up  resources  to  pursue  these  strategic 
priorities,  we commenced a  world-wide restructuring plan in the  fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Through the restructuring,  we 
seek  to  reduce  our  investments  in  areas  not  aligned  with  our  strategic  priorities. At  the  same  time,  we  plan  to  further  invest 
primarily  in  strategic  priority  areas  related  to  digital  infrastructure,  customer  success,  and  construction.  By  re-balancing 
To  ensure  our  executive  compensation  practices  are  competitive  and  consistent  with  the  Committee’s  guiding  principles, 
resources  to  better  align  with  our  strategic  priorities,  we  are  better  positioning  ourselves  to  meet  our  long-term  goals,  while 
Exequity and management provide the Committee with compensation data for each executive role. This data is drawn from a 
maintaining our goal to keep non-GAAP spend flat in fiscal 2019. 
group  of  companies  in  relevant  industries  that  compete  with Autodesk  for  executive  talent  (the  “compensation  peer  group”). 
To incent long-term value creation and strong financial performance during the transition, we adopted performance metrics for 
Where sufficient data for our compensation peer group was not available, market data from similarly sized San Francisco Bay 
our bonus and equity plans that align with the key drivers of success during the business model transition and reflect the health 
Area  companies  was  used.  The  Committee  uses  this  data,  as  well  as  information  about  broader  technology  industry 
of the business during the transition. The following performance metrics were used for our CEO during fiscal 2018: 
compensation practices, when deliberating on the compensation of the executive officers. 

Performance Metrics 

The  compensation  peer  group  is  selected  based  upon  multiple  criteria,  including  industry  positioning,  competition  for  talent, 
company size, financial results and geographic footprint. During Autodesk’s business model transition, Autodesk’s revenue has 
been negatively impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally have 
a lower initial purchase price. The Committee took this into consideration when analyzing the composition of Autodesk’s peer 
group.  

  Total Annualized Recurring Revenue ("ARR") 
  Net Total Subscription Additions 
  Non-GAAP Total Spend 
  Total Subscription Renewal rate 
  Relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) (multi-year) 


Free Cash Flow Per Share

2018 Proxy Statement  2 

2018 Proxy Statement   44 
2018 Proxy Statement  2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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38.98 

43.00 

9.56 

Citrix Systems, Inc. 

Electronic Arts, Inc. 

Intuit Inc. 

Juniper Networks, Inc. 

The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant. 
Based on the Committee’s review, the fiscal 2018 compensation peer group consisted of the following companies: 

Our executive officers' continued successful implementation of our business model drove the following fiscal 2018 results: 

Company 

  Total  ARR  was  $2.05  billion,  an  increase  of  25%  from  fiscal  2017;  of  which  subscription  plan  ARR  was  $1.18 
  Market Capitalization as of 
1/31/2018 ($'s in billions) 

billion. 
Total subscriptions were 3.72 million, an increase of 20% from fiscal 2017; of which subscription plan subscriptions 
Adobe Systems, Inc. 
were 2.27 million. 
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 

1-Dec-17 
31-Dec-17 

Revenue ($'s in Billions) 

Reported Fiscal Year 

98.13 
11.38 

7.30 
2.50 



CA, Inc. 

  Subscription plan ARR and subscriptions base surpassed the base of maintenance plan ARR and subscriptions. 
  Deferred revenue was $1.96 billion, an increase of 9% from fiscal 2017. 
  Total  deferred  revenue  (deferred  revenue  plus  unbilled  deferred  revenue)  was  $2.28  billion,  an  increase  of 

31-Mar-17 

31-Dec-17 

14.78 

13.33 

4.04 

2.82 

approximately 25% from fiscal 2017. 

31-Mar-17 

31-Jul-17 

31-Dec-17 

4.85 

5.18 

5.03 

  Total GAAP  spend (cost of  revenue plus operating expenses)  was $2,566  million, an increase of 1%  from  fiscal 



National Instruments Corporation 

2017. 
Mentor Graphics Corporation 
Total non-GAAP spend was $2,169 million, an increase of 1% from fiscal 2017. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-
GAAP results is provided in Appendix A. 
28-Apr-17 
  Total subscription renewal rate was 80.9%. 
30-Sep-17 
  During fiscal 2018 our stock price increased by 42% and over five years our stock price increased by 197%. 

Nuance Communications, Inc. 

NetApp, Inc. 

31-Dec-17 

31-Jan-17 

16.48 

6.54 

5.23 

1.28 

5.52 

1.29 

1.94 

N/A 

PTC Inc. 

Red Hat, Inc. 

30-Sep-17 

28-Feb-17 

salesforce.com, inc. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS 

31-Jan-18 

Symantec Corporation 

Our Board of Directors 

Synopsys, Inc. 

31-Mar-17 

31-Oct-17 

1.16 

2.41 

10.48 

4.02 

2.72 

8.44 

23.25 

83.14 

16.92 

13.79 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Autodesk Percentile Ranking 

We  believe  that  our  director  nominees  are  highly  qualified  and  well  suited  to  continue  providing  effective  oversight  of  our 
rapidly evolving business. Our director nominees provide our Board with a balance of relevant critical skills and an effective 
mix of experience, knowledge and diverse viewpoints, as listed below. 

25% 

73% 

31-Jan-18 

25.24 

2.06 

● 

Technology Industry Experience 

In  September  2017,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  compensation  peer  group  that  would  be  used  for  fiscal  2019  compensation 
decision  making.  The  Committee  determined  that  each  of  the  peers  was  still  appropriate,  except  for  Mentor  Graphics 
Corporation which was removed as a result of its acquisition by Siemens AG in March 2017. The Committee also chose to add 
Ansys,  Inc  and  Cadence  Design  Systems  Inc,  given  their  size,  industry  comparability  and  the  fact  that  they  compete  with 
Autodesk for executive talent. 
Financial Experience 

Outside Public Company Board Service 

Senior Leadership Experience 

● 

● 

● 

● 

International Experience 

Ongoing Board of Director Refreshment and Key Updates 

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 
Jeff  Clarke  and  Scott  Ferguson  each  resigned  from  the  Board,  effective  June  19,  2017,  in  accordance  with  the  settlement 
that  referencing  the  total  compensation  packages  of  the  companies  in  the  compensation  peer  group  keeps  Autodesk’s 
agreement,  dated  February  6,  2017,  by  and  among  Autodesk,  Sachem  Head  Capital  Management  LP,  Uncas  GP  LLC,  and 
Sachem  Head  GP  LLC.    On  June  18,  2017,  the  Board  appointed Andrew Anagnost  as  President  and  CEO  of  the  Company 
compensation  competitive  and  within  market  norms.    This  also  provides  flexibility  for  variances  in  compensation  where 
(“CEO”),  effective  June  19,  2017.    The  Board  also  appointed  Dr. Anagnost  to  the  Board  to  fill  the  vacancy  created  by  the 
appropriate,  based  on  each  executive  officer’s  leadership,  contributions  and  particular  skills  or  expertise  as  well  as  retention 
resignation of Mr. Clarke, effective June 19, 2017.  On July 19, 2017, the Board appointed Reid French to the Board to fill the 
considerations. 
vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Ferguson. On March 21, 2018, the Board appointed Karen Blasing to the Board to fill 
a vacancy. Carl Bass, Thomas Georgens and Richard Hill are not standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting.

2018 Proxy Statement  3 

2018 Proxy Statement   45 
2018 Proxy Statement  3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent consultant 

As reflected in the charts below, we have an experienced and balanced slate of Board nominees. 

The  Committee  retained  Exequity  LLP  as  its  compensation  adviser  for  fiscal  2018.  Exequity  provided  advice  and 
recommendations on many issues: total compensation philosophy; program design, including program goals, components, and 
metrics;  peer  data;  compensation  trends  in  the  high  technology  sector  and  general  market  for  senior  executives;  separation 
plans;  the  compensation  of  the  CEO  and  the  other  executive  officers;  and  disclosure  of  our  executive  pay  programs.    The 
Committee has considered the independence of Exequity in light of NASDAQ's listing standards for compensation committee 
independence  and  the  rules  of  the  SEC.    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. 

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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. 

Corporate Governance Guidelines 

Competitive Compensation Positioning and Peer Group 

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”). 
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 
The  Guidelines  set  forth  the  principles  that  guide  our  Board's  exercise  of  its  responsibility  to  oversee  corporate  governance, 
group  of  companies  in  relevant  industries  that  compete  with Autodesk  for  executive  talent  (the  “compensation  peer  group”). 
maintain  its  independence,  evaluate  its  own  performance  and  the  performance  of  our  executive  officers,  and  set  corporate 
Where sufficient data for our compensation peer group was not available, market data from similarly sized San Francisco Bay 
strategy. On a regular basis, the Board reviews our governance practices, corporate governance developments and stockholder 
Area  companies  was  used.  The  Committee  uses  this  data,  as  well  as  information  about  broader  technology  industry 
feedback to ensure continued effectiveness. 
compensation practices, when deliberating on the compensation of the executive officers. 

Our Board is committed to ensuring that stockholder feedback informs our strong governance practices. As such, we have and 
intend to continue to engage with stockholders to maintain an open dialogue and ensure that we have an in-depth understanding 
of our stockholders’ perspectives. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION HIGHLIGHTS 

The  compensation  peer  group  is  selected  based  upon  multiple  criteria,  including  industry  positioning,  competition  for  talent, 
company size, financial results and geographic footprint. During Autodesk’s business model transition, Autodesk’s revenue has 
been negatively impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally have 
a lower initial purchase price. The Committee took this into consideration when analyzing the composition of Autodesk’s peer 
group.  

Compensation Guiding Principles 

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

● 

Recruit and retain the highest caliber of executives through competitive rewards; 

●  Motivate executive officers to achieve business and financial goals; 

● 

● 

Balance rewards for short- and long-term performance; and 

Align rewards with stockholder value creation. 

2018 Proxy Statement  4 

2018 Proxy Statement   44 
2018 Proxy Statement  4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant. 
Based on the Committee’s review, the fiscal 2018 compensation peer group consisted of the following companies: 

Our  executive  compensation  program  emphasizes  variable  compensation  with  both  annual  and  long-term  performance 
components.  In  fiscal  2018,  92%  of  our  current  CEO's  and  84%  of  all  other  continuing  named  executive  officers’  total 
compensation  was  variable  in  nature  and  “at  risk”  and  86%  of  our  current  CEO’s  and  73%  of  all  other  continuing  named 
  Market Capitalization as of 
1/31/2018 ($'s in billions) 
executive officers’ total compensation consisted of  long-term equity.  Our incentive programs reward strong annual  financial 
and operational performance,  as  well as relative TSR over one-, two-, and three-year performance periods. The charts below 
demonstrate  the  fiscal  2018  pay  mix  between  base  salary,  actual  short-term  incentives,  and  targeted  long-term  equity 
compensation for the current CEO and all other continuing named executive officers ("NEOs").  

Adobe Systems, Inc. 
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 

1-Dec-17 
31-Dec-17 

Revenue ($'s in Billions) 

Reported Fiscal Year 

98.13 
11.38 

7.30 
2.50 

31-Mar-17 

CA, Inc. 

Company 

14.78 

4.04 

Citrix Systems, Inc. 

Electronic Arts, Inc. 

Intuit Inc. 

Juniper Networks, Inc. 

Mentor Graphics Corporation 

National Instruments Corporation 

NetApp, Inc. 

Nuance Communications, Inc. 

PTC Inc. 

Red Hat, Inc. 

salesforce.com, inc. 

Symantec Corporation 

Synopsys, Inc. 

31-Dec-17 

31-Mar-17 

31-Jul-17 

31-Dec-17 

31-Jan-17 

31-Dec-17 

28-Apr-17 

30-Sep-17 

30-Sep-17 

28-Feb-17 

31-Jan-18 

31-Mar-17 

31-Oct-17 

2.82 

4.85 

5.18 

5.03 

1.28 

1.29 

5.52 

1.94 

1.16 

2.41 

10.48 

4.02 

2.72 

13.33 

38.98 

43.00 

9.56 

N/A 

6.54 

16.48 

5.23 

8.44 

23.25 

83.14 

16.92 

13.79 

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Autodesk, Inc. 

31-Jan-18 

2.06 

25.24 

Autodesk Percentile Ranking 

During fiscal 2018, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee approved annual equity awards in the form of PSUs 
and RSUs for the NEOs. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee elected to use the following mix of PSUs and 
RSUs to complement the performance aspects of PSUs with the long-term retention component of RSUs. 

25% 

73% 

In  September  2017,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  compensation  peer  group  that  would  be  used  for  fiscal  2019  compensation 
decision  making.  The  Committee  determined  that  each  of  the  peers  was  still  appropriate,  except  for  Mentor  Graphics 
Corporation which was removed as a result of its acquisition by Siemens AG in March 2017. The Committee also chose to add 
Ansys,  Inc  and  Cadence  Design  Systems  Inc,  given  their  size,  industry  comparability  and  the  fact  that  they  compete  with 
Autodesk for executive talent. 

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.    This  also  provides  flexibility  for  variances  in  compensation  where 
appropriate,  based  on  each  executive  officer’s  leadership,  contributions  and  particular  skills  or  expertise  as  well  as  retention 
considerations. 

2018 Proxy Statement  5 

2018 Proxy Statement 

45 
 5

 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent consultant

Elements of Executive Compensation 

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

The  Committee  retained  Exequity LLP  as  its  compensation  adviser  for  fiscal  2018.  Exequity  provided  advice  and
recommendations on many issues: total compensation philosophy; program design, including program goals, components, and
metrics;  peer  data;  compensation trends  in  the  high  technology  sector  and  general  market  for  senior  executives;  separation
plans;  the  compensation  of  the  CEO  and  the  other  executive  officers;  and  disclosure  of  our  executive  pay  programs. The 
Committee has considered the independence of Exequity in light of NASDAQ's listing standards for compensation committee
independence  and  the  rules  of  the  SEC. 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.
0% - 150% of target 

Short-Term Incentive Opportunities  Motivate achievement of strategic 

Forms basis for competitive 
compensation package 

Payout Range 

Base Salary 

Element 

Purpose 

N / A 

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Management

priorities relating to the business model 
transition while maintaining our year-
over-year non-GAAP spend 

PSUs 

Align compensation with key drivers of 
The  Committee  also  consults with management  and Autodesk’s  Human  Resources Group regarding  executive  and  non-
the business and relative shareholder 
executive employee compensation plans, including administration of Autodesk’s equity incentive plans.
return 

0% - 180% of target shares 

Competitive Compensation Positioning and Peer Group

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

Change in Autodesk stock price 

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
Align compensation with long-term
drivers of the business model transition
t  (the  “compensation  peer  group”).
Where sufficient data for our compensation peer group was not available, market data from similarly sized San Francisco Bay
Area  companies was used. The  Committee  uses  this  data,  as  well  as  information  about  broader  technology  industry
compensation practices, when deliberating on the compensation of the executive officers.

CEO Promotion Grant: 0% - 200%
of target shares 

Encourage focus on long-term 
stockholder value creation 

Change in Autodesk stock price 

RSUs 

Promote retention 

The  compensation  peer  group  is  selected  based  upon multiple  criteria,  including  industry  positioning,  competition  for  talent,
company size, financial results and geographic footprint. During Autodesk’s business model transition, Autodesk’s revenue has 
been negatively impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally have 
a lower initial purchase price. The Committee took this into consideration when analyzing the composition of Autodesk’s peer
group.

2018 Proxy Statement  6

2018 Proxy Statement   44
2018 Proxy Statement  6

 
 
  
                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant. 
Based on the Committee’s review, the fiscal 2018 compensation peer group consisted of the following companies: 

Executive Compensation and Corporate Performance 
The  chart  below  highlights  the  multi-year  relationship  between  the  CEO’s  total  compensation,  the  percentage  achievement 
against  annual  cash  incentives  as  well  as  the  Company’s  annual  and  cumulative  Total  Shareholder  Return.  This  chart 
  Market Capitalization as of 
1/31/2018 ($'s in billions) 
underscores the Compensation and Human Resources Committee’s commitment to a philosophy of pay-for-performance. 
98.13 
11.38 

Revenue ($'s in Billions) 

Reported Fiscal Year 

nologies, Inc. 

Company 

-

-

Company Performance and Total Shareholder Return 
vs. CEO Total Compensation

31-Mar-17 

4.04 

2.82 

$15,000

r Graphics Corporation 

)
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$10,000

$5,000

$0

31-Dec-17 

31-Mar-17 

31-Jul-17 

31-Dec-17 

31-Jan-17 

31-Dec-17 

28-Apr-17 

30-Sep-17 

30-Sep-17 

28-Feb-17 

FY 18 TSR +42%;
Over 5 Years +197% 

14.78 

13.33 
300%
38.98 

43.00 

9.56 

250%

N/A 

6.54 

16.48 
200%

5.23 

4.85 

5.18 

5.03 

1.28 

1.29 
FY 17 TSR: +74%
5.52 

1.94 

1.16 

2.41 

10.48 

4.02 

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FY 14 TSR: +32%

FY 15 TSR: +5%

31-Jan-18 

31-Mar-17 

31-Oct-17 

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 109%

31-Jan-18 

FY 16 TSR: -13%

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 101%

2.72 
Annual Cash 
Incentive 
2.06 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 94%
25% 

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 98%

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 31%

$8,297

$11,040

$12,177

$10,724

$12,346

Fiscal 2014

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

CEO Total Compensation (000s) (1)

TSR - Year Over Year (% in Boxes)(2)

Attainment of Annual Incentive Cash Goals (3)

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23.25 
150%
83.14 

16.92 

13.79 
100%
25.24 

73% 

50%

0%

 _____________ 

and the fiscal 2018 data is for Dr. Anagnost. 

When determining the base salary, incentive targets, equity grants and target total direct compensation opportunity for each of 
(1)  Total Compensation is based on the amounts in the Summary Compensation Table; the fiscal 2014 - fiscal 2017 data is for Carl Bass 
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 
(2)  TSR shown in boxes is calculated by comparing year-over-year changes in the closing price of Autodesk’s Common Stock at each 
financial and operational performance and each executive officer’s experience, skills and performance. The Committee believes 
fiscal  year-end.  The  green  line  reflects Autodesk’s  cumulative  total  shareholder  return  indexed  off  100%  from  the  beginning  of 
that  referencing  the  total  compensation  packages  of  the  companies  in  the  compensation  peer  group  keeps  Autodesk’s 
fiscal 2014 through the end of fiscal 2018. 
Percentage of achievement against annual cash incentives in place during each fiscal year. 
compensation  competitive  and  within  market  norms.    This  also  provides  flexibility  for  variances  in  compensation  where 
appropriate,  based  on  each  executive  officer’s  leadership,  contributions  and  particular  skills  or  expertise  as  well  as  retention 
considerations. 

(3) 

2018 Proxy Statement  7 

2018 Proxy Statement 

45 
  7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Independent consultant 

Leading Compensation Governance Practices 

The  Co

mmittee  retained  Exequity  LLP  as  its  compensation  adviser  for  fiscal  2018.  Exequity  provided  advice  and 
Autodesk’s executive compensation objectives are supported by policies and strong governance practices that align executives’ 
recommendations on many issues: total compensation philosophy; program design, including program goals, components, and 
interests  with the interests of  our stockholders. Some of the program’s  most notable features are highlighted in the table and 
metrics;  peer  data;  compensation  trends  in  the  high  technology  sector  and  general  market  for  senior  executives;  separation 
summarized below. 
plans;  the  compensation  of  the  CEO  and  the  other  executive  officers;  and  disclosure  of  our  executive  pay  programs.    The 
Committee has considered the independence of Exequity in light of NASDAQ's listing standards for compensation committee 
independence  and  the  rules  of  the  SEC.    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. 

Robust stockholder outreach program
Large percentage of NEO total pay tied to 

Prohibition on option re-pricing

No hedging

Yes 

No 

achievement of critical financial and stockholder 
value creation

Representative peer group

No executive benefits and limited perquisites

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. 

Management 

Significant stock ownership requirements
Clawback policy
Double-trigger change in control arrangements with 

no excise tax gross-up
Equity award grant policy
Effective risk management

Competitive Compensation Positioning and Peer Group 

Independent compensation committee and   

-

consultant

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”). 
Where sufficient data for our compensation peer group was not available, market data from similarly sized San Francisco Bay 
Area  companies  was  used.  The  Committee  uses  this  data,  as  well  as  information  about  broader  technology  industry 
compensation practices, when deliberating on the compensation of the executive officers. 

2017 Executive Transition 

RECENT EVENTS 

In  February  2017,  Carl  Bass  announced  he  was  stepping  down  from  his  CEO  and  President  roles. Mr. Bass’ separation  as
 CEO led to a number of changes to our executive management team: 

  The  Board  formed  an  interim  Office  of  the  Chief  Executive  to  oversee  the  Company's  day-to-day  operations, 

The  compensation  peer  group  is  selected  based  upon  multiple  criteria,  including  industry  positioning,  competition  for  talent,
company size, financial results and geographic footprint. During Autodesk’s business model transition, Autodesk’s revenue has 
e 
been negatively impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally hav
a lower initial purchase price. The Committee took this into consideration when analyzing the composition of Autodesk’s peer 
group.  

In June 2017, after an extensive review process and search, the Board appointed Dr. Anagnost as President and 

which was headed by Dr. Anagnost and Amar Hanspal, who served as interim Co-CEOs. 

 

CEO and a member of the Board.   

  Mr. Hanspal then elected to resign from his role at the Company. 

 

In  October  2017,  Jan  Becker,  having  helped  the  Board  and  management  transition  through  the  management 

changes in fiscal 2018, also chose to resign. 

2017 Settlement Agreement 

Also, in February 2017, Autodesk entered into an agreement with Sachem Head. Pursuant to this agreement, Messrs. Clarke and 
Ferguson resigned from the Board when Dr. Anagnost was appointed as President and CEO on June 19, 2017. Following the 
resignation  of  Mr.  Clarke,  the  Board  appointed  Dr.  Anagnost  to  fill  his  vacancy  on  the  Board.  Following  Mr.  Ferguson’s 
resignation and with the assistance of executive search firm Egon Zehnder, the Board appointed Reid French as a replacement 
director. 

2018 Proxy Statement  8 

2018 Proxy Statement   44 
2018 Proxy Statement  8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF 
STOCKHOLDERS 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2018 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 16, 2018 (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. 

As  of  the  Record  Date,  there  were  219,108,924  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. 

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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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. 

Q: Which ballot measures are considered “routine” or “non-routine”? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

A: The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 
year ending January 31, 2019 (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  eight  directors  listed  in  the  accompanying  Proxy  Statement  (Proposal  One)  and  the 
advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal Three) 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 and 
Three. 

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 

requesting  a  proxy  card 

by 
(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. 

from  Autodesk  by 

telephone  at 

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 11, 2018.  

2018 Proxy Statement  10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  eight  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. 

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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. 

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 (Proposal 
One)  or  the  non-binding  approval  of  compensation  for  our  named  executive  officers  (Proposal Three). Your  broker  may  not 
vote your uninstructed shares with respect to Proposals One and Three. 

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 eight 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,  2019,  and  “FOR”  the  approval,  on  an  advisory  basis,  of  the 
compensation of our named executive officers. 

2018 Proxy Statement  11 

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

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? 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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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 Chief Legal Officer 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 will 

not revoke a proxy.  

(3)  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. 

Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy card should be hand-delivered to Autodesk’s Chief Legal Officer or sent 
to Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903, Attention: Chief Legal Officer, and must be received by 
the Chief Legal Officer 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. 

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  D.F.  King  &  Co.,  Inc.,  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 $9,000 plus costs and expenses. 

2018 Proxy Statement  12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

2018 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  2018 Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders,  to  be  held  on  Tuesday, 
June 12,  2018,  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 2018 Annual Report. 

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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: 

(1)  To elect the eight 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, 2019; and 

(3)  To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. 

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 Senior 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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018 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 2019 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. 

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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. 

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 Chief Legal Officer in a timely manner. 
In order to be included in the proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, proposals  must be received by 
Autodesk's Chief Legal Officer no later than January 1, 2019, and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). 

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 Chief Legal Officer 
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  the  section  titled  “Corporate  Governance-Nominating  Process  for  Recommending  Candidates  for  Election  to  the  Board” 
below. 

2018 Proxy Statement  14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Chief Legal Officer 
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 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be from February 15, 2019 to March 17, 2019. 

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  Chief  Legal  Officer  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:  Chief  Legal 
Officer. 

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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 2018 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 2018 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  2018 Annual  Report  can  request  to  receive  a  single  copy  in  the 
same manner. 

2018 Proxy Statement  15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  2018  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 12, 2018. 

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

https://materials.proxyvote.com/052769 

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2018 Proxy Statement  16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL ONE - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 

Nominees 

Autodesk's  Bylaws  currently  set  the  number  of  directors  at  eleven.  Carl  Bass,  Thomas  Georgens  and  Richard  Hill  are  not 
standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting. The Board thanks each of them for their distinguished service to Autodesk. 

Upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Corporate  Governance  and  Nominating  Committee,  the  Board  has  nominated  eight 
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 eight nominees named below. Your proxy cannot be voted for more than eight director 
candidates. 

February 2017 Settlement Agreement 

Jeff  Clarke  and  Scott  Ferguson  each  resigned  from  the  Board,  effective  June  19,  2017,  in  accordance  with  the  settlement
agreement,  dated  February  6,  2017,  by  and  among  Autodesk,  Sachem  Head  Capital  Management  LP,  Uncas  GP  LLC,  and 
Sachem  Head  GP  LLC.    On  June  18,  2017,  the  Board  appointed  Andrew  Anagnost  as  President  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer  of  the  Company  (“CEO”),  effective  June  19, 2017.   The  Board  also  appointed  Dr. Anagnost  to  the  Board  to  fill  the 
vacancy  created  by  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Clarke,  effective  June  19,  2017.    On  July  19,  2017,  the  Board  appointed  Reid
French to the Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Ferguson. Pursuant to the terms of the 2017 Sachem 
Settlement Agreement, Mr. Ferguson consented to the appointment of Mr. French to the Board.  

 Among others, the following material terms are included in and effective pursuant to the 2017 Sachem Settlement Agreement: 

•   The size of the Board shall not exceed 11 directors prior to the conclusion of the 2018 Annual Meeting. 

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•   Under  the  2017  Sachem  Settlement  Agreement,  Sachem  Head  has  agreed  to  observe  voting  and  standstill 
provisions during the period beginning on the date of the 2017 Sachem Settlement Agreement to the date that is 
the earlier to occur of (i) the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting and (ii) June 30, 2018 (the “Standstill Period”). The 
standstill  provisions  provide,  among  other  things,  that  Sachem  Head  and  its  affiliates  will  not  directly  or 
indirectly: 

•  

engage in any “solicitation” or become a “participant” as such terms are used in the proxy rules of the SEC 
other  than  at  the  Board’s  director  or  consistent  with  the  Board’s  recommendation  in  connection  with  such 
matter, or publicly disclose how it intends to vote or act, except in certain limited circumstances; 

•  

form or join in any “group” as defined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, with respect to any of Autodesk’s voting securities; 

•  

individually beneficially own more than 7% of Autodesk’s voting securities; 

•  

•  

effect or seek to effect certain extraordinary transactions or material changes with Autodesk; 

enter into a voting trust or subject any of Autodesk’s voting securities to any voting trust; 

2018 Proxy Statement  17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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•  

•  

institute any litigation against Autodesk, its directors or its officers, make any “books and records” demands 
against Autodesk or make application or demand to a court or other person for an inspection, investigation or 
examination of Autodesk or its subsidiaries or affiliates, except in certain limited circumstances; 

(i) enter into or maintain any economic or compensatory arrangements with Mr. Hill  that depend, directly or 
indirectly, on the performance of Autodesk or its stock price, or (ii) enter into or maintain any economic or 
compensatory arrangements with any other director or nominees for director of Autodesk; 

•   other than sale transactions in which the identity of the purchaser is not known, sell or agree to sell directly or 
indirectly, in excess of 1% of the outstanding shares of Autodesk’s Common Stock or any derivatives relating 
to  its  Common  Stock  to  any  third  party  that  has  filed  a  Schedule  13D  with  respect  to Autodesk  or  run  (or 
publicly  announced  an  intention  to  run)  a  proxy  contest  or  consent  solicitation  with  respect  to  another 
company in the past three years (to the extent known after reasonably inquiry that such third party has or will 
have, beneficial ownership of more than 5% of Autodesk’s Common Stock); or 

•  

alone or in concert with others, make any public disclosure, announcement or statement regarding any intent, 
purpose, plan or proposal with respect to the Board, Autodesk, its management, policies or affairs, any of its 
securities or assets or the 2017 Sachem Settlement Agreement that is inconsistent with the provisions of the 
2017 Sachem Settlement Agreement. 

•   During the Standstill Period, Autodesk and Sachem Head shall each refrain from making, or causing to be made, 
any public statement or announcement that relates to and constitutes an ad hominem attack on, or relates to and 
otherwise disparages, Autodesk and Sachem Head, as applicable, or any of their respective officers or directors or 
any affiliates or subsidiaries, advisors, employees, as applicable. 

•   During  the  Standstill  Period,  Sachem  Head  has  agreed,  at  any  meeting  of  Autodesk's  stockholders  (or  in 
connection with any action by written consent) in which (or through which) action will be taken with respect to 
the election or removal of directors, to cause the shares of Common Stock over which they have the right to vote 
or direct the voting to be  present  for quorum purposes and voted (or consent to be given (if applicable)) (A) in 
favor of all nominees recommended by the Board, (B) against any nominees for director not recommended by the 
Board and (C) against any proposals to remove any director. 

The foregoing is not a complete description of the terms of the agreements.   For a further description of those terms, see our 
Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017. 

2018 Proxy Statement  18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Director Nominee Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and Skills 

We  believe  that  our  director  nominees  are  highly  qualified  and  well  suited  to  continue  providing  effective  oversight  of  our 
rapidly evolving business.  Our director nominees provide our Board with a balance of critical relevant skills and an effective 
mix of experience, knowledge and diverse viewpoints, as summarized below. 

8/8 directors 
Technology Industry Experience   
Nominees with experience in the software and technology industries help us to analyze our research and development efforts, 
competing technologies, the various products and processes that we develop and the industries in which we compete. 

 8/8 directors 
Senior Leadership Experience   
Nominees who have served in senior leadership positions enhance the Board’s ability to identify and develop those qualities in 
management. They also bring a practical understanding of organizations, processes, strategy, risk management and methods to 
drive change and growth. 

Outside Public Company Board Service    
6/8 directors 
Nominees  who  have  served  on  other  public  company  boards  offer  advice  and  insights  with  regard  to  the  dynamics  and 
operation of a board of directors, the relations of a board with senior management and oversight of a changing mix of strategic, 
operational and compliance-related matters. 

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Financial Experience    
8/8 directors 
Nominees  who  have  knowledge  of  financial  markets,  financing  operations  and  accounting  and  financial  reporting  processes 
assist  us  in  understanding,  advising  and  overseeing  our  capital  structure,  financing  and  investing  activities  and  our  financial 
reporting and internal controls. 

International Experience    
8/8 directors 
As a global organization with offices in 124 locations in the United States and internationally, nominees with global expertise 
bring useful business and cultural perspectives that relate to many significant aspects of our business. 

As reflected in the charts below, we have an experienced and balanced slate of Board nominees. 

See “Information and Qualifications” below for more detail regarding each director nominee’s qualifications and relevant 
experience. 

2018 Proxy Statement  19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

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

Information and Qualifications 

The  name,  age  as  of  March 31,  2018,  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. 

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Andrew Anagnost 

Director 
Age: 53 
Director since 2017 

Dr. Anagnost joined Autodesk in September 1997 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2017. Dr. 
Anagnost  served as Co-CEO  from February 2017 to June 2017, Chief Marketing Officer from December 2016 to June 2017 
and as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Marketing, from March 2012 to June 2017. From December 
2009 to March 2012, Dr. Anagnost was Vice President, Product Suites and Web Services of the Company. Prior to this position, 
Dr. Anagnost served as Vice President of CAD/CAE products for the manufacturing division of the Company from March 2007 
to  December  2009.  Previously,  Dr.  Anagnost  held  other  senior  management  positions  at  the  Company.  Prior  to  joining  the 
Company,  Dr.  Anagnost  held  various  engineering,  sales,  marketing  and  product  management  positions  at  Lockheed 
Aeronautical  Systems  Company  and  EXA  Corporation.  He  also  served  as  an  NRC  post-doctoral  fellow  at  NASA  Ames 
Research  Center.  Dr.  Anagnost  holds  a  bachelor  of  science  degree  in  Mechanical  Engineering  from  the  California  State 
University, and holds both a MS in Engineering Science and a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering and Computer Science from 
Stanford University. 

Dr.  Anagnost  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, Dr. Anagnost 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. 

Pursuant to Dr. Anagnost’s employment agreement, Autodesk has agreed to nominate Dr. Anagnost to serve as a member of the 
Board for as long as he is employed by Autodesk. 

2018 Proxy Statement  20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crawford W. Beveridge 

Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Autodesk, Inc. 
Age: 72 
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 served as a non-executive board member of iomart Group plc from September 2011 to December 
2017. 

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  and  to  serve  on  our  Corporate  Governance  and  Nominating 
Committee.  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. 

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Karen Blasing 

Director 
Age: 61 
Director since 2018 

Ms.  Blasing  has  over  25  years  of  executive  operational  and  financial  leadership  experience  in  the  technology  industry.  Ms. 
Blasing served as the chief financial officer of Guidewire  Software, Inc.  from 2009 to March 2015. Prior to Guidewire, Ms. 
Blasing served as the chief financial officer for Force 10 Networks and the Senior Vice President of Finance for salesforce.com, 
inc. Ms. Blasing also served as chief financial officer for Nuance Communications, Inc. and Counterpane Internet Security, Inc., 
and held senior finance roles for Informix (now IBM Informix) and Oracle Corporation. Ms. Blasing has served on the boards 
of directors of Ellie Mae, Inc. since June 2015 and Zscaler, Inc. since January 2017. 

Ms. Blasing is independent and has over 25 years of executive operational and financial experience in the technology industry. 
Ms. Blasing experience at Guidewire Software, Force 10 Networks, salesforce.com and Nuance Communications provides her 
with a strong understanding of Autodesk's business and international operational challenges. Her experience as a chief financial 
officer provides her with the financial acumen necessary to serve on our Audit Committee. 

2018 Proxy Statement  21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reid French 

Director 
Age: 46 
Director since 2017 

Mr. French has served as Chief Executive Officer of Applied Systems, Inc., a software solutions and services provider in the 
insurance  industry,  since  September  2011.  Previously,  Mr.  French  was  Chief  Operating  Officer  at  Intergraph  Corporation,  a 
global  geospatial  and  computer-aided  design  software  company,  from  April  2005  until  October  2010  when  Intergraph  was 
acquired by Hexagon AB. From October 2003 to April 2005, Mr. French was Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning 
and  Corporate  Development  at  Intergraph.  Prior  to  joining  Intergraph,  Mr.  French  served  as  Chief  Operating  Officer,  North 
America  for Solution 6 Group, Ltd., Australia's largest software company, directing all  regional operations including  sales & 
marketing,  product  development,  services  and  support.  Prior  to  Solution  6,  Mr.  French  served  as  a  strategic  planner  in  the 
Business Planning & Development group for Walt Disney World, a business unit of The Walt Disney Company. Prior to Disney, 
Mr. French worked in investment banking with The Robinson-Humphrey Company, managing various transactions within the 
technology sector. He sits on the board of directors for Applied and The Lovett School in Atlanta. 

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Mr. French is independent and his executive operational and strategic leadership experience in the technology industry provide 
him with a deep understanding of Autodesk's technology and business. Mr. French’s years of service as an executive officer and 
his service on the board of directors of Applied provide him with the corporate governance knowledge necessary to serve on 
our Compensation and Human Resources Committee. 

Mary T. McDowell 

Director 
Age: 53 
Director since 2010 

Ms.  McDowell  has  served  as  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  member  of  the  board  of  directors  at  Polycom,  Inc.  since 
September 2016. Prior to Polycom, Ms.  McDowell  was an Executive Partner at Siris  Capital,  LLC. She served as Executive 
Vice President in charge of Nokia’s Mobile Phone unit from July 2010 to July 2012 and as Executive Vice President and Chief 
Development Officer of Nokia Corporation from January 2008 to July 2010. Previously, Ms.  McDowell served 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. Ms. McDowell previously served as a director 
of Bazaarvoice, Inc. from December 2014 to October 2016 and NAVTEQ Corporation, a subsidiary of Nokia, 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 
Polycom,  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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lorrie M. Norrington 

Director 
Age: 58 
Director since 2011 

Ms. Norrington has over 35 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  Colgate-Palmolive  since 
September  2015  and  HubSpot  since  September  2013.  Previously,  she  served  on  the  boards  of  directors  of  DIRECTV  from 
February  2011  until  it  was  acquired  by AT&T  in  July  2015;  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 SaaS, and valuable management experience in 
technology and manufacturing industries. Her three decades of building businesses, and adapting to and capitalizing on rapid 
technological advancement provide Ms. Norrington with a unique perspective. As Autodesk evolves its business model to better 
serve  customer  needs  and  demands,  her  experience  as  a  chief  executive  officer  provides  her  with  the  financial  acumen 
necessary to serve on 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: 56 
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 
of 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 
Echelon  Corporation  since  November  2005,  GoDaddy  Inc.  since  May  2014  and  Shutterfly  since  June  2016.  Ms.  Rafael 
previously served on the board of directors of PalmSource, Inc. 

2018 Proxy Statement  23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Ms.  Rafael  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 as the Chair of our Audit Committee. 

Stacy J. Smith 

Director 
Age: 55 
Director since 2011 

Mr.  Smith  served  as  Group  President  of  Sales,  Manufacturing  and  Operations  at  Intel  Corporation  from  February  2017  to 
January  2018.  He  served  as  the  Executive  Vice  President,  Manufacturing,  Operations  and  Sales  of  Intel  Corporation  from 
October 2016 to February 2017. From November 2012 to October 2016, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer. Previously, Mr. Smith served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer from  January 2010 to November 2012; 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer from 2007 to 2010; and Vice President, Assistant Chief Financial Officer from 2006 to 
2007. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Smith served as Vice President, Finance and Enterprise Services and Chief Information Officer. 
Mr. Smith joined Intel in 1988. Mr. Smith previously served on the boards of directors of Virgin America from February 2014 
until it was acquired by Alaska Air Group in December 2016 and 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. 

Proxy 

2018 Proxy Statement  24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,  2019,  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 been retained as our independent registered public accounting firm continuously 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, 2018 and 2017. 

Audit Fees (1) 

Audit-Related Fees (2) 

Tax Fees (3) 

All Other Fees (4) 

Total 

Fiscal 2018 

Fiscal 2017 

(in millions) 
5.0    $ 
0.4   
0.4   
—   
5.8    $ 

4.7  
0.3  
0.7  
0.1  
5.8  

 $ 

 $ 

 _________________ 
(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. 

(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.  

2018 Proxy Statement  25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services 

Generally, 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. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the audit fee negotiations associated 
with Autodesk's  retention  of  Ernst & Young  LLP.  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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Rotation 

The Audit Committee periodically reviews and evaluates the performance of Ernst & Young LLP’s lead audit partner, oversees 
the required rotation of the lead audit partner responsible for our audit, and reviews and considers the selection of the lead audit 
partner. 

At this time,  the Audit  Committee and the Board believe  that the continued retention of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our 
independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of Autodesk and its stockholders. 

2018 Proxy Statement  26 

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

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 section titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (or “CD&A”) below 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 strong results that are aligned with the 
interests of stockholders. We emphasize variable “long-term” and “at risk” compensation dependent upon prospective financial, 
strategic and stock price performance and a retrospective assessment of Autodesk's success to determine pay opportunities. In 
fiscal 2018, 92% of our current CEO's and 84% of all other continuing NEOs’ total compensation was variable in nature and “at 
risk” and 86% of our current CEO’s and 73% of all other continuing NEOs’ total compensation consisted of long-term equity. 

Fiscal 2018 Business Model Transition and Performance Metrics 

The software industry is undergoing a transition from the PC to cloud, mobile and social computing. Our strategy is to lead the 
industries  we  serve  to  cloud-based  technologies  and  business  models. As  part  of  the  transition,  we  discontinued  selling  new 
perpetual  licenses  and  now  offer  term-based  subscriptions  for  our  products,  cloud  service  offerings,  and  flexible  enterprise 
business agreements (collectively referred to as "subscription plan"). 

Over time, Autodesk’s business model transition will result in a more predictable, recurring and profitable business. However, 
during  the  transition,  traditional  financial  metrics  such  as  revenue,  margins,  EPS  and  cash  flow  from  operations  have  been 
adversely impacted. This is primarily a result of revenue for new subscription offerings being recognized over time rather than 
up front and subscription offerings generally have a lower initial price than perpetual offerings. Despite the lower initial price, 
our subscription plan offerings are expected to increase the lifetime value of Autodesk’s customers. 

Following Dr. Anagnost’s appointment to CEO, and in consultation with the Board, he established three strategic priorities of 
completing the subscription transition, digitizing the Company, and re-imagining manufacturing, construction, and production. 
To free up resources to pursue these strategic priorities, we commenced a world-wide restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2018. Through the restructuring, we seek to reduce our investments in areas not aligned with our strategic priorities. At 
the same time, we plan to further invest primarily in strategic priority areas related to digital infrastructure, customer success, 
and construction. By re-balancing resources to better align with our strategic priorities, we are better positioning ourselves to 
meet our long-term goals, while maintaining our goal to keep non-GAAP spend flat in fiscal 2019. 

To incent long-term value creation and strong financial performance during the transition, we adopted performance metrics for 
our bonus and equity plans that align with the key drivers of success during the business model transition and reflect the health 
of the business during the transition. The following performance metrics were used for our CEO during fiscal 2018: 

Performance Metrics 

●     Total Annualized Recurring Revenue ("ARR") 
●     Net Total Subscription Additions 
●     Non-GAAP Total Spend 
●     Total Subscription Renewal rate 
●     Relative TSR (multi-year) 
●     Free Cash Flow Per Share 

2018 Proxy Statement  27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our executive officers’ continued successful implementation of our business model drove the following fiscal 2018 results: 

  Total ARR was $2.05 billion, an increase of 25% from fiscal 2017; of which subscription plan ARR was $1.18 

billion. 

  Total subscriptions were 3.72 million, an increase of 20% from fiscal 2017; of which subscription plan subscriptions 

were 2.27 million. 

  Subscription plan ARR and subscriptions base surpassed the base of maintenance plan ARR and subscriptions. 
  Deferred revenue was $1.96 billion, an increase of 9% from fiscal 2017. 
  Total deferred revenue (deferred revenue plus unbilled deferred revenue) was $2.28 billion, an increase of 

approximately 25% from fiscal 2017. 

  Total GAAP spend (cost of revenue plus operating expenses) was $2,566 million, an increase of 1% from fiscal 

2017. 

  Total non-GAAP spend was $2,169 million, an increase of 1% from fiscal 2017. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-

GAAP results is provided in Appendix A. 
  Total subscription renewal rate was 80.9%. 
  During fiscal 2018 our stock price increased by 42% and over five years our stock price increased by 197%. 

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The Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the “Committee”) considered those performance factors in reaching its 
decisions regarding pay for the NEOs for fiscal 2018. 

Stockholder Engagement and Actions Taken 

Autodesk  and  the  Committee  value  the  input  of  our  stockholders.  In  fiscal  2018,  95%  of  the  votes  cast  on  our  Say-on-Pay 
proposal were favorable, which reflected strong stockholder support for our executive compensation programs.  In fiscal 2018, 
the  Chairman  of  our  Board,  alongside  key  management  team  members,  continued  our  annual  outreach  and  contacted 
stockholders representing over 63% of the outstanding shares.  Our engagement team met with governance professionals from 
passive funds as well as portfolio managers from active funds. The breadth of the Company’s outreach program enabled us to 
gather  feedback  from  a  significant  cross-section  of Autodesk’s  stockholder  base.  Based  on  these  discussions,  the  Committee 
found that our stockholders continued to be supportive of our executive transition, our executive compensation programs and 
the  alignment  between  our  CEO  pay  and  Autodesk’s  performance,  particularly  in  light  of  our  stage  in  the  business  model 
transition.    In  addition,  our  stockholders  provided  us  helpful  input  regarding  compensation  design  and  disclosure.    The 
Committee carefully considered stockholder feedback as part of its ongoing review of our executive compensation program and 
will  continue  to  consider  stockholder  feedback  regarding  compensation  design  and  metrics  as  we  emerge  from  our  business 
model  transition. As  described  below  in  “Fiscal  2019  Executive  Incentive  Plan,”  the  Committee  approved  annual  incentive 
metrics for fiscal 2019 that differ from those used for PSU awards, largely in response to input from our stockholders.  

Compensation Guiding Principles 

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

  Recruit and retain the highest caliber of executives through competitive rewards; 

  Motivate executive officers to achieve business and financial goals; 

  Balance rewards for short- and long-term performance; and 

  Align rewards with stockholder value creation. 

2018 Proxy Statement  28

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

  Whether Autodesk achieves its short-term and long-term financial and non-financial objectives, including execution on 

its business model transition; 

  Autodesk's TSR relative to the companies included in the S&P Computer Software Select Index and companies in the 

North American Technology Software Index; 

  The specific role and responsibility of the officer;  

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

 

Internal pay parity considerations, and 

  Retention 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. 

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Our  executive  compensation  program  emphasizes  variable  compensation  with  both  annual  and  long-term  performance 
components. In fiscal 2018, 92% of our current CEO's and 84% of all other continuing NEOs’ total compensation was variable 
in nature and “at risk” and 86% of our current CEO’s and 73% of all other continuing NEOs’ total compensation consisted of 
long-term equity.  Our incentive programs reward strong annual financial and operational performance, as well as relative TSR 
over one-, two-, and three-year performance periods. 

2018 Proxy Statement  29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
 
 
 
Leading Compensation Governance Practices 

Autodesk’s executive compensation objectives are supported by policies and strong governance practices that align executives’ 
interests with the interests of our stockholders. Some of the program’s most notable features are highlighted in the table below 
and summarized in the CD&A. 

Robust stockholder outreach program

Yes 

Large percentage of NEO total pay tied to achievement 
of critical financial and stockholder value creation

No 

  No hedging
  Prohibition on option re-pricing

Representative peer group

  No executive benefits and limited perquisites

Significant stock ownership requirements

Clawback policy
Double-trigger change in control arrangements with no 

excise tax gross-up

Equity award grant policy

Effective risk management
Independent compensation committee and consultant

Vote Recommendation 

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When casting the 2018 Say-on-Pay vote, we encourage our stockholders to consider our fiscal 2018 stockholder outreach and 
the  collective  changes  we  have  made  to  the  executive  compensation  program  in  recent  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. 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

2018 Proxy Statement  30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

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. On a regular basis, the Board reviews our governance practices, corporate governance developments and stockholder 
feedback to ensure continued effectiveness. 

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The Board first adopted the Guidelines in December 1995 and has refined them periodically since. 

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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,  among  other  things,  address  changes  in  a  director's 
occupation.  

In December 2016, the Board amended the Guidelines to enhance related party transaction processes, align restrictions 
relating to multiple directorships, and expand on compliance.   

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”). 

2018 Proxy Statement  31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Ownership Guidelines 

The Board believes directors and executive officers should have a  meaningful financial stake  in Autodesk in order to further 
align their interests with Autodesk’s stockholders. To that end, the Board has adopted mandatory ownership guidelines for the 
directors  and  executive  officers.  These  mandatory  ownership  guidelines  require  all  executive  officers  and  directors  to  hold 
shares of Autodesk’s  Common  Stock equivalent in  value to a  multiple of  his or  her base  salary or cash retainer. The current 
stock ownership guidelines are as follows: 

CEO 

Executive Vice 
President 

Senior  
Vice President 

Director 

Multiple of Base 
Salary/Cash Retainer 

6.0 times 

3.0 times 

3.0 times 

5.0 times 

The  Board  reviews  progress  against  these  guidelines  and  requirements  annually  and  updates  them  as  appropriate.  See  the 
section titled “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below for additional information regarding 
Autodesk's stock ownership guidelines. 

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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  Andrew  Anagnost,  our  President  and  CEO,  and  Carl  Bass,  our  former 
President  and  CEO,  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. The Board also previously determined that Jeff Clarke 
and Scott Ferguson, who served on the Board during fiscal 2018, were independent under applicable SEC rules and NASDAQ 
listing standards for membership on the Board and on all committees of the Board on which they served prior to their respective 
resignations. 

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 Ms. McDowell and 
Messrs. French, Smith and Clarke are or were 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 2018 were  not 
material. The Board determined that the foregoing relationships would not interfere with the exercise of independent judgment 
by Ms. McDowell and Messrs. French, Smith and Clarke 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. The Chairman presides at executive sessions,  which are intended to facilitate  open discussion among the 
independent directors. 

Outside Board Memberships 

We have  a  highly experienced and engaged Board of Directors. We value the diverse perspectives that our directors’ outside 
board  memberships  bring  to  our  Boardroom.  Directors  who  serve  on  other  public  company  boards  offer  advice  and  insights 
with  regard  to  the  dynamics  and  operation  of  a  Board  of  Directors,  the  relations  of  a  board  with  senior  management  and 
oversight of a changing mix of strategic, operational and compliance-related matters. 

2018 Proxy Statement  32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
However,  in  order  to  ensure  sufficient  time  and  attention  to  meet  the  responsibilities  of  Board  membership,  our  Corporate 
Governance Guidelines state that directors shall serve on no more than five boards of directors of publicly traded companies, 
including this Board, without consent of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Per our corporate governance 
guidelines, directors shall advise the Chairman of the Board or the Lead Independent Director, as applicable, and the Corporate 
Governance and Nominating Committee before accepting an invitation to serve on an additional for-profit corporate board of 
directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews on an annual basis, in the context of recommending a 
slate of directors for stockholder approval, the composition of the Board, including matters such as other board commitments. 

Board Meetings and Board Committees 

The Board held a total of ten meetings (including regularly scheduled and special meetings) during fiscal 2018. Each director 
then  serving  attended  at  least  75%  of  the  total  number  of  meetings  of  the  Board  and  committees  of  which  he  or  she  was  a 
member  during  fiscal  2018.  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.” 

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Audit Committee 

The  Audit  Committee,  which  has  been  established  in  accordance  with  Section 3(a)(58)(A)  of  the  Exchange  Act,  currently 
consists of Betsy Rafael (Chair), Karen Blasing, Thomas Georgens and Lorrie M. Norrington, 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 nine meetings during fiscal 2018.  

See “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” on page 85 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), Reid French 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 
Autodesk’s discretionary employee stock programs. RSUs are granted automatically to non-employee directors under the non-
discretionary 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan. 

See the section titled “Executive Compensation-Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below 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 nine meetings during fiscal 2018.  

The “Report of the Compensation Committee” is included in this Proxy Statement on page 59. 

2018 Proxy Statement  33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 

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The  Corporate  Governance  and  Nominating  Committee  currently  consists  of  Thomas  Georgens  (Chair),  Crawford  W. 
Beveridge  and  Richard  S.  Hill.  Each  of  Messrs.  Georgens,  Beveridge  and  Hill  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  the  section  titled  “Corporate  Governance-
Nominating Process for Recommending Candidates for Election to the Board” below. 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held five meetings during fiscal 2018.  

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. 

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,  cyber  security,  data  privacy,  corporate  governance  best  practices  and  various 
operating risks. 

2018 Proxy Statement  34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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. 

Sustainability 

Autodesk’s  long-standing  commitment  to  sustainability  is  reflected  in  our  products,  services  and  operations.    To  help  our 
customers imagine, design, and create a better world, we focus our efforts  where we can have the greatest impact: providing 
sustainability-enabling  solutions,  delivering  free  sustainable  design  learning  and  training  opportunities,  providing  software 
grants to qualifying nonprofits and entrepreneurs and leading by example with our sustainable business practices. Through our 
products  and  services,  we  are  supporting  our  customers  to  better  understand  and  improve  the  environmental  performance  of 
everything they make. 

Autodesk develops solutions that our customers can use to design a future in which our built environment, infrastructure, and 
manufacturing serve the needs of all, within the limits of the planet. We help our customers proactively understand, optimize, 
and improve the environmental performance of everything they make, with a focus on resource productivity.  We help them to 
innovate and respond to changes in climate change regulations, building codes, physical climate parameters, and other climate-
related  developments.    We  continue  to  expand  the  solutions,  education,  and  support  we  offer,  helping  customers  secure  a 
competitive advantage for a low carbon future by designing high-performance buildings, resilient cities and infrastructure, and 
more efficient transportation, factories, and products. 

Although our biggest opportunity to improve our shared future is through the designers who use our software, we also work to 
reduce the direct impact of our operations.  We are investing in best practices to mitigate our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 
and climate change risk through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and disaster management and recovery strategies.  We are 
on track to meet our science-based target to reduce our absolute GHG emissions by an estimated 43 percent by 2020. 

By the end of fiscal 2017, Autodesk had reduced its net GHG emissions for its operational boundary by 44% from our fiscal 
2009  baseline  to  156,000  metric  tons  of  carbon  dioxide  equivalent.    We  achieved  this  through  increased  investment  in 
renewable energy and energy efficiency in our global real estate portfolio, and continued transition from physical to cloud and 
electronic software delivery. 

The Autodesk  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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
More  information  about  our  sustainability  commitments  and  performance  can  be  found  in  our  annual  sustainability  reports, 
which we have published on our website since 2008. Our fiscal 2018 sustainability report will be released in the second quarter 
of fiscal 2019. 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

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The current members of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee are Mary T. McDowell, Reid French and Stacy J. 
Smith.    In  addition,  Scott  Ferguson  served  on  the  Compensation  and  Human  Resources  Committee  during  fiscal  2018.  No 
director who served as a member of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee during fiscal 2018 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  2018  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:  Chief  Legal  Officer,  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  a  periodic  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 skills on the Board. 
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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  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. 

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 2017 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders either in person or telephonically. 

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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 Chief Legal Officer, 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903, Attention: Non-Executive 
Chairman. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

Throughout this proxy statement, the individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 60 are referred to as 
our “named executive officers” or “NEOs.” For fiscal 2018, our NEOs were: 

  Andrew Anagnost, Chief Executive Officer and President;  

  R. Scott Herren, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;  

  Steven M. Blum, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Field Operations; and 

  Pascal W. Di Fronzo, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary; 

2018 Proxy Statement  37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
as well as former employees: 



Carl Bass, former Chief Executive Officer and President;

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 Amar Hanspal, former Co-CEO, Senior Vice President, Products and Chief Product Officer; and



Jan Becker, former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and Corporate Real Estate.

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 60. 

Executive Transition 

In February 2017, Carl Bass announced he was stepping down from his Chief Executive Officer and President roles. Mr. Bass’ 
separation as CEO led to a number of changes to our executive management team: 





The Board formed an interim Office  of the Chief Executive to oversee the  Company's day-to-day operations,  which
was headed by Dr. Anagnost and Mr. Hanspal who served as interim Co-CEOs.

In June 2017, after an extensive review process and search, the Board appointed Dr. Anagnost as President and CEO
and a member of the Board.

 Mr. Hanspal then elected to resign from his role at the Company.



In October 2017, Ms. Becker, having helped the Board and management transition through the management changes in
in fiscal 2018, also chose to resign.

Mr.  Bass,  Mr.  Hanspal  and  Ms.  Becker,  though  no  longer  employees  of  the  Company,  are  included  as  NEOs  pursuant  to 
applicable SEC disclosure requirements. 

As  a  result  of  these  changes,  the  Compensation  and  Human  Resources  Committee  (the  “Committee”)  made  a  number  of 
compensation-related  decisions  (which  are  described  below)  in  addition  to  its  customary  duties  in  overseeing  our  executive 
compensation  program.  These  decisions  related  to  Co-CEO  stipends  and  equity  grants,  CEO  promotion  compensation  and 
separation compensation. The material terms and conditions of these arrangements are described more fully below. 

Executive Summary 

Fiscal 2018 Business Model Transition and Performance Metrics 

The software industry is undergoing a transition from the PC to cloud, mobile and social computing. Our strategy is to lead the 
industries  we  serve  to  cloud-based  technologies  and  business  models. As  part  of  the  transition,  we  discontinued  selling  new 
perpetual  licenses  and  now  offer  term-based  subscriptions  for  our  products,  cloud  service  offerings,  and  flexible  enterprise 
business agreements (collectively referred to as "subscription plan"). 

2018 Proxy Statement  38 

 
Over time, Autodesk’s business model transition will result in a more predictable, recurring and profitable business. However, 
during  the  transition,  traditional  financial  metrics  such  as  revenue,  margins,  EPS  and  cash  flow  from  operations  have  been 
adversely impacted. This is primarily a result of revenue for new subscription offerings being recognized over time rather than 
up front and subscription offerings generally have a lower initial price than perpetual offerings. Despite the lower initial price, 
our subscription plan offerings are expected to increase the lifetime value of Autodesk’s customers. 

Following Dr. Anagnost’s appointment to CEO, and in consultation with the Board, he established three strategic priorities of 
completing the subscription transition, digitizing the Company, and re-imagining manufacturing, construction, and production. 
To free up resources to pursue these strategic priorities, we commenced a world-wide restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2018. Through the restructuring, we seek to reduce our investments in areas not aligned with our strategic priorities. At 
the same time, we plan to further invest primarily in strategic priority areas related to digital infrastructure, customer success, 
and construction. By re-balancing resources to better align with our strategic priorities, we are better positioning ourselves to 
meet our long-term goals, while maintaining our goal to keep non-GAAP spend flat in fiscal 2019. 

To incent long-term value creation and strong financial performance during the transition, we adopted performance metrics for 
our bonus and equity plans that align with the key drivers of success during the business model transition and reflect the health 
of the business during the transition. The following performance metrics were used for our CEO during fiscal 2018: 

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Performance Metrics 








Total Annualized Recurring Revenue ("ARR")
Net Total Subscription Additions
Non-GAAP Total Spend
Total Subscription Renewal rate
Relative TSR (multi-year)
Free Cash Flow Per Share

Our executive officers’ continued successful implementation of our business model drove the following fiscal 2018 results: 




Total ARR was $2.05 billion, an increase of 25% from fiscal 2017; of which subscription plan ARR was $1.18 billion.
Total subscriptions were 3.72 million, an increase of 20% from fiscal 2017; of which subscription plan subscriptions
were 2.27 million.
Subscription plan ARR and subscriptions base surpassed the base of maintenance plan ARR and subscriptions.


 Deferred revenue was $1.96 billion, an increase of 9% from fiscal 2017.





Total deferred revenue (deferred revenue plus unbilled deferred revenue) was $2.28 billion, an increase of
approximately 25% from fiscal 2017.
Total GAAP spend (cost of revenue plus operating expenses) was $2,566 million, an increase of 1% from fiscal 2017.
Total non-GAAP spend was $2,169 million, an increase of 1% from fiscal 2017. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP
results is provided in Appendix A.
Total subscription renewal rate was 80.9%.


 During fiscal 2018 our stock price increased by 42% and over five years our stock price increased by 197%.

The Committee considered those performance factors in reaching its decisions regarding pay for the NEOs for fiscal 2018. 

2018 Proxy Statement  39 

 
Say-on-Pay Results and Stockholder Outreach 

Autodesk and the Committee value the input of our stockholders. In 2017, 95% of the votes cast on our Say-on-Pay proposal 
were  favorable,  which  reflected  strong  stockholder  support  for  our  executive  compensation  programs.    In  fiscal  2018,  the 
Chairman of our Board, alongside key management team members, continued our annual outreach and contacted stockholders 
representing over 63% of the outstanding shares.  Our engagement team met with governance professionals from passive funds 
as well as portfolio managers from active funds. The breadth of the Company’s outreach program enabled us to gather feedback 
from  a  significant  cross-section  of  Autodesk’s  stockholder  base.  Based  on  these  discussions,  the  Committee  found  that  our 
stockholders continued to be supportive of our executive transition, our executive compensation programs and the alignment 
between  our  CEO  pay  and  Autodesk’s  performance,  particularly  in  light  of  our  stage  in  the  business  model  transition.    In 
addition, our stockholders provided us helpful input regarding compensation design and disclosure.  The Committee carefully 
considered  stockholder  feedback  as  part  of  its  ongoing  review  of  our  executive  compensation  program  and  will  continue  to 
consider stockholder feedback regarding compensation design and metrics as we emerge from our business model transition. As 
described below in “Fiscal 2019 Executive Incentive Plan,” the Committee approved annual incentive metrics for fiscal 2019 
that differ from those used for PSU awards, largely in response to input from our stockholders. 

Emphasis on Variable “At Risk” Performance Executive Compensation 

Our  executive  compensation  program  emphasizes  variable  compensation  with  both  annual  and  long-term  performance 
components. In fiscal 2018, 92% of our current CEO's and 84% of all other continuing NEOs’ total compensation was variable 
in nature and “at risk” and 86% of our current CEO’s and 73% of all other continuing NEOs’ total compensation consisted of 
long-term equity.  Our incentive programs reward strong annual financial and operational performance, as well as relative TSR 
over  one-,  two-,  and  three-year  performance  periods.  The  charts  below  demonstrate  the  fiscal  2018  pay  mix  between  base 
salary, actual short-term incentives, and targeted long-term equity compensation for the current CEO and all other continuing 
NEOs. 

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2018 Proxy Statement  40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
 
 
Executive Compensation and Corporate Performance 

The  chart  below  highlights  the  multi-year  relationship  between  the  CEO’s  total  compensation,  the  percentage  achievement 
against annual cash incentives as well as the Company’s annual and cumulative Total Shareholder Return. 

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$15,000

$10,000

$5,000

$0

FY 18 TSR +42%;
Over 5 Years +197% 

14.78 

13.33 
300%
38.98 

43.00 

9.56 

250%

N/A 

6.54 

16.48 
200%

5.23 

Company Performance and Total Shareholder Return 
vs. CEO Total Compensation

31-Mar-17 

4.04 

31-Dec-17 

2.82 

31-Mar-17 

31-Jul-17 

31-Dec-17 

31-Jan-17 

31-Dec-17 

28-Apr-17 

30-Sep-17 

30-Sep-17 

28-Feb-17 

FY 14 TSR: +32%

FY 15 TSR: +5%

31-Jan-18 

31-Mar-17 

31-Oct-17 

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 109%

31-Jan-18 

FY 16 TSR: -13%

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 101%

4.85 

5.18 

5.03 

1.28 

1.29 
FY 17 TSR: +74%
5.52 

1.94 

1.16 

2.41 

10.48 

4.02 

2.72 
Annual Cash 
Incentive 
2.06 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 94%
25% 

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 98%

Annual Cash 
Incentive 
Achievement 
vs. Target: 31%

$8,297

$11,040

$12,177

$10,724

$12,346

Fiscal 2014

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

CEO Total Compensation (000s) (1)

TSR - Year Over Year (% in Boxes)(2)

Attainment of Annual Incentive Cash Goals (3)

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8.44 

23.25 
150%
83.14 

16.92 

13.79 
100%
25.24 

73% 

50%

0%

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 _________________ 
(1)  Total Compensation is based on the amounts in the Summary Compensation Table; the fiscal 2014 - fiscal 2017 data is for Mr. Bass and 

the fiscal 2018 data is for Dr. Anagnost. 

(2)  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 cumulative total shareholder return indexed off 100% from the beginning of fiscal 2014 
through the end of fiscal 2018. 

(3)  Percentage of achievement against annual cash incentives in place during each fiscal year. 

Fiscal 2018 Executive Compensation Decisions 

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

March  
2017 

Base  Salary:  The  Committee  considered  an  analysis  of  the  base  salary  for  each  role,  an  assessment  of  each 
executive officer’s experience, skills and performance level, and Autodesk’s performance.  Based on those factors, 
the executive officers’ base salaries were increased by 0% to 3% for fiscal 2018. 

Equity Awards: The Committee approved annual equity awards for our NEOs in the form of PSUs and restricted 
stock units (“RSUs”). Our NEOs received 50% of their shares in PSUs and 50% in RSUs. The vesting of the PSUs 
is contingent upon performance against the metrics used within Autodesk’s equity incentive plan. 

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  
2018 

Annual Cash Incentive Awards:  Consistent  with fiscal 2018 financial results, the Committee determined that, 
based  on  attainment  of  the  performance  metrics  used  within  Autodesk’s  cash  incentive  plan,  the  annual  cash 
incentive  award  for  our  CEO  and  for  our  NEOs  were  paid  out  at  97.8%  of  their  target  award  opportunity  (for 
more discussion of cash awards, see “Annual Short-Term Incentive Compensation” below). 

2018 Proxy Statement  41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In conjunction with the executive transition described above, the Committee also made the following compensation decisions 
described below at various points throughout the year relating to Co-CEO stipends and equity grants, CEO promotion 
compensation and separation compensation for executives who left the Company. 

February  
2017 

Bass Transition Agreement(1): In connection with Mr. Bass’ separation from service as President and CEO and 
provision  of  transition  services,  Mr.  Bass  received  separation  payments  and  benefits  that  were  contractually 
stipulated under his employment agreement.  

June  
2017 

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Co-CEO Stipends and Equity Grants: In consideration of their service as Co-CEOs during a transition period, 
Dr. Anagnost and Mr. Hanspal each received monthly cash stipends and one-time equity grants scheduled to vest 
100% on July 1, 2018.  In determining stipend amounts, the Committee targeted the Co-CEOs’ total annual cash 
compensation  plus  stipend  to  be  approximately  midway  between  the  Co-CEOs’  current  total  annual  cash 
compensation and the median total annual cash compensation of CEOs from our compensation peer group. 
Anagnost Employment Agreement: In connection with the promotion of Dr. Anagnost to President and CEO, 
he  received:  a  base  salary  increase  to  $800,000,  an  annual  cash  incentive  award  target  percentage  increase  to 
125% and additional equity grants in the form of RSUs and PSUs. These pay changes were made in reference to 
relevant market data, internal pay parity, and Dr. Anagnost’s tenure in the role. The PSU vesting is contingent on 
the Company’s performance against fiscal 2020 free cash flow per share and ARR goals. 

Hanspal Separation Agreement(1): Following Dr. Anagnost’s appointment as CEO and in connection with Mr. 
Hanspal’s separation from service, Mr. Hanspal received separation payments and benefits.  These benefits were 
consistent with competitive practices pertaining to the separation of long-tenured executives.

September 
2017 

Becker Separation Agreement(1): After having helped the Board and management transition through the fiscal 
2018 management changes, and in connection with Ms. Becker’s separation from service, Ms. Becker received 
separation  payments  and  benefits.  These  benefits  were  consistent  with  competitive  practices  pertaining  to  the 
separation of long-tenured executives. 

___________ 
1  Compensation was conditioned upon a general release of claims and continued compliance with non-competition, employee non-
solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants as well as the provision of transition services. 

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 rigorous framework that is tied to stockholder returns, Company performance, long-
term strategic corporate goals, and individual performance. The general compensation objectives are to: 

•   Recruit and retain the highest caliber of executives through competitive rewards; 

•   Motivate executive officers to achieve business and financial goals;  

•   Balance rewards for short- and long-term performance; and 

•   Align rewards with stockholder value creation. 

2018 Proxy Statement  42 

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

•   Whether Autodesk achieves its short-term and long-term financial and non-financial objectives, including execution on 

its business model transition; 

•   Autodesk’s  TSR  relative  to  companies  in  the  S&P  Computer  Software  Select  Index  and  companies  in  the  North 

American Technology Software Index; 

•   The specific role and responsibility of the officer;  

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

•  

Internal pay parity considerations; and 

• 

Retention considerations.  

The Compensation-Setting Process 

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

CEO Pay Decisions 

As described above under “Executive Transition,” as a result of fiscal 2018 CEO changes, the Committee made compensation-
related  decisions  throughout  the  year  relating  to  Co-CEO  stipends  and  equity  grants  and  CEO  promotion  compensation.  In 
making  these  decisions,  the  Committee  took  into  account  individual  performance  assessments,  along  with  competitive 
compensation data and internal pay parity considerations. The Committee set target levels to be aggressive, yet achievable, with 
diligent effort during the fiscal year. The Committee formulated recommendations on CEO compensation in consultation with 
its independent consultant, consulted with the other independent directors, and then approved 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,  internal  pay  parity  and  retention  considerations.  The 
CEO reports on the performance of the executive officers and their business functions 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 assessing each executive officer’s performance 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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent consultant 

The  Committee  retained  Exequity  LLP  as  its  compensation  adviser  for  fiscal  2018.  Exequity  provided  advice  and 
recommendations on many issues: total compensation philosophy; program design, including program goals, components, and 
metrics;  peer  data;  compensation  trends  in  the  high  technology  sector  and  general  market  for  senior  executives;  separation 
plans;  the  compensation  of  the  CEO  and  the  other  executive  officers;  and  disclosure  of  our  executive  pay  programs.    The 
Committee has considered the independence of Exequity in light of NASDAQ's listing standards for compensation committee 
independence  and  the  rules  of  the  SEC.    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. 

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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 and Peer Group 

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”). 
Where sufficient data for our compensation peer group was not available, market data from similarly sized San Francisco Bay 
Area  companies  was  used.  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. During Autodesk’s business model transition, Autodesk’s revenue has 
been negatively impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally have 
a lower initial purchase price. The Committee took this into consideration when analyzing the composition of Autodesk’s peer 
group.  

2018 Proxy Statement  44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant. 
Based on the Committee’s review, the fiscal 2018 compensation peer group consisted of the following companies: 

Company 

Reported Fiscal Year 

Revenue ($'s in Billions) 

  Market Capitalization as of 
1/31/2018 ($'s in billions) 

Adobe Systems, Inc. 
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 

CA, Inc. 

Citrix Systems, Inc. 

Electronic Arts, Inc. 

Intuit Inc. 

Juniper Networks, Inc. 

Mentor Graphics Corporation 

National Instruments Corporation 

NetApp, Inc. 

Nuance Communications, Inc. 

PTC Inc. 

Red Hat, Inc. 

salesforce.com, inc. 

Symantec Corporation 

Synopsys, Inc. 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Autodesk Percentile Ranking 

1-Dec-17 
31-Dec-17 

31-Mar-17 

31-Dec-17 

31-Mar-17 

31-Jul-17 

31-Dec-17 

31-Jan-17 

31-Dec-17 

28-Apr-17 

30-Sep-17 

30-Sep-17 

28-Feb-17 

31-Jan-18 

31-Mar-17 

31-Oct-17 

31-Jan-18 

7.30 
2.50 

4.04 

2.82 

4.85 

5.18 

5.03 

1.28 

1.29 

5.52 

1.94 

1.16 

2.41 

10.48 

4.02 

2.72 

2.06 

25% 

98.13 
11.38 

14.78 

13.33 

38.98 

43.00 

9.56 

N/A 

6.54 

16.48 

5.23 

8.44 

23.25 

83.14 

16.92 

13.79 

25.24 

73% 

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In  September  2017,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  compensation  peer  group  that  would  be  used  for  fiscal  2019  compensation 
decision  making.  The  Committee  determined  that  each  of  the  peers  was  still  appropriate,  except  for  Mentor  Graphics 
Corporation which was removed as a result of its acquisition by Siemens AG in March 2017. The Committee also chose to add 
Ansys,  Inc  and  Cadence  Design  Systems  Inc,  given  their  size,  industry  comparability  and  the  fact  that  they  compete  with 
Autodesk for executive talent. 

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.    This  also  provides  flexibility  for  variances  in  compensation  where 
appropriate,  based  on  each  executive  officer’s  leadership,  contributions  and  particular  skills  or  expertise  as  well  as  retention 
considerations. 

2018 Proxy Statement  45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Elements of the Executive Compensation Program 

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

  Payout Range 
  N/A 

  Performance Measures 
  None, although performance of the 
individuals is taken into account by 
the Committee when setting and 
reviewing base salary levels 

  0% - 150% of target 

  Fiscal 2018: Performance against 
total ARR, net total subscription 
additions, subscription renewal rate 
and non-GAAP total spend 

  0% - 180% of target 
shares 

  Fiscal 2018: Performance against 
total ARR, net total subscription 
additions, subscription renewal rate 
and non-GAAP total spend adjusted 
based upon Autodesk’s TSR 
relative to companies in the North 
American Technology Software 
Index over one-, two-, and three-
year performance periods 

Change in Autodesk 
stock price 

Autodesk stock price  

0% -200% of target 
shares 

For our new CEO’s long-term 
promotion PSUs, performance 
against fiscal 2020 free cash flow 
per share and ARR

  Change in Autodesk 
stock price 

  Autodesk stock price 

Element 

Base Salary 

  Purpose 
  Forms basis for 
competitive 
compensation package 

Short-term Incentive 
Opportunities 

  Motivate achievement of 
strategic priorities 
relating to the business 
model transition while 
maintaining our year-
over-year non-GAAP 
spend 

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Performance Stock Unit 
awards (“PSUs”) 

  Align compensation with 
key drivers of the 
business and relative 
shareholder return 

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

  Target percentage 
determined by 
competitive market 
practices and internal 
parity 

Actual bonus payouts are 
determined by the extent 
to which performance 
compares to targeted 
goals established at the 
beginning of the 
performance period 

  Size of award 
determined by 
competitive market 
practices, corporate and 
individual performance 
and internal parity 

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

Percentage of shares 
vesting is determined by 
the extent to which 
performance compares to 
targeted goals established 
at the beginning of the 
performance period 

CEO promotion grant 

Vesting over three years 

Restricted Stock Unit 
Awards (“RSUs”) 

  Encourage focus on long-
term shareholder value 
creation 

Promote retention 

  Size of award 
determined by 
competitive market 
practices, corporate and 
individual performance 
and internal parity and 
retention considerations 

Recipients earn shares if 
they remain employed 
through the three-year 
vesting period

2018 Proxy Statement  46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When setting the goals for the short-term incentive opportunity and the PSUs, the Committee considered the overlap of goals to 
be appropriate at this time in light of the critical importance of these goals during this stage of the business model transition.  
The use of relative TSR over one-, two-, and three-year performance periods against market indices differentiates PSUs from 
the short-term incentive program and aligns those awards with the long-term interests of our stockholders. 

Minimizing the use of overlapping metrics was a consideration of the Committee at the times it approved fiscal 2019 incentive 
compensation designs and Dr. Anagnost’s long-term promotion PSUs (which also include free cash flow per share as a metric). 
As  described  below  in  “Fiscal  2019  Executive  Incentive  Plan,”  the  annual  incentives  established  for  NEOs  in  fiscal  2019 
employ a mix of performance metrics that varies from those used for the PSU awards. 

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Base Salary and Co-CEO Stipends 

Base  salary  is  used  to  provide  the  executive  officers  with  a  competitive  amount  of  fixed  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. 

February 2017  Co-CEO Stipends: While serving as interim Co-CEOs, in addition to their annual base salaries, Dr. 

Anagnost and Mr. Hanspal each received a monthly cash stipend.  In determining stipend amounts, the 
Committee targeted the Co-CEOs’ total annual cash compensation plus stipend to be approximately 
midway between the Co-CEOs’ current total annual cash compensation and the median total annual cash 
compensation of CEOs from our compensation peer group. In light of salary differentials and in order for 
their annual cash compensation plus stipend to be equivalent, Dr. Anagnost received a monthly stipend of 
$70,000 and Mr. Hanspal received a monthly stipend of $50,000. 

March 2017 

June 2017 

Base Salaries: The Committee considered an analysis of the base salary for each executive role, an 
assessment of each executive officer’s experience, skills and performance level, and Autodesk’s 
performance. As a result, the Committee elected to increase executive officer base salaries by 0% to 3%. 

Anagnost Employment Agreement: When Dr. Anagnost was promoted to President and Chief Executive 
Office, the Committee considered an analysis of market data, internal equity and that Dr. Anagnost was new 
to his role when setting his base salary.  As a result, the Committee increased his base salary to $800,000. 
While Dr. Anagnost’s base salary is below the median market position of our compensation peer group, the 
Committee expects to increase his base salary over time, commensurate with performance. 

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  Autodesk,  Inc.  Executive  Incentive  Plan.  This  annual  cash  incentive  is  intended  to  motivate  and  reward 
participants for achieving company-wide annual financial and non-financial objectives as well as individual objectives. 

Target Award Opportunities and Fiscal 2018 Executive Incentive Plan 

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 2018 cash incentive target for each of the NEOs at the same percentage as it was in fiscal 
2017,  other  than  for  Dr. Anagnost,  whose  short-term  incentive  target  was  increased  when  he  was  appointed  Chief  Executive 
Officer and President.  These target opportunities are expressed as a percentage of the NEO’s annualized base salary, and range 
from 75% to 125%. A NEO may receive an earned award that is greater or less than the target award opportunity, depending 
upon Autodesk’s performance. 

2018 Proxy Statement  47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  fiscal  2018, bonus  awards  for  each  of  our  NEOs  were  funded  under  the Autodesk,  Inc.  Executive  Incentive  Plan  (“Fiscal 
2018  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  2018  EIP 
funding at 190% of target. For fiscal 2018, the Committee selected total ARR, net total subscription additions and subscription 
renewal rates as the funding metrics. Autodesk’s fiscal 2018 performance of $2,054 million in ARR, 0.611 million in net total 
subscription additions and 80.9% in total subscription renewal rates exceeded the funding threshold, 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). 

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Company Performance Measures and Performance 

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Committee approved Fiscal 2018 EIP performance measures to align our CEO’s and NEOs’ 
bonus opportunities with the Company’s strategic priorities. The metrics selected align our incentives with the key drivers of 
success during the business model transition. In its exercise of negative discretion, the Committee considered the performance 
attainment versus specific targets to determine payouts. For the CEO and other NEOs, the Committee assessed the performance 
of the Company against targets set at the beginning of the fiscal year based on the criteria below; the final award could range 
from 0% to 150% of the target award. This calculation yielded a bonus payout of 97.8% of target, as shown below: 

Performance Metric 

Weighting 

Total ARR 

Net Total Subscription Additions 

Total Subscription Renewal Rate 

Non-GAAP Total Spend 

Total  

40% 

30% 

15% 

15% 

100% 

Actual 

$2,054M 

0.611M 

80.9% 

$2,169M 

Target 

$2,050M 

0.657M 

80.6% 

$2,175M 

Funding % 

100.8% 

89.4% 

102.5% 

102.1% 

97.8% 

Based on the level of achievement of the performance objectives, in March 2018 the Committee approved short-term incentive 
awards for the NEOs as follows   : 

(1)

Andrew Anagnost1 
R. Scott Herren 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal Di Fronzo 

Short-Term 
Incentive 
Target as a 
Percentage of 
Base Salary 

75% / 125% 
75% 

75% 

75% 

Short-Term 
Incentive Target   

Short-Term 
Incentive Payout   

$741,014 
$440,250 

$419,250 

$366,750 

$724,711 
$430,565 

$410,027 

$358,682 

Short-Term 
Incentive 
Payout as a 
Percentage of 
Target 

97.8% 
97.8% 

97.8% 

97.8% 

____ 
1 Dr. Anagnost’s incentive target and payout were prorated for his base salary and bonus target percentage in each role. 
No bonus payouts were awarded to Mr. Bass, Mr. Hanspal or Ms. Becker as they terminated prior to end of fiscal 2018. 

2018 Proxy Statement  48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fiscal 2019 Executive Incentive Plan 

In  fiscal  2019,  the  bonus  awards  for  each  of  our  NEOs  will  continue  to  be  determined  under  the Autodesk,  Inc.  Executive 
Incentive Plan.  Near the beginning of the fiscal year, the Committee established total ARR, non-GAAP operating income and 
absolute stockholder return as the funding metrics. 

If  the  funding  metrics  are  achieved,  in  its  exercise  of  negative  discretion,  the  Committee  will  consider  the  performance 
attainment versus specific targets to determine payouts. The Committee will assess the financial and operational performance of 
the Company based on the following metrics and weighting: 

Performance Metric 

Total ARR 

Non-GAAP Operating Income 

Weighting 

70% 

30% 

The Committee believes that the metrics selected for fiscal 2019 will align our incentives with the key drivers of success. The 
final awards for our NEOs could range from 0% to 200% of target, depending on achieved performance level. The Committee’s 
choice  of  metrics  was also driven by stockholder feedback to minimize  the overlap of metrics between the bonus and equity 
plans and include a profitability metric. As we progress through our business model transition we will continue to evaluate the 
appropriateness and weighting of these performance metrics. 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation 

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

February 2017 Equity Awards 

On February 8, 2017, Mr. Bass stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer. To ensure Autodesk's continued focus 
on business performance and technological innovation, the Board formed the Office of the Chief Executive Officer to oversee 
the Company's day-to-day operations during the transition.  Dr. Anagnost and Mr. Hanspal were appointed as Co-CEOs. 

In  connection  with  their  appointment  as  interim  Co-CEOs,  Dr. Anagnost  and  Mr.  Hanspal  were  each  granted  the  following 
equity awards which vest 100% on July 1, 2018. The use of RSUs and the vesting schedule was chosen to provide additional 
retention through the appointment of a new CEO and through our business model transition: 

Andrew Anagnost 

Amar Hanspal 

_____ 

Target Value of RSU Award 

$1,500,000 

$1,500,000 

RSU Award (#) 

(1)

17,936 

17,936 

(1)  Number of shares determined by the average closing stock price over the last 20 trading days prior to the date of grant. 

2018 Proxy Statement  49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 2017 Equity Awards 

During  fiscal  2018,  the  Committee  approved  annual  equity  awards  in  the  form  of  PSUs  and  RSUs  for  the  NEOs.  The 
Committee elected to use the following mix of PSUs and RSUs to complement the performance aspects of PSUs with the long-
term retention component of RSUs. 

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In  arriving  at  the  total  number  of  PSUs  and  RSUs  to  award  to  an  executive  officer,  the  Committee  considered Autodesk’s 
performance  in  fiscal  2017,  competitive  market  data  for  the  executive’s  position,  historical  grants,  outstanding  equity, 
individual performance of the executive and internal pay parity. In particular, the Committee noted the progress of Autodesk’s 
business model transition, which is indicative of strong execution during our business model transition and which positions the 
Company well for continued stockholder value creation. Key performance indicia reflecting progress in fiscal 2017 include: 

16%
ARR

21%
Subscriptions

18%
Deferred 
Revenue

74%
Stock Price

As a result of this analysis, the following equity awards were approved: 

Andrew Anagnost 

R. Scott Herren 

Steve Blum 

Pascal Di Fronzo 

Amar Hanspal 

Jan Becker 

Target Value of PSU + RSU 
Award 

  Target PSU Award (#)(1)   

RSU Award (#)(1) 

$3,000,000 

$2,500,000 

$2,000,000 

$1,500,000 

$3,000,000 

$1,500,000 

17,502 

14,585 

11,668 

8,751 

17,502 

8,751 

17,502 

14,585 

11,668 

8,751 

17,502 

8,751 

 _________________ 
(1)  Number of shares determined by the weighting of PSUs and RSUs and the average closing stock price over the last 20 trading days prior 

to the date of grant. 

2018 Proxy Statement  50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

The  PSU  awards  provide  for  a  minimum,  target  and  maximum  number  of  shares  to  be  earned  based  upon  predetermined 
performance criteria. 

•   For fiscal 2018 awards, PSU vesting will be contingent upon achievement of performance goals adopted by the Committee 
(“Performance  Results”)  and  Autodesk’s  TSR  compared  against  companies  in  the  S&P  North  American  Technology 
Software  Index  with  a  market  capitalization  over  $2B  (“Relative  TSR”)  over  one-,  two-  and  three-year  performance 
periods.  

•  

In fiscal 2018, we measured Performance Results based on total ARR, net total subscription additions, total subscription 
renewal rate and non-GAAP total spend.  

•   The  use  of  these  different  goals  motivates  management  to  drive  Autodesk’s  ongoing  business  model  transition  and, 
combined with Relative TSR and vesting over one-, two- and three-year performance periods, aligns these awards with the 
long-term interests of our stockholders.  

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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 2018. 

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2020

1st Fiscal 2018 PSU Tranche

2nd Fiscal 2018 PSU Tranche

3rd Fiscal 2018 PSU Tranche

Fiscal 2018 Target Shares

Fiscal 2019 Target Shares

Fiscal 2020 Target Shares

Fiscal 2018 Performance Results         

(0%–150% of Target)

Fiscal 2019 Performance Results   
(0%–150% of Target)

Fiscal 2020 Performance Results      

(0%–150% of Target)

Fiscal 2018 
Relative TSR
(80%–120% of Above Result)

Relative TSR

Fiscal 2018 – Fiscal 2019         

Relative TSR
(80%–120% of Above Result)

Relative TSR

Fiscal 2018 – Fiscal 2020
Relative TSR 
(80%–120% of Above Result) 

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). 

2018 Proxy Statement  51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RSU Awards 

March 2017: The time-based RSU awards granted to the CEO and NEOs in March 2017 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. 

New CEO Grant 

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June 2017: In June 2017, in connection with his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anagnost received a 
grant of PSUs and RSUs. For the PSU grants, the shares will vest based on the Company’s fiscal 2020 free cash flow per share 
and  ARR  performance.    In  response  to  stockholder  feedback  and  in  order  to  minimize  the  use  of  overlapping  metrics,  the 
Committee elected to use a different design and metrics to measure the Company’s long-term performance against key goals 
highlighted  in  our  business  model  transformation.  In  determining  the  size  of  these  awards,  the  Committee  took  into  account 
competitive compensation data, Dr. Anagnost’s time in the role and the unrealized value of his unvested equity awards. 

The time-based RSU component  will  vest in three equal annual installments from  the date  of grant.  RSUs help  us retain Dr. 
Anagnost in a competitive environment and provide further incentive to focus on longer-term stockholder value creation. 

The following equity awards were approved: 

PSUs 
RSUs 

_______ 

Target Value of Award 

Target PSU Award (#) (1) 

$4,400,000 
$1,600,000 

39,840 
N / A 

RSU Award (#) 

(1)

N / A 
14,487 

(1)   Number of shares determined by the weighting of PSUs and RSUs and the average closing stock price over the last 20 trading days prior 

to the date of grant.

As the result of Dr. Anagnost’s one-time Co-CEO and CEO promotion related equity grants, his fiscal 2018 compensation as 
reflected in the Summary Compensation Table is higher than his expected targeted annual compensation in fiscal 2019. 

Vesting of PSUs in 2018 

In March 2018, the Committee reviewed and certified the attainment levels for performance measures for the third tranche of 
PSUs awarded in March 2015, the second tranche of PSUs awarded in March 2016, and the first tranche of PSUs awarded in 
March 2017.  For each award, the Committee measured the following performance: 

Fiscal 2018 financial goal attainment versus target was based on the criteria below: 

Performance Metric 

Total ARR 

Net Total Subscription Additions 

Total Subscription Renewal Rate 

Non-GAAP Total Spend 

Total 

2018 Proxy Statement  52 

Weighting 

40% 

30% 

15% 

15% 

100% 

Actual 

$2,054M 

0.611M 

80.9% 

$2,169M 

Target 

$2,050M 

0.657M 

80.6% 

$2,175M 

Funding % 

100.8% 

89.4% 

102.5% 

102.1% 

97.8% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
Autodesk’s Relative TSR was based on: 

Performance Period 

Fiscal 2016 - Fiscal 2018 

Fiscal 2017 - Fiscal 2018 

Fiscal 2018 

Autodesk TSR 

(1)

98.5% 

142.9% 

37.3% 

(2)

Percentile Rank 
66th 
85th 
40th 

Payout Multiplier 

113% 

120% 

92% 

 _________________ 
(1)  Based on 31 -day average closing stock price (+/- 15 days) at the beginning of each period and the end of fiscal 2018. 
(2)  Fiscal 2016 - fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017  - fiscal 2018 relative TSR was  measured against companies in the S&P Computer Software 
Select Index.  In fiscal 2017 this index was discontinued.  Consequently, for outstanding PSUs, Autodesk compared TSR relative to the 
companies which comprised the index as of the date of its discontinuation. For PSUs granted in fiscal 2018, relative TSR was measured 
against companies in the S&P North American Technology Software Index with a market capitalization over $2B. 

The combination of financial attainment and Relative TSR results yielded the following PSU attainments: 

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March 2015 
3rd Tranche 
Fiscal 2016 Award 

March 2016 
2nd Tranche 
Fiscal 2017 Award 

March 2017 
1st Tranche 
Fiscal 2018 Award 

: 

: 

: 

X 

Fiscal 2016 - Fiscal 2018 
Relative TSR 
 113% 

Fiscal 2018  Financial  

Goal Attainment                                   

X 

Fiscal 2017 - Fiscal 2018 
Relative TSR 
120% 

97.8% 

X 

Fiscal 2018 
Relative TSR 
92% 

= 

= 

= 

Percent of PSU Target 
Award 110.5% 

Percent of PSU Target 
Award 117.4% 

Percent of PSU Target 
Award 90.0% 

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

March 2015 Award 
3rd Tranche 

March 2016 Award 
2nd Tranche 

March 2017 Award 
1st Tranche 

Target 
Number of 
PSUs 

Actual Number 
of PSUs 
Earned 

Target 
Number of 
PSUs 

Actual 
Number of 
PSUs Earned 

Target 
Number of 
PSUs 

Actual 
Number of 
PSUs Earned 

6,105 

11,880 

6,105 

4,455 

26,730 

6,105 

4,455 

6,746 

13,127 

6,746 

4,922 

29,536 

6,746 

4,922 

6,628 

7,149 

5,362 

4,766 

28,597 

7,149 

4,766 

7,781 

8,392 

6,294 

5,595 

33,572 

8,392 

5,595 

5,951 

4,959 

3,967 

2,975 

N/A 

5,951 

2,975 

5,355 

4,463 

3,570 

2,677 

N/A 

5,355 

2,677 

Andrew Anagnost 

R. Scott Herren 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Former Executive Officers: 

Carl Bass 

Amar Hanspal 

Jan Becker 

2018 Proxy Statement  53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 2018 Equity Awards 

In  March  2018,  the  Committee  approved  a  mix  of  PSUs  and  RSUs  for  each  of  our  NEOs. The  fiscal  2019  PSU  awards  are 
structured in the same manner as the fiscal 2018 PSU awards, however financial performance will be measured based on the 
following metrics and weighting: 

Performance Metric 

Total ARR 
Free Cash Flow Per Share 

NEO Weighting 

70% 
30% 

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The Committee selected these metrics to align our incentives with key drivers of stockholder value and success during fiscal 
2019. The Committee’s choice of metrics was also driven by stockholder feedback to minimize the overlap of metrics between 
the bonus and equity plans and include a cash flow metric. The financial performance results will continue to be adjusted based 
on  Autodesk’s  Relative  TSR  over  one-,  two-  and  three-year  performance  periods.  Relative  TSR  will  be  measured  against 
companies in the S&P North American Technology Software Index with a market capitalization over $2B. 

Our CEO’s and NEOs’ annual awards are broken down as follows: 

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 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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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Employment Agreement and Post-Employment Compensation 

Transition Agreement with Former CEO 

On  February  6,  2017,  Mr.  Bass  and  the  Company  entered  into  a  Transition  and  Separation  Agreement  (the  “Transition 
Agreement”) under which Mr. Bass resigned from his positions as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Under 
the Transition Agreement, Mr. Bass served as a part-time employee in the role of special advisor to the Co-CEOs through May 
7,  2017.    During  the  transition  period,  Mr.  Bass  received  a  monthly  payment  of  $12,500  from  the  Company  and  continued 
health  benefits.  The  Transition  Agreement  superseded  and  replaced  Mr.  Bass’  employment  agreement.  The  Transition 
Agreement  provided  Mr.  Bass  with  the  same  compensation  that  he  would  have  received  under  his  employment  agreement’s 
“voluntary termination related to a transition” provisions.  The provisions provided for compensation as if his employment had 
been involuntarily terminated other than in connection with a change in control. The compensation consisted of: (i) payment of 
two (2.0) times of his base salary for 12 months; (ii) accelerated vesting of his unvested RSUs; (iii) vesting of unvested PSUs 
based on fiscal 2018 Company performance (with the remaining PSUs forfeited); and (iv) 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. This  compensation  was  conditioned  upon  re-execution  and  non-
revocation by Mr. Bass of a general release of claims and continued compliance with certain non-competition, non-solicitation, 
non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants set forth in the Transition Agreement. 

Employment Agreements with New CEO 

In  connection  with  Dr.  Anagnost’s  appointment  as  CEO,  Dr.  Anagnost  entered  into  an  employment  agreement  with  the 
Company which defines the respective rights of the Company and Dr. Anagnost. This agreement provided  general protection 
for Dr. Anagnost in the event of termination without cause or resignation for good reason and has been a valuable tool to incent 
Dr. Anagnost to become our CEO. The protections afforded to him in the event of a change of control provide Autodesk with an 
increased level of confidence that he would remain with Autodesk up to and for some period of time after a change of control. 
Continuity  in  the  event  of  a  change  in  control  ultimately  enhances  stockholder  value,  and  discourages  benefits  simply  for 
consummating a change in control. Details of the agreement with Dr. Anagnost can be found beginning on page 71. 

Separation Agreement with Former Co-CEO 

Following a 30-year career with the Company, most recently as Co-CEO, Mr. Hanspal entered into a separation agreement with 
the Company on June 19, 2017.  Under the separation agreement, Mr. Hanspal received the following separation payments and 
benefits: (i) a lump-sum payment of an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the sum of his annual base salary; (ii) a 
lump-sum payment in an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times his target annual incentive; (iii) accelerated vesting of 
his  unvested  RSUs  that  would  have  vested  had  he  remained  employed  through  July  1,  2018;  (iv)  vesting  of  unvested  PSUs 
based on fiscal 2018 Company performance (with the remaining PSUs forfeited); (v) a lump-sum payment in an amount equal 

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to the estimated cost of his continued health benefits under COBRA for eighteen (18) months, as grossed up for taxes; and (vi) a 
lump-sum payment in respect of an untaken vacation leave benefit of six weeks of base salary. These benefits were consistent 
with competitive practices pertaining to the separation of long-tenured executives. In approving the separation agreement, the 
Committee took into account Mr. Hanspal’s years of service in senior management positions, as well as his continued support 
and contributions to the  Company through a time  of  major operational transformation, particularly in light of the uncertainty 
resulting from recent changes to the Board and executive team. This compensation was conditioned upon re-execution and non-
revocation  by  Mr.  Hanspal  of  a  general  release  of  claims  and  continued  compliance  with  non-competition,  employee  non-
solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants set forth in the separation agreement as well as the provision of 
transition services. 

Separation Agreement with Former SVP, CHRO 

Following  a  25-year  career  with  the  Company  and  having  helped  the  Board  and  management  transition  through  fiscal  2018 
management  changes,  Ms.  Becker  entered  into  a  separation  agreement  with  the  Company  on  October  3,  2017.  Under  the 
separation  agreement,  Ms.  Becker  received  the  following  separation  payments  and  benefits:  (i)  a  lump-sum  payment  of  an 
amount equal to one (1.0) times the sum of her annual base salary; (ii) accelerated vesting of her unvested RSUs that would 
have  vested  had she remained employed through July 1, 2018 plus accelerated vesting  of the  final tranche of the  time-based 
RSUs granted on March 10, 2016 which otherwise would have vested on March 25, 2019; (iii) vesting of unvested PSUs based 
on fiscal 2018 Company performance (with the remaining PSUs forfeited);  and (iv) a lump-sum payment in an amount equal to 
the estimated cost of her continued health benefits under COBRA for five (5) months, as grossed up for taxes. These benefits 
were consistent with competitive practices pertaining to the separation of long-tenured executives. In approving the separation 
agreement, the Committee took into account Ms. Becker’s years of service in senior management positions, and her continued 
support  and  contributions  to  the  Company  through  a  time  of  major  operational  transformation,  particularly  in  light  of  the 
uncertainty  resulting  from  recent  changes  to  the  Board  and  executive  team.  This  compensation  was  conditioned  upon  re-
execution and non-revocation by Ms.  Becker of a general release of claims and continued compliance  with non-competition, 
employee non-solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants set forth in the separation agreement as well as the 
provision of transition services. 

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 strategic initiatives  that  are 
aligned with shareholder value creation, even if these initiatives 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. 

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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leading Compensation Governance Practices 

Autodesk’s executive compensation objectives are supported by policies and strong governance practices that align executives’ 
interests  with the interests of  our stockholders. Some of the program’s  most notable features are highlighted in the table and 
summarized below. 

Robust stockholder outreach program

  No hedging

Yes 

No 

Large percentage of NEO total pay tied to achievement of critical

        financial and stockholder value creation 

Representative peer group

Significant stock ownership requirements

Clawback policy

Double-trigger change in control arrangements with no excise tax

         gross-up 

Equity award grant policy

Effective risk management

Independent compensation committee and consultant

Mandatory Stock Ownership Guidelines 

  Prohibition on option re-pricing

  No executive benefits and limited perquisites

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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. In March 
2018, the Committee amended the guidelines to measure ownership as a multiple of base salary as opposed to a fixed number 
of shares. In establishing these guidelines, the Committee referenced competitive market practices. These mandatory ownership 
guidelines require all executive officers to hold shares of Autodesk’s Common Stock equivalent in value to a multiple of his  or 
her  base  salary  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: 

Multiple of Base Salary 

  CEO 
  6.0 times 

  Executive Vice President 
  3.0 times 

  Senior Vice President 
  3.0 times 

Executive officers have four years from the later of either (i) March 2017 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, shares 
of Common Stock subject to outstanding RSU awards are counted as shares owned. Each of the NEOs satisfies 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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

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All  equity  awards  granted  to  the  executive  officers  are  approved  by  the  Committee. Approval  of  the  equity  awards  for  the 
executive officers generally occurs at the  Committee’s regularly  scheduled quarterly  meetings. In addition to these  meetings, 
the Committee granted RSU awards to Dr. Anagnost and Mr. Hanspal in February 2017 for serving as Co-CEOs and granted 
PSU and RSU awards to Dr. Anagnost in June 2017 upon his promotion to President and CEO. 

Effective Risk Management 

Each  year,  the  Committee  evaluates Autodesk’s  compensation-related  risk  profile  and  the  Committee  has  concluded  that  our 
fiscal 2018 compensation policies and practices did not create risks that were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect 
on Autodesk. 

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,  as  amended  by  the  recently-enacted  Tax  Cuts  and  Jobs  Act,  restricts  deductibility  for  federal 
income tax purposes of annual individual compensation in excess of $1 million to NEOs, effective for tax years beginning after 
2017, subject to a transition rule for written binding contracts which were in effect on November 2, 2017, and which were not 
modified in any material respect on or after such date. In the past, Section 162(m)’s deductibility limitation was subject to an 
exception  for  compensation  that  qualified  as  performance-based.  Our  compensation  programs  were  designed  to  permit  the 
Company to qualify for the performance-based exception, although the Company reserved the right to pay compensation that 
did  not  qualify  as  performance-based.  While  the  Committee  has  considered  the  deductibility  of  compensation  as  a  factor  in 
making compensation decisions, it has retained the flexibility to provide compensation that is consistent with the Company’s 
goals for its executive compensation program, even if such compensation would not be fully tax-deductible. The Committee is 
continuing to assess the impact of Section 162(m) of the Code, as amended, on our compensation programs. 

2018 Proxy Statement  58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  separation  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 2017.  
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. 

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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 
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  
Reid French  
Stacy J. Smith 

2018 Proxy Statement  59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 2018, 2017 and 2016. The  named executive officers are Andrew Anagnost (President and Chief Executive Officer), R. 
Scott Herren (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) and the next most highly compensated individuals who were 
serving as executive  officers  of Autodesk on January 31, 2018, the last day of our  most recent fiscal  year.  Autodesk did not 
have  a  fifth  executive  officer  serving  as  of  January  31,  2018.  Named  executive  officers  also  include  Carl  Bass  (Former 
President and  Chief Executive Officer), Amar Hanspal (Former Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Product Officer and SVP, 
PDG)  and  Jan  Becker  (Former  SVP,  Chief  Human  Resources  Officer  and  Corporate  Real  Estate).    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 2018, 2017 and 2016. 

Bonus 

This column represents payments made to our named executive officers for amounts that relate to: signing bonuses, as in the 
case of Mr. Herren, who received a sign-on bonus paid in two equal $75,000 installments, with the second installment paid in 
fiscal 2016; 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  PSU  awards  and  RSU  awards,  as  determined  pursuant  to 
ASC  Topic  718.    For  Mr.  Hanspal  and  Ms.  Becker,  amounts  also  include  the  accounting  expense  for  accelerated  vesting  of 
previously granted RSUs and continued vesting of previously granted PSUs in connection with their separation of service from 
the  Company.  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 2018 Annual Report on Form 
10-K filed on March 22, 2018.  

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 
severance payments, payment of relocation and temporary housing expenses, reimbursement of certain tax expenses, authorized 
familial travel and gifts in connection with business trips, Autodesk’s matching contributions to pre-tax savings plans, insurance 
premiums, and personal gifts. 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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Summary Compensation Table below presents information concerning the total compensation of our named executive 
officers for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.  Mr. Di Fronzo and Ms. Becker were not named executive officers in fiscal 2017 and 
2016 so their compensation is not presented for those periods. 

Fiscal 
Year 

  2018  
  2017  

  2016  

  2018  

  2017  

  2016  

  2018  

  2017  

  2016  

  2018  

Salary 
($) 
659,846   
423,231   
416,769   
586,446   
574,385   
570,000   
558,480   
547,033   
472,577   
488,565   

Stock 
Awards  
($) (j) 

Bonus 
($)(i) 
1,200    10,601,052   
4,272,160   
2,256,279   
3,535,328   
4,335,028   
778,219   
2,469,381   
3,882,746   
2,097,062   
1,915,351   

—   
—   
—   
—   
75,000   
900   
—   
—   
—   

Non-Equity 
Incentive  
 Plan  
Compensation  
($) 
724,711   
285,390   
311,850   
430,565   
387,315   
423,225   
410,027   
368,872   
470,355   
358,682   

Total 
($) 

All Other 
Compensation  
($) 
358,897    12,345,706  
5,034,940  
54,159   
3,030,836  
45,938   
4,590,524  
38,185   
5,384,874  
88,146   
2,074,270  
227,826   
3,508,369  
69,581   
4,935,422  
136,771   
3,156,423  
116,429   
2,768,182  
5,584   

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  2018  
  2017  

  2016  

  2018  

  2017  

  2016  

  2018  

57,500   
1,108,461   
1,094,508   
241,154   
554,231   
467,155   
309,723   

5,673,104   
—   
8,316,948   
1,000   
9,615,521   
—   
—    13,593,723   
4,392,077   
2,256,279   
7,420,097   

1,000   
—   
1,500   

—   
1,289,750   
1,383,250   
—   
373,725   
349,241   
—   

2,331,001   

8,061,605  
7,620    10,723,779  
83,398    12,176,677  
1,804,771    15,639,648  
5,327,826  
3,081,890  
8,208,926  

6,793   
9,215   
477,606   

Name and Principal Position (a) 

Andrew Anagnost 

Chief Executive Officer and 

 President (b) 

R. Scott Herren, 

Senior Vice President and 

Chief Financial Officer (c) 

Steven M. Blum, 

Senior Vice President, 

Worldwide Field Operations (d) 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo, 

Senior Vice President, Corporate 

Affairs, General Counsel and 
Secretary (e) 

Former Executive Officers: 

Carl Bass, 

Former Chief Executive 

Officer and President (f) 

Amar Hanspal, 

Former Co-CEO, Chief Product 

Officer and SVP, PDG (g) 

Jan Becker, 

Former Senior Vice President, 

Chief Human Resources Officer and 
Corporate Real Estate (h) 

 _____________ 

(a)  Mr.  Bass  stepped  down  as  President  and  CEO  effective  February  8,  2017  but  continued  as  a  member  of  the  Board.  The  Board 
appointed Dr. Anagnost and Mr. Hanspal as Co-CEOs until Dr. Anagnost was appointed President and CEO effective June 19, 2017. 
Mr. Hanspal separated from the Company in July 2017 and Ms. Becker separated from the Company in October 2017. 

(b)  Dr. Anagnost's fiscal 2018 salary reflects a partial year of service as SVP and a partial year of service as CEO. Dr. Anagnost's other 
compensation includes Co-CEO stipends of $305,667, payment of legal fees, authorized executive travel and gifts in connection with 
a business trip, tax gross-ups of $17,141 for certain perquisites, the 401(k) plan match, and standard health benefits. 

(c)  Mr.  Herren's  fiscal  2018  other  compensation  includes  authorized  executive  travel  and  gifts  in  connection  with  a  business  trip,  tax 

gross-ups of $15,659 for certain perquisites, the 401(k) plan match and standard health benefits. 

(d)  Mr. Blum’s fiscal 2018 other compensation includes $36,921 authorized executive and spouse travel and gifts in connection with a 

business trip, tax gross-ups of $27,116 for certain perquisites, the 401(k) plan match, and standard health benefits. 

(e)  Mr. Di Fronzo's fiscal 2018 other compensation includes the 401(k) plan match and standard health benefits.   
(f)  Mr. Bass' fiscal 2018 salary reflects a partial year of service. Mr. Bass' fiscal 2018 stock awards include a $250,000 RSU for service 
as  a  non-employee  director  of  the  Board.  Mr.  Bass'  fiscal  2018  other  compensation  includes  separation  payments  of  $2,200,000, 
director  retainer  fees  of  $45,245,  payment  of  legal  fees,  tax  gross-ups  of  $27,195  for  certain  perquisites,  COBRA  payments  and 
standard health benefits.  

2018 Proxy Statement  61  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(g) Mr. Hanspal's fiscal 2018 salary reflects a partial year of service. Mr. Hanspal's fiscal 2018 stock awards include $8,707,478 relating
to  an  accounting  expense  in  connection  with  the  acceleration  of  RSUs  and  continued  vesting  of  PSUs  based  on  Company
performance.  Mr.  Hanspal's  fiscal  2018  other  compensation  includes  separation  payments  of  $1,507,212,  Co-CEO  stipends  of
$218,333, COBRA payments, tax gross-ups of $37,928, the 401(k) plan match and standard health benefits.

(h) Ms. Becker's fiscal 2018 salary reflects a partial year of service.  Ms. Becker's fiscal 2018 stock awards include $5,504,745 relating
to  an  accounting  expense  in  connection  with  the  acceleration  of  RSUs  and  continued  vesting  of  PSUs  based  on  Company
performance. Ms. Becker's fiscal 2018 other compensation includes separation payments of $453,000, COBRA payments, tax gross-
ups of $11,623 for certain perquisites, the 401(k) plan match and standard health benefits.
Fiscal 2018 amounts for Dr. Anagnost, Mr. Blum and Ms. Becker were payments made in recognition of years of service as part of
Autodesk's company-wide program.

(i)

(j) 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 22, 2018. The maximum value of PSU awards generally is
capped at 180% of target. The PSUs granted to Dr. Anagnost in June 2017 which vest based on fiscal 2020 performance are capped at
200% of target. For Mr. Hanspal and Ms. Becker, amounts also include the accounting expense for accelerated vesting of previously
granted RSUs and continued vesting of previously granted PSUs in connection with their separation of service from the Company.
The maximum values for PSU awards granted in fiscal 2018 are as follows: Dr. Anagnost: $11,641,004; Mr. Herren: $3,328,939; Mr.
Blum: $2,640,569; Mr. Di Fronzo: $2,094,395; Mr. Bass: $9,761,596; Mr. Hanspal: $4,228,435; and Ms. Becker: $2,942,932. Actual
PSU  awards  earned  in  fiscal  2018  by  the  named  executive  officers  are  shown  in  “Long-Term  Incentive  Compensation"  in  the
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2018 

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 2018.  

The  following  tables  include  potential  threshold,  target  and  maximum  amounts  payable  under  our  short-term  cash  incentive 
plan  (EIP)  for  performance  during  fiscal  2018,  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 2018.  The following 
table also includes amounts relating to PSUs and RSUs issued under our 2012 Stock Plan. For Mr. Hanspal and Ms.  Becker, 
amounts also include the accounting expense for accelerated vesting of RSUs and continued vesting of PSUs in connection with 
their separation of service from the Company. 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”  section  above  for  actual  amounts  earned  in  fiscal 
2018 by the named executive officers and further discussion of the role of plan-based and other awards in our overall executive 
compensation program. 

2018 Proxy Statement  62 

 
 
The  following  tables  present  information  concerning  grants  of  plan-based  awards  to  each  of  the  named  executive  officers 
during fiscal 2018: 

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

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (b) 

Name 

Andrew  
Anagnost 

R. Scott  
   Herren  

Steve M.  
  Blum  

Pascal W. 
Di Fronzo 

Grant 
Date 

Threshold
 ($) 

  Target ($) 

2/23/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
6/19/2017  
6/19/2017  (c) 
6/19/2017  (c) 

3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  

3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  

3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  
3/14/2017  

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

  Maximum ($)   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
1,407,926     
—   
—   
—   
—   

836,475     

—   
—   
—   
—   

796,575     

—   
—   
—   
—   

696,825     

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
741,014    
—    
—    
—    
—    
440,250    
—    
—    
—    
—    
419,250    

—    
—    
—    
—    
366,750    

Threshold 
($) 

Target 
(#) 

—    
—   
—    
—   
6,105    
—   
6,628    
—   
5,951    
—   
—   
—    
—    21,731    
—    18,109    

  Maximum (#) 
—  
—  
10,989  
11,930  
10,711  
—  
43,462  
36,218  

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

All Other 
Stock 
Awards: 
Number 
of 
Shares of 
Stock 
(#)(d) 
17,936    1,562,226  
17,502    1,503,597  
579,853  
668,500  
519,522  
14,487    1,537,940  
—    2,306,963  
—    1,922,451  

—   
—   
—   

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—    
—     11,880    
7,149    
—    
4,959    
—    

—   
—    
—    
—    

—   
—    
—    
—    

—    
6,105    
5,362    
3,967    

—    
4,455    
4,766    
2,975    

—  
21,384  
12,868  
8,926  

—  
10,989  
9,651  
7,140  

—  
8,019  
8,578  
5,355  

14,585    1,252,997  
—    1,128,362  
721,048  
—   
432,921  
—   

11,668    1,002,398  
579,853  
540,811  
346,319  

—   
—   
—   

8,751   
—   
—   
—   

751,798  
423,136  
480,699  
259,718  

2018 Proxy Statement  63 

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

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (b) 

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

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

Name 

Grant 
Date 

Threshold 
($) 

Target ($) 

  Maximum ($)    Threshold ($)   

Target 
(#) 

  Maximum (#)   

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Former Executive Officers: 

Carl
     Bass

  3/14/2017   
  3/14/2017   
  6/14/2017   

  2/23/2017  
Amar
Hanspal (f)    3/14/2017  
  3/14/2017  
  3/14/2017  
  3/14/2017   
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  
  6/19/2017  

Jan
Becker (f)  

  3/14/2017  
  3/14/2017  
  3/14/2017  
  3/14/2017  
  9/30/2017  
  9/30/2017  
  9/30/2017  
  9/30/2017  
  9/30/2017  
  9/30/2017  
  9/30/2017  

—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
424,875    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
339,750    

—    
—    
—    
—      

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
807,262      

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
645,525      

—     26,730    
—     28,597    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
7,149    
5,951    
6,105    
6,105    
7,149    
5,951    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
4,455    
4,766    
2,975    
4,455    
4,766    
2,975    
—    
—    
—    
—    

48,114    
51,474    
—    

—    
—    
12,868    
10,711    
10,989    
10,989    
12,868    
10,711    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
8,019    
8,578    
5,355    
8,019    
8,578    
5,355    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—     2,538,815  
—     2,884,293  
249,995  

2,354    

17,936     1,562,226  
17,502     1,503,597  
721,048  
—    
519,522  
—    
579,853  
—    
750,121  
—    
904,706  
—    
694,303  
—    
648,107  
6,105    
7,149    
758,938  
22,870     2,427,879  
17,936     1,904,086  
619,337  
5,834    

751,798  
8,751    
423,136  
—    
480,699  
—    
259,718  
—    
600,623  
—    
649,701  
—    
384,638  
—    
4,455    
506,222  
9,532     1,083,121  
17,152     1,948,982  
331,459  
2,917    

 ________________ 
(a)  Reflects target and maximum dollar amounts payable under the EIP for performance during fiscal 2018, 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.  

(b)  Represents shares of our Common Stock subject to each of the PSU awards granted to the named executive officers in fiscal 2018 under 
our 2012 Stock 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  total ARR,  net  total  subscription  additions,  total  subscription  renewal  rate  and  non-GAAP  total 
spend goals for fiscal 2018 adopted by the Compensation Committee (the “Annual Financial Results”), as well as TSR compared against 
the  companies  in  the  S&P  Computer  Software  Select  Index  or  the  S&P  North American  Technology  Software  Index  with  a  market 
capitalization over $2B (“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 2018 by the named executive officers under this 
program are shown in “Long-Term Incentive Compensation” in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” 

2018 Proxy Statement  64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
(c)  Represents shares of our Common Stock subject to PSU awards granted to the CEO on June 19, 2017. For these PSU grants, the shares 
will vest based on the Company’s fiscal 2020 free cash flow per share and ARR performance.  Fiscal 2020 free cash flow per share and 
ARR performance could result in PSU attainment of 0%-200% of target. RSUs granted on February 23, 2017 vest as to 100% of the total 
shares on July 1, 2018. RSUs granted on March 14, 2017 vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the 
date of grant.  RSUs granted to Dr. Anagnost on June 19, 2017 vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary 
of the date of grant.  

(d)  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 22, 2018. 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. 

(e)  For Mr. Hanspal and Ms. Becker, RSUs and PSUs shown as granted on June 19, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively, represent 

the modification of pre-existing awards in connection with their separation of service from the Company. 

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2018 Proxy Statement  65  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2018 Year End 

The  following  table  presents  information  concerning  outstanding  unvested  RSU  and  PSU  awards  for  each  named  executive 
officer  as  of  January 31,  2018.  This  table  includes  RSUs  and  PSUs  granted  under  the  2012  Stock  Plan.  Unless  otherwise 
indicated, all RSU awards vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. 

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

Stock Awards 

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

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 ($) 

6,746     (b) 
6,105      
7,781     (c) 
13,255      
22,870     (d) 
17,936     (e) 
5,355     (f) 
17,502      
14,487      
21,731     (g) 
—      

13,127     (b) 
14,298      
8,392     (c) 
22,870     (d) 
14,585      
4,463     (f) 

6,746     (b) 
6,105      
6,294     (c) 
10,723      
22,870     (d) 
3,570     (f) 
11,668      

4,922     (b) 
4,455      
9,532      
5,595     (c) 
17,152     (d) 
2,677     (f) 
8,751      

779,973    
705,860    
899,639    
1,532,543    
2,644,229    
2,073,760    
619,145    
2,023,581    
1,674,987    
2,512,538    
—    

1,517,744    
1,653,135    
970,283    
2,644,229    
1,686,318    
516,012    

779,973    
705,860    
727,712    
1,239,793    
2,644,229    
412,763    
1,349,054    

569,082    
515,087    
1,102,090    
646,894    
1,983,114    
309,515    
1,011,791    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
18,109   (g) 

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
2,093,763  

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

Grant 
Date 
3/12/2015     
3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
3/10/2016     
6/1/2016     
2/23/2017     
3/14/2017     
3/14/2017     
6/19/2017     
6/19/2017     
6/19/2017     

3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
3/10/2016     
6/1/2016     
3/14/2017     
3/14/2017     

3/12/2015     
3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
3/10/2016     
6/1/2016     
3/14/2017     
3/14/2017     

3/12/2015     
3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
3/10/2016     
6/1/2016     
3/14/2017     
3/14/2017     

Name 
Andrew Anagnost 

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R. Scott Herren 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

2018 Proxy Statement  66 

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

Stock Awards 

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

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 ($) 

29,536     (b) 
33,572     (c) 
2,354     (h) 

6,746     (b) 
8,392     (c) 
5,355     (f) 

4,922     (b) 
5,595     (c) 
2,677     (f) 

3,414,952    
3,881,595    
272,169    

779,973    
970,283    
619,145    

569,082    
646,894    
309,515    

—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

Grant 
Date 

3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
6/14/2017     

3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
3/14/2017     

3/12/2015     
3/10/2016     
3/14/2017     

Name 
Former Executive Officers: 
Carl Bass 

Amar Hanspal 

Jan Becker 

________________ 

(a)  Market value of RSUs that have not vested is computed by multiplying (i) $115.62, the closing price on the NASDAQ of Autodesk 
Common  Stock  on  January 31,  2018,  the  last  trading  day  of  fiscal  2018,  by  (ii) the  number  of  shares  of  stock  underlying  RSU 
awards. 

(b)  Awards relate to the third-year tranche of PSU awards granted on March 12, 2015 under the 2012 Plan. These PSUs were subject to 
achievement of total ARR, net total subscription additions, total subscription renewal rate and non-GAAP total spend goals for fiscal 
2018 adopted by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, as well as TSR compared against the companies in the S&P 
Computer Software Select Index. The  third-year tranche of these  PSUs were earned as of January 31, 2018 and subject to vest on 
March 26, 2018. 

(c)  Awards related to the second-year tranche of PSU awards granted on March 10, 2016 under the 2012 Plan. These PSUs were subject 
to  achievement  of  total ARR,  net  total  subscription  additions,  total  subscription  renewal  rate  and  non-GAAP  total  spend  goals  for 
fiscal 2018 adopted by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, as well as TSR compared against the companies in the 
S&P Computer Software Select Index. The second-year tranche of these PSUs were earned as of January 31, 2018 and subject to vest 
on March 26, 2018. 

(d)  RSUs granted on June 1, 2016 vest as to approximately one-third of the total shares on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 

approximately two-thirds of the total shares upon the second anniversary of the date of grant. 

(e)  RSUs granted on February 23, 2017 vest as to 100% of the total shares on July 1, 2018.  
(f)  Awards related to the first-year tranche of PSU awards granted on March 14, 2017 under the 2012 Plan. These PSUs were subject to 
achievement of total ARR, net total subscription additions, total subscription renewal rate and non-GAAP total spend goals for fiscal 
2018 adopted by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, as well as TSR  compared against the S&P North American 
Technology  Software  Index  with  a  market  capitalization  over  $2  billion.  The  first-year  tranche  of  these  PSUs  were  earned  as  of 
January 31, 2018 and subject to vest on March 26, 2018. 

(g)  Awards related to the PSU awards granted on June 19, 2017 under the 2012 Plan. These PSUs are subject to achievement of fiscal 
2020 free cash flow per share and ARR goals adopted by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. The first-year tranche 
of these PSUs were earned as of January 31, 2018 and subject to vest on March 26, 2018.   

(h)  Non-employee director RSU granted on June 14, 2017 vest as to 100% of total shares on June 12, 2018. 

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2018 Proxy Statement  67  

 
 
 
 
 
  
     
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
 
 
 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested at Fiscal 2018 Year End 

The following table presents certain information concerning the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards held by 
each of the named executive officers during fiscal 2018. 

Named Executive Officer 

Andrew Anagnost 
R. Scott Herren 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Former Executive Officers: 

Carl Bass 

Amar Hanspal 

Jan Becker 

______________ 

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Option Awards 

Stock Awards 

Number of Shares  
Acquired on 
Exercise (#)   
—    
—    
40,872    
—    

—    
27,500    
—    

Value  
Realized on 
Exercise ($) (a) 

—    
—    
1,687,274    
—    

—    
1,754,744    
—    

Number of Shares  
Acquired on 

Vesting (#)   
50,816    
50,198    
44,834    
37,436    

Value  
Realized on  
Vesting ($) (a) 
4,691,207  
5,101,749  
4,174,933  
3,460,057  

201,286    
111,797    
71,492    

17,954,607  
10,998,427  
7,449,376  

(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 stock awards vested, reflects the number of shares acquired on vesting of RSUs or PSUs multiplied by the closing market 
price of our Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ on the vesting date. 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2018  

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. 

The following table presents information regarding non-qualified deferred compensation activity for each listed officer during 
fiscal 2018: 

Named Executive Officer 

Andrew Anagnost 
R. Scott Herren 

Steve M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Former Executive Officers: 

Carl Bass 
Amar Hanspal 

Jan Becker 

 _____________ 

Executive 
Contributions 
(Distributions) 
in Fiscal 
Year ($)   
—   
—   
110,662   
(14,402 )  

967,313   
(43,456 )  
(56,503 )  

Aggregate 
Earnings/ 
(Losses) in 

Fiscal Year ($) (a)   
302,343   
—   
250,660   
52,857   

24,789   
8,107   
2,352   

Aggregate 
Balance  
At Fiscal  
Year End ($) 
3,067,376  
—  
1,339,941  
239,783  

1,809,780  
—  
—  

(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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
CEO Pay Ratio 

In  accordance  with  SEC  rules,  we  are  providing  the  ratio  of  the  annual  total  compensation  of  our  CEO  to  the  annual  total 
compensation  of  our  median  employee  (excluding  our  CEO).  The  fiscal  2018  annual  total  compensation  of  our  CEO  was 
$12,345,706.  The fiscal 2018 annual total compensation of our median compensated employee was $115,892, and the ratio of 
these amounts was 106.5 to 1. 

To identify the median employee, we examined the compensation of all our full- and part-time employees (other than our CEO) 
as of the last day of our fiscal year. We used target total direct compensation as our consistently applied compensation measure. 
Target  total  direct  compensation  for  this  purpose  consisted  of  each  employee’s  estimated  salary  earnings,  target  non-equity 
incentive  opportunity  for  fiscal  2018,  and  the  fair  market  value  price  of  his  or  her  equity  incentive  awards  granted  in  fiscal 
2018. We  also  converted  all  employee  compensation,  on  a  country-by-country  basis,  to  U.S.  dollars  based  on  the  applicable 
year-end exchange rate. After identifying the median employee, we calculated the annual total compensation for such employee 
using the same methodology that we used for our named executive officers as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. 
The  Company  had  three  individuals  who  served  as  CEO  during  fiscal  2018.  We  elected  to  use  the  compensation  of  Dr. 
Anagnost, our CEO as of January 31, 2018, for purposes of determining the CEO pay ratio. 

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The pay ratio reported above is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules, based on our internal 
records  and  the  methodology  described  above.  The  SEC  rules  for  identifying  the  median  compensated  employee  and 
calculating  the  pay  ratio  based  on  that  employee’s  annual  total  compensation,  allow  companies  to  adopt  a  variety  of 
methodologies,  to  apply  certain  exclusions,  and  to  make  reasonable  estimates  and  assumptions  that  reflect  their  employee 
populations and compensation practices. Accordingly, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the 
pay  ratio  reported  above,  as  other  companies  have  different  employee  populations  and  compensation  practices  and  may  use 
different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios. 

2018 Proxy Statement  69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 December 2016. Dr. Anagnost had 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 salary 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. 

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. 

Fiscal 2017 RSUs and PSUs 

During fiscal 2017, the RSUs and PSUs granted to our named executive officers (other than Mr. Bass) provided for accelerated 
vesting in the event of termination of the named executive officer by the Company without “cause” or by the named executive 
officer for "good reason" each as defined in the award agreement.   The Committee  approved the vesting provisions to foster 
stability and continuity  for the leadership team during a time of  major operational transformation, particularly in light of  the 
uncertainty that resulted from the fiscal 2017 changes to the Board composition. 

2018 Proxy Statement  70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employment Agreement with Andrew Anagnost 

In  connection  with  Dr. Anagnost’s  appointment  as  CEO,  in  June  2017,  Dr. Anagnost  entered  into  an  employment  agreement 
with the Company which provides for, among other things, certain payments and benefits to be provided to Dr. Anagnost in the 
event his employment is terminated without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” including in connection with a “change of 
control,” as each such term is defined in Dr. Anagnost's employment agreement. 

In the event Dr. Anagnost's employment is terminated by Autodesk without cause or if Dr. Anagnost resigns for good reason 
and in each case  such termination is not  in connection  with a change of control,  Dr. Anagnost  would 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  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,  as  prorated  to  reflect  the  number  of  days  in 
which  he  was  employed  during  such  period;  and  (v) reimbursement  for  premiums  paid  for  continued  health  benefits  for  Dr. 
Anagnost and his eligible dependents until the earlier of 12  months  following termination or the  date  Dr. Anagnost becomes 
covered under similar health plans. In addition, Dr. Anagnost 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,  Dr. Anagnost  's  employment  is  terminated  by  Autodesk  without  cause  or  if  Dr. 
Anagnost resigns for good reason, Dr. Anagnost would 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;  and  (iv) reimbursement  for  premiums  paid  for 
continued health benefits for Dr. Anagnost and his eligible dependents until the earlier of 18 months following termination or 
the date Dr. Anagnost becomes covered under similar health plans. 

Transition Agreement with Carl Bass 

On  February  6,  2017,  Mr.  Bass  and  the  Company  entered  into  a  Transition  and  Separation  Agreement  (the  “Transition 
Agreement”) under which Mr. Bass resigned from his positions as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Under 
the Transition Agreement, Mr. Bass served as a part-time employee in the role of special advisor to the Co-CEOs through May 
7,  2017.    During  the  transition  period,  Mr.  Bass  received  a  monthly  payment  of  $12,500  from  the  Company  and  continued 
health  benefits.  The  Transition  Agreement  superseded  and  replaced  Mr.  Bass’  employment  agreement.  The  Transition 
Agreement  provided  Mr.  Bass  with  the  same  compensation  that  he  would  have  received  under  his  employment  agreement’s 
“voluntary termination related to a transition” provisions.  The provisions provided for compensation as if his employment had 
been involuntarily terminated other than in connection with a change in control. The compensation consisted of: (i) payment of 
two (2.0) times of his base salary for 12 months; (ii) accelerated vesting of his unvested RSUs; (iii) vesting of unvested PSUs 
based on fiscal 2018 Company performance (with the remaining PSUs forfeited); and (iv) 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. This  compensation  was  conditioned  upon  re-execution  and  non-
revocation by Mr. Bass of a general release of claims and continued compliance with certain non-competition, non-solicitation, 
non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants set forth in the Transition Agreement. 

2018 Proxy Statement  71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Separation Agreement with Former Co-CEO 

Following a 30-year career with the Company, most recently as Co-CEO, Mr. Hanspal entered into a separation agreement with 
the Company on June 19, 2017.  Under the separation agreement, Mr. Hanspal received the following separation payments and 
benefits: (i) a lump-sum payment of an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the sum of his annual base salary; (ii) a 
lump-sum payment in an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times his target annual incentive; (iii) accelerated vesting of 
his  unvested  RSUs  that  would  have  vested  had  he  remained  employed  through  July  1,  2018;  (iv)  vesting  of  unvested  PSUs 
based on fiscal 2018 Company performance (with the remaining PSUs forfeited); (v) a lump-sum payment in an amount equal 
to the estimated cost of his continued health benefits under COBRA for eighteen (18) months, as grossed up for taxes; and (vi) a 
lump-sum payment in respect of an untaken vacation leave benefit of six weeks of base salary. These benefits were consistent 
with competitive practices pertaining to the separation of long-tenured executives. In approving the separation agreement, the 
Committee took into account Mr. Hanspal’s years of service in senior management positions, as well as his continued support 
and contributions to the Company through a time of  major operational transformation, particularly in light of the uncertainty 
resulting from recent changes to the Board and executive team. This compensation was conditioned upon re-execution and non-
revocation  by  Mr.  Hanspal  of  a  general  release  of  claims  and  continued  compliance  with  non-competition,  employee  non-
solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants set forth in the separation agreement as well as the provision of 
transition services. 

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Separation Agreement with Former SVP, CHRO 

Following  a  25-year  career  with  the  Company  and  having  helped  the  Board  and  management  transition  through  fiscal  2018 
management  changes,  Ms.  Becker  entered  into  a  separation  agreement  with  the  Company  on  October  3,  2017.  Under  the 
separation  agreement,  Ms.  Becker  received  the  following  separation  payments  and  benefits:  (i)  a  lump-sum  payment  of  an 
amount equal to one (1.0) times the sum of her annual base salary; (ii) accelerated vesting of her unvested RSUs that would 
have  vested  had she remained employed through July 1, 2018 plus accelerated vesting  of the  final tranche of the time-based 
RSUs granted on March 10, 2016 which otherwise would have vested on March 25, 2019; (iii) vesting of unvested PSUs based 
on fiscal 2018 Company performance (with the remaining PSUs forfeited);  and (iv) a lump-sum payment in an amount equal to 
the estimated cost of her continued health benefits under COBRA for five (5) months, as grossed up for taxes. These benefits 
were consistent with competitive practices pertaining to the separation of long-tenured executives. In approving the separation 
agreement, the Committee took into account Ms. Becker’s years of service in senior management positions, and her continued 
support  and  contributions  to  the  Company  through  a  time  of  major  operational  transformation,  particularly  in  light  of  the 
uncertainty  resulting  from  recent  changes  to  the  Board  and  executive  team.  This  compensation  was  conditioned  upon  re-
execution and non-revocation by Ms.  Becker of a general release of claims and continued compliance  with non-competition, 
employee non-solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants set forth in the separation agreement as well as the 
provision of transition services. 

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 Messrs. Bass and Hanspal and Ms. 
Becker are actual amounts paid based upon their separation agreements. The amounts for all other all named executive officers 
assume that such termination was effective as of January 31, 2018, and include all components of compensation, benefits and 
perquisites payable under the Executive Change in Control Program effective during the 2018 fiscal year or pursuant to fiscal 
2017 RSUs and PSUs, or, in the case of Dr. Anagnost, 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 
Tuesday, January 31, 2018, which was $115.62 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. 

2018 Proxy Statement  72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Anagnost 

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 

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 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause  
or Voluntary  
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change  
in Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($)   

Involuntary 
Not for Cause  
or Voluntary  
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

Disability on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

1,600,000   

724,711 
13,903,999   

24,974   
—   

— 
—   

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

1,600,000   

—   

—  

1,339,671 
19,523,246   

— 
19,523,246   

— 
19,523,246  

37,461   
—   

24,974   
2,769,114   

—  
—  

— 
—   

2,000,000 
—   

2,000,000 
2,000,000  

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16,253,684 

— 

22,500,378 

24,317,334 

23,523,246 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause  
or Voluntary  
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change  
in Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

—    

— 
5,123,931    

—    
—    

— 
—    

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

Involuntary 
Not for Cause  
or Voluntary  
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

Disability on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

—    

— 
—    

—    
—    

— 
—    

880,500    

—    

—  

1,038,470 
10,696,700    

— 
10,696,700    

— 
10,696,700  

33,052    
—    

22,034    
2,424,320    

—  
—  

— 
—    

1,761,000 
—    

1,761,000 
1,174,000  

— 

5,123,931 

— 

12,648,722 

14,904,054 

13,631,700 

2018 Proxy Statement 

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steven M. Blum 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

—    

— 
—    

—    
—    

— 
—    

— 

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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 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause  
or Voluntary  
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change  
in Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
4,503,977   

—   
—   

— 
—   

Involuntary 
Not for Cause  
or Voluntary  
For Good  
Reason  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

Disability on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

838,500   

—    

—  

1,241,801 
9,233,644   

— 
9,233,644    

— 
9,233,644  

37,585   
—   

— 
—   

25,057    
2,741,303    

2,000,000 
—    

—  
—  

2,000,000 
2,000,000  

4,503,977 

— 

11,351,530 

14,000,004 

13,233,644 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause  
or Voluntary  
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change  
in Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
3,636,249   

—   
—   

— 
—   

3,636,249 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

— 

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  
(Change in  
Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

For Cause 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

Disability on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

Death on 
1/31/2018 ($) 

—   

— 
—   

—   
—   

— 
—   

— 

733,500   

—   

—  

883,398 
7,241,049   

— 
7,241,049   

— 
7,241,049  

36,826   
—     

24,551   

—  
—  

— 
—   

2,000,000 
—   

2,000,000 
489,000  

8,894,773 

9,265,600 

9,730,049 

2018 Proxy Statement  74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl Bass 

Executive Benefits and Payments (8) 

Compensation: 
Base Salary 

Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan (EIP) 

Equity Awards 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance 

Disability Income 

Accidental Death or Dismemberment 

Life Insurance 

Total Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation 

Amar Hanspal 

Executive Benefits and Payments (9) 

Compensation: 
Base Salary 

Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan (EIP) 

Equity Awards 

Benefits and perquisites: 

Health Insurance 

Disability Income 

Accidental Death or Dismemberment 

Life Insurance 

Total Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation 

Involuntary 
Not For Cause  
or Voluntary  
for Good  
Reason  
(Except Change  
in Control)  
Termination on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

2,200,000  
—  
10,391,973  

52,117  
—  
—  
—  

12,644,090 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 

888,462  
618,750  
8,205,731  

76,000  
—  
—  
—  

9,788,943 

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2018 Proxy Statement  75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Jan Becker 

Executive Benefits and Payments (10) 

Compensation: 
Base Salary 

Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan (EIP) 

Equity Awards 

Benefits and perquisites: 
Health Insurance 

Disability Income 

Accidental Death or Dismemberment 

Life Insurance 

Total Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation 

______________ 

Voluntary 
Termination  
on  
1/31/2018 ($) 
453,000  
—  
5,417,959  

18,124  
—  
—  
—  

5,889,083 

(1)  Base Salary: For Dr. Anagnost, the amounts shown would be paid in accordance with his employment agreement that was in effect as 
of January 31, 2018. For the other continuing named executive officers, the amounts shown would be paid in accordance with the 
Executive Change in Control Program effective at the end of the 2018 fiscal year.  

(2)  Short-Term  Cash  Incentive  Plan  (EIP):  For  Dr. Anagnost,  the  amounts  shown  would  be  paid  in  accordance  with  his  employment 
agreement that was in effect as of January 31, 2018. For the other continuing named executive officers, the amounts shown would be 
paid in accordance with the Executive Change in Control Program effective at the end of 2018 fiscal year.  These amounts are based 
on the cash value of the short-term cash incentive plan. 

(3)  Equity Awards: Pursuant to the Company's form of RSU and PSU award agreement, in the case of Disability or Death, unvested time-
based  RSUs  vest  in  full  and  unvested  PSUs  vest  at  target.  For  Dr. Anagnost,  the  amounts  shown  for  other  termination  scenarios 
reflect  the  value  of  unvested  equity  awards  accelerated  in  accordance  with  his  employment  agreement  that  was  in  effect  as  of 
January 31, 2018. For the other continuing named executive officers, the amounts shown for other termination scenarios reflect the 
value  of  unvested  equity  awards  accelerated  in  accordance  with  the  Executive  Change  in  Control  Program  effective  at  the  end  of 
2018  fiscal  year  or  in  accordance  with  the  fiscal  2017  RSUs  and  PSUs.  Reported  values  are  based  on  the  closing  price  of  our 
Common Stock on January 31, 2018 ($115.62 per share) for RSUs and PSUs and target PSUs.  

(4)  Health Insurance: For Dr. Anagnost, in accordance with his employment agreement that was in effect as of January 31, 2018, these 
amounts represent the cost of continuing coverage for Dr. Anagnost 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 continuing 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 at the end of the 2018 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 67. 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. 

(8)  For Mr. Bass, the amounts shown are pursuant to his transition and separation agreement: (i) 200% of his base salary for 12 months; 
(ii)  accelerated  vesting  of  his  unvested  RSUs;  (iii)  PSU  vesting  based  upon  fiscal  2018  performance;  and  (iv)  premiums  paid  for 
continued  health  benefits  for  Mr.  Bass  and  his  eligible  dependents  for  12  months.  Equity Award  reported  values  are  based  on  the 
closing price of our Common Stock on May 8, 2017 ($93.39), Mr. Bass' separation date, and PSUs at target; actual value of RSUs 
and PSUs on vest dates were higher due to stock price and PSU attainment.  

2018 Proxy Statement  76 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9)  For Mr. Hanspal, the amounts shown are pursuant to his separation agreement: (i) 150% of his annual base salary, plus payment of 
100%  of  salary  for  a  vacation  leave  benefit  of  six  weeks;  (ii)  150%  of  his  target  annual  incentive;  (iii)  accelerated  vesting  of  his 
unvested RSUs that would have vested had he remained employed through July 1, 2018; (iv) PSU vesting based upon fiscal 2018 
performance; (v) a lump-sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated cost of his continued health benefits under COBRA for 18 
months, as grossed up for taxes. Equity Award reported values are based on the closing price of our Common Stock on July 10, 2017 
($103.74), Mr. Hanspal's separation date, and PSUs at target; actual value of PSUs on vest date was higher due to stock price and 
PSU attainment.  

(10) For Ms. Becker, the amounts shown are pursuant to her separation agreement: (i) 100% of her annual base salary; (ii) accelerated 
vesting of her unvested RSUs that would have vested had she remained employed through July 1, 2018 plus accelerated vesting of 
the final tranche of the time-based RSUs granted on March 10, 2016 which otherwise would have vested on March 25, 2019; (iii) 
PSU  vesting  based  upon  fiscal  2018  performance;  and  (iv)  a  lump-sum  payment  in  an  amount  equal  to  the  estimated  cost  of  her 
continued  health  benefits  under  COBRA  for  five  months,  as  grossed  up  for  taxes.  Equity Award  reported  values  are  based  on  the 
closing price of our Common Stock on October 9, 2017 ($117.14), Ms. Becker's separation date, and PSUs at target; actual value of 
PSUs on vest date was higher due to stock price and PSU attainment. 

Compensation of Directors 

During fiscal 2018, our non-employee directors were eligible to receive the annual compensation set forth below: 

Member of the Board of Directors 

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 
RSUs ($250,000 equivalent) 
$65,000 
an additional 

an additional 

an additional 

an additional 

$25,000 

$20,000 

$10,000 

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 2018.  

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. If cash is elected, cash compensation is accrued monthly and paid quarterly, in arrears. 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. 

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2018 Proxy Statement  77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Cycle 
June 14, 2017 Annual Stockholder Meeting - June 12, 2018 Annual Stockholder Meeting 

Director 

Carl Bass 

Crawford W. Beveridge 

Karen Blasing (a) 

Reid French (a) 

Thomas Georgens (b) 

Richard (Rick) S. Hill (b) 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Former Directors 

Jeff Clarke (c) 

Scott Ferguson (c) 

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% Annual Fees Elected to 
Convert to RSUs 
(June 15, 2016 - June 14, 2017) 

% Annual Fees Elected to 
Convert to RSUs 
(June 14, 2017 - June 12, 2018) 

N/A   
—    

N/A   

N/A   
—    

N/A   
100    
100    
—    
100    

—    
—    

—  
100  

N/A 
—  
—  
10  
100  
100  
—  
100  

—  
100  

 ________________ 
(a)  Karen Blasing joined the Board on March 21, 2018 and Mr. French joined the Board on July 19, 2017 and were not eligible to make cash 

to RSU elections for the applicable non-employee director annual compensation cycles. 
(b) Messrs. Bass, Georgens and Hill are not standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting. 
(c)  Messrs. Clarke and Ferguson resigned from the Board on June 19, 2017 pursuant to the terms of a Settlement Agreement. 

During  fiscal  2018,  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 RSUs with a grant date value of $250,000 and prorate the award based on service on the date such director joined the 
Board (“Initial RSUs”), with subsequent annual grants of RSUs with a grant date value of $250,000 on the date of the Annual 
Meeting (“Subsequent Annual RSUs”). 

$250,000 

x   

The number of calendar days 
from the Date of Grant to the 
Company’s next annual 
meeting of stockholders 

365 

  Fair Market Value 
of a Share on the 
Date of Grant 

/ 

  Result is rounded 

= 

down to the 
nearest whole 
number of shares 

Initial RSUs vest upon the annual meeting of stockholders following the date of grant.  Subsequent Annual RSUs vest over a 
one-year period. If a non-employee director is appointed on the on the date of an Annual Meeting, such non-employee director 
is not eligible to an Initial RSU. 

The tables below present information concerning the compensation paid by us to each of our non-employee directors for fiscal 
2018.  Karen  Blasing  was  not  a  director  of  the  Company  during  fiscal  2018  and  did  not  receive  compensation  from  the 
Company during that period. Mr. Bass, who was an Autodesk employee during fiscal 2018, received director compensation for 
the  portion of the fiscal  year in  which he  was a non-employee director. Mr. Bass' director compensation is included with his 
employee compensation in the Summary Compensation Table, but is not listed in the Director Compensation Tables below. Dr. 

2018 Proxy Statement  78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anagnost,  who  was  an Autodesk  employee  during  fiscal  2018,  did  not  receive  additional  compensation  for  his  service  as  a 
director. 

Current Directors (a) 

Crawford W. Beveridge 

Reid French 

Thomas Georgens 
Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Former Directors: 

Jeff Clarke 

Scott Ferguson 

______________ 

Fees Earned or 
Paid in Cash 
($) (b) 
140,000    
30,444    
85,000    
75,000    
95,000    
75,000    
100,000    
75,000    

Stock Awards 
($) (c) 
249,995    
224,579    
249,995    
249,995    
249,995    
249,995    
249,995    
249,995    

114,537    
37,500    

249,995    
249,995    

Total 
($) 
389,995  
255,023  
334,995  
324,995  
344,995  
324,995  
349,995  
324,995  

364,532  
287,495  

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(a)  Mr. French joined the Board on July 19, 2017 and received prorated fees and 2,037 Initial RSUs.  Messrs. Clarke and Ferguson resigned 
from  the  Board on  June 19,  2017 pursuant  to  the  terms  of  a  Settlement Agreement  and  forfeited  their Subsequent Annual  Grants  and 
received prorated fees. Mr. Clarke received a one-time payment of $77,037, representing the value of forfeited RSUs for which he had 
provided Board service but had not yet vested. 

(b)  Fees  Earned  or  Paid  in  Cash  reflects  the  dollar  amounts  of  fees  earned. As  noted  above,  during  fiscal  2018,  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 2018 based on their elections. See footnote (c) for more information regarding the RSUs granted in lieu of cash. 

Current Directors 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
Reid French 
Thomas Georgens 
Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 
Lorrie M. Norrington 
Betsy Rafael 
Stacy J. Smith 

Former Directors: 
Jeff Clarke 
Scott Ferguson 

Fees Actually 
Paid in Cash ($) 
70,000  
30,444  
85,000  
71,250  
—  
—  
100,000  
—  

114,537  
37,500  

(c)   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 2018 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 
2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 22, 2018. 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.  

2018 Proxy Statement  79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the total amounts and fair values, as well as the 20% premium, of RSUs granted on June 15, 2016, in 
lieu of cash foregone for the June 15, 2016 through June 14, 2017 Directors' Compensation Cycle: 

Current Directors 

Crawford W. Beveridge 

Reid French 

Thomas Georgens 
Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Former Directors: 

Jeff Clarke 

Scott Ferguson 

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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 ($) 

—    
—    
—    
—    
2,013    
1,589    
—    
1,589    

—    
—    

— 

— 

— 

— 

335   

264   

— 

264   

— 

— 

—    
—    
—    
—    
113,956    
89,953    
—    
89,953    

—    
—    

—  
—  
—  
—  
18,964  
14,945  
—  
14,945  

—  
—  

The following table shows the total amounts and fair values, as well as the 20% premium, of RSUs granted on June 14, 2017, in 
lieu of cash foregone for the June 14, 2017 through June 12, 2018 Directors' Compensation Cycle: 

Current Directors 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
Reid French 

Thomas Georgens 
Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Former Directors: 

Jeff Clarke 
Scott Ferguson (a) 

Restricted Stock Unit 

Total 
Number of 
Shares (#) 

Number of Shares 
Representing the 
20% Premium (#)   

Grant Date Fair 
Value of Stock 
Awards ($) 

1,581    
—    
—    
84    
1,073    
847    
—    
847    

—    
847    

263   
— 

— 

14 

178   

141   

— 

141   

— 
141   

167,902    
—    
—    
8,921    
113,953    
89,951    
—    
89,951    

—    
89,951    

Grant Date Fair Value 
of the 20% Premium of 
the Stock Awards ($) 
27,931  
—  
—  
1,487  
18,904  
14,974  
—  
14,974  

—  
14,974  

____________ 
(a) Mr. Ferguson forfeited his RSUs upon resigning from the Board. 

2018 Proxy Statement  80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables show the total amounts and fair values of Subsequent Annual RSUs and Initial RSUs granted during fiscal 
2018. 

Current Directors 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
Reid French 
Thomas Georgens 
Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 
Lorrie M. Norrington 
Betsy Rafael 
Stacy J. Smith 
Former Directors: 
Jeff Clarke (a) 
Scott Ferguson (a) 

Restricted Stock Unit 

Grant Date(s) 

Number of 
Shares (#) 

Grant Date Fair 
Value of Stock 
Awards ($) 

6/14/2017  
7/18/2017  
6/14/2017  
6/14/2017  
6/14/2017  
6/14/2017  
6/14/2017  
6/14/2017  

6/14/2017  
6/14/2017  

2,354 
2,037 
2,354 
2,354 
2,354 
2,354 
2,354 
2,354 

2,354 
2,354 

249,995 
224,579 
249,995 
249,995 
249,995 
249,995 
249,995 
249,995 

249,995 
249,995 

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(a)  Messrs. Clarke and Ferguson forfeited their RSUs upon resigning from the Board. 

The aggregate number of each director's stock options and RSUs outstanding at January 31, 2018, was:  

Current Directors 

Crawford W. Beveridge 
Reid French 
Thomas Georgens 
Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 
Lorrie M. Norrington 
Betsy Rafael 
Stacy J. Smith 
Former Directors: 
Jeff Clarke 
Scott Ferguson 

Aggregate Number of Shares 
Underlying Stock Options 
Outstanding 

Aggregate Number of Shares 
Underlying Outstanding 
Restricted Stock Units 

—    

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    

3,935  
2,037  
2,354  
7,799  
3,427  
3,201  
2,354  
3,201  

—  
—  

2018 Proxy Statement  81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
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,  2018,  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, including former executive officers, and all directors and executive officers as a group. 

5% Stockholders, Directors and Officers (1) 

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Principal Stockholders: 
FMR LLC (4) 

The Vanguard Group, Inc. (5) 

BlackRock, Inc. (6) 

Loomis Sayles & Co., L.P. (7) 

Non-Employee Directors: 
Carl Bass 

Crawford W. Beveridge 

Karen Blasing (8) 

Reid French (9) 

Tom Georgens 

Richard (Rick) S. Hill 

Mary T. McDowell 

Lorrie M. Norrington 

Betsy Rafael 

Stacy J. Smith 

Named Executive Officers: 
Andrew Anagnost 

R. Scott Herren 

Steven M. Blum 

Pascal W. Di Fronzo 

Former Executive Officers: 

Amar Hanspal 

Jan Becker 

All directors and executive officers as a group (16 individuals) (16) 

Common Stock 
Beneficially 
Owned (2) 

Percentage 
Beneficially 
Owned (3) 

22,809,481    
22,250,636   
16,813,275   
11,228,654    

39,995   
22,236   
—   
20   
29,663   
5,362   
40,689   
12,286   
7,646   
44,017   

28,543   
20,448   
37,138   
14,567   

—   
35,700   
302,610   

10.4 % 

10.2 % 

7.7 % 

5.1 % 

* 

* 
—  
*

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 
* 
* 

 _______________ 
*      Represents less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding Common Stock. 
(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, 2018, 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, 2018, was 219,129,083. 
(4)  As of December 31, 2017, the reporting date of FMR LLC ’s most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(g) of the Exchange 
Act filed on February 13, 2018, pursuant to which FMR LLC reported to have sole voting power with respect to 1,134,920 shares, sole 
dispositive power with respect to 22,809,481 shares and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 0 shares. The address of the 
reporting persons is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. 

2018 Proxy Statement  82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
(5)  As of December 31, 2017, 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 12, 2018, The Vanguard Group, Inc. was deemed to have sole voting power with respect to 302,113 
shares,  sole  dispositive  power  with  respect  to  21,911,419  shares,  shared  voting  power  with  respect  to  44,405  shares,  and  shared 
dispositive power with respect to 339,217 shares. The address of The Vanguard Group, Inc. is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. 

(6)  As  of  December 31,  2017,  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 29, 2018, BlackRock, Inc. was deemed to have sole voting power with respect to 14,666,061 shares, sole 
dispositive power with respect to 16,813,275 shares, and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 0 shares. The address of 
BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055. 

(7)  As of December 31, 2017, the reporting date of Loomis, Sayles & Co. L.P. most recent filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(g) of 
the  Exchange  Act  filed  on  February  14,  2018,  Loomis,  Sayles  &  Co.  L.P.  was  deemed  to  have  sole  voting  power  with  respect  to 
7,691,184 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 11,228,654 shares, and shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect 
to 0 shares. The address of Loomis, Sayles & Co. L.P. is One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111. 

(8)  Upon appointment to the Board on March 21, 2018, Ms. Blasing was granted 419 restricted stock units, none of which vest within 60 

days of March 31, 2018. 

(9)  Upon appointment to the Board on July 19, 2017, Mr. French was granted 2,037 restricted stock units, none of which vest within 60 days 
of March 31, 2018. Includes 20 shares held indirectly by trust. Mr. French disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held  by trust to 
the extent of his pecuniary interest.  

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2018 Proxy Statement  83

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

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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 approval or ratification 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  or  ratifies  “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. 

Family Member of Former Executive Officer Employed by the Company 

Mr. Hanspal’s sister-in-law is employed by the Company as a Sr. Technical Product Manager. The salary being paid to her is 
commensurate with her respective duties as a Sr. Technical Product Manager of the Company. During fiscal 2018, the Company 
paid her a base salary of approximately $165,428, a bonus of $40,000 and granted her 976 restricted stock units. 

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 2018, we are not aware of any late Section 16(a) filings. 

2018 Proxy Statement  84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  is  directly 
responsible for 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 nine meetings during fiscal 2018. 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  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  2018  with  management  and 
Ernst & Young LLP.  

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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. 1301, “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 2018 and discussed the results of their examinations and the overall quality of 
Autodesk’s financial reporting. 

2018 Proxy Statement  85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2018, for filing with the SEC. 

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
Betsy Rafael (Chair) 

Karen Blasing 
Thomas Georgens 
 Lorrie M. Norrington 

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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 
May 1, 2018  
San Rafael, California 

2018 Proxy Statement  86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Appendix A 

Reconciliation of GAAP financial measure to non-GAAP financial measure 

This  Proxy  Statement  contains  information  regarding  a  financial  measure,  non-GAAP  spend,  that  is  not  calculated  in 
accordance  with  GAAP.    Non-GAAP  spend  is  calculated  as  our  GAAP  spend  adjusted  to  exclude  stock-based  compensation 
expense,  amortization  of  developed  technology,  amortization  of  purchased  intangibles,  CEO  transition  costs  and 
restructuring  charges  and  other  facility  exit  costs.  We  believe  that  this  non-GAAP  financial  measure  is  appropriate  to 
enhance  an  overall  understanding  of  our  fiscal  2018  performance  in  relation  to  the  principal  elements  of  Autodesk’s  annual 
executive  compensation  program  considered  by the Compensation Committee, as described in the “Compensation Discussion 
and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement. 

There  are  limitations  in  using  non-GAAP  financial  measures  because  the  non-GAAP  financial  measures  are  not  prepared  in 
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and  may  be  different  from  non-GAAP  financial  measures  used  by 
other  companies.  Non-GAAP  financial  measures  are  limited  in  value  because  they  exclude  certain  items  that  may  have  a 
material impact upon our reported financial results. The presentation of this non-GAAP  financial  measure  is  not  meant  to  be 
considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP in 
the United States. 

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Investors should review the reconciliation of non-GAAP spend to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, GAAP 
spend, as provided in the following tables (in millions): 

GAAP Spend 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Amortization of developed technology 
Amortization of purchased intangibles 
CEO transition costs (1) 
Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net 

Non-GAAP Spend 

Deferred revenue 
Unbilled deferred revenue 

Non-GAAP Total deferred revenue 

 $ 

 $ 

$ 

$
+
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D
4
:
d
8
)

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 

2018 

2017 

(Unaudited) 

2,565.7  
(245.0 ) 
(16.4 ) 
(20.2 ) 
(21.4 ) 
(94.1 ) 
2,168.6  

$ 

$ 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 

2018 

2017 

1,955  
326  
2,281  

$ 

$ 

2,530.6  
(221.8 ) 
(40.0 ) 
(31.8 ) 
— 
(80.5 ) 
2,156.5  

1,788  
30  
1,818  

________ 
(1) CEO transition costs include stock-based compensation of ($0.2) million and $16.4 million related to the acceleration of eligible stock
awards for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018. CEO transition costs also include severance payments, legal fees incurred with the CEO
transition and recruiting costs related to the search for a new CEO.

2018 Proxy Statement  87  

 
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2018 Proxy Statement  88

 
 
 
The Committee reviews the compensation peer group each year to ensure that the comparisons remain meaningful and relevant. 
Based on the Committee’s review, the fiscal 2018 compensation peer group consisted of the following companies: 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________________________________________ 

Revenue ($'s in Billions) 

Reported Fiscal Year 

Company 

  Market Capitalization as of 
1/31/2018 ($'s in billions) 

Adobe Systems, Inc. 
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 

1-Dec-17 
31-Dec-17 

CA, Inc. 

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, 2018 

31-Mar-17 

31-Mar-17 

31-Dec-17 

4.04 

2.82 

4.85 

13.33 

38.98 

14.78 

Citrix Systems, Inc. 

Electronic Arts, Inc. 

Intuit Inc. 

Juniper Networks, Inc. 

31-Jul-17 

31-Dec-17 

or

7.30 
2.50 

5.18 

5.03 

Mentor Graphics Corporation 

National Instruments Corporation 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             

31-Dec-17 

31-Jan-17 

6.54 

1.28 

1.29 

N/A 

28-Apr-17 
Commission File Number: 0-14338
_____________________________________________________________  
30-Sep-17 
AUTODESK INC. 
30-Sep-17 
28-Feb-17 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
2.41 

5.52 

1.94 

1.16 

NetApp, Inc. 

Nuance Communications, Inc. 

PTC Inc. 

Red Hat, Inc. 

salesforce.com, inc. 

Symantec Corporation 

Synopsys, Inc. 

Autodesk, Inc. 

Autodesk Percentile Ranking 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

111 McInnis Parkway,
San Rafael, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

31-Jan-18 

31-Mar-17 

31-Oct-17 

31-Jan-18 

10.48 

4.02 

2.72 

2.06 

25% 

94-2819853
(I.R.S. employer
Identification No.)

94903
(Zip Code)

98.13 
11.38 

43.00 

9.56 

16.48 

5.23 

8.44 

23.25 

83.14 

16.92 

13.79 

25.24 

73% 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (415) 507-5000
 _____________________________________________________________ 
In  September  2017,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  compensation  peer  group  that  would  be  used  for  fiscal  2019  compensation 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
decision  making.  The  Committee  determined  that  each  of  the  peers  was  still  appropriate,  except  for  Mentor  Graphics 
Corporation which was removed as a result of its acquisition by Siemens AG in March 2017. The Committee also chose to add 
Ansys,  Inc  and  Cadence  Design  Systems  Inc,  given  their  size,  industry  comparability  and  the  fact  that  they  compete  with 
Autodesk for executive talent. 

Name of each exchange
on which registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value

    No  

(“Exchange Act”).    Yes    

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 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
_____________________________________________________________ 
When determining the base salary, incentive targets, equity grants and target total direct compensation opportunity for each of 
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 
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 
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 
financial and operational performance and each executive officer’s experience, skills and performance. The Committee believes
days.    Yes  
that  referencing  the  total  compensation  packages  of  the  companies  in  the  compensation  peer  group  keeps  Autodesk’s 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 
compensation  competitive  and  within  market  norms.    This  also  provides  flexibility  for  variances  in  compensation  where 
  No    
appropriate,  based  on  each  executive  officer’s  leadership,  contributions  and  particular  skills  or  expertise  as  well  as  retention 
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 
considerations. 
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.      

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    

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an 

emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in 
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  

  Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company  

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new 

or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.        

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, 2017, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, there were approximately 218.5 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, 2017) was approximately $24.2 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 March 12, 2018, the registrant had outstanding 218,327,862 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, 2018.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

2018 Form 10-K  1
2018 Proxy Statement  45 
2018 Form 10-K  1
2018 Form 10-K  1

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ology  industry 

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2018 Form 10-K  2
2018 Form 10-K  2
2018 Proxy Statement  44 
2018 Form 10-K  2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Form 10-K Summary

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.

Item 16.

Page

5

14

30

30

30

30

31

34

35

61

62

106

106

106

107

108

108

108

108

109

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2018 Form 10-K  3

2018 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, 
future financial results ( by product type and geography) and subscriptions, the effectiveness of our restructuring efforts, 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, expectations for and our ability to increase our subscription base, expected 
market trends, including the growth of cloud and mobile computing, the effect of unemployment, the availability of credit, the 
effects of global economic conditions, the effects of revenue recognition, the effects of newly recently issued accounting 
standards, 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 ability to successfully expand adoption of our products, our ability to gain market acceptance of new businesses 
and sales initiatives, and the impact of economic volatility and geopolitical activities in certain countries, particularly emerging 
economy countries, the timing and amount of purchases under our stock buy-back plan, and the effects of potential non-cash 
charges on our financial results and the resulting effect on our financial results. In addition, forward-looking statements also 
consist of statements involving expectations regarding product capability and acceptance, 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.

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2018 Form 10-K  4

2018 Form 10-K  4

 
 
 
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 architecture, engineering and construction; product design 
and manufacturing; and digital media and entertainment industries. Our customers are able to design, fabricate, manufacture 
and build anything by visualizing, simulating and analyzing real-world performance early in the design process. These 
capabilities allow our customers to foster innovation, optimize their designs, streamline their manufacturing and construction 
processes, save time and money, improve quality, communicate plans, and collaborate with others. Our professional software 
products are sold globally, both directly to customers and through a network of resellers and distributors.

Segments

We report segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal 

reporting used by management for making decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance as the source of our 
reportable segments. The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") allocates resources and assesses the operating 
performance of the Company as a whole. As such, Autodesk has one segment manager (the CODM), and one operating 
segment.

A summary of our revenue by geographic area and product family is found in Note 13, “Segment, Geographic and 

Product Family Information,” in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

Our architecture, engineering and construction products improve the way building, infrastructure, and industrial projects 
are designed, built, and operated. Our product development and manufacturing software provides manufacturers in automotive, 
transportation, industrial machinery, consumer products and building product industries with comprehensive digital design, 
engineering, manufacturing and production solutions. These technologies bring together data from all phases of the product 
development and production life cycle, creating a digital pipeline that supports greater productivity and accuracy through 
process automation. Our digital media and entertainment products provide tools for digital sculpting, modeling, animation, 
effects, rendering, and compositing for design visualization, visual effects and games production. Our portfolio of products and 
services enables our customers to foster innovation, optimize and improve their designs, save time and money, improve quality, 
communicate plans, and collaborate with others. 

Autodesk’s product offerings include:

•  AutoCAD

AutoCAD software, which is our largest single revenue-generating product, is a customizable and extensible CAD 
application for professional design, drafting, detailing, and visualization. AutoCAD software provides digital tools that can be 

2018 Form 10-K  5

2018 Form 10-K  5

 
 
 
 
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used independently and in conjunction with other specific applications in fields ranging from construction and civil engineering 
to manufacturing and plant design.

•  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 AutoCAD. Users can share all 
design data with team members who use AutoCAD or other Autodesk products built on AutoCAD. AutoCAD LT software is 
our second largest revenue-generating product.

• 

Industry Collections

Autodesk's Industry Collections provide our customers with increased access to a broader selection of Autodesk products, 
greater value, more flexibility, and a simpler way to subscribe and manage Autodesk subscriptions. The collections are tailored 
to provide the essential software needed by professionals within each industry: AEC, Product Design, and M&E.  

The AEC Collection aims to help our customers design, engineer, and construct higher quality, more predictable building 

and civil infrastructure projects, commonly used by AEC industry experts, such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D, and Revit. 

The Product Design Collection offers connected, professional-grade tools that help our customers make great products 
today and compete in the changing manufacturing landscape of the future. The collection offers access to a wide range of our 
products, including AutoCAD and Inventor.

The M&E Collection provides end-to-end creative tools for entertainment creation. This collection enables animators, 
modelers and visual effect artists to access the tool they need, including Maya and 3ds Max, to create compelling effects, 3D 
characters and digital worlds.

•  CAM Solutions

Our computer-aided manufacturing ("CAM") software offers industry-leading solutions for Computer Numeric Control 

("CNC") machining, inspection, and modeling for manufacturing. A comprehensive line-up of expert products, including 
PowerMill, FeatureCAM, PowerInspect, PowerShare, and others, help our customers manufacture complex, innovative 
products and components with maximum quality, control, and production efficiency.

•  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.

•  Maya

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.

• 

3ds Max

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.

•  Revit

Revit software is built for Building Information Modeling ("BIM") to help professionals design, build, and maintain 

higher-quality, more energy-efficient buildings. Using the information-rich models created with Revit, architects, engineers, 

2018 Form 10-K  6

2018 Form 10-K  6

 
 
 
and construction firms can collaborate to make better-informed decisions earlier in the design process to deliver projects with 
greater efficiency. Revit includes features for architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing design as well as structural 
engineering and construction, providing a comprehensive solution for the entire building project team.

• 

Inventor

Inventor enables 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. 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.

•  BIM 360

BIM 360 construction management cloud-based software enables almost anytime, anywhere access to project data 
throughout the building construction lifecycle. BIM 360 empowers those in the field to better anticipate and act, and those in 
the back office to optimize and manage all aspects of construction performance.

• 

Shotgun

Shotgun is cloud-based software for review and production tracking in the M&E industry. Creative companies use the 
Shotgun platform to provide essential business tools for managers and visual collaboration tools for artists and supervisors, who 
often work globally with distributed teams. 

•  Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is the first 3D CAD, CAM, and Computer-aided Engineering ("CAE") tool of its kind. It connects the entire 

product development process on a single cloud-based platform that works on both Apple and PC operating systems. 

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 and services. To keep pace with these changes, we maintain a vigorous program of new product development to 
address demands in the marketplace for our products. 

The software industry is undergoing a transition from the personal computer to cloud, social, and mobile computing. In 
fiscal 2018, we continued to successfully implement a strategic transition of our business model announced in fiscal 2014. To 
support our transition, effective February 1, 2016, we discontinued the sale of new commercial seats of most individual 
software products, which are now exclusively available by desktop subscription, and discontinued selling perpetual licenses of 
suites while introducing industry collections effective August 1, 2016. Industry collections allow access to a broad set of 
products and cloud services that exceeds those previously available in suites - simplifying the customers' ability to access a 
complete set of industry tools. Additionally, on June 15, 2017, we commenced a program to incentivize maintenance plan 
customers to move to subscription plan offerings. Through this program we offer discounts to those maintenance plan 
customers that move to subscription plan offerings, while at the same time increasing maintenance plan pricing over time for 
customers that remain on maintenance plans. Subscription plan offerings are designed to give our customers increased 
flexibility with how they use our products and service offerings and to attract a broader range of customers such as project-
based users and small businesses. Subscriptions represent a combined hybrid offering of desktop software and cloud 
functionality which provides a device-independent, collaborative design workflow for designers and their stakeholders. 

We dedicate considerable technical and financial resources to research and development to further enhance our existing 

products and to create new products and technologies to expand our market opportunity. For example, in fiscal 2018, we 
continued and expanded our investments in construction. We continued to make investments in the traditional data creation 
tools to support the design and pre-construction phases, while expanding our investment in the areas of site execution with 
process and project management cloud-based tools. Recognizing the value of data continuity across the construction lifecycle 
of design, building and operations, we made investments in the handover and operations phase of the project through our cloud-
based tools. To connect the phases of construction upstream with design, we invested in and announced our cloud-based project 
delivery platform that allows individuals, teams and projects to be connected across all phases in a common data platform. We 
anticipate ongoing investments in construction that support pre-construction, site execution as well as the handover phase of the 
project and will continue to invest in connecting workflows and data across the ecosystem of the project. 

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2018 Form 10-K  7

2018 Form 10-K  7

 
 
 
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Research and development expenditures were $755.5 million or 37% of fiscal 2018 net revenue, $766.1 million or 38% 

of fiscal 2017 net revenue and $790.0 million or 32% of fiscal 2016 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, Canada, and 

the United Kingdom. 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 managing 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 
the significant costs and challenges, including intellectual property protection, against the benefits of our international 
development activities.

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 our enterprise and named account customers and with customers 
through our online Autodesk branded store. 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 1,600 resellers and distributors worldwide. For fiscal 2018, approximately 70% of our revenue was derived from 
indirect channel sales through distributors and resellers.

We anticipate that our channel mix will continue to change, particularly as we scale our online Autodesk branded store 
business and our largest accounts shift towards direct-only business models. Importantly, we expect our indirect channel will 
continue to transact and support the majority of our future revenue. We employ a variety of incentive programs and promotions 
to align our reseller channel with our business strategies. 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.

Sales through our largest distributor, Tech Data Corporation and its global affiliates, accounted for 31%, 30%, and 25% of 

our net revenue for fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 2018 net revenue in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC was $871.1 million (42%), $815.4 
million (40%), and $370.1 million (18%), respectively. 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, “Segment, Geographic and Product Family Information,” 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.

2018 Form 10-K  8

2018 Form 10-K  8

 
 
 
 
 
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 and services.  

We generate revenue primarily through various offerings that provide recurring revenue. Under our maintenance plan 

program, our customers who own a perpetual use license for the most recent version of the underlying product are able to 
renew a previously purchased maintenance plan that provides them with unspecified upgrades when and if available, and 
receive online support during the term of their maintenance contract. Under our subscription plan, customers can use our 
software anytime, anywhere, and get access to the latest updates to previous versions through term-based product subscriptions, 
cloud service offerings, and enterprise business agreements. With the discontinuation of the sale of perpetual licenses, we have 
transitioned away from selling a mix of perpetual licenses and maintenance plans in favor of a consolidated subscription model.

CUSTOMER AND RESELLER SUPPORT

We provide technical support and training to customers through a multi-tiered support model, augmented by direct 

programs designed to address certain specific customer needs. Most of our customers receive support and training from the 
resellers and distributors from which they purchased subscriptions or licenses for our products or services, with Autodesk in 
turn providing second tier support to the resellers and distributors. Other customers are supported directly via self-service using 
the Autodesk Knowledge Network which guides customers to answers in our online support assets, support forums, webinars or 
to support representatives using a number of different modalities such as social media, phone, email and webchat. We also 
support our resellers and distributors through technical product training, sales training classes, webinars and other knowledge 
sharing programs. 

EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS

Education

Autodesk is committed to helping fuel a lifelong passion for design and making among students of all ages, both within 
and outside the classroom. We offer free educational licenses of Autodesk's professional software to students, educators, and 
accredited educational institutions worldwide. We inspire and support beginners with Tinkercad, a simple online 3D design and 
3D printing tool. Through Autodesk Design Academy, we provide secondary and postsecondary schools hundreds of standards-
aligned class projects to support design-based disciplines in Science, Technology, Engineering, Digital Arts, and Math 
(STEAM) using Autodesk's professional-grade design, engineering and entertainment software. Autodesk Design Academy 
curricula is also syndicated on iTunes U and Udemy, where millions of students go to learn online. Classes and projects are 
available on our Instructables website for anyone looking to expand their "making" skills. Our intention is to make Autodesk 
software ubiquitous and the design and making software of choice for those poised to become the next generation of 
professional users.

Sustainability Programs

To help our customers imagine, design, and make a better world, our Sustainability initiatives focus our efforts on the 
area where we can have the greatest impact enabling sustainable practices through our products delivering free sustainable-
design learning and training resources, providing software grants to qualifying nonprofits and entrepreneurs, and leading by 
example with our sustainable business practices. Through our products and services, we are supporting our customers to better 
understand and improve the environmental performance of everything they make.

Climate Change

In addressing the global challenges posed by climate change, we make it possible for our customers to innovate and 

respond to associated changes in regulation, building code, physical climate parameters and other climate-related 
developments.  This effort can directly and indirectly create more demand for existing and new Autodesk products and services 
in the short and long-term. Furthermore, our leadership is committed to taking climate action and that commitment goes hand-
in-hand with our reputation in the marketplace.

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Climate Change Management Actions

To drive continued progress and meet growing demand, we continue to expand the solutions, education, and support we 

offer, helping customers secure a competitive advantage for a low-carbon future by designing high-performance buildings, 
resilient cities and infrastructure, and more efficient transportation and products. To continue to grow this market, we provide 
software and support to early stage entrepreneurs and start-up companies who are designing clean technologies. We plan to 
expand these offerings in the future based upon demand and opportunity in response to challenges posed by climate change.

Internally, we are investing in best practices to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions and climate change risk through 
investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, disaster management and recovery strategies, and materials innovation. We 
are on track to meet our science-based greenhouse gas reduction target of 43% absolute emissions by 2020.

Climate Change Governance

With oversight from our CEO, the Sustainability & Foundation Team has direct responsibility for setting and 

implementing the corporate sustainability strategy, including the climate change strategy. 

Emissions Performance & Other Key Performance Indicators

By end of fiscal 2017, Autodesk had reduced its net greenhouse gas emissions for its operational boundary by 44% from 

our fiscal year 2009 baseline to 156,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This reduction was accomplished through 
increased investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in our global real estate portfolio, and continued transition 
from physical software delivery to cloud and electronic software delivery. More information about our sustainability 
commitment can be found in our annual sustainability reports, which we have published on our website since 2008.  Our fiscal 
2018 sustainability report will be published in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

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

Our business and our customers benefit from our relationships with an extensive developer network. These developers 

create and sell their own interoperable products that further enhance the range of integrated solutions available to our 
customers. 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 strategic 
investment funding, technological platforms, user communities, technical support, forums, and events to developers who 
develop add-on applications for our products. For example, we have created our web services platform, Autodesk Forge. The 
Forge Platform includes a number of web services that enable software developers to rapidly develop the next generation of 
applications, and experiences that will power the future of making things. Forge facilitates the development of a single 
connected ecosystem for integrating Autodesk applications with other enterprise, web and mobile solutions.

COMPETITION

The markets for our products are highly competitive, are subject to rapid change, and can have complex 

interdependencies between many of the larger businesses. 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 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.

2018 Form 10-K  10

2018 Form 10-K  10

 
 
 
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 include Adobe Systems Incorporated, ANSYS, Inc., 
Apple Inc., AVEVA Group plc, Avid Technology, Inc., Bentley Systems, Inc., Dassault Systèmes S.A. and its subsidiary 
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., Intergraph Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hexagon AB, MSC Software 
Corporation, Nemetschek AG, PTC, 3D Systems, Siemens PLM, SONY Corporation, Technicolor, and Trimble Navigation 
Limited, among others.

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.

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.

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. Our combined hybrid offerings include both desktop software and cloud 

functionality. 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.

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.

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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 software products and services involves duplication or hosting of software media. The way that we 

deliver software has evolved during our business model transition. For certain cloud-based products, we use a combination of 
co-located hosting facilities and increasingly Amazon Web Services and to a lesser degree other infrastructure-as-a-service 
providers.  Over 95% of our customers choose an electronic software download option for both initial product fulfillment and 
subsequent product updates. Customers who choose electronic fulfillment receive the latest version of the software from our 
vendor’s secure servers. Customers may also obtain our software through media such as DVDs and USB flash drives available 
from multiple sources. 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. 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

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As of January 31, 2018, we employed approximately 8,800 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. 

ACQUISITIONS

Over the past three years, we acquired new technology or supplemented our technology by purchasing businesses or 
technology related assets focused in specific markets or industries. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 
we acquired companies and technology related assets, some of which were accounted for as business combinations. The 
following were significant acquisitions for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016:

Date of closing
November 2015

Company
netfabb GmbH
("netfabb")

Details
The acquisition of netfabb GmbH (“netfabb”) provided Autodesk with software solutions that
reduced production costs and increased efficiency in 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

DEFERRED REVENUE AND UNBILLED DEFERRED REVENUE

Our deferred revenue balance at January 31, 2018 was $1,955.1 million and primarily relates to subscription and 

maintenance agreements invoiced for which the revenue has not yet been recognized but will be recognized as revenue ratably 
over the life of the contracts. The term of our subscription contracts is typically between one and three years. 

We define unbilled deferred revenue as contractually stated or committed orders under multi-year billing plans for 

subscription, services, license and maintenance for which the associated deferred revenue has not been recognized and the 
customer has not been invoiced. Unbilled deferred revenue is not included on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet until 
invoiced to the customer. 

(in millions)

Deferred revenue

Unbilled deferred revenue (1)

              Total

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2018 Form 10-K  12

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2018

$

$

1,955.1

326.4

2,281.5

 
 
 
  
  
 
 ________________
(1)  This is our first year presenting this metric and we are not able to provide historical information at this time. Comparative information 

will not be available until fiscal 2019.

We expect that the amount of unbilled deferred revenue and deferred revenue will change from quarter to quarter for 
several reasons, including the specific timing, duration and size of large customer subscription and support agreements, varying 
billing cycles of such agreements, the specific timing of customer renewals, foreign currency fluctuations and the timing of 
when billed and unbilled deferred revenue are recognized as revenue.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR)— Represents the annualized value of our average monthly recurring revenue for 
the preceding three months. "Maintenance plan ARR” captures ARR relating to traditional maintenance attached to perpetual 
licenses. "Subscription plan ARR" captures ARR relating to subscription offerings. Refer to the definition of recurring revenue 
below for more details on what is included within ARR. Recurring revenue acquired with the acquisition of a business is 
captured when total subscriptions are captured in our systems and may cause variability in the comparison of this calculation.

ARR is currently one of our key performance metrics to assess the health and trajectory of our business. ARR should be 

viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue as ARR is a performance metric and is not intended to be combined 
with any of these items.

Annualized Revenue Per Subscription (ARPS)—Is calculated by dividing our annualized recurring revenue by the total 

number of subscriptions. 

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.

Cloud Service Offerings—Represents individual term-based offerings deployed through web browser technologies or in a 
hybrid software and cloud configuration. Cloud service offerings that are bundled with other product offerings are not captured 
as a separate cloud service offering.

Constant Currency (CC) 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. We calculate constant currency growth rates by (i) applying the applicable 
prior period exchange rates to current period results and (ii) excluding any gains or losses from foreign currency hedge 
contracts that are reported in the current and comparative periods.

Enterprise Business Agreements (EBAs)—Represents programs providing enterprise customers with token-based access 

or a fixed maximum number of seats to a broad pool of Autodesk products over a defined contract term.

Industry Collections—Autodesk industry collections are a combination of products and services that target a specific user 

objective and support a set of workflows for that objective. Our Industry Collections consist of: Autodesk Architecture, 
Engineering and Construction Collection, Autodesk Product Design Collection, and Autodesk Media and Entertainment 
Collection. We introduced industry collections effective August 1, 2016 to replace our suites.

License and Other Revenue—Represents (1) perpetual license revenue and (2) other revenue. Perpetual license revenue 
includes software license revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses, and Creative Finishing. Other revenue includes revenue 
such as standalone consulting and training, and is recognized over time as the services are performed. 

Maintenance Plans—Our maintenance plans provide 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 plans, customers are eligible to receive unspecified upgrades when and if available, and 
technical support. We recognize maintenance revenue over the term of the agreements, generally between one and three years. 

Product Subscriptions—Provide customers the most flexible, cost-effective way to access and manage 3D design, 

engineering, and entertainment software tools. Our product subscriptions currently represent a hybrid of desktop and SaaS 
functionality, which provides a device-independent, collaborative design workflow for designers and their stakeholders.  

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Recurring revenue—Consists of the revenue for the period from our traditional maintenance plans and revenue from our 

subscription plan offerings. It excludes subscription revenue related to consumer product offerings, select Creative Finishing 
product offerings, education offerings, and third party products. Recurring revenue acquired with the acquisition of a business 
is captured when total subscriptions are captured in our systems and may cause variability in the comparison of this calculation.

Subscription Plans—Comprises our term-based product subscriptions, cloud service offerings, and enterprise business 
agreements (EBAs). Subscriptions represent a combined hybrid offering of desktop software and cloud functionality which 
provides a device-independent, collaborative design workflow for designers and their stakeholders. With subscription, 
customers can use our software anytime, anywhere, and get access to the latest updates to previous versions.

Subscription revenue—Includes subscription fees from product subscriptions, cloud service offerings, and enterprise 
business agreements (EBAs) and all other services as part of a bundled subscription agreement accounted for as a single unit of 
accounting. (i.e. cloud services, maintenance, and consulting). 

Total Subscriptions—Consists of subscriptions from our maintenance plans and subscription plan offerings that are active 

and paid as of the fiscal year end date.  For certain cloud service offerings and enterprise business agreements (EBAs), 
subscriptions represent the monthly average activity reported within the last three months of the fiscal year end date.  Total 
subscriptions do not include education offerings, consumer product offerings, select 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.

Unbilled deferred revenue—Unbilled deferred revenue represents contractually stated or committed orders under multi-
year billing plans for subscription, services, license and maintenance for which the associated deferred revenue has not been 
recognized and the customer has not been invoiced. Unbilled deferred revenue is not included on our Consolidated Balance 
Sheet until invoiced to the customer.

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 industries, business and financial results.

Our overall performance depends largely upon domestic and worldwide economic and political conditions. The 

United States and other international economies have experienced cyclical downturns from time to time in which 
economic activity was impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services, restricted credit, poor liquidity, 
decreased government spending, reduced corporate profitability, volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets, 
bankruptcies and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. These economic conditions can occur abruptly. 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. Our customers include government entities, including the U.S. 
federal government, and if spending cuts impede the ability of governments to purchase our products and services, our 
revenue could decline. In addition, a number of our customers rely, directly and indirectly, on government spending. 

Geopolitical trends toward nationalism and protectionism and the weakening or dissolution of international trade 
pacts may increase the cost of, or otherwise interfere with, conducting business. These trends have increased levels of 
political and economic unpredictability globally, and may increase the volatility of global financial markets; the impact of 
such developments on the global economy remains uncertain. Political instability or adverse political developments in any 
of the countries in which we do business could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

A financial sector credit crisis could impair credit availability and the financial stability of our customers, including 

our distribution partners and channels. A disruption in the financial markets may also have an effect on our derivative 
counter-parties and could also impair our banking partners, on which we rely for operating cash management. Any of 

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2018 Form 10-K  14

 
 
 
 
these events could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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, mobile, and social computing, we accelerated 

our move to the cloud and are offering more flexible product licenses. To support our transition, we discontinued selling 
new perpetual licenses of most individual software products effective February 1, 2016, and discontinued selling new 
perpetual licenses of suites effective August 1, 2016. On June 15, 2017, we commenced a program to incentivize 
maintenance plan customers to move to subscription plan offerings. Through this program we offer discounts to those 
maintenance plan customers that move to subscription plan offerings, while at the same time increasing maintenance plan 
pricing over time for customers that remain on maintenance.

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. During the first three years of the transition, revenue, billings, gross margin, operating 
margin, net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, deferred revenue, and cash flow from operations have been impacted 
as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new offerings bring a wider variety of price points.

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 risks and 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.

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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, each of which may not result in additional net revenue or could 
result in decreased net revenue.

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 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 our introduction of flexible license and service offerings. It is uncertain 
whether these strategies will prove successful or whether we will be able to develop the necessary infrastructure and 
business models more quickly than our competitors. 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. 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 other offerings and cloud-based services. We want customers using 
individual Autodesk products to expand their portfolio with our other offerings and cloud-based services, and we are 
taking steps to accelerate this migration. At times, sales of licenses of our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT or individual 
Autodesk flagship products have decreased without a corresponding increase in industry collections or cloud-based 

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services revenue or without purchases of customer seats to our industry collections. 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 product subscription 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.

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 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.

A significant portion of our revenue is generated through maintenance revenue; if decreases in maintenance revenue are 
not offset by increases in subscription revenue, our future revenue and financial results will be negatively impacted.

Our maintenance customers have no obligation to renew their maintenance contracts after the expiration of their 

maintenance period, which is typically one year. The discontinuance of our perpetual licenses for most individual 
software products on February 1, 2016 and for perpetual suites on August 1, 2016 resulted in the loss of future 
opportunities to sell maintenance. On June 15, 2017, we commenced a program to incentivize maintenance plan 
customers to move to subscription plan offerings. As a result, we expect customer renewal rates will decline or fluctuate 
over time as a result of a number of factors, including the overall global economy, the health of their businesses, the 
perceived value of the maintenance program and planned maintenance pricing increases. If our non-renewing 
maintenance customers do not transition to subscriptions, our future revenue and financial results will be negatively 
impacted.

We may not be able to predict subscription renewal rates and their impact on our future revenue and operating results.

Our customers are not obligated to renew their subscriptions for our offerings, and they may elect not to renew. We 
cannot assure renewal rates, or the mix of subscriptions renewals. Customer renewal rates may decline or fluctuate due to 
a number of factors, including offering pricing, competitive offerings, customer satisfaction, and reductions in customer 
spending levels or customer activity due to economic downturns or financial markets uncertainty. If our customers do not 
renew their subscriptions or if they renew on less favorable terms, our revenues may decline.

Revenue from our offerings may be difficult to predict during our business model transition.

The discontinuance of our perpetual licenses for most individual software products on February 1, 2016 and for 
perpetual suites on August 1, 2016 has and will continue to result in the loss of future upfront licensing revenue. This also 
has frozen the growth of our maintenance revenue because there will be no further opportunities to attach maintenance 
licensing. On June 15, 2017, we commenced a program to incentivize maintenance plan customers to move to 
subscription plan offerings. As a result, we expect our maintenance revenue to decline over time, but it may decline more 
quickly than anticipated due to low maintenance renewals. At the same time, our subscription  revenue may not grow as 
rapidly as anticipated. Our subscription pricing allows customers to use our offerings at a lower initial cost when 
compared to the sale of a perpetual license. Although our subscriptions are designed to increase the number of customers 
who purchase offerings and create a recurring revenue stream that is more predictable over time, it creates risks related to 
the timing of revenue recognition and expected reductions in cash flows in the near term.

Actions that we are taking to restructure our business in alignment with our strategic priorities may not be as effective as 
anticipated.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we commenced a world-wide restructuring plan to support the Company's 

strategic priorities of completing the subscription transition; digitizing the Company; and re-imagining manufacturing, 
construction, and production. Through the restructuring, we seek to reduce our investment in areas not aligned with our 
strategic priorities, including in areas related to research and development and go-to-market activities. At the same time, 
we plan to further invest in strategic priority areas related to as digital infrastructure, customer success, and construction.

2018 Form 10-K  16

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As a result of these actions, we will incur additional costs in the short term that will have the effect of reducing our 

GAAP operating margins. We may encounter challenges in the execution of these efforts, and these challenges could 
impact our financial results. If we are unable to successfully complete our restructuring efforts, our business and operating 
results may be harmed. 

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 64% and 63% of our net revenue in fiscal 2018 and 2017, 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. 

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:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

economic volatility;

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;

different purchase patterns as compared to the developed world;

tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers and restrictions;

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, and adoption of stricter anti-
corruption laws in certain countries, including the United Kingdom;

difficulties in staffing and managing foreign sales and development operations;

local competition;

longer collection cycles for accounts receivable;

•  U.S. and foreign tax law changes  impacting how multinational companies are taxed;

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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;

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inadequate local infrastructure;

greater difficulty in protecting intellectual property;

software piracy; 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. 

The Brexit vote has exacerbated and may further exacerbate many of the risks and uncertainties described above. 

The proposed withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union could, among other potential outcomes, 
adversely affect the tax, tax treaty, currency, operational, legal and regulatory regimes to which our businesses in the 
region are subject. The withdrawal could also, among other potential outcomes, disrupt the free movement of goods, 
services and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union and significantly disrupt trade between the 
United Kingdom and the European Union and other parties. Further, uncertainty around these and related issues could 
lead to adverse effects on the economy of the United Kingdom and the other economies in which we operate. 

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.

We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could impair our ability to compete in international 
markets or subject us to liability if we violate the controls.

Our offerings are subject to U.S. export controls and economic sanctions laws and regulations that prohibit the 
shipment of certain products and services without the required export authorizations or export to locations, governments, 
and persons targeted by U.S. sanctions. While we have processes in place to prevent our offerings from being exported in 
violation of these laws, including obtaining authorizations as appropriate and screening against U.S. Government and 
international lists of restricted and prohibited persons, we cannot guarantee that these processes will prevent all violations 
of export control and sanctions laws. 

We also note that if our channel partners fail to obtain appropriate import, export or re-export licenses or permits, 

we may also be adversely affected, through reputational harm as well as other negative consequences including 
government investigations and penalties. We presently incorporate export control and sanctions compliance requirements 
in our channel partner agreements. Complying with export control and sanctions regulations for a particular sale may be 
time-consuming and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities.

Violations of U.S. sanctions or export control laws can result in fines or penalties. While we have extensive 

compliance procedures in place, licensing of our product offerings may have been made in potential violation of the 
export control and economic sanctions laws. We filed a Voluntary Self Disclosure in December 2016 with the U.S. 
Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) with respect to the sale of certain licenses in an 
aggregate amount of less than $700,000. We are currently waiting for OFAC to complete its review of this matter. We 
could be subject to monetary penalties or other sanctions by OFAC in connection with its review of this issue. 

Our software is highly complex and may contain undetected errors, defects or vulnerabilities, each of which could harm 
our business and financial performance.

The software products that we offer are complex, and despite extensive testing and quality control, may contain 
errors, defects or vulnerabilities. Some errors, defects and vulnerabilities in our software products may only be discovered 
after the product or service has been released. Any errors, defects or vulnerabilities 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 and financial performance.

Existing and increased competition and rapidly evolving technological changes may reduce our revenue and profits.

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 

2018 Form 10-K  18

2018 Form 10-K  18

 
 
 
 
 
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., 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.    Our exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates 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.

Security incidents may compromise the integrity of our or our customers’ products, services, data or intellectual property, 
harm our reputation, damage our competitiveness, create additional liability and adversely impact our financial results.

As we digitize the Company and use cloud and web base technologies to leverage customer data to deliver the total 
customer experience, we are exposed to increased security risks and the potential for unauthorized access to, or improper 
use of our and our customers' information. Like all software products and systems, ours are vulnerable to security 
incidents.  We devote resources to maintain the security and integrity of our systems, products, services and applications 
(online, mobile and desktop).  We accomplish this by enhancing security features, conducting penetration tests, code 
hardening, releasing security vulnerability updates and accelerating our incident response time. Despite these efforts, we 
may not prevent security incidents.

Hackers regularly have targeted our systems, products, services and applications, and we expect them to do so in the 

future. The impact of security incidents could disrupt the proper functioning of our systems, products or services; cause 
errors in the output of our customers' work; allow unauthorized access to sensitive, data or intellectual property, including 
proprietary or confidential information of ours or our customers; or other destructive outcomes. 

The risk of a security incident, 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, malicious file uploads, backdoor trojans and distributed denial 
of service (DDoS) attacks. In addition, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce our employees, vendors, partners 
or users to disclose information to gain access to our data or our users’ data and there is the risk of employee, contractor, 
or vendor error or malfeasance. Any of the foregoing could attack our systems, products or services. Despite efforts to 
create security barriers to such programs, it is virtually impossible for us to entirely eliminate this risk. 

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If any of the foregoing were to occur, our reputation may suffer, our competitive position may be diminished, 

customers may stop buying our products and services, we could face lawsuits and potential liability, and our financial 
performance could be negatively impacted.

Increasing regulatory focus on privacy issues and expanding laws may impact our business or expose us to increased 
liability.

Our strategy to digitize the Company involves increasing our use of cloud and web based technologies and 
applications to leverage customer data. To accomplish this strategy, we must collect customer data, which may include 
personal data. Federal, state and foreign government privacy and data security laws apply to the treatment of personal 
data.  Governments, the plaintiffs’ bar, privacy advocates and customers have increased their focus on how companies 
collect, process, use, store, share and transmit personal data.

The General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") will apply in all EU member states effective May 25, 2018, and 
replace the current EU Data Protection Directive. The GDPR introduces new data protection requirements in the EU and 
substantial fines for non-compliance. The GDPR increases our responsibility and potential liability in relation to personal 
data, and we have and will continue to put in place additional processes and programs to demonstrate compliance. 
Compliance with these laws is costly and could delay or impede the development of new offerings. Any failure to comply 
with GDPR or other data privacy laws could lead to government enforcement actions and significant penalties. Further, 
any perceived privacy right violation could cause result in reputational harm, third-party claims, lawsuits or 
investigations. Additionally, we store customer information and content and if our customers fail to comply with 
contractual obligations or applicable laws, it could result in litigation or reputational harm to us. 

GDPR, other new laws and self-regulatory codes may affect our ability to reach current and prospective customers, 
to understand how our products and services are being used, to respond to customer requests allowed under the laws, and 
to implement our new business models effectively. These new laws and regulations would similarly affect our competitors 
as well as our customers. These requirements could impact demand for our products and services and result in more 
onerous contract obligations.

We rely on third-parties to provide us with a number of operational and technical services; third-party security incidents 
could expose us to liability, harm our reputation, damage our competitiveness and adversely impact our financial 
performance.

We rely on third-parties, such as Amazon Web Services, to provide us with operational and technical services. These 
third parties may have access to our systems, provide hosting services, or otherwise process data about us, our customers, 
employees, or partners.  Any third party security incident could compromise the integrity or availability or result in the 
theft of data. In addition, our operations, or the operations of our customers or partners, could be negatively affected in the 
event of a security breach, and 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, network breaches by unauthorized 
parties, employee theft or misuse, or other misconduct. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our reputation may suffer, 
our competitive position may be diminished, customers may stop buying our products and services, we could face 
lawsuits and potential liability, and our financial performance could be negatively impacted. 

We rely on third-party services; any interruption or delay in service from these third parties could expose us to liability, 
harm our reputation, damage our competitiveness and adversely impact our financial performance.

We rely on a number of third party suppliers, such as Amazon Web Services, 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. 
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.

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If we do not maintain good relationships with the members of our distribution channel, 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 2018 and fiscal 2017, approximately 70% and 72%, respectively, 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. 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. Tech Data accounted for 31% and 30% of our total net revenue for fiscal 2018 and 2017, 
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. Further, our distributors and resellers may lose 
confidence in our business model transition, move to competitive products, or may not have the skills or ability to support 
customers under the new model. The loss of or a significant reduction in business with those distributors or resellerscould 
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.

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. We also provide investors with quarterly and 
annual financial forward-looking guidance that could prove to be inaccurate as a result of these fluctuations. 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 of our business model transition, including the 
impact of the end of perpetual licenses and the introduction of our maintenance-to-subscription program;

restructuring or other accounting charges and unexpected costs or other operating expenses;

changes in product mix, pricing pressure or changes in product pricing;

•  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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the success of new business or sales initiatives;

security breaches, related reputational harm, and potential financial penalties to customers and government 
entities;

timing of additional investments in the development of our platform or deployment of our services;

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;

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;

changes in billings linearity;

adjustments arising from ongoing or future tax examinations;

the ability of governments around the world to adopt fiscal policies, meet their financial and debt obligations, 
and to finance infrastructure projects;

lower renewals of our maintenance program;

failure to expand our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT customer base to related design products and services;

our ability 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 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;

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 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;

2018 Form 10-K  22

2018 Form 10-K  22

 
 
 
• 

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failure to achieve continued success in technology advancements;

catastrophic events or natural disasters;

regulatory compliance costs;

potential goodwill impairment charges related to prior acquisitions; and

failure to appropriately estimate the scope of services under consulting arrangements.

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 APAC 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, charges and integration risks 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. 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;

significantly 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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Because we derive a substantial portion of our net revenue from a small number of products, including our AutoCAD-
based software products and collections, 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 collections 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 2018 and 2017, combined revenue from our AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT products, not including collections 
(formerly suites) having AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT as a component, represented 20% and 16% of our total net revenue, 
respectively.

We are investing in resources to update and improve our information technology systems to digitize the Company and 
support our business model transition. Should our investments not succeed, or if delays or other issues with new or 
existing internal technology systems disrupt our operations, our business model transition could be compromised and 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 continually invest resources to 
update and improve these systems and environments in order to meet the growing and evolving requirements of our 
business and customers. In particular, our transition to cloud-based products and a subscription-only business model 
requires considerable investment in the development of technologies, as well as back office systems for technical, 
financial, compliance and sales resources to enable a scalable organization. 

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 customers, loss of revenue, errors in our accounting and financial reporting or damage to our 
reputation, all of which could compromise our business model transition.

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 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 

2018 Form 10-K  24

2018 Form 10-K  24

 
 
 
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.

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, offering 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.

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, ARR, ARPS, earnings, subscriptions, 
or other key performance metrics;

results and future projections related to our business model transition;

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.

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Significant changes in the price of our common stock could expose us to 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, 

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particularly engineering and sales personnel, could make it difficult to meet key objectives, such as timely and effective 
product introductions and financial goals.

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.

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. Any one of these 
factors could reduce our investment income, or result in material charges, which in turn could impact our overall net 
income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share.

From time to time we make direct investments in privately held companies. Privately held company investments 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 (loss) and earnings (loss) 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.

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 prices 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, results of operations, cash flows or the trading 
prices for our securities could be negatively impacted.

We are subject to risks related to taxation in multiple jurisdictions.

We are a U.S.-based multinational company subject to tax in multiple U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. Our 

effective tax rate is primarily based on our expected geographic mix of earnings, statutory rates, intercompany 
arrangements, including the manner in which we develop, value and license our intellectual property, and enacted tax 
rules. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions on a 
worldwide basis. While 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.

Tax laws are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed and new interpretations of the law are issued or 
applied.  For example, the U.S. government enacted significant tax law changes in December 2017, commonly referred to 
as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which will impact our tax obligations and effective tax rate beginning 
in our fiscal 2018 tax year. Increasingly, governmental tax authorities are scrutinizing corporate tax strategies. Many 

2018 Form 10-K  26

2018 Form 10-K  26

 
 
 
countries in the European Union, as well as a number of other countries and organizations such as the Organization for 
Economic Cooperation and Development, are actively considering changes to existing tax laws that, if enacted, could 
increase our tax obligations in many countries where we do business. If U.S. or other foreign tax authorities change 
applicable tax laws or successfully challenge the manner in which our profits are currently recognized, our overall taxes 
could increase, and our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted.

Uncertainties in the interpretation and application of the Tax Act could materially affect our tax obligations and effective 
tax rate.

The Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017, and provides broad and significant changes to the U.S. tax code 

and how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations.  Due to the complexity and varying interpretations of 
the Tax Act, the U.S. Department of Treasury and other standard-setting bodies may issue regulations and interpretative 
guidance that could significantly impact how we will apply the law and the ultimate impact to our results of operations 
from the Tax Act. 

The Tax Act requires complex computations to be performed that were not previously provided for in the U.S. tax 
law.  These computations require significant judgments to be made regarding the interpretation of the provisions within 
the Tax Act along with preparation and analysis of information not previously required.  In conjunction with the Tax Act, 
the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) which allows for the Company to record provisional amounts 
until a final assessment can be made within a period not to exceed one year from the date of enactment. As a result, we 
have recorded a provisional estimate on the effect of the Tax Act in our financial statements based on our initial 
assessment.  As additional regulatory guidance is issued and we continue to collect and analyze necessary data, we may 
make adjustments to provisional amounts previously recorded. We do not anticipate these adjustments to materially 
impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made since we are in a full valuation 
allowance in the U.S.

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, in May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes 

nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP.  This standard establishes a principle for recognizing 
revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected 
consideration received in exchange for those goods or services.  The standard also provides guidance on the recognition of 
costs related to obtaining and fulfilling customer contracts.  In August 2015, FASB subsequently issued ASU 2015-14, 
which deferred the effectiveness of ASU 2014-09, so that it will now be effective for annual reporting periods beginning 
after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period.  The revised effective date for the 
Company under the new standard will be the beginning of fiscal 2019. We are implementing changes to our policies, 
procedures and systems in order to successfully adopt the standard. This new standard is both technical and complex, and 
we expect to incur significant ongoing costs to implement and maintain compliance with this new standard. In addition, 
there may be greater uncertainty with respect to projecting revenue results from future operations as we work through the 
new revenue recognition standard.  

Adoption of ASU 2014-09 along with any other changes in accounting principles or interpretations could have a 

significant effect on our reported financial results and could affect the reporting of transactions completed before the 
announcement of a change.  Any difficulties in the implementation of new or changed accounting standards including 
ASU 2014-09 could cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. If our estimates relating to our critical 
accounting policies are based on assumptions or judgments that change or prove to be incorrect, our operating results 
could fall below expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in our stock price.  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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2018 Form 10-K  27

2018 Form 10-K  27

 
 
 
 
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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 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 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 is effective. This assessment must include disclosure of any 
material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified by management. 

If our management or independent registered public accounting firm identifies one or more material weaknesses in 

our internal control over financial reporting, we would be unable to assert that such internal control over financial 
reporting is effective. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective (or if our 
independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion that our internal controls are effective), we 
could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could 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.

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.

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, has certain additional risks such as 
effective integration into existing products, adequate transfer of technology know-how and ownership and protection of 
transferred intellectual property.

2018 Form 10-K  28

2018 Form 10-K  28

 
 
 
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, terrorism, 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.

If we were required to record an impairment charge related to the value of our long-lived assets, or an additional 
valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

Our long-lived assets are tested for impairment if indicators of impairment exist. If impairment testing shows that 

the carrying value of our long-lived assets exceeds their estimated fair values, we would be required to record a non-cash 
impairment charge, which would decrease the carrying value of our long-lived assets, as the case may be, and our results 
of operations would be adversely affected. Our deferred tax assets include net operating loss, amortizable tax assets and 
tax credit carryforwards that can be used to offset taxable income and reduce income taxes payable in future periods. Each 
quarter, we assess the need for a valuation allowance, considering both positive and negative evidence to determine 
whether all or a portion of the deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.  In fiscal 2016, we determined 
that it was more likely than not that the Company would not realize our U.S. deferred tax assets and established a 
valuation allowance against our U.S. deferred tax assets.  We continued to have a full valuation allowance against our 
U.S. deferred tax assets in fiscal 2018.  Changes in the amount of the valuation allowance could result in a material non-
cash expense or benefit in the period in which the valuation allowance is adjusted and our results of operations could be 
materially affected. We will continue to perform these tests and any future adjustments may have a material effect on our 
financial condition and results of operations.

We issued $1.6 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes in debt offerings and have an existing $400.0 
million revolving credit facility, and expect to incur other debt in the future, which may adversely affect our financial 
condition and future financial results.

In June 2017, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.5% notes due June 15, 2027. In June 2015, 

we issued 3.125% notes due June 15, 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of $450.0 million and 4.375% notes due June 
15, 2025 in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million. In December 2012, we issued 3.6% notes due December 15, 
2022 in an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million. As the debt matures, we will have to expend significant 
resources to either repay or refinance these notes. For example, in July 2017, we redeemed outstanding senior notes due 
December 15, 2017, for a total cash repayment of $401.8 million by using the proceeds from the notes we issued in 2017. 
If we decide to refinance notes in the future, 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, 2018, 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 

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2018 Form 10-K  29

2018 Form 10-K  29

 
 
 
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.

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 maximum debt to total cash ratio, a fixed charge 
coverage ratio through April 30, 2018, and, after April 30, 2018, a minimum interest coverage ratio.

We are required to comply with the covenants set forth in our 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, we would not be able 
to incur additional indebtedness under the credit facility and 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.

ITEM 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES

We lease 2,128,261 square feet of office space in 124 locations in the United States and internationally through our 

foreign subsidiaries. Our executive offices are located in leased office space in San Francisco, California, and our corporate 
headquarters are located in leased office space in San Rafael, California. Our San Rafael facilities consist of approximately 
189,000 square feet under leases that have expiration dates ranging from February 2018 to December 2019. Our San Francisco 
facilities consist of approximately 264,000 square feet under leases that have expiration dates ranging from December 2018 to 
December 2023. 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 are operating at capacities averaging 80% occupancy worldwide as of 
January 31, 2018. 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. 

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ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

  Not applicable.

2018 Form 10-K  30

2018 Form 10-K  30

 
 
 
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 intraday high and low sales prices for each quarter in the last two fiscal years.

Fiscal 2018

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2017

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Dividends

High

Low

$

$

90.94

$

115.25

125.01

131.10

62.42

$

61.42

73.40

83.96

80.04

91.17

104.77

103.19

41.60

49.82

56.80

67.15

We did not declare any cash or stock dividends in either fiscal 2018 or fiscal 2017. We anticipate that, for the foreseeable 

future, we will not pay any cash or stock dividends.

Stockholders

As of January 31, 2018, the number of common stockholders of record was 388. 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 share repurchase program does not have an expiration 
date and the pace and timing of repurchases will depend on factors such as cash generation from operations, available surplus, 
the volume of employee stock plan activity, cash requirements for acquisitions, economic and market conditions, stock price 
and legal and regulatory requirements. In September 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan which authorized the 
repurchase of up to an additional 30.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. As of January 31, 2018, 10.4 million 
shares have been repurchased under this plan. During the three and twelve months ended January 31, 2018, we repurchased 2.5 
million and 6.9 million shares, respectively, of our common stock under the Board of Director authorized share repurchase 
program. At January 31, 2018, 19.6 million shares remained available for repurchase under the repurchase program approved 
by the Board of Directors. See Note 9, “Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Deficit),” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for further discussion.

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2018 Form 10-K  31

 
 
 
 
The following table provides information about the repurchase of common stock in open-market transactions during the 

quarter ended January 31, 2018:

(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

2.0

0.1

2.5

$

$

109.18

107.35

113.26

107.86

0.4

2.0

0.1

2.5

21.7

19.7

19.6

____________________ 
(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 September 2016 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, 2018.

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2018 Form 10-K  32

2018 Form 10-K  32

 
 
 
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, 2013, 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.

2018 Form 10-K  33

2018 Form 10-K  33

 
 
 
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, 2018 and 2017 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements 
that are included in this Form 10-K. The Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Cash 
Flows data for the year ended January 31, 2016 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 data for the fiscal year ended January 
31, 2016 and the remaining financial data for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 are derived from audited, 
consolidated financial statements which are not included in this Form 10-K.

For the Fiscal Year:

Net revenue

(Loss) income from operations

Net (loss) income

        Cash flow from operations

Common Stock Data:

Basic net (loss) income per share

Diluted net (loss) income per share

At Year End:

Total assets

Long-term liabilities

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

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Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

(In millions, except per share data)

$

2,056.6

$

2,031.0

$

2,504.1

$

2,512.2

$

2,273.9

(509.1)

(566.9)

0.9

(499.6)

(582.1)

169.7

1.3

(330.5)

414.0

120.7

81.8

708.6

$

(2.58) $

(2.61) $

(1.46) $

0.36

$

(2.58)

(2.61)

(1.46)

0.35

284.8

228.8

572.6

1.02

1.00

$

4,113.6

$

4,798.1

$

5,515.3

$

4,909.7

$

4,589.9

2,246.4

(256.0)

1,879.1

733.6

2,304.7

1,619.6

1,290.4

2,219.2

1,256.9

2,261.5

2018 Form 10-K  34

2018 Form 10-K  34

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018” below, future net revenue, 
operating expenses, recurring revenue, annualized recurring revenue, annualized revenue per subscription, other future 
financial results (by product type and geography) and subscriptions, the effectiveness of our restructuring efforts, 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, expectations for our maintenance plan and subscription plan subscriptions, our 
ability to increase our subscription base, expected market trends, including the growth of cloud and mobile computing, the 
effect of unemployment, the availability of credit, our expectations for our restructuring, the effects of global economic 
conditions, the effects of revenue recognition, the effects of recently issued accounting standards, 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 ability to successfully 
expand adoption of our products, our ability to gain market acceptance of new businesses and sales initiatives, the impact of 
economic volatility and geopolitical activities in certain countries, particularly emerging economy countries, the timing and 
amount of purchases under our stock buy-back plan, and the effects of potential non-cash charges on our financial results and 
the resulting effect on our financial results. In addition, forward-looking statements also consist of statements involving 
expectations regarding product capability and acceptance, remediation to our controls environment, 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 Part II, 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 makes software for people who make things. If you have ever driven a high-performance car, admired a 
towering skyscraper, used a smartphone, or watched a great film, chances are you have experienced what millions of Autodesk 
customers are doing with our software. Autodesk gives you the power to make anything.

Autodesk was founded during the platform transition from mainframe computers 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, mobile, and social computing. To address 
this transition, we have accelerated our move to the cloud and mobile devices and are offering more flexible licensing. Our 
product subscriptions currently represent a hybrid of desktop software and cloud functionality, which provides a device-
independent, collaborative design workflow for designers and their stakeholders. Our SaaS offerings, for example, BIM 360, 
Shotgun, Fusion, and AutoCAD 360 Pro, provide tools, including mobile and social capabilities, to streamline design, 
collaboration, building and manufacturing 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 the industries we serve to cloud-based technologies and business models. This entails both a 
technological shift and a business model shift. As part of the transition, we discontinued selling new perpetual licenses of most 
individual software products effective February 1, 2016, and discontinued selling new perpetual licenses of suites while 
introducing industry collections effective August 1, 2016.  Industry collections provide our customers with increased access to a 
broader selection of Autodesk products and services that exceeds those previously available in suites - simplifying the customer 
ability to get access to a complete set of tools for their industry. We now offer subscriptions for individual products and industry 
collections, cloud service offerings, and flexible enterprise business agreements (collectively referred to as "subscription plan"). 
These subscription plan offerings are designed to give our customers more flexibility with how they use our products and 
service offerings and to attract a broader range of customers, such as project-based users and small businesses. 

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2018 Form 10-K  35

2018 Form 10-K  35

 
 
 
With the discontinuation of the sale of most perpetual licenses, we have transitioned away from selling a mix of perpetual 

licenses and term-based product subscriptions toward a single subscription model. On June 15, 2017, we commenced a 
program to incentivize maintenance plan customers to move to subscription plan offerings. Through this program we offer 
discounts to those maintenance customers that move to a subscription plan, while at the same time increasing maintenance plan 
pricing over time for customers that remain on maintenance.

 To provide more meaningful information as to the performance of different categories of product and services, we have 

changed our presentation of revenue and cost of revenue on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations effective the 
first quarter of fiscal 2018. See Note 1, "Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," for additional information.

During the first three years of the transition, revenue, margins, EPS, deferred revenue and cash flow from operations have 

been impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as subscription plan offerings generally have a 
lower initial purchase price. 

As we progress through the current stage of the business model transition, annualized recurring revenue ("ARR"), growth 

of billings, and total subscriptions better reflect business momentum. To further analyze progress, we disaggregate our growth 
between the original maintenance model ("maintenance plan") and the subscription plan model. Maintenance plan subscriptions 
peaked in the fourth quarter of our fiscal 2016 as we discontinued selling new maintenance plan subscriptions in fiscal 2017, 
and we expect them to decline slowly over time as maintenance plan customers continue to convert to our subscription plans.

In order to support our strategic priorities of completing the subscription transition, digitizing the Company, and re-
imagining manufacturing, construction, and production, we commenced a world-wide restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2018. Through the restructuring, we seek to reduce our investments in areas not aligned with our strategic priorities, 
including in areas related to research and development and go-to-market activities. At the same time, we plan to further invest 
in strategic priority areas related to digital infrastructure, customer success, and construction. By re-balancing resources to 
better align with our strategic priorities, we are positioning ourselves to meet our long-term goals, while keeping non-GAAP 
spend flat in fiscal 2019. We anticipate incurring pre-tax restructuring charges of $135 million to $149 million, substantially all 
of which would result in cash expenditures, $124 million to $137 million of which would be for one-time employee termination 
benefits, and $11 million to $12 million of which would be for facilities-related and other costs. If we are unable to successfully 
complete our reorganizational efforts we may need to undertake additional restructuring efforts, and our business and operating 
results may be harmed.

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2018 Form 10-K  36

2018 Form 10-K  36

 
 
 
We sell our products and services globally, through a combination of indirect and direct channels. Our indirect channels 

include value added resellers, direct market resellers, distributors, computer manufacturers, and other software developers. Our 
direct channels include internal sales resources dedicated to selling in our largest accounts, our highly specialized products, and 
business transacted through our online Autodesk branded store. The following chart shows our split between indirect and direct
channels for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:

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We anticipate that our channel mix will continue to change as we scale our online Autodesk branded store business and 

our largest accounts shift towards direct-only business models.  However, we expect our indirect channel will continue to 
transact and support the majority of our customers and revenue as we move beyond the business model transition. We employ a 
variety of incentive programs and promotions to align our direct and indirect channels with our business strategies. In addition, 
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.

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 strategic 
investment funding, technological platforms, user communities, technical support, forums, and events to developers who 
develop add-on applications for our products. For example, we have established the Autodesk Forge program to support 
innovators that build solutions to facilitate the development of a single connected ecosystem for the future of how things are 
designed, made, and used as well as support ideas that push the boundaries of 3D printing.

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 which has 
been cultivated over an extensive period of time. 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. We offer free educational 
licenses of Autodesk software worldwide to students, educators, and accredited educational institutions. We inspire and support 
beginners with Tinkercad, a simple online 3D design and 3D printing tool. Through Autodesk Design Academy, we provide 

2018 Form 10-K  37

2018 Form 10-K  37

 
 
 
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secondary and postsecondary school markets hundreds of standards-aligned class projects to support design-based disciplines in 
Science, Technology, Engineering, Digital Arts, and Math (STEAM) while using Autodesk's professional-grade 3D design, 
engineering and entertainment software used in industry. We also have made Autodesk Design Academy curricula available on 
iTunes U and Udemy. Our intention is to make Autodesk software ubiquitous and the design and making 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 
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.

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 product subscriptions, 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 Accounting Standards Codification ("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 

2018 Form 10-K  38

2018 Form 10-K  38

 
 
 
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.

In situations when we have multiple contracts with a single counterparty, we use the guidance in ASC 985-605 to evaluate 

both the form and the substance of the arrangements to determine if they should be combined and accounted for as one 
arrangement or as separate arrangements.

Our assessment of the 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 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 subscription revenue from distributors and resellers 
generally commences recognition at the time access is provided to their customers, 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. 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, we have 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 subscription transaction is billed and 
subsequently recognized as a reduction to subscription revenue over the contract period. These incentive balances do not 
require significant assumptions or judgments. Depending on how the payments are made, the reserves associated with the 
partner incentive program are treated on the balance sheet as either contra account receivable or accounts payable. 

Marketable Securities and Privately Held Company Investments.     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 or convertible note investments in privately held companies 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.

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2018 Form 10-K  39

2018 Form 10-K  39

 
 
 
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All of Autodesk’s marketable securities and privately held company investments 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. 

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, trademark and existing customer relationship, as well as assumptions about the 
period of time the acquired trade name and trademark will continue to be used in the our 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.

Realizability of Long-Lived Assets.     We assess the realizability of our long-lived assets and related intangible assets, 

other than goodwill, quarterly, 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 account for income taxes under the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax 
assets, including those related to tax loss carryforwards and credits, and deferred tax liabilities are determined based on the 
differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in 
which the differences are expected to reverse. We recognize the tax benefit for an uncertain tax position when it meets a more 

2018 Form 10-K  40

2018 Form 10-K  40

 
 
 
likely than not threshold. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income 
tax expense. 

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when management cannot conclude that it is more likely 
than not that the net deferred tax asset will be recovered. The valuation allowance is determined by assessing both positive and 
negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable; such assessment is 
required on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. Significant judgment is required in determining whether the valuation allowance 
should be recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence 
including past operating results and estimates of future taxable income. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we 
considered cumulative losses in the U.S. arising from the Company’s business model transition as a significant source of 
negative evidence. Considering this negative evidence and the absence of sufficient positive objective evidence that we would 
generate sufficient taxable income in the U.S. to realize the deferred tax assets, we determined that it was more likely than not 
that the Company would not realize U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets and recorded a valuation allowance on our federal 
and state deferred tax assets. We continue to have a full valuation allowance against our U.S. deferred tax assets in fiscal 2018.

As we continually strive to optimize our overall business model, tax planning strategies may become feasible and prudent 
whereby management may determine that it is more likely than not that the federal and state deferred tax assets will be realized; 
therefore, we will continue to evaluate the evidence around our ability to utilize our net deferred tax assets each quarter, both in 
the US and in foreign jurisdictions, based on all available evidence, both positive and negative.

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 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.

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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 
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.

Restructuring Charges and other facility exit costs, net and Accruals.     The Company’s restructuring plans include one–

time termination benefits as well as certain contractual termination benefits. We record costs associated with exit activities 
related to restructuring plans in accordance with the ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Obligations. Liabilities for costs 
associated with an exit or disposal activity are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. The timing of 
associated cash payments is dependent upon the type of exit cost and may extend over a 12-month period or longer. We record 
restructuring charge liabilities in “Other accrued liabilities,” or "Other liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheet. 

Restructuring charges include employee termination costs, facility closure, accelerated depreciation of certain assets and 

relocation costs, and contract termination costs. One–time termination benefits are recognized as a liability at estimated fair 
value when the approved plan of termination has been communicated to employees, unless employees must provide future 
service that is longer than the statutory requirement, in which case the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service 
period. For the facility-related restructuring charges, we recognize upon exiting all or a portion of a leased facility and meeting 
cease-use and other requirements. The amount of restructuring charges is based on the fair value of the lease obligation for the 
abandoned space, which includes a sublease assumption that could be reasonably obtained. We also recognize accelerated 
depreciation related to assets at the time we commit to a plan to abandon.

2018 Form 10-K  41

2018 Form 10-K  41

 
 
 
Restructuring charges require significant estimates and assumptions, including sub-lease income and expenses for 
severance and other employee separation costs. Our estimates involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are 
beyond our control, including future real estate market conditions and our ability to successfully enter into subleases or 
termination agreements with terms as favorable as those assumed when arriving at our estimates. We monitor these estimates 
and assumptions on at least a quarterly basis for changes in circumstances and any corresponding adjustments to the accrual are 
recorded in our statement of operations in the period when such changes are known.

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 2018 

•  Total net revenue increased 1 percent during fiscal 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year.
•  Total ARR increased 25 percent as of January 31, 2018, as compared to the end of fiscal 2017.

•  Total subscriptions increased 20 percent to $3.72 million.

•  The base of both subscription plan ARR and subscriptions surpassed the base of maintenance plan ARR and 

subscriptions.

•  Total spend (cost of revenue + operating expenses) increased 1 percent.
•  Total deferred revenue (short term + long term deferred revenue) increased 9 percent. 

We are undergoing a business model transition in which we have discontinued selling new perpetual licenses for most of 

our products in favor of subscriptions. During the first three years of the transition, revenue, margins, EPS, deferred revenue 
and cash flow from operations were impacted as more revenue is recognized ratably rather than upfront and as product 
subscription plan offerings generally have a lower initial purchase price.

Revenue Analysis

During fiscal 2018, net revenue increased 1%, as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a 102% increase in 

subscription revenue. The increase in subscription revenue was partially offset by a 64% decrease in license and other revenue.

Further discussion of the drivers of these results are described below under the heading “Results from Operations.” 

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”). Total sales to Tech Data accounted for 31%, 30%, and 25% of 
our consolidated net revenue during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  Our customers through Tech Data are the 
resellers and end users who purchase our software licenses and services. Should any of the agreements with 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. Consequently, we believe our business is not substantially dependent on Tech Data. 

Business Model Transition Metrics

In order to help better understand our financial performance during and after the business model transition, we use several 
metrics including recurring revenue, total subscriptions, ARR, and annualized revenue per subscription ("ARPS"). ARR, ARPS, 
and recurring revenue are performance metrics and should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue as ARR, 
ARPS, and recurring revenue are not intended to be combined with those items.  Our determination and presentation may differ 
from that of other companies. Please refer to the Glossary of Terms for the definitions of these metrics.

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2018 Form 10-K  42

2018 Form 10-K  42

 
 
 
  
The following table outlines our recurring revenue metric for the fiscal years ended 2018, 2017, and 2016:

Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2018

Change compared to
prior fiscal year end

$

%    

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2017(1)

Change compared to
prior fiscal year end

$

%    

Fiscal Year
Ended
January 31,
2016(1)

Recurring Revenue (in millions) (2)

$ 1,882.3

$

342.0

22% $ 1,540.3

$

160.2

12% $ 1,380.1

As a percentage of net revenue

92%

76%

55%

 ________________
(1)  Prior periods have been adjusted to conform with current period's presentation.
(2)  The acquisition of a business may cause variability in the comparison of recurring revenue in this table above and recurring revenue 

derived from the revenue reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 

The following table outlines our ARR, subscriptions, and ARPS metrics as of fiscal years ended January 31, 2018 and 

2017:

ARR (in millions)

Subscription plan ARR

Maintenance plan ARR

Total ARR (2)

Number of Subscriptions (in thousands)

Subscription plan

Maintenance plan

Total subscriptions

ARPS (ARR divided by number of Subscriptions) 

Subscription plan ARPS

Maintenance plan ARPS

Total ARPS (3)

Change compared to
prior fiscal year

January 31,
2018

$

%    

January 31,
2017 (1)

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,175.0

$

603.6

106 % $

571.4

879.1

$ (188.9)

(18)% $

1,068.0

2,054.1

$

414.7

25 % $

1,639.4

2,266.8

1,179.7

1,448.9

3,715.7

(569.1)

610.6

109 %

(28)%

20 %

1,087.1

2,018.0

3,105.1

518

607

553

$

$

$

(8)

78

25

(2)% $

15 % $

5 % $

526

529

528

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 ________________
(1)  Prior periods have been adjusted to conform with the current period's presentation.
(2)  The acquisition of a business may cause variability in the comparison of ARR reported in this table above and ARR derived from the 

revenue reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 

(3)  There are small variances between ARR and total subscriptions due in part to the inherent limitation with collecting all subscriptions 

information. For example, Buzzsaw and Constructware are included with ARR but not in total subscriptions due to these inherent 
limitations. We do not view these variances as meaningful to amounts or quarterly comparisons presented here for ARPS.

 Total ARR increased 25% as of January 31, 2018 as compared to the end of fiscal 2017, due to a 106% increase in 
subscription plan ARR, which for the first time represents the majority of our total ARR. The increase in subscription plan ARR 
was driven by growth in all subscription plan types, led by product subscription. The increase was partially offset by an 18% 
decrease in maintenance plan ARR. 

Subscription plan subscriptions increased 109% or approximately 1.2 million as compared to the end of fiscal 2017, 

driven by growth in all subscription plan types, led by new product subscriptions.  Subscription plan subscriptions benefited 
from approximately 342,000 maintenance subscribers that were converted to product subscription under the maintenance-to-
subscription program during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018.

Maintenance plan subscriptions decreased 28% or approximately 569,000 as compared to the end of fiscal 2017, primarily 

as a result of the discontinuation of new maintenance agreement sales as well as the maintenance-to-subscription program in 
which approximately 342,000 maintenance plan subscriptions were converted to product subscription during the fiscal year 

2018 Form 10-K  43

2018 Form 10-K  43

 
 
 
 
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ended January 31, 2018. The net decrease was expected and we expect to see ongoing declines in maintenance plan 
subscriptions going forward as part of the business model transition.  The rate of decline will vary based on the number of 
subscriptions subject to renewal, the renewal rate, and our ability to incentivize customers to switch over to enterprise business 
agreements ("EBAs") or product subscriptions.

ARPS was $553, a 5% increase compared to the prior fiscal year primarily driven by a 15% increase in maintenance plan 

ARPS as a result of the maintenance-to-subscription program and a 14% increase in product subscription ARPS, which is a 
component of our subscription plan. Partially offsetting the increase in maintenance plan and product subscription ARPS was a 
decrease in both cloud and EBA subscription ARPS.

Our ARPS is currently, and will continue to be, affected by various factors including subscription term-length, migration 
from maintenance plan subscriptions, geography and product mix, promotions, sales linearity within a quarter, pricing changes, 
and foreign currency. We expect to see ARPS fluctuate up or down on a quarterly basis. As we progress through our business 
model transition, we expect all of the impacts of these factors to start to stabilize. 

Foreign Currency Analysis

We generate a significant amount of our revenue in the U.S., Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada.

The following table shows the impact of foreign exchanges rate changes on our net revenue and total spend: 

Revenue

Spend (1)

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2018

Percent
change compare
d to
prior fiscal year
(as reported)

Constant Currency
percent
change compared to
prior fiscal year (2)

Positive/
Negative/Neutral
impact from
foreign exchange
rate changes

1%

1%

2%

1%

Negative

Neutral

 ________________
(1)  Our total spend is defined as cost of revenue plus operating expenses.
(2)  Please refer to Glossary of Terms for the definitions of our constant currency growth rates.

Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar may have a significant effect on net revenue, total spend, and income (loss) 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.

Deferred Revenue and Unbilled Deferred Revenue  

Our deferred revenue balance at January 31, 2018, was $1.96 billion and primarily relates to subscription and maintenance 

agreements invoiced for which the revenue has not yet been recognized but will be recognized as revenue ratably over the life 
of the contracts. The term of our subscription contracts is typically between one and three years. 

We define unbilled deferred revenue as contractually stated or committed orders under multi-year billing plans for 

subscription, services, license and maintenance for which the associated deferred revenue has not been recognized and the 
customer has not been invoiced. Unbilled deferred revenue is not included on our Consolidated Balance Sheet until invoiced to 
the customer.  

(in millions)

Deferred revenue

Unbilled deferred revenue (1)

              Total

Fiscal Year Ended
January 31, 2018

$

$

1,955.1

326.4

2,281.5

 ________________
(1)  This is our first year presenting this metric and we are not able to provide historical information at this time. Comparative information 

will not be available until our first quarter of fiscal 2019.

2018 Form 10-K  44

2018 Form 10-K  44

 
 
 
We expect that the amount of unbilled deferred revenue and deferred revenue will change from quarter to quarter for 
several reasons, including the specific timing, duration and size of large customer subscription and support agreements, varying 
billing cycles of such agreements, the specific timing of customer renewals, foreign currency fluctuations and the timing of 
when unbilled deferred revenue is recognized as revenue.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Items

At January 31, 2018, we had $1.51 billion in cash and marketable securities. This amount includes the aggregate net 
proceeds of $492.0 million, after deducting the underwriting discounts and related offering expenses, from our June 2017 
registered underwritten public offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.5% notes due June 15, 2027.  On July 
27, 2017, we redeemed in full, $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 1.95% senior notes due 
December 15, 2017. To redeem the notes, we used a portion of the proceeds of the June 2017 notes to pay a redemption price of 
approximately $400.9 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest from June 15, 2017, to, but excluding, the redemption date. 
Total cash repayment was $401.8 million. Our cash flow from operations decreased 99% to $0.9 million for the fiscal year 
ended January 31, 2018 from $169.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017. We repurchased 6.9 million shares of 
our common stock for $690.1 million during fiscal 2018. Comparatively, we repurchased 9.7 million shares of our common 
stock for $631.6 million during fiscal 2017. Further discussion regarding the balance sheet and cash flow activities are 
discussed below under the heading “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” 

Results of Operations

Net Revenue

Income Statement Presentation

Maintenance revenue consists of renewal fees for existing maintenance plan agreements that were initially purchased with 

a perpetual software license. Under our maintenance plan, customers are eligible to receive unspecified upgrades, when and if 
available, and technical support. We recognize maintenance revenue over the term of the agreements, generally between one 
and three years. 

Subscription revenue consists of our term-based product subscriptions, cloud service offerings, and flexible enterprise 
business arrangements. Note that with the change in our presentation of revenue in our condensed consolidated statement of 
operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, our term-based product subscriptions and flexible enterprise business arrangements 
are classified and presented in a single line item. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized ratably over the contract term. 
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 when all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied.

License and other revenue consists of (1) license revenue and (2) other revenue. License revenue includes software license 

revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses. Other revenue includes revenue such as consulting and training, and is recognized 
over time as the services are performed.

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2018 Form 10-K  45

2018 Form 10-K  45

 
 
 
(in millions)
Net Revenue:

Fiscal
Year
Ended
January
31, 2018

Change compared to
prior fiscal year

$     

%      

Fiscal
Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

Management Comments

Maintenance (1)

$

989.6

$ (113.5)

(10)% $1,103.1 The decrease in maintenance revenue 

is driven by the discontinuation of 
new maintenance agreements. We 
expect maintenance revenue will 
slowly decline; however, the rate of 
decline will vary based on the 
number of renewals, the renewal rate, 
and our ability to incentivize 
maintenance plan customers to switch 
over to subscription plan offerings.

Subscription (1)

894.3

451.2

102 %

443.1 The increase in subscription revenue 

is primarily a result of the business 
model transition.  We saw growth 
across all subscription plan types, led 
by product subscriptions and 
enterprise business agreements.

    Total maintenance and subscription

1,883.9

337.7

22 % 1,546.2

revenue

License and other (1) (2)

172.7

(312.1)

(64)%

484.8 The decrease in license revenue is 

driven by the business model 
transition, and the discontinuation of 
suite license sales, resulting in a 
decrease in revenue from perpetual 
licenses.

$ 2,056.6

$

25.6

1 % $2,031.0

____________________
(1)  Prior periods have been adjusted to conform with current period's presentation.  See Note 1, "Business and Summary of Significant 

Accounting Policies" of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

(2)  Within license and other revenue, there was an 18% decrease in other revenue during fiscal 2018 as compared to fiscal 2017.  Other 

revenue represented 5% and 6% of total revenue for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

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2018 Form 10-K  46

2018 Form 10-K  46

 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Net Revenue:

Fiscal
Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

Change compared to
prior fiscal year

$

%      

Fiscal
Year
Ended
January
31, 2016

Management Comments

Maintenance (1)

$ 1,103.1

$

(49.4)

(4)% $1,152.5 The decrease in maintenance revenue 

is driven by the discontinuation of 
new maintenance agreements. We 
expect maintenance revenue will 
slowly decline; however, the rate of 
decline will vary based on the 
number of renewals, the renewal rate, 
and our ability to incentivize 
maintenance plan customers to switch 
over to subscription plan offerings.

Subscription (1)

443.1

215.0

94 %

228.1 The increase in subscription revenue

is primarily a result of the business
model transition. We saw growth
across all subscription plan types, led
by product subscriptions and
enterprise business agreements.

    Total maintenance and subscription

1,546.2

165.6

12 % 1,380.6

revenue

License and other (1) (2)

484.8

(638.7)

(57)% 1,123.5 The decrease in license and other 

revenue is driven by the 
discontinuation of our perpetual 
license sales in favor of subscription 
offerings.

$ 2,031.0

$ (473.1)

(19)% $2,504.1

____________________
(1)  Prior periods have been adjusted to conform with current period's presentation.  See Note 1, "Business and Summary of Significant 

Accounting Policies" of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

(2)  Within license and other revenue, there was a 17% decrease in other revenue during fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016.  Other 

revenue represented 6% and 6% of total revenue for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

Net Revenue by Product Family

Our product offerings are focused in four primary product families: AEC, MFG, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (“ACAD”), 

and M&E. During the business model transition, revenue has been and will be negatively impacted as more revenue is 
recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally have a lower initial purchase price. As part of the 
transition, we discontinued selling new perpetual licenses of most individual software products effective February 1, 2016, and 
discontinued selling new perpetual licenses of suites effective August 1, 2016. These broad impacts are reflected in the 
summary below. 

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2018 Form 10-K  47

2018 Form 10-K  47

 
 
 
 
(in millions)

Net Revenue by Product Family:

Architecture, Engineering and

Construction ("AEC")

Fiscal 
Year 
Ended 
January 
31, 2018

Change compared to 
prior fiscal year

$     

%      

Fiscal
Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

Management Comments

$ 866.5

(14.4)

(2)% $ 880.9 Driven by a net decrease in AEC collections 

and legacy suites due to the discontinuation of 
perpetual licenses. The decrease was partially 
offset by an increase in revenue from 
individual AEC product offerings and EBAs 
driven by the respective increases in 
subscription additions.

Manufacturing ("MFG")

589.2

(36.6)

(6)%

625.8 Driven by a net decrease in MFG collections 

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT ("ACAD")

401.4

74.7

23 %

and legacy suites due to the discontinuation of 
perpetual licenses, partially offset by an 
increase in revenue from MFG EBAs driven 
by an increase in subscription additions.

326.7 Driven by increases in both AutoCAD LT and

AutoCAD due to increases in subscription
additions.

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152.0

13.1

9 %

138.9 Driven by an increase in Animation, partially

offset by a decrease in Creative Finishing.

Other

47.5

(11.2)

(19)%

58.7

$2,056.6

$

25.6

1 % $2,031.0

(in millions)
Net Revenue by Product Family:

Fiscal
Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

Change compared 
to prior fiscal year

$

%      

Fiscal 
Year 
Ended 
January 
31, 2016

Management Comments

Architecture, Engineering and 

Construction ("AEC")

$ 880.9

$ (68.2)

(7)% $

949.1 Driven by a decrease in revenue from
individual product offerings.

Manufacturing ("MFG")

625.8

(98.8)

(14)%

724.6 Driven by a decrease in individual product
offerings and a decrease in our MFG suites.

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT ("ACAD")

326.7

(268.1)

(45)%

594.8 As part of the transition to term-based product

Media and Entertainment ("M&E")

138.9

(21.1)

(13)%

subscriptions for our individual software
products in February 2016, products like
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT were negatively
impacted when compared to the same period in
the prior fiscal year as revenue is recognized
ratably rather than upfront.

160.0 Driven by a decrease in Creative Finishing, as

we exited the Creative Finishing hardware
business at the beginning of the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2016.

Other

58.7

(16.9)

(22)%

75.6

$ 2,031.0

$ (473.1)

(19)% $ 2,504.1

2018 Form 10-K  48

2018 Form 10-K  48

 
 
 
 
 
Net Revenue by Geographic Area

Constant 
Currency 
Change 
compared 
to prior 
fiscal year

Change compared
to prior fiscal year

$      

%      

%

Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2018

Constant 
Currency 
Change 
compared 
to prior 
fiscal year

Change compared
to prior fiscal year

$      

%      

%

Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2016

(in millions)

Net Revenue:

Americas

U.S.

Other Americas

Total Americas

Europe, Middle East, and
Africa ("EMEA")

Asia Pacific ("APAC")

$

740.4

$

(1.7)

130.7

871.1

815.4

370.1

0.9

(0.8)

15.0

11.4

— %

1 %

— %

2 %

3 %

1 %

*

*

—%

4%

2%

$

742.1

$ (61.8)

129.8

871.9

800.4

358.7

(39.1)

(100.9)

(134.2)

(238.0)

2% $ 2,031.0

$ (473.1)

(8)%

(23)%

(10)%

(14)%

(40)%

(19)%

$

*

*

(10)%

(8)%

(39)%

803.9

168.9

972.8

934.6

596.7

(16)% $ 2,504.1

Total Net Revenue (1)

$ 2,056.6

$ 25.6

Emerging Economies

$

226.5

(1.0)

— %

—% $

227.5

(138.4)

(38)%

(37)% $

365.9

____________________
(1)  Totals may not sum due to rounding. 
*        Constant currency data not provided at this level. 

We believe that international revenue will continue to comprise a majority of our net revenue. Unfavorable economic 
conditions in the countries that contribute a significant portion of our net revenue, including in emerging economies such as 
Brazil, Russia, India, and China, 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. Increases to the levels of political and economic unpredictability in the global market may impact our future financial 
results. Additionally, during the first three years of the business model transition, revenue has been impacted as more revenue is 
recognized ratably rather than upfront and as new product offerings generally have a lower initial purchase price. While the 
transition to a subscription model has had a broad impact within all markets, it has had a particular impact to emerging 
economies as sales of perpetual licenses have historically comprised a greater percentage of total emerging economy sales in 
comparison to mature markets.  

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Cost of Revenue and Operating Expenses

Cost of maintenance and subscription revenue includes the labor costs of providing product support to our maintenance 
and subscription customers, including allocated IT and facilities costs, shipping and handling costs, professional services fees 
related to operating our network and cloud infrastructure, royalties, depreciation expense and operating lease payments 
associated with computer equipment, data center costs, salaries, related expenses of network operations, and stock-based 
compensation expense. 

Cost of license and other revenue includes labor costs associated with product setup, costs of 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, allocated IT and facilities costs, professional services 
fees and royalties. Direct material and overhead charges include the cost associated with electronic and physical fulfillment.

Cost of revenue, at least over the near term, is affected by the volume and mix of product sales, fluctuations in consulting 
costs, amortization of developed technology, new customer support offerings, royalty rates for licensed technology embedded in 
our products and employee stock-based compensation expense. 

2018 Form 10-K  49

2018 Form 10-K  49

 
 
 
 
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 associated with sales and order management, sales and dealer 
commissions, payment processing fees, the cost of supplies and equipment, gains and losses on our operating expense cash flow 
hedges, and allocated IT and facilities costs.

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, professional services such as fees paid to software development firms and independent contractors, 
gains and losses on our operating expense cash flow hedges, and allocated IT and facilities costs.

General and administrative expenses include salaries, bonuses, transition costs, benefits and stock-based compensation 

expense for our CEO, finance, human resources and legal employees, as well as professional fees for legal and accounting 
services, certain foreign business taxes, gains and losses on our operating expense cash flow hedges, expense of travel, 
entertainment and training, net IT and facilities costs, and the cost of supplies and equipment.

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(in millions)

Cost of revenue:

Maintenance and
subscription (1)

Fiscal Year 
Ended 
January 
31, 2018

Change compared to
prior fiscal year

$     

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

$ 214.4

$

22.7

12 % $ 191.7

License and other (1)

72.6

(37.6)

(34)%

110.2

 Amortization of

developed technology
(1)

16.4

(23.6)

(59)%

40.0

           Total cost of revenue

$ 303.4

Marketing and sales

$ 1,087.3

$

$

(38.5)

(11)% $ 341.9

64.8

6 % $ 1,022.5

Research and development

755.5

(10.6)

(1)%

766.1

General and administrative

305.2

17.4

6 %

287.8

Amortization of purchased

20.2

(11.6)

(36)%

31.8

intangibles

Restructuring charges and 
other facility exit costs, 
net

94.1

13.6

17 %

80.5

$ 2,262.3

$

73.6

3 % $ 2,188.7

Management Comments

Up due to an increase in employee-related costs driven
by increased headcount associated with maintenance
and subscription services in support of the business
model transition.

Down due to lower employee-related costs from
reduced headcount associated with license and other
revenue products and services as a result of our move
to a subscription based business model.

Down as previously acquired developed technologies
continue to become fully amortized while fewer assets
are acquired compared to the prior year.

Up due to increase in employee-related costs from
higher headcount, increased commissions, and
increased stock-based compensation expense from a
higher fair value of awards granted.
Down due to a decrease in employee-related costs from
lower headcount.

Up driven by costs associated with the CEO transition
and an increase in stock-based compensation expense
from a higher fair value of awards granted, partially
offset by a decrease in employee-related costs from
lower headcount.
Down as previously acquired intangible assets continue 
to become fully amortized and fewer assets are 
acquired compared to the prior year.

Driven by the Fiscal 2018 Plan to re-balance resources 
to better align with the Company's strategic priorities 
and position itself to meet long-term goals. Costs 
associated with the Fiscal 2018 Plan are principally 
from employee termination benefits, lease termination 
costs and other exit costs.

2018 Form 10-K  50

2018 Form 10-K  50

 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2017

Change compared to
prior fiscal year

$      

%      

Fiscal Year
Ended
January
31, 2016

Management Comments

(in millions)

Cost of revenue:

Maintenance and
subscription (1)

License and other (1)

$ 191.7

$

29.4

18 % $ 162.3

 Amortization of

developed technology
(1)

110.2

(49.2)

(31)%

159.4

40.0

(9.0)

(18)%

49.0

           Total cost of revenue

$ 341.9

$

(28.8)

(8)% $ 370.7

Marketing and sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Amortization of purchased

intangibles

Restructuring charges and
other facility exit costs,
net

$ 1,022.5

$

7.0

1 % $ 1,015.5

766.1

(23.9)

(3)%

790.0

287.8

(5.6)

(2)%

293.4

31.8

(1.4)

(4)%

33.2

80.5

$ 2,188.7

$

80.5

56.6

*

—

3 % $ 2,132.1

Up due to increases in employee related costs and
direct costs associated with our subscription plan
offerings, such as royalties and fulfillment costs.

Down due to lower professional fees and employee-
related costs from reduced headcount associated with
license and other revenue products and the elimination
of our Creative Finishing hardware business that was
exited in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Down as previously acquired developed technologies
continue to become fully amortized while fewer assets
are acquired compared to the prior year.

Up due to increases in stock-based compensation and
advertising and promotional expenses, offset by a
decrease in employee-related costs from reduced
headcount and lower professional fees.

Down due to a decrease in professional fees and
employee-related costs, partially offset by an increase
in stock-based compensation expense.

Down due to decreases in bad debt expense and
professional fees.

Down as previously acquired intangible assets continue
to become fully amortized and fewer assets are
acquired compared to the prior year.
Driven by the Fiscal 2017 Plan to re-balance staffing
levels and reduce operating expenses to better align
with the evolving needs of the Company. Costs
associated with the Fiscal 2017 Plan are principally
from employee termination benefits, lease termination
costs and other exit costs.

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(1)  Prior periods have been adjusted to conform with current period's presentation. See Note 11, Business and Summary of Significant 

Accounting Policies, Basis of Presentation, of our consolidated financial statements for additional information. 

*        Percentage is not meaningful.

The following table highlights our expectation for the absolute dollar change and percent of revenue change between the fiscal  
2019 as compared to fiscal 2018:

Cost of Revenue

Marketing and sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Absolute dollar impact

Percent of net revenue
impact

Decrease

Increase

Increase

Increase

Decrease

Decrease

Decrease

Decrease

Decrease

Flat

2018 Form 10-K  51

2018 Form 10-K  51

 
 
 
 
Interest and Other Expense, Net

The following table sets forth the components of interest and other expense, net:

Interest and investment expense, net 

Loss on foreign currency

(Loss) gain on strategic investments 
Other income 

Interest and other expense, net

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

(in millions)

2016

$

$

(34.5) $

(29.7) $

(33.9)

(3.3)

(16.4)

6.0

(3.3)

0.3

8.5

—

3.8

8.5

(48.2) $

(24.2) $

(21.6)

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Interest and other expense, net, increased $24.0 million during fiscal 2018, as compared to fiscal 2017, primarily related 
to increases in impairment losses on certain of our privately-held strategic investments and interest expense resulting from our 
June 2017 issuance of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.5% notes due June 15, 2027.

Interest and other expense, net, increased $2.6 million during fiscal 2017, as compared to fiscal 2016, primarily related to  

a decrease in gains on certain of our privately-held strategic investments and an increase in losses on foreign currency.  This 
increase was partially offset by a decrease in interest and investments expense, net, that was primarily driven by mark to market 
gains on deferred compensation plans partially offset by an increase in interest expense resulting from the June 2015 issuance 
of $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due June 15, 2020 and $300.0 million aggregate principal 
amount of 4.375% senior notes due June 15, 2025. 

Interest expense and investment income fluctuates based on average cash, marketable securities and debt balances, 

average maturities and interest rates.

Gains and losses on foreign currency are primarily due to the impact of re-measuring foreign currency transactions and 
net monetary assets into the functional currency of the corresponding entity.  The amount of the gain or loss on foreign currency 
is driven by the volume of foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency exchange rates for the year.

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.

Income tax expense was $9.6 million and $58.3 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively, relative to pre-tax losses of 
$557.3 million and $523.8 million, respectively, for the same periods.  Tax expense for fiscal 2018 consists primarily of foreign 
tax expense including withholding tax, and tax amortization on indefinite-lived intangibles offset by a benefit on the revaluation 
of our deferred tax liability due to the corporate rate reduction under the Tax Act. Tax expense for fiscal 2017 consisted 
primarily of foreign tax expense including withholding tax, and tax amortization on indefinite-lived intangibles. 

The Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017, and provides broad and significant changes to the U.S. tax code and how 

the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations.  The Tax Act requires complex computations to be performed that 
were not previously provided for in the U.S. tax law.  These computations require significant judgments to be made regarding 
the interpretation of the provisions within the Tax Act along with preparation and analysis of information not previously 
required.  In conjunction with the Tax Act, the SEC issued SAB 118 that allows for the Company to record provisional amounts 
until a final assessment can be made within a period not to exceed one year from the date of enactment.  

We have not completed our determination of the accounting implications of the Tax Act on our results of operations.  
However, we have reasonably estimated the effects of the Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements 
as of January 31, 2018.  We recorded a provisional tax benefit for the impact of the Tax Act of approximately $32.3 million.  
This amount is primarily comprised of the remeasurement of our indefinite-lived deferred tax liability resulting from the 
permanent reduction in the U.S. statutory corporate rate from 35% to 21%.  We recorded a provisional estimate of the 

2018 Form 10-K  52

2018 Form 10-K  52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries that is primarily offset by other current year 
operating losses and net operating loss carryforwards that are fully valued resulting in no impact to the current year effective tax 
rate.  As additional regulatory guidance is issued and we continue to collect and analyze necessary data, we may make 
adjustments to provisional amounts previously recorded. We do not anticipate these adjustments to materially impact our 
provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made since we are in a full valuation allowance in the 
U.S.

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when management cannot conclude that it is more likely 

than not that the net deferred tax asset will be recovered.  The valuation allowance is determined by assessing both positive and 
negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable; such assessment is 
required on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis.  Significant judgment is required in determining whether the valuation 
allowance should be recorded against deferred tax assets.  In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all 
available evidence including past operating results and estimates of future taxable income.  Beginning in the second quarter of 
fiscal 2016, we considered recent cumulative losses in the U.S. arising from the Company's business model transition as a 
significant source of negative evidence.  Considering this negative evidence and the absence of sufficient positive objective 
evidence that we would generate sufficient taxable income in the U.S. to realize the deferred tax assets, we determined that it 
was more likely than not that the Company would not realize the U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets and recorded a full 
valuation allowance.  As we continually strive to optimize our overall business model, tax planning strategies may become 
feasible whereby management may determine that it is more likely than not that the federal and state deferred tax assets will be 
realized; as a result, we will continue to evaluate the realizability of our net deferred tax assets each quarter, both in the U.S. 
and in foreign jurisdictions, based on all available evidence, both positive and negative.

As of January 31, 2018, the Company had $337.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $304.8 million 
would reduce our valuation allowance, if recognized.  The remaining $32.8 million would impact the effective tax rate.  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.

Our future effective annual 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, changes in valuation 
allowances, level of profit before tax, accounting for uncertain tax positions, business combinations, closure of statute of 
limitations or settlement of tax audits, and changes in tax laws including impacts of the Tax Act. 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. 

At January 31, 2018, we had non-current foreign net deferred tax assets of $68.0 million that management believes are 

more likely than not to be realized in future years.

For additional information regarding our income tax provision and reconciliation of our effective rate to the federal 

statutory rate of 33.81%, see Note 4, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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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, 2018, 2017, and 2016, our gross profit, gross margin, (loss) income from operations, operating margin, net 
(loss) income, diluted net (loss) income per share and diluted shares used in per share calculation 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

(Loss) income from operations

Non-GAAP (loss) income from operations

Operating margin

Non-GAAP operating margin

Net loss

Non-GAAP net (loss) income

Diluted net (loss) income per share (1)

Non-GAAP diluted (loss) income per share (1)

GAAP diluted weighted average shares used in per share calculation

Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares used in per share calculation

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,753.2

1,785.5

85 %

87 %

(509.1)

(112.0)

(25)%

(5)%

(566.9)

(106.3)

(2.58)

(0.48)

219.5

219.5

(Unaudited)

1,689.1

1,743.2

83 %

86 %

(499.6)

(125.5)

(25)%

(6)%

(582.1)

(111.0)

(2.61)

(0.50)

222.7

222.7

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,133.4

2,194.2

85%

88%

1.3

280.7

—%

11%

(330.5)

194.1

(1.46)

0.84

226.0
230.7  

_______________
(1)  Net (loss) income per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore the sum of the net (loss) income 

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  provide  consistency  in  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 also 
use non-GAAP measures in making operating decisions because we believe those measures provide meaningful supplemental 
information regarding our earning potential and performance for management by excluding certain benefits, credits, 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. 

2018 Form 10-K  54

2018 Form 10-K  54

 
 
 
Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(In millions except for gross margin, operating margin, and per share data):

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

(Loss) income from operations

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

CEO transition costs (1)

Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net

Non-GAAP (loss) income from operations

Operating margin

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

CEO transition costs (1)

Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net

Non-GAAP operating margin

Net loss

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

CEO transition costs (1)

Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net

Loss (gain) on strategic investments

Establishment of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

Discrete tax provision items

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments

Non-GAAP net (loss) income

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

(Unaudited)

$

$

1,753.2

$

1,689.1

$

2,133.4

15.9

16.4

14.1

40.0

11.8

49.0

1,785.5

$

1,743.2

$

2,194.2

85 %

1 %

1 %

87 %

83 %

1 %

2 %

86 %

$

(509.1)

$

(499.6)

$

245.0

16.4

20.2

21.4

94.1

221.8

40.0

31.8

—

80.5

85%

1%

2%

88%

1.3

197.2

49.0

33.2

—

—

$

(112.0)

$

(125.5)

$

280.7

(25)%

12 %

1 %

1 %

1 %

5 %

(5)%

(25)%

11 %

2 %

2 %

— %

4 %

(6)%

$

(566.9)

$

(582.1)

$

245.0

221.8

16.4

20.2

21.4

94.1

16.5

—

(20.7)

67.7

40.0

31.8

—

80.5

(0.3)

—

(2.7)

100.0

$

(106.3)

$

(111.0)

$

—%

8%

2%

1%

—%

—%

11%

(330.5)

197.2

49.0

33.2

—

—

(3.7)

230.9

0.8

17.2

194.1

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Diluted net (loss) income per share (2)

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of developed technologies

Amortization of purchased intangibles

CEO transition costs (1)

Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net

Loss (gain) on strategic investments

Establishment of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

Discrete tax provision items

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments

Non-GAAP diluted (loss) income per share (2)

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

(Unaudited)

$

(2.58)

$

(2.61)

$

(1.46)

1.11

0.08

0.09

0.09

0.43

0.08

—

(0.09)

0.31

1.00

0.18

0.14

—

0.35

—

—

(0.01)

0.45

$

(0.48)

$

(0.50)

$

0.86

0.21

0.15

—

—

(0.01)

1.01

—

0.08

0.84

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(1)  CEO transition costs include stock-based compensation of $16.4 million related to the acceleration of eligible stock awards in 

conjunction with the Company's former CEOs' transition agreements.

(2)  Net (loss) income per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore the sum of the net (loss) income 

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 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.

CEO transition costs.  We exclude amounts paid to the Company's former CEOs upon departure under the terms of their 

transition agreements, including severance payments, acceleration of restricted stock units, and continued vesting of 
performance stock units, and legal fees incurred with the transition. Also excluded from our non-GAAP measures are recruiting 
costs related to the search for a new CEO. These costs represent non-recurring expenses and are not indicative of our ongoing 
operating expenses. We further believe that excluding the CEO transition costs from our non-GAAP results is useful to 
investors in that it allows for period-over-period comparability.

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 and other facility exit costs (benefits), net.  These expenses are associated with realigning our business 
strategies based on current economic conditions. In connection with these restructuring actions or other exit actions, we recognize 
costs related to termination benefits for former employees whose positions were eliminated, 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. 

2018 Form 10-K  56

2018 Form 10-K  56

 
 
 
 
 
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.

Discrete tax items.  We exclude the GAAP tax provision, including discrete items, from the non-GAAP measure of net (loss) 
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  ability  to  utilize  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 our operational performance.

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, restructuring charges and other facilities exit 
costs, and impacts of the corporate rate reduction and one-time deemed mandatory repatriation of certain foreign earnings under 
the Tax Act, net for GAAP and non-GAAP measures.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of cash is from subscriptions to our products, maintenance payments, and related services. 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, 2018, our principal sources of liquidity were cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $1.5 

billion and net accounts receivable of $438.2 million.

In June 2017, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.5% notes due June 15, 2027.  In June 2015, we 
issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% notes due June 15, 2020, and $300.0 million aggregate principal 
amount of 4.375% notes due June 15, 2025. In December 2012, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.95% 
notes due December 15, 2017, and $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.6% notes due December 15, 2022 (all five 
series of notes collectively, the “Notes”). In July 2017, we redeemed in full $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 
outstanding 1.95% senior notes due December 15, 2017.  The redemption was completed pursuant to the optional redemption 
provisions of the first supplemental indenture dated December 13, 2012.  To redeem the notes, we used a portion of the 
proceeds of the June 2017 Notes to pay a redemption price of approximately $400.9 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest.  
Total cash repayment was $401.8 million.  The Company did not incur any additional early termination penalties relating to 
such redemption.

As of January 31, 2018, we have $1.6 billion aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding. In addition, we have a line 

of credit facility that permits unsecured short-term borrowings of up to $400.0 million with a May 2020 maturity date, with an 
option to request an increase in the amount of the credit facility by up to an additional $100.0 million. This credit agreement 
contains customary covenants that could restrict the imposition of liens on our assets, and restrict the Company’s ability to incur 
additional indebtedness or make dispositions of assets if we fail to maintain the financial covenants. The financial covenants 
consist of a maximum debt to total cash ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio through April 30, 2018, and after April 30, 2018, a 
minimum interest coverage ratio. As of January 31, 2018, we are compliant with all financial covenants related to our line of 
credit facility and as of March 22, 2018, we have no amounts outstanding under the credit facility. If we are unable to remain in 
compliance with the covenants, we will not be able to draw on our credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility and the 

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net proceeds from the offering of the 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.

Long-term cash requirements for items other than normal operating expenses are anticipated for the following: repayment 

of debt; 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 United States. As of January 31, 2018, approximately 74% of our total cash or cash 
equivalents and marketable securities are located in foreign jurisdictions and that percentage will fluctuate subject to business 
needs. There are several factors that can impact our ability to utilize foreign cash balances, such as foreign exchange 
restrictions, foreign regulatory restrictions or adverse tax costs. The Tax Act includes a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated 
earnings of foreign subsidiaries and generally eliminates U.S. taxes on foreign subsidiary distributions in future periods.  As a 
result, earnings in foreign jurisdictions are generally available for distribution to the U.S. with little to no incremental U.S. 
taxes. We expect to meet our liquidity needs through current cash balances, ongoing cash flows, external borrowings, or a 
combination. 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.

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.

(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

0.9

$

169.7

$ 414.0

506.4

(656.6)

272.0

(809.5)

(578.3)

343.2

Net cash provided by operating activities of $0.9 million for fiscal 2018 consisted of $330.7 million of non-cash expenses, 

including stock-based compensation expense, depreciation, amortization and accretion expense, and $135.7 million of cash 
flow provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities, offsetting our net loss of $566.9 million.

The primary working capital source of cash was an increase in deferred revenue from $1,788.0 million as of January 31, 
2017, to $1,955.1 million as of January 31, 2018. The primary working capital uses of cash were decreases in accrued income 
taxes and other accrued liabilities.

Net cash provided by investing was $506.4 million for fiscal 2018 and was primarily due to the sale and maturities of 

marketable securities.  These cash inflows were partially offset by purchases of marketable securities and capital expenditures.

2018 Form 10-K  58

2018 Form 10-K  58

 
 
 
At January 31, 2018, our short-term investment portfolio had an estimated fair value of $245.2 million and a cost basis of 
$236.4 million. The portfolio fair value consisted of $99.3 million invested in corporate debt securities, $37.1 million invested 
in U.S. government securities, $27.5 million invested in commercial paper, $13.1 million invested in asset backed securities, 
and $9.2 million invested in other short-term securities.

At January 31, 2018, $59.0 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).

Net cash used in financing activities was $656.6 million fiscal 2018 and was primarily due to repurchases of our common 

stock and the repayment of debt noted earlier in this section.  These cash outflows were offset in part by the issuance of debt 
also noted earlier in this section.  

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant financial contractual obligations at January 31, 2018, and the effect such 

obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

Notes

Operating lease obligations

Purchase obligations

Deferred compensation obligations

Pension obligations

Asset retirement obligations

Total (1)

Total

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal Years 
2010-2021

(in millions)

Fiscal Years 
2022-2023

Thereafter

$

1,955.6

$

57.3

$

555.7

$

434.9

$

907.7

247.0

147.6

59.0

67.6

10.6

61.3

63.8

3.4

7.1

2.9

80.5

59.7

9.0

12.9

7.3

47.5

14.8

8.3

12.8

0.1

57.7

9.3

38.3

34.8

0.3

$

2,487.4

$

195.8

$

725.1

$

518.4

$

1,048.1

____________________ 
(1)  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).

Notes consist of the Senior Notes issued in December 2012, June 2015 and June 2017 described above.

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.

Asset retirement obligations represent the estimated costs to bring certain office buildings that we lease back to their 

original condition after the termination of the lease. 

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 

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2018 Form 10-K  59

2018 Form 10-K  59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Autodesk's stock repurchase program provides Autodesk with the ability to offset the dilution from the issuance of stock 
under our employee stock plans and reduce shares outstanding over time, and has the effect of returning excess cash generated 
from our business to stockholders. Under the share repurchase program, Autodesk may repurchase shares from time to time in 
open market transactions, privately-negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs, tender offers, or by other 
means.  The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and the pace and timing of repurchases will depend on 
factors such as cash generation from operations, available surplus, the volume of employee stock plan activity, remaining shares 
available in the authorized pool, cash requirements for acquisitions, economic and market conditions, stock price and legal and 
regulatory requirements.

During the three and twelve months ended January 31, 2018, we repurchased 2.5 million and 6.9 million shares of our 

common stock, respectively. At January 31, 2018, 19.6 million shares remained available for repurchase under the repurchase 
program approved by the Board of Directors. This programs does not have a fixed expiration date. See Note 9, 
“Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of January 31, 2018, 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.

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2018 Form 10-K  60

2018 Form 10-K  60

 
 
 
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, 2018, and 2017, 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 foreign exchange derivative instruments for 
trading or speculative purposes. The notional amount of our option and forward contracts was $949.5 million and $640.0 
million at January 31, 2018, and 2017, 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, 2018, indicated that 
a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar from its value at January 31, 2018 and 2017 would increase the fair value of 
our foreign currency contracts by $57.9 million and $60.9 million, respectively. A hypothetical 10% depreciation of the dollar 
from its value at January 31, 2018, and 2017 would decrease the fair value of our foreign currency contracts by $83.2 million 
and $32.5 million, respectively.

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, 2018, we had $1,078.6 million of cash equivalents and marketable securities, 
including $245.2 million classified as short-term marketable securities and $190.8 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 market value change of 
our marketable securities would have an unrealized gain or loss of $1.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively. 

Other Market Risk

From time to time we make direct investments in privately held companies. Privately held company investments generally 

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. See Note 2, "Financial Instruments" for further 
discussion regarding our privately held investments.

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2018 Form 10-K  61

2018 Form 10-K  61

 
 
 
ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

Net revenue:

Maintenance

Subscription

Total maintenance and subscription revenue

License and other

Total net revenue

Cost of revenue:

Cost of maintenance and subscription revenue

Cost of license and other revenue

Amortization of developed technology

Total cost of revenue

Gross profit

Operating expenses:

Marketing and sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Amortization of purchased intangibles

Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net

Total operating expenses

(Loss) income from operations

Interest and other expense, net
Loss before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net loss

Basic net loss per share

Diluted net loss per share

Weighted average shares used in computing basic net loss per share

Weighted average shares used in computing diluted net loss per share

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$

989.6

$

1,103.1

$

894.3

1,883.9

172.7

2,056.6

214.4

72.6

16.4

303.4

1,753.2

443.1

1,546.2

484.8

2,031.0

191.7

110.2

40.0

341.9

1,152.5

228.1

1,380.6

1,123.5

2,504.1

162.3

159.4

49.0

370.7

1,689.1

2,133.4

1,087.3

1,022.5

1,015.5

755.5

305.2

20.2

94.1

766.1

287.8

31.8

80.5

790.0

293.4

33.2

—

2,262.3

2,188.7

2,132.1

(509.1)

(48.2)

(557.3)

(9.6)

(499.6)

(24.2)

(523.8)

(58.3)

$

$

$

(566.9) $

(582.1) $

(2.58) $

(2.58) $

219.5

219.5

(2.61) $

(2.61) $

222.7

222.7

1.3

(21.6)

(20.3)

(310.2)

(330.5)

(1.46)

(1.46)

226.0

226.0

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2018 Form 10-K  62

2018 Form 10-K  62

 
 
 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In millions)

Net loss

Other comprehensive loss, net of reclassifications:

Net loss on derivative instruments (net of tax effect of $3.2, ($1.1), and $0.6)
Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities (net of tax effect of $0.1, ($0.5),

and $0.0)

Change in defined benefit pension items (net of tax effect of ($0.7), ($0.9), and $0.9)
Net change in cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) (net of tax effect of ($4.8), $0.2,
and $0.5)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive loss

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$ (566.9) $ (582.1) $ (330.5)

(31.2)

(1.1)

(27.1)

(0.2)

4.5

81.6

54.7

1.3

(5.5)

(52.1)

(57.4)

(1.4)

(4.6)

(34.7)

(67.8)

$ (512.2) $ (639.5) $ (398.3)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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2018 Form 10-K  63

2018 Form 10-K  63

 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share data)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, 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

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation

Accrued income taxes

Deferred revenue

Current portion of long-term notes payable, net

Other accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term deferred revenue

Long-term income taxes payable

Long-term deferred income taxes

Long-term notes payable, net

Long-term other liabilities

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:

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Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized 2.0; none issued or outstanding at January 31,
2018 and 2017

Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.01 par value; shares authorized 750.0; 218.3
outstanding at January 31, 2018 and 220.3 outstanding at January 31, 2017

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Accumulated deficit

Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity

Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity

January 31,
2018

January 31,
2017

$

1,078.0

$

1,213.1

245.2

438.2

116.5

686.8

452.3

108.4

1,877.9

2,460.6

$

$

190.8

145.0

27.1

1,620.2

81.7

170.9

306.2

158.6

45.7

1,561.1

63.9

202.0

4,113.6

$

4,798.1

94.7

$

250.9

28.0

1,551.6

—

198.0

2,123.2

403.5

41.6

66.6

1,586.0

148.7

93.5

238.2

50.0

1,270.1

398.7

134.9

2,185.4

517.9

39.3

91.5

1,092.0

138.4

—

—

1,952.7

(123.8)

(2,084.9)

(256.0)

1,876.3

(178.5)

(964.2)

733.6

$

4,113.6

$

4,798.1

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2018 Form 10-K  64

2018 Form 10-K  64

 
 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)

Operating Activities

Net loss

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion

Stock-based compensation expense

Deferred income taxes

Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net

     Other operating activities

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combinations:

Accounts receivable

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 provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing Activities

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

Proceeds from debt, net of discount

Repayments of debt

Other financing activities

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease 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,

2018

2017

2016

$

(566.9) $

(582.1) $

(330.5)

108.4

261.4

(39.1)

94.1

7.3

13.3

(9.9)

(13.9)

168.3

(22.1)

0.9

(514.0)

489.0

594.3

—

(50.7)

(12.2)

506.4

94.4

(143.1)

(699.0)

496.9

(400.0)
(5.8)
(656.6)

14.2

(135.1)

139.2

221.8

(38.8)

80.5

(7.7)

201.5

(13.5)

2.7

267.0

(100.9)

169.7

(1,867.9)

1,257.7

1,057.2

(85.2)

(76.0)

(13.8)

272.0

119.6

(76.2)

(621.7)

—

—
—
(578.3)

(3.3)

(139.9)

1,213.1

1,078.0

54.6

84.5

$

$

$

1,353.0

1,213.1

47.6

77.7

$

$

$

$

$

$

145.8

197.2

235.9

—

(25.0)

(195.5)

(2.8)

24.9

360.5

3.5

414.0

(2,250.1)

329.4

1,376.6

(148.5)

(72.4)

(44.5)

(809.5)

110.8

(51.6)

(458.0)

748.3

—
(6.3)
343.2

(5.3)

(57.6)

1,410.6

1,353.0

34.7

59.1

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2018 Form 10-K  65

2018 Form 10-K  65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
stockholders'
(deficit) equity
2,219.2
$
59.2
197.2
0.3
(330.5)
(67.8)
(458.0)
1,619.6
43.4
221.8
119.9
(582.1)
(57.4)
(631.6)
733.6
(48.7)
261.4
(566.9)
54.7
(690.1)
(256.0)

499.4
—
—
—
(330.5)
—
(249.7)
(80.8)
—
—
113.0
(582.1)
—
(414.3)
(964.2)
—
—
(566.9)
—
(553.8)
(2,084.9) $

AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
(In millions)

Common stock and
additional paid-in capital

Shares

Amount

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Retained
earnings
(Accumulated
deficit)

Balances, January 31, 2015
Common shares issued under stock plans
Stock-based compensation expense
Tax benefits from employee stock plans
Net loss
Other comprehensive (loss)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
Balances, January 31, 2016
Common shares issued under stock plans
Stock-based compensation expense
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
Net loss
Other comprehensive (loss)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
Balances, January 31, 2017
Common shares issued under stock plans
Stock-based compensation expense
Net loss
Other comprehensive income
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
Balances, January 31, 2018

227.0
5.9
—
—
—
—
(8.5)
224.4
5.6
—
—
—
—
(9.7)
220.3
4.9
—
—
—
(6.9)
218.3

$

$

1,773.1
59.2
197.2
0.3
—
—
(208.3)
1,821.5
43.4
221.8
6.9
—
—
(217.3)
1,876.3
(48.7)
261.4
—
—
(136.3)
1,952.7

$

$

(53.3) $
—
—
—
—
(67.8)
—
(121.1)
—
—
—
—
(57.4)
—
(178.5)
—
—
—
54.7
—
(123.8) $

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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2018 Form 10-K  66

2018 Form 10-K  66

 
 
 
 
AUTODESK, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2018 
(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, offered through a hybrid of desktop and cloud functionality, 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 intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. 

Change in Presentation

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company changed its historical presentation of its revenue and cost of revenue 

categories. Previously, the Company presented revenue and cost of revenue on two lines: subscription, and license and other. 
Included within subscription was maintenance revenue for all of the Company's software products and revenue for the 
Company's cloud service offerings. License and other revenue included product license revenue, standalone consulting services, 
and other immaterial items. Also, included within license and other revenue was an allocation of the estimated value of the 
software license from the Company's term-based product subscriptions and enterprise offerings, which contain a software 
license, maintenance and cloud services. For these arrangements, as there is no vendor-specific-objective evidence ("VSOE") 
for the related maintenance, the arrangement consideration was allocated between the license and maintenance deliverables 
based on best estimated selling prices in our consolidated statements of operations. The Company performed the allocation 
because it provided a meaningful presentation to investors based on the Company's then current product mix. 

As part of the Company's technological and business model transition, the Company discontinued the sale of most of its 
perpetual licenses, transitioning away from selling a mix of perpetual licenses and term-based product subscriptions to a single 
subscription model involving a combined hybrid offering of desktop software and cloud functionality, which provides a device-
independent, collaborative design workflow for designers and their stakeholders. Fiscal 2018 marks the first full year in the 
Company's history that it sold substantially all term-based product subscriptions. To better reflect this shift in its business, the 
Company adopted a revised presentation in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, including the separation of subscription revenue and 
maintenance revenue on distinct line items on the Company's consolidated statement of operations. 

Subscription revenue now consists of our term-based product subscriptions, cloud service offerings, and flexible 
enterprise business arrangements. Note that with the change in presentation of revenue in the Company’s consolidated 
statement of operations in fiscal 2018, term-based product subscriptions and flexible enterprise business arrangements are 
classified and presented in a single line item. 

Maintenance revenue is presented as a separate line item in the new presentation and consists of revenue from the 

Company's existing maintenance plan agreements and related renewals. 

License and other revenue will continue to be presented as a separate line item and include any residual perpetual licenses 

sold, standalone consulting services, and other immaterial items.  

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2018 Form 10-K  67

 
 
 
In connection with these revisions, the Company also revised its cost of revenue classification to present cost of 

subscription and maintenance revenue and amortization of developed technology separately. Cost of license and other revenue 
will continue to be presented as a separate line item. This change in presentation does not affect the Company's total net 
revenues, total cost of net revenues or overall gross margin. The following table shows reclassified amounts to conform to the 
periods' presentation:

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2016

Previously
Reported

Change in
Presentation
Reclassification

Current
Presentation

Previously
Reported

Change in
Presentation
Reclassification

Current
Presentation

N/A

$

1,103.1

$

1,103.1

N/A

$

1,152.5

$

1,152.5

$

$

1,290.0

741.0

(846.9)

(256.2)

443.1

$ 1,277.2

(1,049.1)

228.1

484.8

1,226.9

(103.4)

1,123.5

2,031.0

$

— $

2,031.0

$ 2,504.1

$

— $

2,504.1

Net revenue:

Maintenance (1)

Subscription

License and other

Total

Cost of revenue:

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$

151.3

$

40.4

$

191.7

$

156.1

$

6.2

$

162.3

License and other

190.6

(80.4)

110.2

214.6

(55.2)

159.4

Amortization of developed
technology (1)

N/A

40.0

40.0

N/A

49.0

Total

$

341.9

$

— $

341.9

$

370.7

$

— $

49.0

370.7

 _______________
(1) These lines were not previously reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 
(2) Previously, titled "Subscription." 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") 
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 including strategic investments, 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, provisional estimates associated 
with the December 22, 2017 enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"), 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 (loss) income.

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.

2018 Form 10-K  68

2018 Form 10-K  68

 
 
 
Derivative Financial Instruments

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 and Privately Held Company Investments

Marketable securities are stated at fair value. Marketable securities maturing within one year that are not restricted are 

classified as current assets. Substantially all marketable debt and equity investments held by Autodesk are classified as current 
based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.

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 (deficit) 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. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific-identification method.

Autodesk regularly invests in non-marketable debt and equity securities of privately held companies. The carrying values 
of such investments are included in other long-term assets. For the majority of our privately held company investments, we use 
the cost method of accounting.

All of Autodesk’s marketable securities and privately held company investments 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. 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:

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Trade accounts receivable

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

Product returns reserve

Partner programs and other obligations

Accounts receivable, net

2018

2017

469.2

$

(2.3)

(0.2)

(28.5)

438.2

$

477.5

(1.5)

(0.2)

(23.5)

452.3

$

$

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.

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 subscription transaction 
is billed and subsequently recognized as a reduction to subscription revenue over the contract period. These incentive balances 

2018 Form 10-K  69

2018 Form 10-K  69

 
 
 
do not require significant assumptions or judgments. Depending on how the payments are made, the reserves associated with 
the partner incentive program are treated on the balance sheet as either contra account receivable or accounts payable.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Autodesk places its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities in highly liquid instruments with, and in the custody 

of, multiple diversified financial institutions globally with high credit ratings and limits the amounts invested with any one 
institution, type of security, and issuer.

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.

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 counterparty risk on at least a 
quarterly basis and will adjust its exposure to various counterparties as necessary. 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’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 
31%, 30%, and 25% of Autodesk's net revenue for fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The 
majority of the net revenue from sales to Tech Data is for sales made outside of the United States. In addition, Tech Data 
accounted for 31% and 20% of trade accounts receivable as of January 31, 2018, and 2017, 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 $67.6 million in fiscal 2018, $73.1 million in 
fiscal 2017, and $60.6 million in fiscal 2016.

Computer equipment, software, furniture, leasehold improvements and the related accumulated depreciation at January 31 

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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

2018

2017

$

217.1

$

72.6

228.9

63.4

582.0

(437.0)

206.1

73.5

206.3

58.2

544.1

(385.5)

158.6

Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, net

$

145.0

$

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. 

2018 Form 10-K  70

2018 Form 10-K  70

 
 
 
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, 2018, and January 31, 2017. 

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 two to ten years. Amortization expense for developed technologies, customer 
relationships, trade names, patents, and user lists was $36.6 million in fiscal 2018, $72.2 million in fiscal 2017 and $82.6 
million in fiscal 2016.

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)

Other intangible assets, at cost (2)

Less: Accumulated amortization

Other intangible assets, net

_______________ 
(1) 
(2) 

Included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Includes the effects of foreign currency translation. 

2018

2017

578.5

$

372.5

951.0

(895.8)

55.2

$

583.6

375.9

959.5

(862.0)

97.5

$

$

The weighted average amortization period for developed technologies, customer relationships, trade names, patents, and 

user lists during fiscal 2018 was 4.9 years. Excluding in-process research and development, 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:

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2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Goodwill

Fiscal Year ended
January 31,

$

$

28.0

16.1

7.7

3.4

—

55.2

Goodwill consists of the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired in business 
combinations. Autodesk tests goodwill for impairment annually in its fourth fiscal quarter or more often if circumstances 
indicate a potential impairment may exist, or if events have affected the composition of reporting units.  

When goodwill is assessed for impairment, Autodesk has the option to perform an assessment of qualitative factors of 
impairment (“optional assessment”) prior to necessitating a quantitative impairment test.  Should the optional assessment be 
used 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 

2018 Form 10-K  71

2018 Form 10-K  71

 
 
 
 
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circumstances, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, then 
performing the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.

The quantitative impairment test is necessary when either Autodesk does not use 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. 

As described in the "Accounting Standards Adopted" section of Note 1, Autodesk early adopted ASU 2017-04, which 
simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill to eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, removing the need to 
determine the implied fair value of goodwill and comparing it to the carrying amount of that goodwill to measure the 
impairment loss, if any.  In situations in which an entity's reporting unit is publicly traded, the fair value of the Company may 
be approximated by its market capitalization, in performing the quantitative impairment test. 

Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. If impairment exists, 
the carrying value of the goodwill is reduced to fair value through an impairment charge recorded in the Company's statements 
of operations. 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) a significant 
slowdown in the worldwide economy or the industries Autodesk serves, or (iv) changes in Autodesk’s business strategy.

For the annual impairment test, Autodesk's market capitalization was substantially in excess of the carrying value of the 

Company as of January 31, 2018. Accordingly, Autodesk has determined there was no goodwill impairment during the year 
ended January 31, 2018. In addition, Autodesk did not recognize any goodwill impairment losses in fiscal 2017 or 2016.

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal years ended January 31, 

2018 and 2017:

Goodwill, beginning of the year

Less: accumulated impairment losses, beginning of the year

Additions arising from acquisitions during the year

Effect of foreign currency translation, measurement period adjustments, and other (1)

Goodwill, end of the year

January 31, 2018

January 31, 2017

$

$

1,710.3

$

(149.2)

—

59.1

1,684.2

(149.2)

62.8

(36.7)

1,620.2

$

1,561.1

_______________
(1)  Purchase accounting adjustments reflect revisions made to the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocations during fiscal 2018 and 

2017. 

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 flow 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 material impairments of long-lived assets during the fiscal years ended 
January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 U.S. deferred 
tax liabilities on acquired intangibles, and valuation allowances against U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets. Autodesk 
performed a quarterly assessment of the recoverability of these net deferred tax assets and believe it will generate sufficient 

2018 Form 10-K  72

2018 Form 10-K  72

 
 
 
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 that is "more likely than not" 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. 

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 a portion of the total arrangement consideration is 
allocated to undelivered elements based on their vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value and the remainder 
or residual of the total consideration is recognized as revenue for the delivered elements. 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 product subscriptions, maintenance or services, 
the total consideration for the arrangement is recognized ratably over the longest contractual service period in the arrangement.

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 to 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.

In situations when Autodesk has multiple contracts with a single counterparty, Autodesk uses the guidance in ASC 

985-605 to evaluate both the form and the substance of the arrangements to determine if they should be combined and 
accounted for as one arrangement or as separate arrangements.

Autodesk’s assessment of the likelihood of collection is also a critical factor in determining the timing of revenue 
recognition. If Autodesk does not believe that collection is probable, the revenue will be deferred until payment is received.

Autodesk's maintenance revenue consists of renewal fees for existing maintenance plan agreements that were initially 

purchased with a perpetual software license. Under the maintenance plan, customers are eligible to receive unspecified 
upgrades, when and if available, and technical support. Autodesk recognizes maintenance revenue ratably over the term of the 
maintenance agreement, which is generally between one and three years.

Autodesk's subscription revenue consists of term-based product subscriptions, cloud service offerings, and flexible 
enterprise business arrangements. With Autodesk's subscription plan, customers can use Autodesk software anytime, anywhere, 
and get access to the latest updates to previous versions. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized ratably over the 
contract term. 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 when all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. 

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2018 Form 10-K  73

 
 
 
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License and other revenue consists of two components: license revenue and other revenue. License revenue includes 
software license revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses. Other revenue includes revenue such as standalone consulting and 
training, and is recognized over time as the services are performed.

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 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, as 

follows:

Cost of maintenance and subscription revenue

Cost of license and other revenue

Marketing and sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards and Employee Qualified

Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") purchases

Tax benefit

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

11.9

$

4.0

107.3

82.9

55.3

261.4

(2.6)

$

8.6

5.5

94.1

81.3

32.3

221.8

(2.6)

5.8

6.0

85.2

70.4

29.8

197.2

(1.6)

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards and ESPP purchases,

net

$

258.8

$

219.2

$

195.6

Autodesk determines the grant date fair value of its share-based payment awards using a Black-Scholes Merton ("BSM") 
option 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:

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2018

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended

January 31, 2016

Range of expected volatilities

Range of expected lives (in years)

Expected dividends

Performance
Stock Unit

ESPP

Performance
Stock Unit

32%

N/A

—%

31% - 34%

38 - 39%

0.5 - 2.0

—%

N/A

—%

ESPP

30 - 40%

0.5 - 2.0

—%

Range of risk-free interest rates

1.0% - 1.2% 0.9% - 1.4%

0.6 - 0.7%

0.5 - 0.9%

Performance
Stock Unit

27%

N/A

—%

0.2%

ESPP

28 -29%

0.5 - 2.0

—%

0.1 - 0.7%

Autodesk estimates expected volatility for stock-based awards based on the average of the following two measures: (1) a 
measure of historical volatility in the trading market for the Company’s common stock, and (2) the implied volatility of traded 
forward call options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The expected volatility for performance stock units 
subject to market conditions includes the expected volatility of Autodesk's peer companies within the S&P Computer Software 
Select Index or S&P North American Technology Software Index with a market capitalization over $2.00 billion, depending on 
the award type.

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.  The range of expected lives of ESPP awards are based upon the four, 
six-month exercise periods within a 24-month offering period.

2018 Form 10-K  74

2018 Form 10-K  74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Autodesk did not pay cash dividends in fiscal 2018, 2017, or 2016 and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in 

the foreseeable future. Consequently, an expected dividend yield of zero is used in the BSM option pricing model and the 
Monte Carlo simulation model.

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 ultimately vest. Autodesk accounts for forfeitures of 

stock-based awards as those forfeitures occur.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expenses incurred were $31.1 million in fiscal 2018, $33.6 

million in fiscal 2017, and $29.8 million in fiscal 2016.

Net (Loss) Income Per Share

Basic net (loss) 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. Diluted net (loss) 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

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 loss. 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 (loss) income in the Consolidated 
Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) 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 2018

With the exception of those discussed below, there have been no recent changes in accounting pronouncements issued by 

FASB or adopted by the Company during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018, that are of significance, or potential 
significance, to the Company. 

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Accounting Standards Adopted 

Autodesk adopted FASB's Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04 ("ASU 2017-04"), "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other 
(Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" during the three months ended April 30, 2017. The ASU simplifies 
the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under current guidance, Step 2 of 
the goodwill impairment test requires entities to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount 
of goodwill recognized in a business combination by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities 
of the reporting unit. The carrying value in excess of the implied fair value is recognized as goodwill impairment. Under the 
new standard, goodwill impairment is recognized based on Step 1 of the current guidance, which calculates the carrying value 
in excess of the reporting unit’s fair value. The new guidance is required to be applied on a prospective basis and as such, 
Autodesk used the simplified test in its annual fourth fiscal quarter testing. ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on 
Autodesk's consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards But Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 (“ASU 2018-02”), “Income Statement-

Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income.”  The amendment allows entities to reclassify stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs 
Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.  The amendment only impacts the income tax effect of 
the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act but does not affect the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in 
tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations.  The amendment is effective for Autodesk fiscal year 
beginning February 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted.  Autodesk is currently evaluating the accounting, transition, and 
disclosure requirements of the standard and cannot currently estimate the financial statement impact of adoption.

In August 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12 ("ASU 2017-12"), "Derivatives and Hedging 
(Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The targeted amendments help simplify certain 
aspects of hedge accounting and result in a more accurate portrayal of the economics of an entity’s risk management activities 
in its financial statements. For cash flow and net investment hedges as of the adoption date, the guidance requires a modified 
retrospective approach. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The amendments are 
effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Autodesk is currently evaluating 
the accounting, transition, and disclosure requirements of the standard and cannot currently estimate the financial statement 
impact of adoption.

In February 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-05 ("ASU 2017-05"), "Other Income– Gains and 

Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition 
Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets." The ASU, among other things, clarifies the scope of the 
derecognition of nonfinancial assets, the definition of in substance financial assets, and impacts the accounting for partial sales 
of nonfinancial assets by requiring full gain recognition upon the sale. The amendments are effective for Autodesk's fiscal year 
beginning February 1, 2018.  The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a 
cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The effect of the implementation will depend upon the nature of the 
Company's future acquisitions or dispositions, if any.  The adoption of the guidance would not have had a material impact on 
acquisitions prior to the current period and on the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition and results of 
operations. 

In January 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 ("ASU 2017-01"), "Business Combinations: 
Clarifying the Definition of a Business" which provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and 
activities is considered a business. The amendments will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018. 
The new guidance is required to be applied on a prospective basis.  The effect of the implementation will depend upon the 
nature of the Company's future acquisitions, if any. 

In October 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16 ("ASU 2016-16"), “Income Taxes: Intra-Entity 
Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory” which requires that entities recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity 
transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The amendments will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year 
beginning February 1, 2018. The new guidance is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a 
cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Autodesk does not 
believe the ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

2018 Form 10-K  76

2018 Form 10-K  76

 
 
 
In June 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 ("ASU 2016-13") regarding ASC Topic 326, 

"Financial Instruments - Credit Losses," which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial 
instruments. Autodesk plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 as of the effective date which represents Autodesk’s fiscal year beginning 
February 1, 2020. Autodesk does not believe the ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 ("ASU 2016-02") regarding ASC Topic 842, 

"Leases." The amendments in this ASU require balance sheet recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for 
leases classified as operating leases, with an optional policy election to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases 
with a term of 12 months or less. The amendments also require new disclosures, including qualitative and quantitative 
requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements.  Autodesk plans to adopt 
ASU 2016-02 in Autodesk’s fiscal year beginning February 1, 2019. The amendments require a modified retrospective 
approach with optional practical expedients. Autodesk is currently evaluating the accounting, transition, and disclosure 
requirements of the standard and cannot currently estimate the financial statement impact of adoption.

In January 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 ("ASU 2016-01") regarding ASC Topic 825-10, 

"Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and 
disclosure of financial instruments, and require equity securities to be measured at fair value, unless the measurement 
alternative method has been elected, with changes in fair value recognized through net income. The amendments also simplify 
the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment 
for impairment quarterly at each reporting period. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year 
beginning February 1, 2018. An entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance 
sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with prospective adoption of the amendments related to equity securities 
without readily determinable fair values existing as of the date of adoption. Autodesk does not believe ASU 2016-01 will have a 
material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 

Topic 606),” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in "Revenue Recognition (ASC Topic 605)." ASU 
2014-09 provides principles for recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In 
August 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date by one year with early 
adoption permitted as of the original effective date. In addition, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, 
Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-10, Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-12, and Accounting Standard Update No. 
2016-20 in March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016, respectively, to help provide interpretive clarifications on 
the new guidance in ASC Topic 606.

Autodesk will adopt ASU 2014-09 as of February 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method. The 

Company's implementation efforts are substantially complete.

The Company has concluded that the desktop software and related cloud services that are included in the majority of its 
product subscription offerings and enterprise arrangements are not distinct in the context of the contract as they are considered 
highly interrelated and represent a single combined performance obligation that should be recognized over time. Therefore, the 
new standard will not result in a material change in the timing and amount of the recognition of revenue for the majority of the 
Company's product subscription offerings and enterprise arrangements. 

One impact of the new standard relates to product subscriptions that do not incorporate substantial cloud services. A 
limited number of Autodesk's product subscriptions do not incorporate substantial cloud services, and under ASU 2014-09, will 
be recognized as distinct license and service performance obligations. Currently, under ASC Topic 605, licenses sold with 
undelivered elements without VSOE are recognized ratably over the term of the undelivered elements. Under ASC Topic 606, 
Autodesk is no longer required to establish VSOE to recognize software license revenue separately from the other elements and 
will recognize software licenses once the customer obtains control of the license, which is generally upon delivery of the 
license. Therefore, revenue allocated to the licenses in these offerings under Topic 606 will be recognized at a point in time 
instead of over the contract term. While the Company is still evaluating, Autodesk believes the impact of the change to the 
timing of revenue recognition is expected to have a balance sheet pre-tax impact at the date of adoption of approximately $80 - 
$100 million reduction to the deferred revenue balance. 

Another significant provision under ASU 2014-09 includes the capitalization and amortization of costs associated with 
obtaining a contract, most significantly sales commissions. The amortization period for the Company's deferred costs will be 

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2018 Form 10-K  77

2018 Form 10-K  77

 
 
 
recognized over the estimated period of benefit. The Company expects there to be a balance sheet pre-tax impact at the date of 
adoption recognizing the deferred sales commission capitalization costs of approximately $102 - $112 million.

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, 2018 and 2017. 

January 31, 2018

Amortized
Cost

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair
Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

5.0

$

— $

— $

5.0

$

5.0

$ — $

2
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Cash equivalents (1):

Agency bonds

Certificates of deposit

Commercial paper

Corporate debt securities

Custody cash deposit

Money market funds

Municipal bonds

Sovereign debt

Marketable securities:

Short-term available-for-sale

Asset backed securities

Commercial paper

Corporate debt securities

Other (2)

U.S. government securities

Short-term trading securities

Mutual funds

Long-term available-for-sale

Agency bonds

Asset backed securities

Corporate debt securities

Municipal bonds

Sovereign debt

U.S. government securities

Convertible debt securities (3)

Derivative contract assets (4)

Derivative contract liabilities (5)

17.4

324.2

5.0

5.2

278.8

5.0

2.0

13.1

27.5

99.4

9.2

37.1

50.1

13.7

36.8

100.2

12.7

2.8

25.5

7.5

2.0

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

8.9

—

—

0.1

—

—

—

0.5

7.5

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(0.1)

—

—

—

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.4)

(0.1)

—

(0.2)

(0.2)

(1.3)

17.4

324.2

5.0

5.2

278.8

5.0

2.0

13.1

27.5

99.3

9.2

37.1

17.4

—

5.0

5.2

—

5.0

—

—

—

99.3

7.7

37.1

59.0

59.0

13.6

36.6

99.9

12.6

2.8

25.3

7.8

8.2

13.6

—

99.9

12.6

—

25.3

—

—

—

—

324.2

—

—

278.8

—

2.0

13.1

27.5

—

1.5

—

—

—

36.6

—

—

2.8

—

—

7.2

(26.6)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7.8

1.0

—

8.8

(26.6)

(26.6)

Total

$ 1,080.2

$

17.0

$

(29.2)

$1,068.0

$ 392.1

$ 667.1

$

Included in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

____________________ 
(1) 
(2)  Consists of agency bonds, certificates of deposit, sovereign debt, and municipal bonds.
(3)  Considered “available for sale” and included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
(4) 

Included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other assets,” or “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(5) 

2018 Form 10-K  78

2018 Form 10-K  78

 
 
 
 
January 31, 2017

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

— $

— $

Cash equivalents (1):

Agency bonds

Certificates of deposit

Commercial paper

Corporate debt securities

Custody cash deposit

Money market funds

Municipal bonds

Sovereign debt

U.S. government securities

Marketable securities:

Short-term available-for-sale

Agency bonds

Asset backed securities

Certificates of deposit

Commercial paper

Corporate debt securities

Municipal bonds

Sovereign debt

U.S. government securities

Short-term trading securities

Mutual funds

Long-term available-for-sale

Agency bonds

Asset backed securities

Corporate debt securities

Municipal bonds

Sovereign debt

U.S. government securities

Convertible debt securities (2)

Derivative contract assets (3)

Derivative contract liabilities (4)

$

6.0

63.1

207.4

40.2

3.2

256.5

5.0

15.0

309.5

13.2

19.6

157.3

109.2

234.7

43.4

30.0

32.3

44.8

7.1

65.8

172.1

10.7

1.5

48.8

4.9

2.2

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.5

—

0.1

0.1

—

—

0.1

2.3

12.3

—

6.0

63.1

207.4

40.2

3.2

256.5

5.0

15.0

309.5

13.2

19.6

157.3

109.2

234.5

43.4

30.0

32.3

$

6.0

63.1

—

40.2

3.2

—

5.0

—

309.5

13.2

—

157.3

—

234.5

43.4

—

32.3

$ — $

—

207.4

—

—

256.5

—

15.0

—

—

19.6

—

109.2

—

—

30.0

—

47.3

47.3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(0.2)

—

—

—

—

—

—

7.1

65.9

7.1

—

(0.1)

172.1

172.1

—

—

—

(1.6)

(1.3)

10.7

1.5

48.9

5.6

13.2

(10.4)

(10.4)

10.7

—

48.9

—

—

—

—

65.9

—

—

1.5

—

—

11.9

(10.4)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5.6

1.3

—

6.9

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Total

$ 1,903.5

$

17.4

$

(13.6)

$1,907.3

$1,193.8

$ 706.6

$

Included in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

____________________ 
(1) 
(2)  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 
(3) 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) 

Autodesk classifies its marketable securities as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying 

contractual maturity date. Generally 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 

2018 Form 10-K  79

2018 Form 10-K  79

 
 
 
      
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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, 2018.

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 convertible debt securities, and derivative contracts which are valued using probability weighted discounted 
cash flow models as 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 year ended January 31, 2018 was as follows:

Balances, January 31, 2017

Purchases

Gains (losses) included in earnings (1)

Gains included in OCI

Balances, January 31, 2018

Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)

Convertible
Debt
Securities

Derivative
Contracts

Total

$

$

1.3

1.1

(1.4)

—

1.0

$

$

$

5.6

5.9

(3.2)

(0.5)

6.9

7.0

(4.6)

(0.5)

7.8

$

8.8

____________________ 
(1) 

Included in “Interest and other expense, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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 within in 1 year

Due in 1 year through 5 years

Due in 5 years through 10 years

Due after 10 years

Total

January 31, 2018

Cost

Fair Value

193.8

$

186.9

3.7

1.1

194.0

186.0

3.7

1.1

385.5

$

384.8

$

$

As of January 31, 2018, and 2017, Autodesk had no material securities, individually and in the aggregate, in a continuous 

unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months.

As of January 31, 2018, and 2017, Autodesk had $112.3 million and $117.2 million, respectively, in direct investments in 

privately held companies accounted for under the cost method, which are periodically assessed for other-than-temporary 
impairment. , Autodesk does not intend to sell these cost method investments and it is not more likely than not that Autodesk 
will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the amortized cost bases, which may be maturity. Therefore, Autodesk 
does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at January 31, 2018. 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. 

2018 Form 10-K  80

2018 Form 10-K  80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If Autodesk determines that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, Autodesk writes down the investment to its 

fair value. During fiscal 2018 and 2017, Autodesk recorded $15.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in other-than-
temporary impairment on its privately held equity and debt investments. The impairment expense was recorded in “Interest and 
other expense, net” on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The sales or redemptions of “available-for-sale securities” in fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 resulted in a loss of $0.3 
million, gain of $1.5 million, and gain of $0.1 million, respectively. The loss and gains were recorded in "Interest and other 
expense, net" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Proceeds from the sale and maturity of marketable securities for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 were $1.1 billion and $2.3 

billion, 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 which 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 and 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 counterparty risk on at least a 
quarterly basis and will adjust its exposure to various counterparties as necessary. 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, net” in the Company's 
Consolidated Financial Statements at that time. 

The net notional amounts of these contracts are presented net settled and were $619.9 million at January 31, 2018 and 
$369.4 million at January 31, 2017. Outstanding contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at 
fair value. The majority of the net loss of $16.6 million remaining in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as of January 31, 
2018, is expected to be recognized into earnings within the next twelve months.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 

Autodesk uses foreign currency contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to reduce the exchange rate risk 
associated primarily with foreign currency denominated receivables, payables, and cash. These forward contracts are marked-
to-market at the end of each month with gains and losses recognized as “Interest and other expense, 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 revaluation and settlement of 
the underlying foreign currency denominated receivables, payables, and cash. The net notional amounts of these foreign 
currency contracts are presented net settled and were $329.6 million at January 31, 2018, and $270.6 million at January 31, 
2017. 

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2018 Form 10-K  81

 
 
 
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 
“Interest and other expense, 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, 

2018, and January 31, 2017:

Balance Sheet Location

January 31, 2018

January 31, 2017

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

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets and Other
assets

Foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Other accrued liabilities

Other accrued liabilities

Total derivative liabilities

$

$

$

$

6.2

$

10.1

2.0

8.2

$

18.7

$

7.9

26.6

$

3.2

13.3

4.5

6.0

10.5

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, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively (amounts presented include any income tax 
effects):

Amount of (loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on derivatives

(effective portion)

Amount and location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

into (loss) income (effective portion)

Net revenue

Operating expenses

Total

Amount and location of loss recognized in (loss) income on derivatives (ineffective portion

and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)

Interest and other expense, net

Foreign Currency Contracts

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

(21.3) $

6.3

$

2.2

8.0

1.9

9.9

$

$

9.2

$

(1.8)

7.4

$

39.8

(10.5)

29.3

(0.2) $

(0.3) $

(0.7)

$

$

$

$

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, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively (amounts presented include any 
income tax effects):

Amount and location of loss recognized in loss (income) on derivatives

Interest and other expense, net

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

(19.1) $

(11.1) $

(1.7)

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2018 Form 10-K  82

2018 Form 10-K  82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.     Employee and Director Stock Plans 

Stock Plans

As of January 31, 2018, 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.

The 2012 Employee Plan was approved by Autodesk's stockholders and became effective on January 6, 2012. Since the 

2012 Stock Plan was adopted by stockholders in January 2012, Autodesk has received stockholder approval to increase the 
number of shares subject to the plan by 36.1 million shares. 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 57.3 million shares which includes 51.3 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, 2018, 41.1 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, 2018, 21.3 million shares were available 
for future issuance under the 2012 Employee Plan. 

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, 2018, 0.9 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. On March 12, 2015, the Board reduced the number of shares reserved 
for issuance under the 2012 Directors' Plan by 0.9 million shares, so that 1.7 million shares are now reserved for issuance under 
the 2012 Directors' Plan. The 2012 Directors' Plan will expire on June 30, 2022. At January 31, 2018, 0.9 million shares were 
available for future issuance under the 2012 Director's Plan. 

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, 2018 is as follows:

Number of
Shares
(in millions)

Weighted
average exercise
price per share

Weighted average
remaining
contractual term
(in years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
(in millions)

Options outstanding at January 31, 2017

Exercised

Options vested, exercisable and outstanding at January 31, 2018

Shares available for grant at January 31, 2018

0.6

$

(0.4)

0.2

$

22.2

39.25

38.66

40.49

2.87

$

16.4

_______________
(1)  Represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on Autodesk’s closing stock price of $115.62 per share as of January 31, 2018, which 

would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.

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2018 Form 10-K  83

2018 Form 10-K  83

 
 
 
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As of January 31, 2018, compensation cost related to stock options has been fully recognized.

The following table summarizes information about the pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years 

ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016: 

Pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised (1)

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

22.8

$

32.0

$

32.6

——————
(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.

The following table summarizes information about options vested and exercisable, and outstanding at January 31, 2018: 

Range of per-share exercise prices:

$28.56 - $36.44

$38.55 - $38.55

$41.62 - $41.62

Number of Shares
(in thousands)

Weighted average
exercise price per
share

32.6

$

1.8

184.4

218.8

$

34.23

38.55

41.62

40.49

These options will expire if not exercised at specific dates ranging through September 2022. 

Restricted Stock Units:

A summary of restricted stock activity for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018 is as follows:

Unvested restricted stock at January 31, 2017

Granted

Vested

Canceled/Forfeited

Performance Adjustment (1)

Unvested restricted stock at January 31, 2018

Unreleased
Restricted Stock
Units
(in thousands)

Weighted
average grant
date fair value
per share

7,622.4

$

2,481.8

(3,765.7)

(692.5)

24.7

5,670.7

$

60.13

106.55

57.85

69.08

61.79

82.94

_______________
(1)  Based on Autodesk's financial results and relative total stockholder return for the fiscal 2017 performance period. The performance 

stock units were attained at rates ranging from 99.7% to 114.7% of the target award.

For the restricted stock granted during fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the weighted average grant 

date fair value was $106.55, $65.95, and $52.53, respectively. The fair value of the shares vested during fiscal years ended 
January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $399.7 million, $232.2 million, and $193.3 million, respectively. 

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018, Autodesk granted 2.2 million restricted stock units. 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 $202.1 
million, $173.0 million, and $146.4 million during fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. As of 
January 31, 2018, total compensation cost not yet recognized of $310.2 million related to non-vested awards, is expected to be 
recognized over a weighted average period of 1.65 years. At January 31, 2018, the number of restricted stock units granted but 
unvested was 5.1 million.

2018 Form 10-K  84

2018 Form 10-K  84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018, Autodesk granted 0.3 million performance stock units for which the 
ultimate number of shares earned is determined based on the achievement of performance criteria at the end of the stated 
service and performance period. During the period, Autodesk granted two different types of performance stock units.

The performance criteria for the first type of performance stock units were based on a mix of net subscription additions, 

Annualized Recurring Revenue ("ARR"), non-GAAP total spend, and total subscription renewal rate goals adopted by the 
Compensation and Human Resource Committee, as well as total stockholder return compared against companies in the S&P 
Computer Software Select Index or the S&P North American Technology Software Index ("Relative TSR").  These 
performance stock units vest over a three-year period and have the following vesting schedule: 

•  Up to one third of the performance stock units may vest following year one, depending upon the achievement of the 

performance criteria for fiscal 2018 as well as 1-year Relative TSR (covering year one).

•  Up to one third of the performance stock units may vest following year two, depending upon the achievement of the 

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

•  Up to one third of the performance stock units may vest following year three, depending upon the achievement of the 

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

The performance criteria for the second type of performance stock units granted to our Chief Executive Officer during the 

fiscal year ended January 31, 2018 were based on fiscal 2020 free cash flow per share and ARR goals adopted by the 
Compensation and Human Resource Committee.  These performance stock units vest in March 2020 based on the Company's 
fiscal 2020 performance against the performance criteria.

Performance 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. Autodesk has determined the grant-date fair value for these 
awards using the stock price on the date of grant or if the awards are subject to a market condition, a Monte Carlo simulation 
model. The fair value of the performance stock units is expensed using the accelerated attribution over the vesting period. 
Autodesk recorded stock-based compensation expense related to performance stock units of $33.7 million, $22.9 million, and 
$23.2 million during fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively. As of January 31, 2018, total 
compensation cost not yet recognized of $6.8 million related to unvested performance stock units, is expected to be recognized 
over a weighted average period of 0.76 years. At January 31, 2018, the number of performance stock units granted but unvested 
was 0.6 million.  Autodesk recorded stock-based compensation expense related to the acceleration of eligible performance 
stock awards in conjunction with the Company's former CEO transition agreement of $7.3 million for the fiscal year ended 
January 31, 2018.

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1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”)

Under Autodesk’s ESPP, 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 
85% of the lower of Autodesk's closing price (fair market value) on the offering date or the exercise date. The offering period 
for ESPP awards consists of four, six-month exercise periods within a 24-month offering period. 

At January 31, 2018, a total of 9.1 million shares were available for future issuance. Under the ESPP, the Company issues 

shares on the first trading day following March 31 and September 30 of each fiscal year. The ESPP expires during fiscal 2018.

A summary of the ESPP activity for the years ended January 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Issued shares

Average price of issued shares

Weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted under the ESPP

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

2.0

39.03

32.41

$

$

2.3

36.99

19.20

$

$

2.1

36.29

11.85

$

$

Autodesk recorded $25.7 million, $25.9 million, and $27.1 million of compensation expense associated with the ESPP in 

fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

2018 Form 10-K  85

2018 Form 10-K  85

 
 
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes the number of outstanding options and awards granted to employees and directors, as 

well as the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under these plans as of January 31, 2018:

Plan category

Equity compensation plans approved by security

holders

Total

(a)

(b)

(c)

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options (in millions)

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)

5.9

5.9

$

$

40.49

40.49

31.3 (1)

31.3   

____________________ 
(1) 

Included in this amount are 9.1 million securities available for future issuance under Autodesk’s ESPP.

4.     Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

Federal:

Current

Deferred

State:

Current

Deferred

Foreign:

Current

Deferred

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Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

(0.8) $

(19.3)

$

1.6

8.4

(0.3)

2.2

50.9

(23.1)

(1.9)

1.3

93.9

(45.0)

$

9.6

$

58.3

$

(4.7)

220.9

0.5

20.9

68.4

4.2

310.2

Foreign pretax (loss) income was $(76.2) million in fiscal 2018, $(27.6) million in fiscal 2017, and $218.2 million in 

fiscal 2016.

2018 Form 10-K  86

2018 Form 10-K  86

 
 
 
 
 
 
The differences between the U.S. statutory rate and the aggregate income tax provision are as follows:

Income tax provision (benefit) 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

Transition tax

Increase in attributes due to ASU 2016-9 adoption

Change in valuation allowance from ASU 2016-9 adoption

Tax effect of non-deductible stock-based compensation

Stock compensation windfall / shortfall

Research and development tax credit benefit

Closure of income tax audits and changes in uncertain tax positions

Tax effect of officer compensation in excess of $1.0 million

Non-deductible expenses

Other

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

(188.4) $

(177.0) $

(21.9)

(53.3)

(82.5)

408.4

—

20.7

(67.7)

(11.3)

1.2

2.2

2.1

0.1

9.6

$

(17.3)

22.3

233.0

—

(119.4)

119.4

18.8

(23.0)

(10.3)

8.2

2.2

2.0

(0.6)

58.3

$

January 31,

2018

2017

26.7

$

$

$

(7.1)

(7.6)

(29.4)

345.0

—

—

—

19.3

—

(9.4)

(4.7)

1.4

2.6

0.1

310.2

37.6

136.7

127.3

39.5

18.7

76.9

24.3

173.6

128.3

27.6

790.5

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(748.0)

42.5

(70.1)

(70.1)

(27.6)

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

Indefinite lived intangibles

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

170.3

162.2

25.9

22.9

43.4

16.5

85.7

120.3

32.4

706.3

(634.2)

72.1

(57.0)

(57.0)

$

15.1

$

Autodesk’s tax expense is primarily driven by the reduction in the U.S. tax rate from 35% to 21% on the deferred tax 

liabilities related to indefinite lived intangibles offset by tax expense in foreign locations, withholding taxes paid on payments 
made to the U.S. from foreign sources, and tax amortization on indefinite-lived intangibles.  

Autodesk regularly assesses the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. In making that assessment, 
Autodesk considers both positive and negative evidence, whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax 
assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, Autodesk considered cumulative losses arising 
from the Company's business model transition as a significant piece of negative evidence. Consequently, in the fiscal year 2016, 
Autodesk determined that a valuation allowance was required on the accumulated domestic tax attributes. In the current year, 

2018 Form 10-K  87

2018 Form 10-K  87

 
 
 
 
 
 
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the U.S. created incremental deferred tax assets, primarily foreign tax and R&D credits, and those deferred tax attributes have 
also been offset by a full valuation allowance. As a result, Autodesk has no material federal income tax expense or benefit in the 
current fiscal year, other than the deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived intangibles and the revaluation of these 
liabilities as a result of U.S. tax reform. The valuation allowance decreased by $113.8 million in fiscal 2018 primarily due to a 
change in tax rates used to value deferred tax attributes. The valuation allowance increased by $352.4 million, and $327.2 
million in fiscal 2017, and 2016, respectively, primarily related to U.S. and Canadian deferred tax attributes. As Autodesk 
continually strives to optimize the overall business model, tax planning strategies may become feasible and prudent allowing 
the Company to realize many of the deferred tax assets that are offset by a valuation allowance; therefore, Autodesk will 
continue to evaluate the ability to utilize the net deferred tax assets each quarter, both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions, 
based on all available evidence, both positive and negative.

The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and provides broad and significant changes to the U.S. corporate 

income tax regime. The Tax Act reduces the statutory federal corporate rate from 35% to 21% effective fiscal 2019 year and 
forward and provides for a blended rate of 33.81% to fiscal 2018 year. The Tax Act also, among many other provisions, imposes 
a one-time mandatory tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries (commonly referred to as a "transition tax"), 
introduces new tax regimes changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax, modifies the accelerated depreciation 
deduction rules, and makes updates to the deductibility of certain expenses. The SEC staff acknowledged the challenges 
companies face incorporating the effects of the Tax Act by the financial reporting deadlines. In response, on December 22, 
2017, the SEC staff issued SAB 118 to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the 
necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete accounting for certain income tax 
effects of the Tax Act. Autodesk has not completed the determination of the accounting implications of the Tax Act but was able 
to calculate a reasonable estimate and recorded a provisional tax benefit of the Tax Act in the financial statements of 
approximately $32.3 million mainly driven by the corporate rate remeasurement of the indefinite-lived intangible deferred tax 
liability. The provisional amounts recorded are based on the Company’s current interpretation and understanding of the Tax Act 
and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance and finalizes the analysis of all 
impacts and positions with regard to the Tax Act. The tax impact of the mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of 
foreign subsidiaries is primarily offset by other current year operating losses and fully valued net operating loss carryforwards 
resulting in no impact to the effective tax rate.  As additional regulatory guidance is issued, the Company will continue to 
collect and analyze necessary data and may adjust provisional amounts previously recorded in the period in which the 
adjustments are made. Pursuant to SAB 118, the Company will complete the accounting for the tax effects of all provisions of 
the Tax Act within the required measurement period not to extend beyond one year from the enactment date.

Realization of foreign non-current net deferred tax assets of $68.0 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, 2018, Autodesk had $179.4 million of cumulative federal tax loss carryforwards and $939.1 million of 

cumulative state tax loss carryforwards, which may be available to reduce future income tax liabilities in federal and state 
jurisdictions. As discussed above, these cumulative assets have full valuation allowance against them on our balance sheet as 
the Company has determined it is more likely that not that these losses will not be utilized.  These federal and state tax loss 
carryforwards will expire beginning fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2038 and fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2039, respectively. 

As of January 31, 2018, Autodesk had $138.4 million of cumulative federal research tax credit carryforwards, $72.6 
million of cumulative California state research tax credit carryforwards, and $58.1 million of cumulative Canadian federal tax 
credit carryforwards, which may be available to reduce future income tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions. The federal 
tax credit carryforwards will expire beginning fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2039, the state credit carryforwards may reduce future 
California income tax liabilities indefinitely, and the Canadian tax credit carryforwards will expire beginning fiscal 2027 
through fiscal 2039. Autodesk also has $336.9 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 2029.  As discussed 
above, these cumulative assets have full valuation allowance against them on our balance sheet as the Company has determined 
it is more likely that not that these losses will not be utilized.

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. No ownership change has occurred through the balance sheet 
date that would limit a material amount of U.S. federal and state tax attributes.

2018 Form 10-K  88

2018 Form 10-K  88

 
 
 
 
 
As of January 31, 2018, the Company had $337.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $304.8 million 

would reduce our valuation allowance, if recognized.  The remaining $32.8 million would impact the effective tax rate.

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,

2018

2017

2016

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the fiscal year

$

261.4

$

254.3

$

245.8

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

22.8

(22.5)

78.4

(0.8)

(1.7)

11.9

(4.1)

11.1

(10.8)

(1.0)

1.4

(7.0)

15.8

(0.5)

(1.2)

$

337.6

$

261.4

$

254.3

It is the Company's continuing practice to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax 
expense. Autodesk had $2.8 million, $2.5 million, and $3.3 million, net of tax benefit, accrued for interest and penalties related 
to unrecognized tax benefits as of January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. There was $0.3 million, $1.5 million, and 
$1.3 million of net expense for interest and penalties related to tax matters recorded through the consolidated statement of 
operations for the years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively.

Autodesk's U.S. and state income tax returns for fiscal year 2003 through fiscal year 2018 remain open to examination. 
The Internal Revenue Service has started an examination of the Company's U.S. consolidated federal income tax returns for 
fiscal years 2014 and 2015.  While it is possible that the Company's tax positions may be challenged, the Company believes its 
positions are consistent with the tax law, and the balance sheet reflects appropriate liabilities for uncertain federal tax positions 
for the years being examined.

Autodesk files tax returns in multiple foreign taxing jurisdictions with open tax years ranging from fiscal year 2005 to 

2018. 

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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 2019. In fiscal 2018, the Company 
incurred no net benefit from the tax status of these business arrangements, compared to $27.1 million benefit ($0.12 basic net 
income per share) in fiscal 2017, and none in fiscal 2016.

5.     Acquisitions 

During the fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, and January 31, 2017, Autodesk completed the business combinations 

and technology purchases described below. The results of operations for the following acquisitions are included in the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations since their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations 
have not been presented because the effects of the 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. The goodwill recorded is primarily attributable to 
synergies expected to arise after the acquisitions.

2018 Form 10-K  89

2018 Form 10-K  89

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fiscal 2018 Acquisitions

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018, Autodesk did not complete any business combinations or technology 

acquisitions.  

Fiscal 2017 Acquisitions 

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017, Autodesk completed several business combination and technology 
acquisitions for total cash consideration of $87.0 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, 2017:

Developed technologies

Customer relationships

Trade name

Goodwill

Deferred revenue (current and non-current)

Deferred tax liability

Net tangible (liabilities) assets

Total

6.     Deferred Compensation 

$

$

18.8

10.2

3.8

62.8

(2.1)

(7.1)

0.6

87.0

At January 31, 2018, Autodesk had marketable securities totaling $436.0 million, of which $59.0 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 $59.0 million at January 31, 2018, of which $3.4 million was classified as 
current and $55.6 million was classified as non-current liabilities. The total related deferred compensation liability at 
January 31, 2017 was $47.3 million, of which $3.1 million was classified as current and $44.2 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 June 2017, Autodesk issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.5% notes due June 15, 2027 (collectively, 

the “2017 Notes”). Net of a discount of $3.1 million and issuance costs of $4.9 million, Autodesk received net proceeds of 
$492.0 million from issuance of the 2017 Notes. Both the discount and issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense 
over the term of the 2017 Notes using the effective interest method. The proceeds of the 2017 Notes have been used for the 
repayment of $400.0 million of debt originally due December 15, 2017 and the remainder is available for general corporate 
purposes. Autodesk may redeem the 2017 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 2017 Notes at a price 
equal to 101.0% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. The 2017 Notes contain 
restrictive covenants that limit Autodesk's 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 its assets, subject to important qualifications 
and exceptions. Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the 2017 Notes was approximately $485.6 million as of 
January 31, 2018.

In June 2015, Autodesk issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due June 15, 2020 and 
$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% senior notes due June 15, 2025 (collectively, the “2015 Notes”). Net of a 
discount of $1.7 million and issuance costs of $6.3 million, Autodesk received net proceeds of $742.0 million from issuance of 
the 2015 Senior Notes.  Both the discount and issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense over the respective terms 
of the 2015 Notes using the effective interest method. The proceeds of the 2015 Notes are available for general corporate 
purposes. Autodesk may redeem the 2015 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 2015 Notes, at a price 

2018 Form 10-K  90

2018 Form 10-K  90

 
 
 
equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. The 2015 Notes contain 
restrictive covenants that limit Autodesk's 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 its assets, subject to significant qualifications 
and exceptions. Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the 2015 Notes was approximately $763.8 million as of 
January 31, 2018. 

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 "2012 
Notes"). Autodesk received net proceeds of $739.3 million from issuance of the 2012 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 2012 Notes using the effective interest method. The proceeds of the 2012 Notes are available for general 
corporate purposes. In July 2017, Autodesk redeemed in full $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 
1.95% senior notes due December 15, 2017.  The redemption was completed pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of 
the first supplemental indenture dated December 13, 2012.  To redeem the notes, Autodesk used the proceeds of the 2017 Notes 
to pay a redemption price of approximately $400.9 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Total cash repayment was $401.8 
million.  The Company did not incur any additional early termination penalties in connection with such redemption. Based on 
the quoted market price, the fair value of the remaining 2012 Notes was approximately $354.4 million as of January 31, 2018. 

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 Company renegotiated the credit agreement's financial covenants in April 2017.  
The financial covenants now consist of a maximum debt to total cash ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio through April 30, 
2018, and after April 30, 2018, a minimum 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. The maturity date on the line of credit facility is May 2020. At January 31, 2018, 
Autodesk was in compliance with the credit facility’s covenants. At January 31, 2018, and January 31, 2017, Autodesk had no 
outstanding borrowings on this line of credit.

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 2090. 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, 2018, the aggregate future minimum lease payments required were as follows:

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2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Less: Sublease income

$

$

62.2

46.3

34.1

24.7

22.8

57.7

247.8

0.8

247.0

2018 Form 10-K  91

2018 Form 10-K  91

 
 
 
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,

2018

2017

2016

$

55.9

$

65.3

$

58.7

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, 2018, were approximately $147.6 million for periods through fiscal 2028. 
These purchase commitments primarily result from contracts entered into for the acquisition of IT infrastructure, marketing, and 
software development services, as well as includes commitments related to our investment agreements with limited liability 
partnership funds. 

Autodesk has certain royalty commitments associated with the sale and licensing of certain products. Royalty expense is 

generally based on a dollar amount per unit sold or a percentage of the underlying revenue. Royalty expense, which was 
recorded under cost of maintenance and subscription revenue and cost of license and other revenue on Autodesk’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations, was $15.3 million in fiscal 2018, $16.2 million in fiscal 2017, and $17.4 million in fiscal 2016.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

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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; 
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. Autodesk routinely reviews the status of each significant matter and assesses its potential 
financial exposure. If the potential loss from any matter is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, 
Autodesk records a liability for the estimated loss. Because of inherent uncertainties related to these legal matters, Autodesk 
bases its loss accruals on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, Autodesk 
reassesses its potential liability and may revise its estimates. 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.

2018 Form 10-K  92

2018 Form 10-K  92

 
 
 
 
 
9.     Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity 

Preferred Stock

Under Autodesk’s Certificate of Incorporation, 2.0 million shares of preferred stock are authorized. At January 31, 2018, 

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 Program

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 
approximately 6.9 million shares in fiscal 2018 at an average repurchase price of $100.45 per share, 9.7 million shares in fiscal 
2017 at an average repurchase price of $64.73 per share, and 8.5 million shares in fiscal 2016 at an average repurchase price of 
$53.58.

At January 31, 2018, 19.6 million shares remained available for repurchase under the repurchase program approved by 

the Board of Directors. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and the pace and timing of repurchases 
will depend on factors such as cash generation from operations, available surplus, the volume of employee stock plan activity, 
cash requirements for acquisitions, economic and market conditions, stock price and legal and regulatory requirements.

10.     Interest and Other Expense, net 

Interest and other expense, net, consists of the following:

Interest and investment expense, net

Loss on foreign currency

(Loss) gain on strategic investments

Other income

Interest and other expense, net

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

(34.5) $

(29.7) $

(33.9)

(3.3)

(16.4)

6.0

(3.3)

0.3

8.5

—

3.8

8.5

(48.2) $

(24.2) $

(21.6)

$

$

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2018 Form 10-K  93

2018 Form 10-K  93

 
 
 
 
 
11.     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, consisted of the following:

Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Derivative
Instruments

Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Available for
Sale
Securities

Balances, January 31, 2016

$

15.7

$

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income

Tax effects

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
Balances, January 31, 2017
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income

Tax effects
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
Balances, January 31, 2018

7.4

(7.4)

(1.1)
(1.1)
14.6

(24.5)

(9.9)
3.2
(31.2)
(16.6) $

$

0.2

3.3

(1.5)

(0.5)
1.3
1.5

(0.6)

0.3
0.1
(0.2)
1.3

Defined
Benefit
Pension
Components

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

Total

$

(28.3) $

(108.7) $

(121.1)

(5.8)

(52.3)

(47.4)

1.2

(0.9)
(5.5)
(33.8)

4.3

—

0.2
(52.1)
(160.8)

86.3

0.9
(0.7)
4.5
(29.3) $

0.1
(4.8)
81.6
(79.2) $

$

(7.7)

(2.3)
(57.4)
(178.5)

65.5

(8.6)
(2.2)
54.7
(123.8)

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Reclassifications related to gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in Interest and other expense, 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 Loss Per Share 

Basic net loss 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 loss 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 loss per share amounts:

Numerator:

Net loss

Denominator:

Denominator for basic net loss per share—weighted average shares

Effect of dilutive securities (1)

Denominator for dilutive net loss per share

Basic net loss per share

Diluted net loss per share

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

(566.9) $

(582.1) $

(330.5)

219.5

—

219.5

(2.58) $

(2.58) $

222.7

—

222.7

(2.61) $

(2.61) $

226.0

—

226.0

(1.46)

(1.46)

$

$

____________________ 
(1)  The effect of dilutive securities of 4.5 million, 4.6 million, and 4.7 million shares for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 
2016, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as those shares would have been anti-dilutive 
due to the net loss incurred during those fiscal years.

The computation of diluted net loss 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. The 
effect of 0.5 million, 0.1 million, and 0.1 million potentially anti-dilutive shares were excluded from the computation of net loss 
per share for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

2018 Form 10-K  94

2018 Form 10-K  94

 
 
 
 
 
13.     Segment, Geographic and Product Family Information 

Autodesk reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the 
internal reporting used by management for making decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance as the source of 
the Company’s reportable segments. The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") allocates resources and 
assesses the operating performance of the Company as a whole.  As such, Autodesk has one segment manager (the CODM), and 
one operating segment.

Information regarding Autodesk’s revenue by geographic area and product family is as follows:

Net revenue by geographic area (1):

Americas

U.S.

Other Americas

Total Americas

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Asia Pacific

Total net revenue

Net revenue by product family:

Architecture, Engineering and Construction

Manufacturing

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Media and Entertainment

Other

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

740.4

$

742.1

$

130.7

871.1

815.4

370.1

129.8

871.9

800.4

358.7

803.9

168.9

972.8

934.6

596.7

2,056.6

$

2,031.0

$

2,504.1

866.5

$

880.9

$

589.2

401.4

152.0

47.5

625.8

326.7

138.9

58.7

949.1

724.6

594.8

160.0

75.6

$

2,056.6

$

2,031.0

$

2,504.1

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(1)  Revenue by geographic area is based on the bill to country.

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,

2018

2017

$

$

99.3

$

14.6

113.9

16.7

14.4

145.0

$

118.8

5.9

124.7

18.7

15.2

158.6

____________________
(1)  Long-lived assets exclude deferred tax assets, marketable securities, goodwill, and other intangible assets. 

2018 Form 10-K  95

2018 Form 10-K  95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 75% 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 $17.3 million in fiscal 2018, $16.4 
million in fiscal 2017, and $17.3 million in fiscal 2016. 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. 

Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets

The changes in the projected benefit obligations and plan assets for the plans described above were as follows:

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Beginning projected benefit obligation
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Curtailments and settlements

Contributions by plan participants
Plan amendment
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
Ending fair value of plan assets
Funded status

Fiscal year ended January 31,

2018

2017

$

$

$

$
$

146.4
5.2
2.7
(2.8)
(3.3)
13.9
(8.2)

4.0
0.2
158.1

$

$

$

107.4
3.8
6.5
4.0
(3.3)
(8.0)
10.7
121.1
$
(37.0) $

145.2
5.6
3.0
7.1
(2.6)
(9.5)
(6.8)

4.4
—
146.4

101.4
4.2
15.3
4.4
(2.6)
(6.8)
(8.5)
107.4
(39.0)

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,

2018

2017

$

$

37.0
31.7
68.7

$

$

39.0
37.0
76.0

On a worldwide basis, the Company's defined benefit pension plans were 77% funded as of January 31, 2018. 

2018 Form 10-K  96

2018 Form 10-K  96

 
 
 
As of January 31, 2018, the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation was $139.5 million for the defined benefit pension 

plans compared to $128.2 million as of January 31, 2017. Included in the aggregate data in the following tables are the amounts 
applicable to the Company's defined benefit pension 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

Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets

Fiscal Year Ended
January 31,

2018

2017

$

$

130.7
112.1

$ 119.2
98.3

158.1
121.1

$ 146.4
107.4

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.

Defined benefit 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:

Insurance contracts
Other investments
Total assets measured at fair value
Cash
Investment Fund valued using net asset value
Total pension plan assets at fair value

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

Level 1

— $
—
— $

$

$

2018

Level 2
53.0
17.0
70.0

$

$

Level 3

— $
—
—

$

2017
Total

46.3
9.4
55.7
—
51.7
107.4

$

$

Total
53.0
17.0
70.0
0.2
50.9
121.1

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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 44% and 43% of 
total plan assets as of January 31, 2018, and January 31, 2017, respectively. 

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 are priced 
monthly at net asset value without restrictions on redemption.

2018 Form 10-K  97

2018 Form 10-K  97

 
 
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated benefit payments over the next 10 fiscal years are as follows:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024-2028

Funding Expectations

$

Pension
Benefits

7.1
6.5
6.4
6.4
6.4
34.8

Our expected required funding for the plans during fiscal 2019 is approximately $4.7 million.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit pension plans for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 are as 

follows:

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Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of loss
Settlement loss
Curtailment gain
Net periodic benefit cost

Amounts Recorded in OCI

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

5.2
2.7
(3.9)
(0.3)
1.2
1.9
(0.1)
6.7

$

$

5.6
3.0
(4.2)
(0.3)
1.5
1.2
—
6.8

$

$

5.7
3.3
(3.9)
(0.1)
1.4
—
—
6.4

The components of other comprehensive income for the defined benefit pension plans before taxes for fiscal 2018, 2017, 

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

0.2

$

(2.5)
(1.9)
(0.2)
0.3
(1.2)
(5.3) $

— $

7.2
(1.2)
—
0.3
(1.5)
4.8

$

(2.2)

9.1
—
—
0.1
(1.4)
5.6

and 2016 are as follows:

Prior service credit for period

Net (gain) loss for period
Effect of settlement
Effect of curtailment
Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of net loss
Other comprehensive (income) loss

2018 Form 10-K  98

2018 Form 10-K  98

 
 
 
Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 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

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,

2018

2017

$

$

(3.1) $
34.8
31.7

$

(3.6)
40.6
37.0

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost 

over the next fiscal year for the qualified defined benefit pension plans are as follows: 

Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of the net loss
Total amortization

Assumptions

Pension
Benefits

$

$

0.2
(0.6)
(0.4)

Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine costs for the plans for each period were as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
2017

2018

2016

Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

2.4%
3.3%
2.3%

3.2%
4.3%
2.2%

3.2%
3.8%
2.2%

The weighted-average expected long-term rate of return for the plan assets is 3.3%. 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 defined benefit pension plans. 

Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans at the end of each period were 

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Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
2017

2018

2016

1.8%
2.6%

1.7%
2.6%

2.2%
2.6%

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 $27.2 million in fiscal 2018, $26.6 million in fiscal 2017, and $23.0 million in fiscal 2016.

2018 Form 10-K  99

2018 Form 10-K  99

 
 
 
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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2018 Form 10-K  100

2018 Form 10-K  100

 
 
 
15.     Restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Board of Directors approved a world-wide restructuring plan (“Fiscal 2018 
Plan”) to support the Company's strategic priorities of completing the subscription transition, digitizing the Company, and re-
imagining manufacturing, construction, and production.  Through the restructuring, Autodesk seeks to reduce its investments in 
areas not aligned with its strategic priorities, including in areas related to research and development and go-to-market activities. 
At the same time, Autodesk plans to further invest in strategic priority areas related to digital infrastructure, customer success, 
and construction. By re-balancing resources to better align with the Company’s strategic priorities, Autodesk is positioning 
itself to meet its long-term goals. This world-wide restructuring plan includes a reduction in force that will result in the 
termination of approximately 13% of the Company’s workforce, or approximately 1,150 employees, and the consolidation of 
certain leased facilities. 

The Company expects to substantially complete the reduction in force and the facilities consolidation by the end of fiscal 

2019. The Company anticipates incurring pre-tax restructuring charges of $135 million to $149 million, of which $94 million 
was incurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Substantially all of the charges will result in cash expenditures, $124 
million to $137 million of which will be for one-time employee termination benefits, and $11 million to $12 million of which 
will be for facilities-related and other costs. 

Other costs primarily consist of legal, consulting, and other costs related to employee terminations and are expensed when 

incurred. During fiscal 2018, we incurred $0.4 million in lease termination costs not related to the Fiscal 2018 Plan. 

The following tables set forth the restructuring charges and other facility exit costs, net during the fiscal years ended 

January 31, 2018 and 2017:

Balances,
January 31, 2017

Additions

Payments

Adjustments (1)

Balances,
January 31, 2018

Fiscal 2018 Plan

Employee terminations costs

Facility terminations and other exit costs

Fiscal 2017 Plan

Employee terminations costs

Facility terminations and other exit costs

Other Facility Termination Costs

Facility termination costs

Total

Current portion (2)

Non-current portion (2)

Total

$

$

$

$

87.3

$

(35.1) $

6.3

0.1

0.1

0.3

(1.3)

(1.5)

(1.5)

(3.0)

$

94.1

$

(42.4) $

— $
—

1.1

1.9

4.5

7.5

5.9

1.6

7.5

0.8

$

(2.5)

0.3

(0.3)

(0.3)

(2.0) $

$

$

53.0

2.5

—

0.2

1.5

57.2

57.2

—

57.2

____________________
(1)  Adjustments primarily relate to the accelerated depreciation of fixed assets and the impact of foreign exchanges rate changes.
(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.

2018 Form 10-K  101

2018 Form 10-K  101

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Balances,
January 31, 2016

Additions

Payments

Adjustments (1)

Balances,
January 31, 2017

Fiscal 2017 Plan

Employee terminations costs

Facility terminations and other exit costs

Other Facility Termination Costs

Facility termination costs

Total

Current portion (2)

Non-current portion (2)

Total

$

$

$

—

—

—

63.3

7.1

7.4

(62.2)

(3.2)

(1.8)

— $

77.8

$

(67.2) $

—

—

—

—

(2.0)

(1.1)

(3.1) $

$

$

1.1

1.9

4.5

7.5

5.9

1.6

7.5

_______________
(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.

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2018 Form 10-K  102

2018 Form 10-K  102

 
 
 
16.     Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

2018
Net revenue

Gross profit

Loss from operations

Provision for income taxes

Net loss

Basic net loss per share

Diluted net loss per share

Loss from operations includes the

following items:

Stock-based compensation expense

Amortization of acquisition related

intangibles

CEO transition costs
Restructuring charges and other facility exit

costs, net

2017
Net revenue

Gross profit

Loss from operations

Provision for income taxes

Net loss

Basic net loss per share

Diluted net loss per share

Loss 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

485.7

$

501.8

$

515.3

$

553.8

$

407.5

(119.6)

(8.2)

(129.6)

427.2

(107.6)

(17.6)

(144.0)

437.8

(100.0)

(8.6)

(119.8)

480.7

(181.9)

24.8

(173.5)

(0.59) $

(0.59) $

(0.66) $

(0.66) $

(0.55) $

(0.55) $

(0.79) $

(0.79) $

2,056.6

1,753.2

(509.1)

(9.6)

(566.9)

(2.58)

(2.58)

59.0

$

58.8

$

65.1

$

62.1

$

245.0

10.4
11.0

(0.3)

8.9
10.6

0.5

8.7
—

—

8.6
(0.2)

93.9

36.6
21.4

94.1

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Fiscal year

511.9

$

550.7

$

489.6

$

478.8

$

419.5

(149.7)

(14.4)

(167.7)

465.6

(62.9)

(25.2)

(98.2)

408.1

(119.9)

(13.5)

(142.8)

395.9

(167.1)

(5.2)

(173.4)

(0.75) $

(0.75) $

(0.44) $

(0.44) $

(0.64) $

(0.64) $

(0.78) $

(0.78) $

2,031.0

1,689.1

(499.6)

(58.3)

(582.1)

(2.61)

(2.61)

51.6

$

54.3

$

56.6

$

59.3

$

221.8

18.8

52.3

18.5

16.0

17.2

3.2

17.3

9.0

71.8

80.5

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2018 Form 10-K  103

2018 Form 10-K  103

 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Autodesk, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Autodesk, Inc. (the Company) as of January 31, 2018, 
and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for 
each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in 
the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated 
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at January 31, 2018, and 2017, 
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2018, in conformity 
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2018, 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 22, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are 
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable 
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to 
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, 
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a 
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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We have served as the Company's auditor since 1983.
San Francisco, California
March 22, 2018 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

2018 Form 10-K  104

2018 Form 10-K  104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Autodesk, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Autodesk, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2018, 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). In our opinion, Autodesk, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective 
internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 31, 2018, and 2017, the related consolidated 
statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended January 31, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) and our 
report dated March 22, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for opinion

The Company’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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent 
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.

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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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.

San Francisco, California
March 22, 2018 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

2018 Form 10-K  105

2018 Form 10-K  105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

We maintain "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that 
information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the 
time periods specified in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to 
Autodesk management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding 
required disclosure. We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures 
as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of January 31, 
2018. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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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, 2018. 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.

Our management has concluded that, as of January 31, 2018, 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.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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) during the three months ended January 31, 2018, that have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

2018 Form 10-K  106

2018 Form 10-K  106

 
 
 
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 22, 2018, regarding our executive officers.

Name
Andrew Anagnost

R. Scott Herren

Steve M. Blum

Pascal W. Di Fronzo

Carmel Galvin

Age

Position

53

56

53

53

49

President and Chief Executive Officer

SVP and Chief Financial Officer

SVP, Worldwide Field Operations

SVP, Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary

SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Andrew Anagnost joined Autodesk in September 1997 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 

June 2017. Dr. Anagnost served as Co-CEO from February 2017 to June 2017, Chief Marketing Officer from December 2016 
to June 2017 and as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Marketing, from March 2012 to June 2017. 
From December 2009 to March 2012, Dr. Anagnost was Vice President, Product Suites and Web Services of the Company. 
Prior to this position, Dr. Anagnost served as Vice President of CAD/CAE products for the manufacturing division of the 
Company from March 2007 to December 2009. Previously, Dr. Anagnost held other senior management positions at the 
Company. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Anagnost held various engineering, sales, marketing and product management 
positions at Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company and EXA Corporation. He also served as an NRC post-doctoral fellow at 
NASA Ames Research Center.

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.

Steven M. Blum joined Autodesk in January 2003 and has served as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Field Operations 

since September 2017. Mr. Blum served as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Services from February 2011 to 
September 2017. 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 SVP, Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal Officer & 

Secretary since December 2016. Mr. Di Fronzo served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from March 
2007 to December 2016. From March 2006 to March 2007, Mr. Di Fronzo served as Vice President, General Counsel and 
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 

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2018 Form 10-K  107

2018 Form 10-K  107

 
 
 
Autodesk, he advised high technology and emerging growth companies on business and intellectual property transactions and 
litigation while in private practice.

Carmel Galvin joined Autodesk in March 2018 and serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer 
(“CHRO”). Prior to joining Autodesk, from April 2016 to February 2018, Ms. Galvin was the Senior Vice President, CHRO for 
Glassdoor, Inc. where she led all people functions of the company, including human resources planning, learning and 
development, talent acquisition, employee relations and engagement. From October 2014 to April 2016, Ms. Galvin served as 
Senior Vice President and CHRO at Advent Software, Inc., where she oversaw the company’s global people strategies and 
programs. Prior to Advent, she served as Vice President of Talent & Culture Development for Deloitte’s new-venture 
accelerator, advising a growing portfolio of innovative companies on how to scale and adjust their culture and talent programs.  
Prior to Deloitte, Ms. Galvin gained 20 years of human resources experience at global companies including Moody’s KMV, 
Barra Inc., Visa International and IBM (Ireland) Ltd.

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.

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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.

2018 Form 10-K  108

2018 Form 10-K  108

 
 
 
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, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 this 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, 2018

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Partner Program reserves (1)

Restructuring

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2017

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Partner Program reserves (1)

Restructuring

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2016

Allowance for doubtful accounts

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

(in millions)

$

$

$

1.5

$

2.1

$

1.3

$

28.1

8.4

224.3

94.1

215.9

45.3

7.6

$

(3.3) $

2.8

$

45.2

1.3

240.3

77.8

257.4

70.7

6.3

$

2.3

$

1.0

$

36.5

1.6

267.4

—

258.7

0.3

2.3

36.5

57.2

1.5

28.1

8.4

7.6

45.2

1.3

 ____________________
(1)  The partner program reserves balance impacts "Accounts receivable, net" and "Accounts payable" on the accompanying Consolidated 

Balance Sheets.

ITEM 16 

FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

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2018 Form 10-K  109

2018 Form 10-K  109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2018 Form 10-K  110

2018 Form 10-K  110

 
 
 
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 22, 2018

AUTODESK, INC.
By:

/s/    ANDREW ANAGNOST       

Andrew Anagnost
President and Chief Executive Officer

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2018 Form 10-K  111

2018 Form 10-K  111

 
 
 
 
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POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and 
appoints Andrew Anagnost 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 22, 2018.

Signature

Title

/s/    ANDREW ANAGNOST      

Andrew Anagnost

/s/    R. SCOTT HERREN        

R. Scott Herren

/s/    PAUL UNDERWOOD      

Paul Underwood

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Vice President and Controller
     (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/    CRAWFORD W. BEVERIDGE        

Director
(Non-executive Chairman of the Board)

Crawford W. Beveridge

/s/    CARL BASS        

Carl Bass

/s/    REID FRENCH

Reid French

/s/    THOMAS GEORGENS        

Thomas Georgens

/s/    RICK HILL

Rick Hill

/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

Karen Blasing

2018 Form 10-K  112

2018 Form 10-K  112

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Exhibit No.

Description

Index to Exhibits

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

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 filed on March 30, 2006)

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 March 21, 2018)

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)

Second Supplemental Indenture (including Form of Notes) dated June 5, 2015, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and U.S. 
Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed on June 8, 2015)

Third Supplemental Indenture (including Form of Notes) dated June 8, 2017, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and U.S. 
Bank National Association. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed on June 8, 2017)

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 17, 2017)

Registrant’s 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated effective as of June 14, 2017 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 31, 2017)

Registrant’s 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan Forms of Subscription Agreement, as amended and restated 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 30, 
2016)

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with 
the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 31, 2017)

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, as amended and restated 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 30, 
2016)

Registrant's 2012 Employee Stock Plan Form of Severance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, as amended and restated 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 30, 
2016)

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)

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2018 Form 10-K  113

2018 Form 10-K  113

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit No.
10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

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

Description

Registrant's 2012 Outside Directors' Stock Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 
filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 21, 2017)

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)

Registrant’s Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 filed with the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 23, 2016)

Registrant’s 2005 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as 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 filed on December 
8, 2009)

Participants, target awards and payout formulas for fiscal year 2018 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 17, 2017)

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 December 21, 2016)

  Sub-Plan of the Autodesk, Inc. 1998 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated (filed herewith)

Form of Indemnification Agreement executed by the Registrant 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 filed on March 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 filed on December 5, 2014)

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 filed on September 5, 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 10-K filed on March 15, 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 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 19, 
2010)

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2015, 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 29, 2015)

Letter Amendment No. 1, dated April 26, 2017, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 29, 
2015, by and among the Registrant, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Citibank, N.A. as agent (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.5 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 31, 2017)

Agreement, dated March 10, 2016, by and among the Registrant, Sachem Head Capital Management LP, Uncas GP LLC, 
and Sachem Head GP LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2016)

Agreement, dated March 10, 2016, by and among the Registrant, Eminence Capital, LP, and Eminence GP, LLC. 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 
2016)

Agreement, dated February 6, 2017, by and among the Registrant, Sachem Head Capital Management LP, Uncas GP 
LLC, and Sachem Head GP LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2017)

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2018 Form 10-K  114

2018 Form 10-K  114

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit No.

10.28*

  10.29*

10.30

10.31

21.1

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

32.1†

Description

Transition and Separation Agreement, dated February 6, 2017, by and between the Company and Carl Bass  
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 
2017)

Employment Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2017, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and Andrew Anagnost (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2017)

Separation Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2017, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and Amar Hanspal (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2017)

Separation Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2017, by and between Autodesk, Inc. and Jan Becker (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on December 5, 2017)

  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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2018 Form 10-K  115

2018 Form 10-K  115

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
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2018 Form 10-K  114

2018 Form 10-K  116

 
 
Board of Directors

Company Executive Officers

Corporate Headquarters

Andrew Anagnost
President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Autodesk, Inc.

Andrew Anagnost
President and Chief  
Executive Officer

Steven M. Blum
SVP, Worldwide Field Operations

Pascal W. Di Fronzo
SVP, Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal
Officer & Secretary

Carmel Galvin,
SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer 

R. Scott Herren
SVP, Chief Financial Officer 

Crawford W. Beveridge
non-Executive Chairman of the Board, 
Autodesk, Inc.

Carl Bass*

Karen Blasing

Reid French

Thomas Georgens*

Richard S. Hill*

Mary T. McDowell

Lorrie M. Norrington

Betsy Rafael

Stacy J. Smith

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
Switerland

Legal Counsel

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Professional Corporation
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
USA

Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust Company N.A.
By Regular Mail 
P.O. BOX 505000
Louisville, KY 40233
USA

Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young, LLP
560 Mission Street, Suite 1600
San Fransisco, CA 94105
USA

Notice of Annual Meeting

Held at Autodesk, Inc.’s San Fransisco office at The Landmark at One Market Street, 2nd Floor, San Fransisco, California, USA.
June 12, 2018, 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.

* Messrs. Bass, Georgens and Hill are not standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting. The Board thanks each of them for their  
distinguished service to Autodesk.

FISCAL YEAR

2018

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.

© 

2 018

 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.