For a software company, surviving more than 20 years is a feat unto itself. But computer-aided design stalwart Autodesk isn't just surviving -- it's thriving. Last year, Autodesk's profits almost doubled, to $222 million, while sales rose 30%, to $1.2 billion. In an era when most software companies are struggling to regain Wall Street's confidence, Autodesk's torrid growth helped triple its stock price to $38, though it has cooled this year.
What's behind the company’s growth spurt? Five years ago, with its sizable lead in architecture and engineering design software in place, Autodesk began diversifying with new divisions that crafted programs for specific industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and entertainment. Last year, those divisions accounted for about half of sales. Not bad for a 23-year-old software company.
All figures are for the most recent available 12 months.
* Latest available data for the 12-month period ended Dec. 31, Jan. 31, Feb. 29, Mar. 31, or Apr. 30. For companies that do not report quarterly, the most recent annual data were used.
Data provided by Standard & Poor's Compustat, BusinessWeek
Autodesk, Inc. operates as a software and digital content company worldwide. The company provides business solutions through technology products and services, including integrated and interoperable design software, Internet services, wireless development platforms, and point-of-location applications. Its activities are segregated into Design Solutions and Discreet Segments. Design Solutions segment engages in the sale of design products and services for professionals and consumers who design, build, manage, and own building projects or manufactures goods, as well as the sale of mapping and geographic information systems technology to public and private users. The principal product portfolio of the segment includes AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT products. This segment also offers consulting, support, and training services. Discreet segment develops, integrates, markets, sells, and supports film and television compositing systems; high definition and standard definition broadcast editorial and finishing systems; digital cinema production systems for color grading and film finishing; and animation, visualization, and streaming media products. This segment primarily sells its products to post production facilities, film studios, broadcasters, and creative professionals for various applications, including feature films, television programs, commercials, music and corporate videos, interactive game production, design visualization, Web design, and interactive Web streaming. The company also offers a technology platform designed to deliver location-based applications to wired, mobile, and wireless users. It markets its product, LocationLogic, primarily to wireless carriers and network operators. The company’s major customers include companies in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, and digital media sectors. The company sells its software products in approximately 160 countries directly to customers, and indirectly through a network of resellers and distributors. The company has a strategic alliance with UGS PLM Solutions. Autodesk was incorporated in 1982 and is based in San Rafael, California.
No. of Employees
NA
Data provided by
Carol A. Bartz
Bio
Carol A. Bartz has been Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Autodesk, Inc., (a supplier of computer design tools) since April 1992. Ms. Bartz served as President of Autodesk, Inc. from April 1992 to September 1996. Prior to that, Ms. Bartz was with Sun Microsystems from January 1983 to April 1992, most recently as Vice President of Worldwide Field Operations. She has been a Director of Cisco Systems Inc. since November 1996 and Autodesk Inc. since 1992. She has been a Director of Network Appliance Inc. since September 1995 and serves as a Member of Compensation and Nominating Committees. She has been a Director of BEA Systems Inc., since November 1995 and serves as a Member of Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committees. She serves as a Director of The New York Stock Exchange. She served as a Director of Airtouch Communications Inc., since February 1994 and was a Member of the Compensation & Personnel Committee. She served as a Director of Cadence Design Systems. Ms. Bartz received a B.A. Degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin.
AGE: 56
Titles
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
* Latest available fiscal year
** The sum of the net value of options exercised and held in the latest available fiscal year
Key Executives
Carol A. Bartz (Board), Alfred J. Castino, Carl Bass, Marcia K. Sterling, Jan Becker, Jack Q. Gao
Board Members
Carol A. Bartz, Crawford W. Beveridge, J. Hallam Dawson, Per-Kristian Halvorsen, Mary Alice Taylor, Larry W. Wangberg, Mark Bertelsen, Steven L. Scheid, Michael J. Fister
