Business Overview / Sources of Revenue

**Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK)** develops and sells design, engineering, and 3D modeling software, primarily CAD tools like AutoCAD and Revit, serving architecture & construction (AEC), manufacturing, media & entertainment, and other sectors.[1][2][3]

The company earns revenue mainly through **subscription-based licenses** for its software platforms, suites, cloud services (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud), and related maintenance/support; it shifted from perpetual licenses to subscriptions for recurring income.[1][2]

No specific percentage breakdown is available in recent sources, though products target AEC (e.g., Revit, Civil 3D), product design/manufacturing (e.g., Inventor, Fusion), and media (e.g., Maya).[2][3] (98 words)

Revenue Growth Potential and Recurrence

**Autodesk has a large share of recurring revenue**, evidenced by its subscription model, with total remaining performance obligations (RPO) at $8.3 billion (up 20% YoY), current RPO at $5.5 billion (up 23%), and net revenue retention above 110%.[1][2] Deferred revenue rose 14% to $4.7 billion.[1]

**Revenue growth potential over 5+ years is solid but moderating**, driven by AECO (22% FY26 growth), manufacturing (16%), and cloud/AI initiatives.[1][2] FY27 guidance projects 12-13% revenue growth to $8.10-$8.17 billion; analysts forecast ~12.8% annually through 2028, aligning with 3-year CAGR of 11.8%.[1][3] Long-term visibility supports steady double-digit expansion amid subscription durability.[1][2]

(98 words)

Economic Moat Factors

Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) possesses a **moderate to wide economic moat**, primarily driven by **high switching costs** from deep workflow integration, **network effects** via shared file standards and compatibility, and a **subscription model** yielding 97% recurring revenue with >110% net retention.[1][3][5]

**Economies of scale** bolster margins above 90%, while **intangible assets** like patents, AI innovations, and strong brand power in AECO and manufacturing reinforce dominance.[1][2][3] Client stickiness and 10-15% growth potential highlight sustainability, though competitors and tech disruption pose risks.[1][5]

Overall, the moat supports competitive advantages without being impregnable.[1][3] (98 words)

Leadership

**Andrew Anagnost** has been Autodesk's **CEO since June 2017**[1], giving him approximately 8.75 years of tenure[5]. He is **not a founder** but joined the company in 1997 in various technical and strategic roles[1]. Anagnost holds a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering and Computer Science from Stanford and previously worked at Lockheed and NASA[1]. His total yearly compensation is $25.19 million[5]. The search results do not specify his ownership stake. **Janesh Mjani** serves as CFO[2], also appointed relatively recently. Anagnost led Autodesk's successful transition to subscription and cloud-based business models before becoming CEO[1].

Financial Health

**Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) exhibits strong financial health**, with fiscal 2026 revenue of $7.21B (up 18%), free cash flow (FCF) of $2.41B (up 54%), and cash/marketable securities of $2.59B as of Jan. 31, 2026[1][2].

Its **balance sheet is healthy**, featuring high cash reserves relative to undisclosed debt (no ratio specified, but robust liquidity evident)[2]. The company **generates strong FCF** (Q4: $972M, 43% YoY growth), with **FCF margin ~33%** ($2.41B/$7.21B)[1]. Share activity unspecified; no dilution or repurchase details provided[1][2][4]. (78 words)

Last updated Mar 2, 2026