Autodesk(ADSK) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue in Q1 grew 15% as reported and 16% in constant currency, with a contribution from the new transaction model to revenue of $78 million [12][13] - Billings increased 29$556 million, with GAAP operating margins decreasing by seven percentage points due to restructuring charges [15][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strength was observed in AECO, upfront revenue from enterprise business agreements (EBAs), and the Autodesk store as friction from the new transaction model eased [10] - The contribution from the new transaction model to billings was $105 million in Q1, with billings growing 22% at constant currency excluding the impact of the new transaction model [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. dollar has depreciated against major currencies, impacting billings, revenue, and free cash flow guidance ranges [17] - Asia Pacific showed some softness, particularly in Japan, which was the last to adopt the new transaction model, and China and Korea were more exposed to macroeconomic turmoil [114] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing growth investments on strategic priorities in cloud, platform, and AI, optimizing sales and marketing to drive higher margins [7] - The new transaction model aims to integrate more closely with customers, driving additional business while increasing automation and reducing duplicative workflows [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that customer conversations reflect uncertainty due to trade policy and macroeconomic factors, but construction backlog increased and monthly active users grew [40] - The company remains optimistic about its underlying business momentum despite macroeconomic uncertainties, with guidance reflecting caution [17][89] Other Important Information - The company is refreshing its board to guide the next decade of growth, with new appointments aimed at enhancing strategic direction [7] - The company is committed to reducing stock-based compensation as a percentage of revenue to below 10% [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are customer conversations evolving given the uncertainty? - Management acknowledged that trade policy uncertainty is impacting customers, but noted that construction backlog increased and business inflow remains strong [40] Question: Can you discuss margin momentum and the sales and marketing optimization plan? - Management indicated that Q1 margin strength was driven by revenue outperformance and ongoing expense discipline, with the sales and marketing optimization plan on track [42][43] Question: What are the benefits and risks of channel consolidation? - Management is encouraging consolidation towards fewer, more solution-focused partners, which has led to increased activity and price realization in the store [52][55] Question: How is the new transaction model progressing? - Management reported that disruptions seen last year are not present now, and channel productivity is expected to increase as partners adapt to the new model [61][62] Question: What is the outlook for net revenue retention (NRR)? - Management confirmed that the NRR is above the 100-110% range due to the new transaction model, and it is expected to remain in that range for the year [63] Question: How is the company addressing labor constraints in the industry? - Management noted that labor constraints persist, but the demand for digital efficiency is driving robust adoption of their solutions [91] Question: What are the plans for AI functionality and future use cases? - Management emphasized the focus on delivering AI enhancements that drive productivity, with plans to roll out more sophisticated tools [78][80] Question: What is the current status of the restructuring and its impact? - Management indicated that while there was some disruption from the restructuring, overall business momentum has improved, and risks are being managed effectively [85][86]