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 of $78 million [12][18] - Billings increased 29$556 million, with GAAP operating margins decreasing by seven percentage points due to restructuring charges [14][15] 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 [11] - The contribution from the new transaction model to billings was $105 million in Q1, with billings growing 22% at constant currency excluding this impact [12][18] - Non-GAAP operating margins increased by three percentage points, reflecting operating leverage from ongoing cost discipline [15] 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 [115][116] 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 [8][19] - The new transaction model aims to integrate more closely with customers, driving additional business while increasing automation [9] - The company is committed to delivering connected solutions and enhancing operational efficiency to capture growth opportunities in the market [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that customer conversations reflect uncertainty due to geopolitical and macroeconomic factors, but construction backlog ticked up, and monthly active users increased [39][40] - The company is prepared for potential macroeconomic impacts, having factored in greater uncertainty into their guidance while maintaining a positive outlook based on Q1 performance [17][92] Other Important Information - The company is refreshing its board to guide the next decade of growth, with new appointments aimed at enhancing strategic direction [8] - The company is focused on 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 and active user growth remain positive [39][40] Question: Can you discuss margin momentum and the sales and marketing optimization plan? - Management indicated strong Q1 performance driven by revenue outperformance and ongoing expense discipline, with the sales and marketing optimization plan on track [41][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 [51][55] Question: How is the new transaction model progressing? - Management reported no significant disruptions compared to the previous year, with channel productivity expected to increase as partners adapt [60][61] Question: What are the opportunities for AI functionality? - Management emphasized the focus on delivering specific AI enhancements that drive productivity, with plans to roll out more sophisticated tools [78][80] Question: How is the company addressing labor constraints in the industry? - Management noted persistent labor constraints and emphasized the need for digital efficiency, which is driving robust adoption of their solutions [94]