Autodesk(US:ADSK)2025-11-25 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue in Q3 grew 18% as reported and in constant currency, with a contribution from the new transaction model of approximately $124 million [8][9] - Billings increased 21% as reported and 20% in constant currency, with a contribution from the new transaction model of approximately $135 million [9][10] - Third quarter GAAP and non-GAAP operating margins were 25% and 38% respectively, reflecting year-over-year increases of approximately 330 basis points and 120 basis points [10][14] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $430 million, benefiting from earlier timing of billings and lower cash tax payments [10][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strength was observed in AECO (architecture, engineering, construction, and operations), driven by sustained investment in data centers, infrastructure, and industrial buildings [8][9] - The Autodesk Store and billing linearity during the quarter were stronger than expected, contributing to overall revenue growth [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RPO (Remaining Performance Obligations) of $7.4 billion and current RPO of $4.8 billion both grew 20%, benefiting from the new transaction model [9][10] - The macroeconomic environment appears broadly stable, but uncertainty remains elevated [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing products with cloud-based platforms and capabilities, redefining its business model and go-to-market strategies [5][6] - Autodesk aims to capture shared value through subscription, consumption, and outcome-based business models that blend human and machine capabilities [6][22] - The strategy includes building a vibrant third-party ecosystem to enhance solution value and efficiency [6][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term value being created for customers and shareholders, despite geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties [5][6] - The company raised its full-year guidance for billings and revenue, reflecting current business momentum [13][14] - Management acknowledged potential disruptions in the sales and marketing optimization plan but remains focused on controllable factors driving revenue and margins [12][14] Other Important Information - The company plans to buy back approximately $1.3 billion of stock, a 50% increase compared to fiscal 2025 [14] - The transition to annual billing for most multi-year contracts is expected to significantly diminish tailwinds next year [10][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on seats versus consumption AI monetization - Management highlighted the capacity challenge in industries served and the balance between human engagement and machine execution in future projects [26][28] Question: Insights on fiscal 2027 outlook - Management indicated that while the business is performing well, there are risks of disruption and macroeconomic uncertainty that will be considered in future guidance [30][31] Question: Autodesk Construction Cloud penetration - Management noted that there is still room for increased penetration within existing accounts and emphasized the unique value proposition of the Autodesk Construction Cloud [35][37] Question: PLM market opportunities - Management stated that many mid-market customers lack strong data management solutions and that Autodesk aims to provide them with modern, SaaS-based platforms [39][40] Question: Customer migration and packaging strategies - Management discussed efforts to ensure customers are not left behind during transitions and the importance of seamless integration between existing and new products [44][46] Question: Trends in usage telemetry - Management confirmed that momentum in Q3 was consistent with previous quarters, with no new emerging trends to highlight [48] Question: Billings growth mechanics - Management clarified that there was no unusual M&A activity affecting growth rates and attributed outperformance to strong execution and favorable macro conditions [51][62] Question: Customer spending plans for 2026 - Management reported that customers are maintaining their spending patterns and investing in digital infrastructure [58][59] Question: Fiscal 2027 growth expectations - Management emphasized the importance of considering macro risks and the performance of the underlying business when guiding for fiscal 2027 [84]