Autodesk, the maker of AutoCAD and other design‑software tools, announced on Thursday that its adjusted profit for the third quarter will likely miss analysts’ expectations. The company forecast earnings of $3.04 to $3.09 per share, compared with the average estimate of $3.14 compiled by LSEG.
Higher costs linked to recent acquisition
The shortfall is attributed to increased operating and financing costs stemming from Autodesk’s recent purchase of maintenance‑and‑operations platform MaintainX. The $3.6 billion deal closed earlier this month and is intended to accelerate Autodesk’s push into artificial‑intelligence‑enhanced solutions for architects, engineers, builders and manufacturers.
Billings outlook remains upbeat
Despite the earnings gap, Autodesk raised its full‑year billings forecast to a range of $8.58 billion‑$8.65 billion, up from the prior guidance of $8.51 billion‑$8.58 billion. The company said the revision reflects steady demand for its software across construction, manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
Recent performance beats expectations
In the second quarter, Autodesk reported revenue of $2.05 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.01 billion. Adjusted profit per share came in at $3.30, well above the Street’s view of $3.12. Those results highlighted the firm’s resilience even as the broader software sector faces uncertainty.
AI concerns weigh on software stocks
Investors have been wary of software companies this year, fearing that rapidly advancing general‑purpose AI tools could erode the value of specialized applications. Autodesk’s own AI initiatives, including the integration of generative design features, are part of a broader industry effort to stay ahead of potential disruption.
Looking ahead
Analysts will watch how Autodesk leverages the MaintainX platform to deliver AI‑driven efficiencies for its customers. If the company can translate the acquisition into tangible productivity gains, the higher billings guidance could signal a path to stronger profitability in future quarters.
For now, the market reaction was swift: Autodesk shares slipped more than 5 % in extended trading after the earnings outlook was released.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
