Autodesk Inc (ADSK) is a leading American software company providing 3D design, engineering, and entertainment technology solutions for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media industries worldwide. Operating in the technology and software sector, the company has demonstrated strong earnings growth with exceptional EPS expansion and robust free cash flow generation, positioning itself for continued innovation in digital design and manufacturing. This analysis provides a comprehensive, fact-based examination of Autodesk’s financial position, ownership structure, and realistic share price projections through 2030 based on current market data and publicly available financial metrics.
Autodesk Inc: Company Overview
- Founded: 1982 by John Walker and Dan Drake in Mill Valley, California
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Core Business Segments: Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC), Manufacturing, and Media & Entertainment
- Key Products/Services: AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion 360, Maya, 3ds Max, Inventor, and comprehensive cloud-based design and collaboration platforms
- Major Clients/Markets: Architects, engineers, construction firms, manufacturers, automotive companies, film studios, and game developers across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America
- Competitive Edge: Industry-standard design software, strong brand recognition, recurring subscription revenue model, extensive product ecosystem, and significant switching costs for users
- Ownership Structure: Publicly held company with strong institutional ownership and a professional management team maintaining a strategic focus on cloud transition and market expansion
Autodesk Inc: Key Financial Snapshot
| Metric | Value (as of February 2026) |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $49.38 Billion |
| Current Share Price | $231.22 |
| P/E Ratio (TTM) | 45.11 |
| P/B Ratio | 16.38 |
| Book Value per Share (TTM) | $14.15 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.14 |
| ROE | 40.33% |
| ROIC | 28.45% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% |
| Sales Growth (TTM) | 8.2% |
| Profit Growth (TTM) | 15.6% |
| Total Cash | $2.29 Billion |
| Total Debt | $4.85 Billion |
| Par Value | $0.01 per share |
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target Forecast (2026–2030)
| Year | Low Target | Base Target | High Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $280 | $340 | $420 |
| 2027 | $320 | $390 | $480 |
| 2028 | $360 | $450 | $550 |
| 2029 | $400 | $510 | $620 |
| 2030 | $440 | $570 | $690 |
Year-on-Year Forecasts
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2026
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $280 | $420 |
- Continued execution on subscription transition with current year EPS estimate of $10.23, representing 103.9% growth from 2025 levels
- Operating margin expansion with current profit margins of 16.13%, providing a foundation for improved earnings as cloud adoption accelerates
- Analyst consensus price target of $370.96 from 34 analysts, with a range of $319-$460, providing near-term guidance
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2027
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $320 | $480 |
- Expected acceleration in AI integration across design platforms, driving increased user engagement and upsell opportunities
- Continued expansion of Manufacturing and AEC segments with strong demand for digital twin and simulation capabilities
- Potential for improved free cash flow generation as the business scales with minimal capital expenditure requirements relative to revenue
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2028
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $360 | $550 |
- Full realization of next-generation design platform enhancements and generative AI capabilities
- Expansion into adjacent markets, including construction technology and industrial IoT solutions
- Potential for margin improvement as the company achieves greater operational scale and efficiency
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2029
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $400 | $620 |
- Established market leadership position in design software with significant competitive moat and recurring revenue streams
- Continued strong cash generation with predictable subscription revenue supporting strategic investments
- Potential for improved return on invested capital as the company achieves greater operational scale and efficiency
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2030
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $440 | $690 |
- Mature business model with predictable recurring revenue streams from an established customer base
- Potential for improved profitability metrics as the company optimizes its cost structure and operational efficiency
- Continued innovation in design technology and AI, maintaining a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving software landscape
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2035
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $650 | $920 |
- Potential expansion into autonomous design systems and immersive reality applications
- Established global presence with penetration into emerging design technology markets
- Long-term demographic trends favoring digital design and manufacturing adoption
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2040
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $850 | $1,200 |
Note: Projections beyond 2030 become increasingly speculative due to technological disruption risks, competitive changes, and unpredictable market conditions. These targets represent potential scenarios based on the current business trajectory but should be viewed with appropriate caution.
Autodesk Inc Share Price Target 2050
| Share Price Target 1 | Share Price Target 2 |
|---|---|
| $1,100 | $1,550 |
Note: Forecasts extending to 2050 are highly speculative and subject to significant uncertainty. Technological breakthroughs, competitive disruptions, or regulatory shifts could substantially alter the company’s trajectory over such an extended timeframe.
Autodesk Inc: Shareholding Pattern
| Category | Percentage Holding |
|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | 86.25% |
| Insiders | 0.38% |
| Retail/Public | 13.37% |
Top 10 Institutional Shareholders
| Shareholder Name | Percentage Ownership | Shares Held |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Group Inc | 8.95% | 19,780,000 |
| BlackRock Inc | 7.42% | 16,390,000 |
| State Street Corporation | 4.65% | 10,280,000 |
| Fidelity Management & Research | 3.88% | 8,580,000 |
| Capital Research and Management Company | 2.95% | 6,520,000 |
| Geode Capital Management LLC | 2.24% | 4,950,000 |
| Price T Rowe Associates Inc | 1.98% | 4,380,000 |
| Norges Bank Investment Management | 1.67% | 3,690,000 |
| Morgan Stanley | 1.42% | 3,140,000 |
| Bank of America Corporation | 1.28% | 2,830,000 |
Autodesk Inc: Strengths vs Risks
Strengths:
- Exceptional return on equity of 40.33% and strong free cash flow of $2.54 billion, demonstrating superior capital allocation and business model strength
- Strong balance sheet with $2.29 billion in cash supporting strategic investments and operational flexibility
- Recurring subscription revenue model providing predictable cash flows with high customer retention
- Industry-standard design software creating significant competitive moat and pricing power
- Consistent EPS growth with 103.9% projected growth for 2026 and a strong analyst consensus rating of “Strong Buy.”
Risks:
- Elevated valuation metrics with a P/E ratio of 45.11 and a P/B ratio of 16.38, making the stock vulnerable to market sentiment shifts and interest rate changes
- Elevated debt-to-equity ratio of 94.50%, creating financial leverage concerns despite strong cash flow generation
- Intense competition from emerging design software companies and established tech giants entering the space
- Regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy, AI ethics, and potential antitrust concerns in various markets
- Limited dividend income for income-focused investors, as the company prioritizes reinvestment and strategic acquisitions over dividends
Investment Suitability
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Risk Profile | Moderate to High |
| Time Horizon | Long-term (5+ years) |
| Volatility | Moderate |
| Dividend/Income | None (growth and capital appreciation focus) |
| Ideal Investor | Growth-oriented investors with moderate risk tolerance seeking exposure to design software innovation and digital transformation trends |
FAQs
The realistic share price target range for Autodesk in 2026 is between $280 and $420, depending on execution against subscription growth and AI integration initiatives.
The projected share price target range for Autodesk in 2030 is between $440 and $690, assuming continued strong growth execution and expansion into adjacent design technology markets.
Long-term projections beyond 2030 become increasingly speculative due to technological disruption risks, competitive changes, and unpredictable market conditions. While potential scenarios suggest ranges of $850-$1,200 for 2040 and $1,100-$1,550 for 2050, these should be viewed with appropriate caution given the extended timeframe.
Autodesk is a publicly traded company with approximately 86.25% institutional ownership, minimal insider holdings of 0.38%, and the remaining 13.37% held by retail investors. The top institutional holders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corporation.
No, Autodesk does not currently pay dividends as the company reinvests all earnings into research and development, strategic acquisitions, and market expansion efforts.
Recent share price fluctuations may be attributed to market-wide technology sector volatility, concerns about competitive pressures in the design software market, or profit-taking after significant gains in previous periods.
Autodesk is not debt-free and maintains significant debt of $4.85 billion against $2.29 billion in cash, resulting in a net debt position of approximately $2.56 billion. The company generates strong cash flows to service this debt.
Final Verdict
Autodesk presents a compelling growth investment opportunity with exceptional profitability metrics, a strong market position in design software, and predictable subscription revenue streams. The company has successfully maintained market leadership while expanding into AI-powered design tools and cloud-based collaboration platforms. However, investors must carefully consider the elevated valuation multiples, net debt position, and intense competitive landscape in the software industry. The stock may appeal to growth-oriented investors with long-term horizons seeking exposure to design technology innovation, though those with lower risk tolerance should exercise caution given the current valuation levels and competitive pressures.
Sources
- Yahoo Finance – Financial metrics, market data, and company fundamentals
- StockAnalysis.com – Analyst ratings, price targets, and consensus estimates
- MarketWatch – Analyst estimates and institutional ownership data
Hi, I’m Raj Mittal, a stock market content writer focused on company analysis, share price trends, and fundamental research. I create simple, research-based insights to help investors make smarter market decisions.
