Autodesk Gains Overseas

Article Excerpt

AUTODESK, INC. $38.63 (Nasdaq symbol ADSK; SI Rating: Average) (515-507-5000; www.autodesk.com; Shares outstanding: 223.9 million; Market cap: $8.7 billion) reported revenues in the three months ended April 30, 2008 (its fiscal 2009 first quarter) of $598.8 million, up 17.7% from $508.6 million a year earlier. Earnings per share excluding one-time items rose 13.6%, to $0.50 from $0.44. In the latest quarter, Europe, Middle East and Africa revenues rose 25% (11% excluding currency gains). Asia Pacific sales rose 27% (18% excluding currency). Revenues from the Americas rose only 4%, reflecting the slower U.S. economy. Autodesk now trades at just 18.2 times this year’s forecast earnings of $2.12 a share. That’s reasonable in light of its growth prospects, and its high research spending (24% of revenue). Autodesk is a buy. buy…