Updating Autodesk, Inc., Leon’s Furniture and Aur Resources

Article Excerpt

AUTODESK, INC. $41.06 (Nasdaq symbol ADSK; SI Rating: Average) (515-507-5000; www.autodesk.com; Shares outstanding: 230.0 million; Market cap: $9.4 billion) jumped recently after the company said it expects to report record third quarter sales of $457 million. That’s up 21% from sales of $378.3 million in the third quarter of 2005. Autodesk makes AutoCAD, the world’s top selling computer aided design program. About four million architects and engineers in over 100 countries use it to design and test new buildings and products. This business supplies nearly 90% of its revenue. The remainder comes from programs that filmmakers use to create special effects. Customer adoption of Autodesk’s 3D products is increasing, and customer demand for the company’s 2D software remains strong. Autodesk expects fourth quarter sales to be even higher, at an estimated $490 million to $500 million. Much of Autodesk’s recent success is due to its decision to sell its products on a subscription basis. That gives it steadier revenue streams than selling its products…