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Autodesk to lay off 750 employees

  • January 15, 2009
  • News

Summary

January 15, 2009 - Autodesk announced a restructuring plan to reduce its annual operating expenses. The company anticipates the restructuring will result in annual pre-tax cost savings of approximately $130 million annually starting in fiscal 2010. As part of its restructuring plan, Autodesk plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 750 employees, representing approximately 10 percent of the company's global workforce. The company also plans to consolidate certain facilities. The actions announced today are in addition to the ongoing cost reduction initiatives previously announced, which include a hiring freeze, business travel restrictions, and other reductions in its operating expenses.As a result of this restructuring, the company anticipates taking a pre-tax charge in the range of $65 million to $75 million. Approximately $45 million to $50 million in pre-tax charges will be taken in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Most of the remaining charge will be taken in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.Updated Business OutlookThe following statements are forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations and which involve risks and uncertainties some of which are set forth below. This serves as an update to the previously announced business outlook issued on November 20, 2008. Net revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 is now expected to be in the range of $475 million and $500 million. GAAP loss per diluted share is now expected to be in the range of $0.12 and $0.05. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share are now expected to be in the range of $0.18 and $0.24 and exclude $0.15 to $0.16 related to restructuring charges, $0.07 related to stock-based compensation expense and $0.07 for acquisition related charges.In addition, although a final determination has not yet been made, the company may take an impairment charge of up to $125 million net of taxes in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. This impairment charge would reduce the value of goodwill related to the company's Media and Entertainment business segment. This potential impairment charge is not included in the forecast provided above."Global economic conditions continue to impact our end-user demand," said Carl Bass, president and chief executive officer. "Given the current uncertainty of the economic environment, the cost savings initiatives we are implementing are prudent. Autodesk has a strong cash position and leadership across multiple product sectors and geographies. The company has experienced several economic downturns during its 26-year history, and like before, we fully expect to emerge from the downturn stronger, more efficient, and more competitive."Spin Out of Location Services Autodesk has signed a definitive agreement to spin out its Location Services business to Hale Capital Partners, a private equity firm. Autodesk believes this move will help position the Location Services business for greater success in the wireless industry, while allowing Autodesk to focus its on its core business. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.Earnings Release DateAutodesk will announce final fourth quarter financial results in a press release immediately following the close of market on February 26, 2009. The company will also host a live conference call and webcast to discuss these results on February 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. About AutodeskAutodesk, Inc. is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are built. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. Learn More

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