Autodesk Slips as Outlook Falls Short of Estimates

Design software company Autodesk said Thursday its net income fell 4 percent in its fiscal second quarter, and it also forecast disappointing results for the third quarter.

Its shares lost $1.13, or 3 percent, to $35 in aftermarket trading after the release of the earnings report.

The company, which is based in San Rafael, Calif., said its net income slipped to $61.7 million, or 27 cents per share, from $64.6 million, or 28 cents per share. Autodesk said it earned 45 cents per share if one-time items are excluded, compared to 48 cents per share a year ago. Revenue fell 1 percent, to $561.7 million from $568.7 million.

Analysts were expecting net income of 42 cents per share and $561 million in revenue, according to FactSet.

The company develops computer-aided manufacturing software used by designers and engineers in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, building and construction. It’s also used in digital entertainment. Autodesk’s architecture, engineering and construction business did well during the second quarter and revenue from suites improved, but other divisions struggled.

Autodesk said total revenue from its platform solutions and emerging business unit fell 9 percent to $197 million, and media and entertainment revenue slipped 11 percent to $43 million. Architecture, engineering and construction revenue rose 9 percent to $177 million, while manufacturing revenue grew 2 percent to $144 million.

The company’s fiscal second quarter ended July 31. For its third quarter, Autodesk said it expects to earn between 36 and 40 cents per share on an adjusted basis, on $540 million to $555 million in revenue.

Analysts, on average, are forecasting net income of 50 cents per share and $580 million in revenue.

Autodesk Inc. shares rose 51 cents to $36.13 on Thursday.