Stockholders Equity

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note

Stockholders' Equity

Preferred Stock

Under Autodesk’s Certificate of Incorporation, 2.0 million shares of preferred stock are authorized. At January 31, 2012, there were no preferred shares issued or outstanding. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the preferred stock in one or more series and to fix rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including dividends and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by the stockholders.

Common Stock Repurchase Programs

Autodesk has a stock repurchase program that is used largely to help offset the dilution from the issuance of stock under the Company’s employee stock plans and for such other purposes as may be in the interests of Autodesk and its stockholders, and has the effect of returning excess cash generated from the Company's business to stockholders. During fiscal 2012, Autodesk repurchased and retired 9.7 million shares at an average repurchase price of $33.71 per share, 9.0 million shares in fiscal 2011 at an average repurchase price of $31.13 per share and 2.7 million shares in fiscal 2010 at an average repurchase price of $23.63. Common stock and additional paid-in capital and retained earnings were reduced by $211.0 million and $116.4 million, respectively for the year ended January 31, 2012 and $138.3 million and $142.0 million, respectively, for the year ended January 31, 2011, as a result of the stock repurchases.

At January 31, 2012, 14.7 million shares remained available for repurchase under repurchase plans approved by the Board of Directors. In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, Autodesk repurchased its common stock through open market purchases. The number of shares acquired and the timing of the purchases are based on several factors, including general market conditions, the number of employee stock option exercises, stock issuance, the trading price of Autodesk common stock, cash on hand and available in the United States, and company defined trading windows.