Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity

Preferred Stock

Under Autodesk’s Certificate of Incorporation, 2.0 million shares of preferred stock are authorized. At January 31, 2017, 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 Program

Autodesk has a stock repurchase program that is used to offset 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, which has the effect of returning excess cash generated from the Company’s business to stockholders. Autodesk repurchased and retired approximately 9.7 million shares in fiscal 2017 at an average repurchase price of $64.73 per share, 8.5 million shares in fiscal 2016 at an average repurchase price of $53.58 per share, and 6.9 million shares in fiscal 2015 at an average repurchase price of $53.83.

At January 31, 2017, 26.6 million shares remained available for repurchase under the repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors, including the 30.0 million share increase approved by the Board of Directors in September 2016. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and the pace and timing of repurchases will depend on factors such as cash generation from operations, available surplus, the volume of employee stock plan activity, cash requirements for acquisitions, economic and market conditions, stock price and legal and regulatory requirements.