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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Jan. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Business and Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Autodesk, Inc. (“Autodesk” or the “Company”) is a world leading design software and services company, offering customers productive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. The Company serves customers in the architecture, engineering, and construction; manufacturing; and digital media, consumer, and entertainment industries. The Company’s sophisticated software products enable its customers to experience their ideas before they are real by allowing them to imagine, design, and create their ideas and to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance early in the design process by creating digital prototypes. These capabilities allow Autodesk’s customers to foster innovation, optimize and improve their designs, help save time and money, improve quality, and collaborate with others. Autodesk software products are sold globally, both directly to customers and through a network of resellers and distributors. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Autodesk and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Segments Through the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Autodesk had four operating and reportable segments: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (“AEC”), Manufacturing (“MFG”), Platform Solutions and Emerging Business (“PSEB”), and Media and Entertainment (“M&E”). During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, as a result of changes in our organizational structure from the business model transition and various other factors described further in Note 13, "Segments," management determined the Company operates as a single operating segment and single reporting unit. However, the Company will continue to provide disaggregation of revenue by product family and geographical information within Note 13, "Segments." Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in Autodesk’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. On a regular basis, management evaluates these estimates and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Examples of significant estimates and assumptions made by management involve the determination of the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, goodwill, financial instruments, long-lived assets and other intangible assets, the realizability of deferred tax assets, and the fair value of stock awards. The Company also makes assumptions, judgments, and estimates in determining the accruals for uncertain tax positions, variable compensation, partner incentive programs, product returns reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts, asset retirement obligations, and legal contingencies. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The assets and liabilities of Autodesk’s foreign subsidiaries are translated from their respective functional currencies into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenue and expense amounts are translated at exchange rates that approximate those rates in effect during the period in which the underlying transactions occur. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive (loss) income. Gains and losses realized from foreign currency transactions, those transactions denominated in currencies other than the foreign subsidiary’s functional currency, are included in interest and other income, net. Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the period, and non-monetary assets are remeasured based on historical exchange rates. Derivative Financial Instruments Under its risk management strategy, Autodesk uses derivative instruments to manage its short-term exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates which exist as part of ongoing business operations. Autodesk’s general practice is to hedge a majority of transaction exposures denominated in euros, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, British pounds, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars. These instruments have maturities between one to 12 months in the future. Autodesk does not enter into any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The bank counterparties in all contracts expose Autodesk to credit-related losses in the event of their nonperformance. However, to mitigate that risk, Autodesk only contracts with counterparties who meet the Company’s minimum requirements under its counterparty risk assessment process. Autodesk monitors ratings, credit spreads, and potential downgrades on at least a quarterly basis. Based on Autodesk’s on-going assessment of counterparty risk, the Company will adjust its exposure to various counterparties. Autodesk generally enters into master netting arrangements, which reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of transactions with the same counterparty. However, Autodesk does not have any master netting arrangements in place with collateral features. Autodesk accounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and carries them at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are adjusted to fair value through earnings. See Note 2, "Financial Instruments" for information regarding Autodesk's hedging activities. Cash and Cash Equivalents Autodesk considers all highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable Securities and Privately Held Company Investments Marketable securities are stated at fair value. Marketable securities maturing within one year that are not restricted are classified as current assets. Substantially all marketable debt and equity investments held by Autodesk are classified as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations. Autodesk determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such classification as of each balance sheet date. Autodesk carries all “available-for-sale securities” at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in stockholders’ equity until disposition or maturity. Autodesk carries all “trading securities” at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, recorded in “Interest and other income, net” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific-identification method. Autodesk regularly invests in non-marketable debt and equity securities of privately held companies. The carrying values of such investments are included in other long-term assets. For the majority of our privately held company investments, we use the cost method of accounting. All of Autodesk’s marketable securities and privately held company investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. Autodesk considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than Autodesk’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and Autodesk’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market value. For additional information, see “Concentration of Credit Risk” within this Note 1 and Note 2, “Financial Instruments.” Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following as of January 31:
| 2017 |  | 2016
Trade accounts receivable | $ | 477.5 |  |  | $ | 700.1 |
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | (1.5 | ) |  | (7.6 | )
Product returns reserve | (0.2 | ) |  | (1.6 | )
Partner programs and other obligations | (23.5 | ) |  | (37.3 | )
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 452.3 |  |  | $ | 653.6 |
Allowances for uncollectible trade receivables are based upon historical loss patterns, the number of days that billings are past due, and an evaluation of the potential risk of loss associated with problem accounts. The product returns reserves are based on historical experience of actual product returns, estimated channel inventory levels, the timing of new product introductions, channel sell-in for applicable markets, and other factors. As part of the indirect channel model, Autodesk has a partner incentive program that uses quarterly attainment of monetary rewards to motivate distributors and resellers to achieve mutually agreed upon business goals in a specified time period. A portion of these incentives reduce license and other revenue in the current period. The remainder, which relates to incentives on our Subscription Program, is recorded as a reduction to deferred revenue in the period the subscription transaction is billed and subsequently recognized as a reduction to subscription revenue over the contract period. These incentive balances do not require significant assumptions or judgments. Depending on how the payments are made, the reserves associated with the partner incentive program are treated on the balance sheet as either contra account receivable or accounts payable. Concentration of Credit Risk Autodesk places its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities in highly liquid instruments with, and in the custody of, multiple diversified financial institutions globally with high credit ratings and limits the amounts invested with any one institution, type of security, and issuer. Geographical concentrations of consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities held by Autodesk as of January 31:
| 2017 |  | 2016
United States | 9 | % |  | 26 | %
Other Americas | 1 | % |  | 1 | %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) | 80 | % |  | 50 | %
Asia Pacific (“APAC”) | 10 | % |  | 23 | %
Autodesk’s primary commercial banking relationship is with Citigroup Inc. and its global affiliates. Citibank, N.A., an affiliate of Citigroup, is one of the lead lenders and an agent in the syndicate of Autodesk’s $400.0 million line of credit facility. It is Autodesk’s policy to limit the amounts invested with any one institution by type of security and issuer. Autodesk’s accounts receivable are derived from sales to a large number of resellers, distributors, and direct customers in the Americas; EMEA; and APAC geographies. Autodesk performs ongoing evaluations of these partners' financial condition and limits the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally does not require collateral from such parties. Total sales to the Company's largest distributor Tech Data Corporation, and its global affiliates (“Tech Data”), accounted for 30%, 25%, and 25% of Autodesk's net revenue for fiscal years ended January 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The majority of the net revenue from sales to Tech Data is for sales made outside of the United States. In addition, Tech Data accounted for 20% and 22% of trade accounts receivable as of January 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Computer Equipment, Software, Furniture, and Leasehold Improvements, Net Computer equipment, software, and furniture are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Depreciation expense was $73.1 million in fiscal 2017, $60.6 million in fiscal 2016, and $52.1 million in fiscal 2015. Computer equipment, software, furniture, leasehold improvements and the related accumulated depreciation at January 31 were as follows:
| 2017 |  | 2016
Computer hardware, at cost | $ | 206.1 |  |  | $ | 202.7 |
Computer software, at cost | 73.5 |  |  | 85.6 |
Leasehold improvements, land and buildings, at cost | 206.3 |  |  | 202.9 |
Furniture and equipment, at cost | 58.2 |  |  | 59.0 |
Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, at cost | 544.1 |  |  | 550.2 |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | (385.5 | ) |  | (380.9 | )
Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, net | $ | 158.6 |  |  | $ | 169.3 |
Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized for application development activities, if material, and immediately expensed for preliminary project activities and post-implementation activities. These capitalized costs are amortized over the software’s expected useful life, which is generally three years. Software Development Costs Software development costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are included in research and development expenses. Autodesk defines establishment of technological feasibility as the completion of a working model. Software development costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility through the period of general market availability of the products are capitalized and generally amortized over a three year period, if material. Autodesk had no material capitalized software development costs at January 31, 2017 and January 31, 2016. Other Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets include developed technologies, customer relationships, trade names, patents, user lists and the related accumulated amortization. These assets are shown as “Developed technologies, net” and as part of “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The majority of Autodesk’s other intangible assets are amortized to expense over the estimated economic life of the product, which ranges from one to ten years. Amortization expense for developed technologies, customer relationships, trade names, patents, and user lists was $72.2 million in fiscal 2017, $82.6 million in fiscal 2016 and $92.9 million in fiscal 2015. Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at January 31 were as follows:
| 2017 |  | 2016
Developed technologies, at cost | $ | 583.6 |  |  | $ | 571.4 |
Customer relationships, trade names, patents, and user lists, at cost (1) | 375.9 |  |  | 371.6 |
Other intangible assets, at cost (2) | 959.5 |  |  | 943.0 |
Less: Accumulated amortization | (862.0 | ) |  | (796.2 | )
Other intangible assets, net | $ | 97.5 |  |  | $ | 146.8 |
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(1) | Included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) | Includes the effects of foreign currency translation.
The weighted average amortization period for developed technologies, customer relationships, and trade names during fiscal 2017 was 4.6 years. Excluding in-process research and development, expected future amortization expense for developed technologies, customer relationships, trade names, patents, and user lists for each of the fiscal years ended thereafter is as follows:
| Fiscal Year ended January 31,
2018 | $ | 37.2 |
2019 | 28.9 |
2020 | 16.7 |
2021 | 8.3 |
2022 | 3.7 |
Thereafter | 0.1 |
Total | $ | 94.9 |
Goodwill Goodwill consists of the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Autodesk tests goodwill for impairment annually in its fourth fiscal quarter or more often if circumstances indicate a potential impairment may exist, or if events have affected the composition of reporting units. When goodwill is assessed for impairment, Autodesk has the option to perform an assessment of qualitative factors of impairment (“optional assessment”) prior to necessitating a two-step quantitative impairment test. Should the optional assessment be used for any given fiscal year, qualitative factors to consider include cost factors; financial performance; legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or other factors; entity specific factors; industry and market considerations, macroeconomic conditions, and other relevant events and factors affecting the reporting unit. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Therefore, the two-step quantitative impairment test is necessary when either Autodesk does not utilize the optional assessment or, as a result of the optional assessment, it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. The first step of the goodwill impairment test identifies if there is potential goodwill impairment. If step one indicates that an impairment may exist, a second step is performed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. If impairment exists, the carrying value of the goodwill is reduced to fair value through an impairment charge recorded in our statements of operations. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. The value of Autodesk’s goodwill could also be impacted by future adverse changes such as: (i) declines in Autodesk’s actual financial results, (ii) a sustained decline in Autodesk’s market capitalization, (iii) significant slowdown in the worldwide economy or the industries Autodesk serves, or (iv) changes in Autodesk’s business strategy. As described in Note 13, "Segments" commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, Autodesk changed its segment reporting as it now operates as a single operating segment and single reporting unit. In situations in which an entity's reporting unit is publicly traded, the fair value for step one of the impairment test may be approximated by the entity's market capitalization. For the annual impairment test, Autodesk's market capitalization was substantially in excess of the carrying value of the Company as of January 31, 2017. Accordingly, Autodesk has determined there was no goodwill impairment during the year ended January 31, 2017. In addition, Autodesk did not recognize any goodwill impairment losses in fiscal 2016 or 2015. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017 and January 31, 2016 were as follows:
| 2017 |  | 2016
Goodwill, beginning of the year | $ | 1,684.2 |  |  | $ | 1,605.4 |
Less: accumulated impairment losses, beginning of the year | (149.2 | ) |  | (149.2 | )
Additions arising from acquisitions during the year (1) | 62.8 |  |  | 97.3 |
Effect of foreign currency translation, measurement period adjustments, and other (2) | (36.7 | ) |  | (18.5 | )
Goodwill, end of the year | $ | 1,561.1 |  |  | $ | 1,535.0 |
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(1) | The fiscal 2016 balance has not been adjusted here for measurement period adjustments made in fiscal 2017. Refer to Note 5, "Acquisitions" for additional information on the amounts recorded in fiscal 2017 that relate to goodwill from fiscal 2016 acquisitions.
(2) | Purchase accounting adjustments reflect revisions made to the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocations during fiscal 2017 and 2016.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets At least annually or more frequently as circumstances dictate, Autodesk reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever impairment indicators exist. Autodesk continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, Autodesk assesses recoverability of these assets. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If the long-lived assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair market value. Autodesk did not recognize any material impairments of long-lived assets during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. In addition to the recoverability assessments, Autodesk routinely reviews the remaining estimated useful lives of its long-lived assets. Any reduction in the useful life assumption will result in increased depreciation and amortization expense in the quarter when such determinations are made, as well as in subsequent quarters. Deferred Tax Assets Deferred tax assets arise primarily from tax credits, net operating losses, and timing differences for reserves, accrued liabilities, stock options, deferred revenue, purchased technologies, and capitalized intangibles, partially offset by U.S. deferred tax liabilities on unremitted earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, acquired intangibles, and valuation allowances against U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets. Autodesk performed a quarterly assessment of the recoverability of these net deferred tax assets and believe that we will generate sufficient future taxable income in appropriate tax jurisdictions to realize the net deferred tax assets. They are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce gross deferred tax assets to the amount that is "more likely than not" to be realized. Revenue Recognition Autodesk recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. For multiple element arrangements containing only software and software-related elements, Autodesk allocates the sales price among each of the deliverables using the residual method, under which a portion of the total arrangement consideration is allocated to undelivered elements based on their vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value and the remainder or residual of the total consideration is recognized as revenue for the delivered elements. VSOE is the price charged when an element is sold separately or a price set by management with the relevant authority. If Autodesk does not have VSOE of an undelivered element, revenue recognition is deferred on the entire sales arrangement until all elements for which Autodesk does not have VSOE are delivered. If Autodesk does not have VSOE for undelivered product subscriptions, maintenance or services, the total consideration for the arrangement is recognized ratably over the longest contractual service period in the arrangement. For multiple element arrangements involving non-software elements, including cloud subscription services, our revenue recognition policy is based upon the accounting guidance contained in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. For these arrangements, Autodesk first allocates the total arrangement consideration based on the relative selling prices of the software group of elements as a whole and the non-software elements. Autodesk then further allocates consideration within the software group to the respective elements within that group using the residual method as described above. Autodesk exercises judgment and uses estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of revenue to be recognized in each accounting period. Autodesk allocates the total arrangement consideration among the various elements based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or the best estimated selling price ("BESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. BESP represents the price at which Autodesk would transact for the deliverable if it were sold regularly on a standalone basis. To establish BESP for those elements for which neither VSOE nor TPE are available, Autodesk performs a quantitative analysis of pricing data points for historical standalone transactions involving such elements for a twelve-month period. As part of this analysis, Autodesk monitors and evaluates the BESP against actual pricing to ensure that it continues to represent a reasonable estimate of the standalone selling price, considering several other external and internal factors including, but not limited to, pricing and discounting practices, contractually stated prices, the geographies in which Autodesk offers products and services, and the type of customer (i.e. distributor, value-added reseller, and direct end user, among others). Autodesk analyzes BESP at least annually or on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis, or if significant selling price variances are experienced. In situations when Autodesk has multiple contracts with a single counterparty, Autodesk uses the guidance in ASC 985-605 to evaluate both the form and the substance of the arrangements to determine if they should be combined and accounted for as one arrangement or as separate arrangements. Autodesk’s assessment of likelihood of collection is also a critical element in determining the timing of revenue recognition. If collection is not probable, the revenue will be deferred until payment is received. Autodesk's Subscription revenue consists of two components: maintenance revenue for our software products and revenue for our cloud service offerings, including Autodesk 360. Autodesk's maintenance program provides our commercial and educational customers of perpetual products with a cost effective and predictable budgetary option to obtain the productivity benefits of our new releases and enhancements when and if released during the term of their contracts. Under Autodesk's maintenance program, customers are eligible to receive unspecified upgrades when and if available, downloadable training courses, and online support. Autodesk recognizes maintenance revenue ratably over the term of the maintenance agreement, which is generally between one and three years but can occasionally be as long as five years. Revenue for Autodesk's cloud service offerings is recognized ratably over the contract term commencing with the date Autodesk's service is made available to customers and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. License and other revenue consists of two components: product license revenue and other revenue. Product license revenue includes software license revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses, term-based licenses from our desktop subscription and enterprise offerings, and product revenue for Creative Finishing. Other revenue includes revenue from consulting, training, Autodesk Developers Network and Creative Finishing customer support, and is recognized over time, as the services are performed. Taxes Collected from Customers Autodesk nets taxes collected from customers against those remitted to government authorities in the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, taxes collected from customers are not reported as revenue. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of revenue for all periods presented. Stock-based Compensation Expense The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
| 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Cost of subscription | $ | 7.0 |  |  | $ | 5.7 |  |  | $ | 4.3 |
Cost of license and other revenue | 7.1 |  |  | 6.1 |  |  | 4.6 |
Marketing and sales | 94.1 |  |  | 85.2 |  |  | 72.4 |
Research and development | 81.3 |  |  | 70.4 |  |  | 56.0 |
General and administrative | 32.3 |  |  | 29.8 |  |  | 28.3 |
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards and Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") purchases | 221.8 |  |  | 197.2 |  |  | 165.6 |
Tax benefit | (2.6 | ) |  | (1.6 | ) |  | (45.2 | )
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards and ESPP purchases, net | $ | 219.2 |  |  | $ | 195.6 |  |  | $ | 120.4 |
Autodesk determines the grant date fair value of its share-based payment awards using a Black-Scholes Merton ("BSM") option pricing model or the quoted stock price on the date of grant, unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in which case Autodesk uses a binomial-lattice model (e.g., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved. Autodesk uses the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards:
|  | Fiscal Year Ended |  | Fiscal Year Ended |  | Fiscal Year Ended
|  | January 31, 2017 |  | January 31, 2016 |  | January 31, 2015
|  | Performance Stock Unit |  | ESPP |  | Performance Stock Unit |  | ESPP |  | Performance Stock Unit |  | ESPP
Range of expected volatilities |  | 38 - 39% |  | 30 - 40% |  | 27% |  | 28 -29% |  | 30% |  | 29 - 33%
Range of expected lives (in years) |  | N/A |  | 0.5 - 2.0 |  | N/A |  | 0.5 - 2.0 |  | N/A |  | 0.5 - 2.0
Expected dividends |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% |  | —%
Range of risk-free interest rates |  | 0.6 - 0.7% |  | 0.5 - 0.9% |  | 0.2% |  | 0.1 - 0.7% |  | 0.1% |  | 0.0 - 0.6%
Autodesk estimates expected volatility for stock-based awards based on the average of the following two measures. The first is a measure of historical volatility in the trading market for the Company’s common stock, and the second is the implied volatility of traded forward call options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The expected volatility for performance stock units ("PSUs") subject to market conditions includes the expected volatility of Autodesk's peer companies within the S&P Computer Software Select Index. Autodesk estimates the expected life of stock-based awards using both exercise behavior and post-vesting termination behavior as well as consideration of outstanding options. Autodesk did not pay cash dividends in fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015 and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, an expected dividend yield of zero is used in the BSM option pricing model and the Monte Carlo simulation model. The risk-free interest rate used in the BSM option pricing model and the Monte Carlo simulation model for stock-based awards is the historical yield on U.S. Treasury securities with equivalent remaining lives. Autodesk recognizes expense only for the stock-based awards that ultimately vest. As permitted by ASU 2016-09, Autodesk has elected to account for forfeitures of our stock-based awards as those forfeitures occur. Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expenses incurred were $33.6 million in fiscal 2017, $29.8 million in fiscal 2016, and $23.9 million in fiscal 2015. Net (Loss) Income Per Share Basic net (loss) income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, excluding stock options and restricted stock. Diluted net (loss) income per share is computed based upon the weighted average shares of common shares outstanding for the period and potentially dilutive common shares, including the effect of stock options and restricted stock units under the treasury stock method. Defined Benefit Pension Plans The funded status of Autodesk's defined benefit pension plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation for the fiscal years presented. The projected benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement based on employee services already rendered and estimated future compensation levels. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of Autodesk's cumulative company and participant contributions made to the various plans in effect. Net periodic benefit cost is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and includes service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and gains or losses previously recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Certain events, such as changes in the employee base, plan amendments, and changes in actuarial assumptions may result in a change in the defined benefit obligation and the corresponding change to other comprehensive income. Gains and losses and prior service costs not recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as they arise are recognized as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Those gains and losses and prior service costs are subsequently amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service lives of the plan participants using a corridor approach to determine the portion of gain or loss subject to amortization. The measurement of projected benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost is based on estimates and assumptions that reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of services, as well as certain assumptions, including estimates of discount rates, expected return of plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest rates, and mortality rates. Accounting Standards in Fiscal 2017 With the exception of those discussed below, there have been no recent changes in accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB or adopted by the Company during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017, that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. Accounting Standards Adopted Effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Autodesk adopted FASB's Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 ("ASU 2016-09") regarding ASC Topic 718, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The new guidance requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. In addition, cash flows related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as a financing activity apart from other income tax cash flows. The standard also increases the amount of shares an employer can withhold for tax purposes without triggering liability accounting, clarifies that all cash payments made on an employee's behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity in the statements of cash flows, and provides an entity-wide accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. Upon adoption, under the modified retrospective transition method, the Company recognized the previously unrecognized excess tax benefits as increases in deferred tax assets for tax credit and tax loss carryovers, of which $116.5 million were available to offset liabilities for uncertain tax benefits. This reduction in liabilities for uncertain tax benefits resulted in a cumulative-effect increase of $116.5 million to the February 1, 2016, opening accumulated deficit balance. Tax attributes not available to offset uncertain tax benefits were fully offset by a valuation allowance. Autodesk elected to account for forfeitures as they occur using a modified retrospective transition method, which resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment of $6.9 million to reduce the February 1, 2016 opening accumulated deficit balance. Autodesk elected to apply the change in presentation of excess tax benefits in the statements of cash flows retrospectively to all periods presented and no longer classifies them as a reduction from operating cash flows. The adoption had a $0.5 million impact to net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2015. There adoption had no impact for fiscal 2016. The retrospective presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact to any prior period since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity. Additional amendments to the accounting for minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact to opening accumulated deficit as of February 1, 2016 as Autodesk does not withhold more than the minimum statutory requirements. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Autodesk adopted FABS's Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 ("ASU 2015-05") regarding Subtopic 350-40, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” The amendments in this ASU provide guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The amendments for ASU-2015-05 were prospectively applied and did not have a material impact on Autodesk's consolidated financial statements. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Autodesk adopted FASB's Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07 ("ASU 2015-07") regarding ASC Topic 820 "Fair Value Measurement: Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)." The amendments in ASU 2015-07 remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also limit certain disclosures to investments for which the entity has elected to measure at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments were applied retrospectively by removing from the fair value hierarchy any investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In February 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-05 ("ASU 2017-05"), "Other Income– Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets." The ASU, among other things, clarifies the scope of the derecognition of nonfinancial assets, the definition of in substance financial assets, and impacts the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets by requiring full gain recognition upon the sale. The amendments are effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. Autodesk is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations. In January 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04 ("ASU 2017-04"), "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill to eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In addition, it eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if that fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. The amendments will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2020 unless Autodesk elects early adoption. The new guidance is required to be applied on a prospective basis. Autodesk does not believe ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and plans to early adopt in fiscal 2018. In January 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 ("ASU 2017-01"), "Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business" which provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. The amendments will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018 unless Autodesk elects early adoption, which Autodesk is still evaluating. The new guidance is required to be applied on a prospective basis. The effect of the implementation will depend upon the nature of the Company's future acquisitions, if any. In October 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16 ("ASU 2016-16"), “Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory” which requires that entities recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The amendments will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018 unless Autodesk elects early adoption. The new guidance is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Autodesk is currently evaluating the accounting, transition, and disclosure requirements of the standard and cannot currently estimate the financial statement impact and timing of adoption. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 ("ASU 2016-13") regarding ASC Topic 326, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses," which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments. Autodesk plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 as of the effective date which represents Autodesk’s fiscal year beginning February 1, 2020 and does not believe the ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 ("ASU 2016-02") regarding ASC Topic 842, "Leases." The amendments in this ASU require balance sheet recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for leases classified as operating leases, with an optional policy election to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. The amendments also require new disclosures, including qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Autodesk plans to adopt ASU 2016-02 as of the effective date which represents Autodesk’s fiscal year beginning February 1, 2019. The amendments require a modified retrospective approach with optional practical expedients. Autodesk is currently evaluating the accounting, transition, and disclosure requirements of the standard and cannot currently estimate the financial statement impact of adoption. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 ("ASU 2016-01") regarding ASC Topic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments, and require equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through net income. The amendments also simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment for impairment quarterly at each reporting period. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 will be effective for Autodesk's fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018. An entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with prospective adoption of the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values existing as of the date of adoption. Autodesk does not believe ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09") regarding ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 provides principles for recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date by one year with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date. In addition, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-10, Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-12, and Accounting Standard Update No. 2016-20 in March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016, respectively, to help provide interpretive clarifications on the new guidance in ASC Topic 606. Autodesk currently plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of February 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method. In terms of Autodesk's evaluation efforts, the Company has assigned internal resources in addition to the engagement of third party service providers to assist in the evaluation. The Company's preliminary assessment is that there should be no material change in the timing and amount of the recognition of revenue for the majority of the Company's product subscription offerings and enterprise arrangements. This preliminary assessment is based on the Company's analysis that the related software and cloud services in a majority of the product subscription and enterprise offerings are not distinct in the context of the contract as they are considered highly interrelated and represent a single combined performance obligation that should be recognized over time. Due to the complexity of certain of our contracts, the actual revenue recognition treatment required under the new standard for these arrangements may be dependent on contract-specific terms and vary in some instances. A limited number of Autodesk's product subscriptions do not incorporate substantial cloud services, and under ASU 2014-09 will be recognized as distinct license and service performance obligations. Revenue allocated to the licenses in these offerings will be recognized at a point in time instead of over the contract term. Autodesk does not currently believe the impact of the change to timing of revenue recognition for these limited offerings will be material. The company is currently evaluating its other revenue streams, but does not believe ASU 2014-09 will have a material impact. Furthermore, the Company has made and will continue to make investments in systems and processes to enable timely and accurate reporting under the new standard. The company currently expects that necessary operational changes will be implemented prior to the adoption date. As part of our preliminary evaluation, Autodesk has also considered the impact of the guidance in ASC Topic 340-40, "Other Assets and Deferred Costs; Contracts with Customers," and the interpretations of the FASB Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition ("TRG") from their November 7, 2016 meeting with respect to capitalization and amortization of incremental costs of obtaining a contract. As a result of this new guidance, Autodesk preliminarily believes that the Company will capitalize additional costs of obtaining the contract, which primarily relates to sales commissions. The amortization period for the Company's deferred costs will be recognized over the period of benefit. Autodesk's current accounting policy is to expense such costs as incurred. While Autodesk continues to assess the potential impacts of the new standard, including the areas described above, and disclosure requirements of the standard, Autodesk does not know or cannot reasonably estimate quantitative information related to the impact of the new standard on our financial statements except as specifically noted above.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64851502&loc=d3e6003-108592 + Details
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