AUTODESK Earnings Preview: Recent $ADSK Insider Trading, Hedge Fund Activity, and More

Autodesk ($ADSK) is set to release quarterly earnings on May 22nd, with analysts anticipating revenue of $1.64 billion and EPS of $2.19. Recent trading activity shows mixed sentiment, with insiders selling shares, hedge funds displaying varied positions (T. Rowe Price reducing significantly while BlackRock increased), and members of Congress engaging in both buying and selling. Analyst ratings lean positive, with a median price target of $335.0 based on recent reports.

Analysis

Autodesk is approaching its quarterly earnings release on May 22nd, with analysts forecasting revenue of approximately $1.64 billion and earnings per share of $2.19. Recent insider activity over the past six months indicates a net selling trend, with four sales versus one purchase, including dispositions by the SVP & Chief Accounting Officer. Institutional holdings data from Q1 2025 (as reported in the article) presents a mixed picture; while the number of institutions adding and reducing positions was nearly balanced (632 adding, 633 decreasing), several major asset managers significantly reduced their stakes. Notably, Price T Rowe Associates Inc /MD/ divested 83.8% of its holdings (4.21 million shares valued at an estimated $1.1 billion) and Principal Financial Group Inc reduced its position by 82.6% (1.46 million shares estimated at $381.6 million). Conversely, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings by 1.24 million shares (+6.2%), and activist investor Starboard Value LP notably increased its stake by 92.7% (962,000 shares). Congressional trading activity has been modest and slightly skewed towards purchases. Wall Street sentiment, as reflected by recent analyst reports, appears positive, with three firms issuing buy-equivalent ratings in the last several months and no sell ratings; these analysts have a median price target of $335.0 for ADSK, based on seven targets issued in the last six months.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Closely monitor the upcoming May 22nd earnings release against expectations of $1.64 billion revenue and $2.19 EPS, as this will be a key near-term catalyst for the stock.
• Consider the divergence between recent insider sales and significant institutional divestitures by some large funds against generally positive analyst ratings and the increased stake by activist investor Starboard Value LP, which suggests a complex underlying sentiment.
• Evaluate current positions in light of the median analyst price target of $335.0, while remaining cognizant of the substantial selling pressure from some institutional investors and insiders as potential risk factors.