AUTODESK INC
10-K405, 1996-04-30
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
  
 X   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
- - ---  ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1996
 
     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
- - ---  EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-14338
 
                                AUTODESK, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
               DELAWARE                              94-2819853
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF               (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)               IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
111 MCINNIS PARKWAY, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA             94903
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE                   (ZIP CODE)
               OFFICES)            
 
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (415) 507-5000
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
 
                                                NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS                      ON WHICH REGISTERED
        -------------------                     ---------------------
               None                                      None
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
                         COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE
                               (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                 Yes [X]   No [_]
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
 
  The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on April 22,
1996 as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, was approximately
$1,292,000,000. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and
by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been
excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This
determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive
determination for other purposes.
 
  As of April 22, 1996, Registrant had outstanding 46,082,000 shares of Common
Stock.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
  Portions of the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Parts II and IV. Portions
of the Proxy Statement for Registrant's 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held June 27, 1996 are incorporated by reference in Part III.
 
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                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  Autodesk, Inc. ("Autodesk" or the "Company"), develops, markets, and sells a
family of design and multimedia software and component technologies for use on
personal computers and workstations. The Company is the world's leading volume
supplier of computer-aided design ("CAD") software and the world's fourth-
largest PC-software company. Customers use Autodesk's software products for
tasks ranging from mechanical design and facilities management to digital
terrain modeling and videography. The Company's software products are sold
worldwide, primarily through a network of dealers and distributors.
 
  In February 1995, the Company realigned its internal marketing and
development organizations around the five key market groups that most closely
match Autodesk's customer base. Each market group incorporates product
development, quality assurance, technical publications, and product industry
marketing. These market groups are discussed below.
 
  Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Facilities Management
("AEC/FM")--The architecture, engineering, construction and facilities
management industries utilize software from Autodesk and third-party
developers to manage every phase of a building's life cycle--from conceptual
design through construction, maintenance and renovation. CAD is an integral
part of today's building design and construction process. The Company believes
that the majority of its CAD sales are used by the AEC/FM industry.
 
  Mechanical Computer-Aided Design ("MCAD")--Autodesk's Mechanical CAD Market
Group is dedicated to providing mechanical engineers, designers, and drafters
with advanced, value-based software solutions that help solve their
professional design challenges. The Company's MCAD products include Autodesk
Mechanical Desktop, AutoCAD Designer, and AutoSurf.
 
  Geographic Information Systems ("GIS")--The Company's GIS Market Group
strategy is to provide easy-to-use mapping and GIS technology to help
businesses and governments manage their assets and infrastructure. The GIS
Market Group is addressing how automated mapping/facilities management, GIS,
and CAD users can share mapping, GIS, and associated information in a
corporate environment. AutoCAD Map, which is expected to ship during fiscal
year 1997, will be the first in a series of mapping and GIS products planned
by Autodesk.
 
  Data Management ("DM")--The Data Management Market Group develops and
markets products that allow users to organize, access, share, view, and revise
design-related information. DM products offered by the Company include
Autodesk WorkCenter, Autodesk View, AutoCAD Data Extension ("ADE"), as well as
products from Autodesk Data Publishing which publishes pre-formatted product
and reference libraries for specific markets.
 
  Kinetix--The Kinetix division of Autodesk (formerly Autodesk's Multimedia
Market Group) is devoted to bringing powerful 3D content-creation software to
computer-industry professionals focused on film, video, interactive games, and
design visualization. Products offered from this market group include 3D
Studio MAX and 3D Studio.
 
  In addition to the five market groups discussed above, the Company has
established an Advanced Products Group which focuses on providing a new
generation of tools for a much broader market. The goal of this group is to
expand Autodesk's traditional customer base of architects and engineers by
creating, for example, products for individuals in associated trades, such as
landscaping and interior design.
 
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PRODUCTS
 
  The Company's primary CAD software products include AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, and
AutoSketch.
 
 AutoCAD
 
  AutoCAD software is a general-purpose CAD tool used independently and in
conjunction with specific applications designed to work with AutoCAD in fields
ranging from architecture and mechanical design to plant design and mapping.
Professionals utilize AutoCAD for design, modeling, drafting, mapping,
rendering, and management tasks. The most current version, AutoCAD Release 13,
was introduced in November 1994. AutoCAD runs on MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows
NT for both Intel and Alpha, Windows 3.1, and certain UNIX platforms (Sun
Solaris, HP-UX, Silicon Graphics, Inc., IRIX, and IBM AIX). The installed base
of AutoCAD exceeds 1.4 million units. Because AutoCAD's .DWG files are
portable across many platforms and operating systems, it is a viable solution
for customers with multiple computer systems who need to exchange drawing
files in such an environment.
 
  Advanced AutoCAD functionality includes a comprehensive 2D and 3D drafting
feature set. AutoCAD also has integrated 3D solid modeling, rendering,
extensive 2D geometry such as NURBS (nonuniform rational B-splines), and
ellipses, associative hatching, streamlined dimensioning, and text editing
with a built-in spell checker.
 
  AutoCAD software's open-system architecture allows users to adapt AutoCAD to
unique professional requirements with any of more than 4,500 independently
developed add-on applications. Independent application developers can use the
AutoCAD Runtime Extension ("ARX") programming environment to take advantage of
the rearchitected core technology contained in AutoCAD Release 13, which
incorporates object-oriented programming to provide a foundation for the
development of custom, market-specific applications.
 
  Sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD updates accounted for approximately 80 percent
of the Company's revenues in fiscal years 1996 and 1995 as compared to
approximately 85 percent in fiscal year 1994.
 
  Autodesk is committed to enhancing AutoCAD software's core technology while
at the same time extending the Company's reach with complementary products of
varying price and functionality, some of which are described below.
 
 AutoCAD LT
 
  AutoCAD LT for Windows is a low-cost CAD package offering a wide range of 2D
and basic 3D drafting capabilities. With an installed base of more than
250,000 seats, AutoCAD LT is intended for CAD managers, designers, and
engineers who need a powerful, stand-alone CAD tool, but who do not require
AutoCAD's advanced feature set. AutoCAD LT software contains an extensive 2D
drafting toolset as well as 3D lines and polylines with quick shading and
hidden-line removal. Other features include Aerial View for panning and
zooming and Paper Space for scaling, annotating, and assembling multiple
drawing views before plotting. Operating in the Windows environment with pull-
down menus, customizable toolbar, toolbox, menus, and scripts, as well as
dialog boxes and icons, AutoCAD LT is easy to learn and use. AutoCAD LT
supports the Windows Clipboard, as well as Object Linking and Embedding, which
allows users to link AutoCAD LT drawings to other Windows applications such as
Microsoft Word or Excel. AutoCAD LT has complete data compatibility with
AutoCAD Release 11 and Release 12, which allows the exchange of drawings with
other AutoCAD users with no loss of 2D geometry data.
 
 AutoSketch
 
  AutoSketch for Windows is a low-cost, entry-level 2D drafting package that
can be used for creating technical diagrams, architectural layouts, electrical
drawings, mechanical plans, information graphics, and presentations.
AutoSketch offers easy tool customization; 13 library packs with more than
2,000 predrawn symbols; extensive editing capabilities; double-precision
geometry; and the ability to write .DWG files for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
users.
 
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 AutoCAD OEM
 
  AutoCAD OEM ("Original Equipment Manufacturer") for Windows is a
selectively-licensed CAD engine offering a complete application-development
environment for creating and delivering targeted or niche solutions with
scaled feature sets. It is for developers, as well as enterprise-wide solution
providers, requiring an embeddable CAD system which gives them the ability to
scale and control the application feature set. AutoCAD OEM provides developers
with a complete toolkit of AutoCAD features and application-programming
interfaces ("API") including a full suite of drawing and editing functions as
well as AutoLISP, a LISP API and the AutoCAD Development System, a C
programming interface. These capabilities enable development of new products
for new markets untapped by traditional CAD products and solutions.
 
  Autodesk's Mechanical CAD products include Autodesk Mechanical Desktop,
AutoCAD Designer, AutoSurf, and the Autodesk Mechanical Library, which are
discussed below.
 
 Mechanical Desktop
 
  Autodesk Mechanical Desktop software, which began shipping in the first
quarter of fiscal year 1997, is an integrated software application that
provides advanced 2D and 3D mechanical design functions for desktop PCs. The
Mechanical Desktop contains integrated modules for parametric feature-based
solid modeling, surface modeling, and assembly modeling, all with associative
drafting, as well as AutoCAD Release 13 and the Autodesk IGES Translator,
which enables users to accurately and efficiently exchange all versions of
IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)-formatted files. The Mechanical
Desktop is compatible with other Autodesk product offerings, including
Autodesk WorkCenter for technical document and workflow management.
 
 AutoCAD Designer
 
  AutoCAD Designer software delivers the power and flexibility of 3D feature-
based solid modeling and assembly modeling and is completely integrated with
AutoCAD software. Users of AutoCAD Designer can sketch in the industry-
standard 2D AutoCAD environment and automatically create a 3D parametric solid
model using "intelligent" shapes such as holes, fillets, and protrusions.
Other features include automatically generated, fully associative, multiview
detail drawings; the capability to create, document, and analyze mechanical
assemblies; and full interoperability with a variety of independently
developed applications. AutoCAD Designer is suited for drafters, designers,
and engineers involved in the conceptualization, design, or drafting of
mechanical parts in a variety of manufacturing industries including
automotive, electrical equipment, machinery, plastics, and aerospace. AutoCAD
Designer .DWG files can be used with other AutoCAD software applications as
well as with Autodesk visualization products and independently developed
applications.
 
 AutoSurf
 
  AutoSurf software is integrated with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Designer, and
AutoVision software and provides customers with sophisticated, yet easy-to-
use, 3D surface-modeling tools for use on PCs and engineering workstations.
Fully interoperable with AutoCAD, AutoSurf extends AutoCAD's 3D modeling
capabilities with sophisticated surface-modeling, -editing, and -analysis
tools. AutoSurf also interoperates with other Autodesk products; for example,
users can obtain complex-shape descriptions by cutting AutoCAD Designer
parametric solids with AutoSurf software's sculpted free-form NURBS surfaces.
AutoCAD IGES Translator software is included to ensure accurate and complete
data transition across different high-end CAD systems; data can be accurately
transferred, queried, and manipulated in AutoSurf, and then used in other
functions in the design process. AutoSurf helps customers design complex
mechanical component parts such as sophisticated consumer products, automotive
products, molds, turbines, and propellers.
 
                                       4
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 Autodesk Mechanical Library
 
  Available on CD-ROM via a regularly updated subscription service from
Autodesk Data Publishing, the Autodesk Mechanical Library currently consists
of two titles: PartSpec and MaterialSpec. PartSpec is a "digital warehouse"
representing more than 50 leading US vendors with more than 300,000 predrawn,
purchasable, 2D parts drawings--plus associated attribute information--in
AutoCAD .DWG file format for easy insertion into AutoCAD drawings.
MaterialSpec contains a complete database of more than 25,000 materials from
more than 300 manufacturers worldwide, described in more than 100,000 full-
text records. Both titles offer a unified graphical user interface, run in
Windows and DOS, and are fully compatible with Autodesk software and other
design systems.
 
  Autodesk's GIS Market Group is expected to offer a family of GIS products,
tools, and developer programs to address the unique requirements of customers
who use geographic information. The first product in the GIS product family,
AutoCAD Map, is discussed below.
 
 AutoCAD Map
 
  AutoCAD Map, which is expected to ship during fiscal year 1997, will be the
first in a series of mapping and GIS software planned by Autodesk.
Incorporating the drafting power of AutoCAD software and the data management
functionality of AutoCAD Data Extension software, AutoCAD Map adds
comprehensive automated mapping and GIS tools, plus an application programming
interface ("API") for designing custom applications. Using AutoCAD .DWG as its
native file format, AutoCAD Map allows a user to import .MIF/.MID (MapInfo),
 .SHP (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.), .DXF, and .DGN
(Intergraph Corporation) formats and to export complete and accurate files in
the same formats. The software provides a full set of map-creation and editing
tools, including digitizing, rubber sheeting, and multiuser editing; extensive
cleanup capabilities, thematic mapping capabilities; and essential geographic
analysis features that utilize GIS topology, such as polygon overlay,
buffering, and network analysis. AutoCAD Map offers broad map projections
support and map presentation and plotting features, such as the ability to
specify plot sets for map series and book production.
 
  The Company's principal data management programs, Autodesk WorkCenter,
Autodesk View, and AutoCAD Data Extension, are discussed below.
 
 Autodesk WorkCenter
 
  Windows-based Autodesk WorkCenter software is an easily customized software
system for managing technical documents and automating workflow for design
teams. Its built-in management tools allow users to organize documents
according to specific needs; check documents in and out of a secured,
multiuser environment; and automatically manage revisions over time. With
workflow automation tools such as electronic notification, document
distribution, approvals, and task routing with all relevant documents
attached, Autodesk WorkCenter permits users to track projects easily and
manage the flow of workgroup information. Its customizable interface and
unique SmartView Folders feature allow users such as architects, mechanical
engineers, or facilities managers to tailor the program using terminology and
document/project organization schemes that work for them.
 
  Fully integrated with AutoCAD for Windows, Autodesk WorkCenter offers CAD-
document redlining and extensive viewing capabilities and works with more than
150 types of electronic documents, including text, spreadsheet, graphics,
database, and CAD files. Thus, managers can view CAD drawings even though they
may be unfamiliar with CAD software. The software also allows users to compare
two drawings, and then highlights their differences.
 
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 Autodesk View
 
  Autodesk View is a low-cost CAD preview, view, and redline tool for design
teams. It views more than 150 file formats common to drafters, designers, and
managers, including office productivity formats. With Autodesk View, project
managers can distribute AutoCAD files and related documents to users in a
workgroup who, regardless of their CAD proficiency, need to view and comment
on them, and be assured that the original documents will not be altered in the
process.
 
 AutoCAD Data Extension
 
  AutoCAD Data Extension ("ADE") software is an add-on program that
incorporates AutoCAD drawings with database records and other documents into
one integrated environment. The graphical information created with ADE allows
users to locate data within a set of AutoCAD drawings based upon entity
location; properties such as color, layer, or linetype; or associated data.
Well suited for multiuser work environments, ADE software provides
simultaneous access to an organization's entire drawing database. Entity-
locking and user-access controls monitor changes to source drawings and
prevent accidental overwrites. Other features include data management tools
that automatically link drawing objects to database records and related
documents.
 
 Autodesk Data Publishing
 
  Autodesk's Data Management Market Group also includes product offerings from
Autodesk Data Publishing ("ADP") which publishes preformatted product and
reference libraries for specific markets. ADP titles include PartSpec and
MaterialSpec (as previously described) and PlantSpec, which is expected to
ship in fiscal year 1997, and provides purchased parts information to users in
the process manufacturing industry.
 
  The principal product offerings from the Kinetix division are discussed
below.
 
 3D Studio MAX
 
  3D Studio MAX software, which began shipping in the first quarter of fiscal
year 1997, is a 3D modeling and animation software package specifically
written to take advantage of advanced features offered by the Windows NT
operating system. With real-time interface, multiple-processor support, and 3D
graphics acceleration capabilities, 3D Studio MAX delivers workstation-class
performance and functionality to desktop PCs.
 
  The easily navigated, intuitive interface eliminates many of the commonly
accepted boundaries between modeling, rendering, and animation, and offers
instant feedback; users can see the results of their actions, in real time, as
they are applied. Shaded views with real-time feedback allow users to
visualize natural, real-world environments in which they can directly
manipulate objects, regardless of scene complexity. Because 3D Studio MAX
software maintains a data history of geometry creation and modification, users
can return to and change any step, at any time, without having to redo prior
work. 3D Studio MAX is also the only environment that can run Character
Studio, a character-animation and skinning plug-in software product offered by
Autodesk which is expected to ship in fiscal year 1997.
 
 3D Studio
 
  3D Studio is a graphics package for creating professional-quality 3D
modeling and animation. This PC-based software product, running in a DOS
environment, provides a full complement of modeling, animation, and rendering
tools that help users create richly textured, workstation-quality images and
animations. In addition, 3D Studio and AutoCAD files are easily exchanged and
allow for the development of advanced engineering or architectural
visualizations. This product is well suited for animation designers and can be
used to create corporate presentations, broadcast animations, industrial
design visualizations, crime reenactments, and architectural walk-throughs, as
well as for education and training.
 
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 AutoVision
 
  AutoVision software helps users create photorealistic still renderings and
is integrated completely within AutoCAD software. With AutoVision, AutoCAD
users can produce high-impact images and render, light, and compare multiple
views of a single drawing. AutoVision is compatible with Autodesk 3D Studio
and the Company's Texture Universe software, a collection of ready-to-use,
digitized textures and backgrounds offering further visualization
capabilities.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
 
  The computer industry is characterized by rapid technological change in
computer hardware, operating systems, and software. To keep pace with this
change, Autodesk maintains an aggressive program of new product development.
The Company dedicates considerable resources to research and development to
further enhance its existing products and to create new products and
technologies. During fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Company incurred
$78,678,000, $65,176,000, and $56,231,000, respectively, for software design,
development, product localization, and project-management activities
(excluding capitalized software development costs of approximately $2,100,000
in fiscal year 1995; no software development costs were capitalized during
fiscal years 1996 and 1994).
 
  The majority of the Company's basic research and product development has
been performed in the US, while translation and localization of foreign-market
versions are generally performed by development teams or contractors in the
local markets. The Company's European product-related functions, including
software development, localization, quality assurance, technical publications,
and production are centralized in Neuchatel, Switzerland.
 
  The Company intends to continue recruiting and hiring experienced software
developers and to consider the licensing and acquisition of complementary
software technologies and businesses. In addition, Autodesk will continue to
actively collaborate with and support independent software developers who
offer products that enhance and complement AutoCAD software and other products
the Company offers.
 
  The software products offered by the Company are internally complex and may
contain errors ("bugs"), as is the case generally with computer software,
especially when first introduced. Despite extensive product testing and
quality control, there can be no assurance that errors will not be found in
the Company's products. Such errors could result in damage to the Company's
reputation, loss of revenues, or lack of market acceptance of its products,
any of which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company's
business and consolidated results of operations.
 
  Certain of the Company's product development activities are performed by
independent firms and contractors while other technologies are licensed from
third parties. The Company generally either owns or has licenses for use of
the software developed by third parties. Because talented development
personnel are in high demand, there can be no assurance that independent
developers, including those who have developed products for the Company in the
past, will be able to provide development support to the Company in the
future. Similarly, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
obtain and renew license agreements on favorable terms, if at all, which could
have a material and adverse effect on the Company's business and consolidated
results of operations.
 
  Additionally, there can be no assurance that the Company's development
efforts will result in the timely introduction of new products or that such
new products will be commercially successful. Failure to successfully develop
new products or delays in the introduction of these new products or lower-
than-anticipated demand for these products could have a material and adverse
effect on the Company's business and consolidated results of operations.
 
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MARKETING AND SALES
 
  Autodesk's customer-related operations are divided into three geographic
regions: the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. The Company's products are
marketed worldwide through a network of domestic and foreign offices. Autodesk
distributes its software products primarily through a network of more than
4,000 independent distributors and dealers (value-added resellers or "VARs")
who support sales of Autodesk products to end users in more than 125
countries. VARs, including both independent owners and computer store
franchisees, are supported by the Company and its subsidiaries through
technical training, periodic publications, the Autodesk Forum, an electronic
bulletin board on the CompuServe network, and Autodesk's Home Page on the
Internet.
 
  In addition, the Company works directly with dealer and distributor sales
organizations, computer manufacturers, other software developers, and
peripherals manufacturers through cooperative advertising, promotions, and
trade-show presentations. Autodesk also holds annual "Expos" throughout the
world. These dedicated trade shows, incorporated within major industry trade
shows, highlight the Company's products, as well as a number of third-party
products. The Company also employs mass-marketing techniques such as direct
mailings and advertising in business and trade journals. Further, Autodesk
supports user groups dedicated to the exchange of information related to the
use of the Company's products.
 
  Domestically, the Company distributes its products primarily through its
authorized dealer network. Other domestic sales are made principally to large
corporations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and for certain
low-end CAD products, end-users. Substantially all of the Company's
international sales are made to dealers and distributors, which are supported
by the Company's foreign subsidiaries and international sales organizations.
Certain international sales result from direct exports from the United States.
 
  Autodesk's ability to effectively distribute its products depends in part
upon the financial and business condition of its VAR network. Although the
Company has not to date experienced any material problems with its VAR
network, computer software dealers and distributors are typically not highly
capitalized, have tended to experience difficulties during times of economic
contraction and during periods of technology-market price pressure, and may do
so in the future. While no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent
of the Company's consolidated revenues in fiscal year 1996, 1995, or 1994, the
loss of or a significant reduction in business with any one of the Company's
major international distributors or large US dealers could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business and consolidated results of
operations.
 
  The Company intends to continue to make its products available in foreign
languages and expects that foreign sales will continue to contribute a
significant portion of its consolidated revenues. Foreign revenues, including
export sales from the US to foreign customers, accounted for approximately 64
percent, 61 percent, and 58 percent of revenues in fiscal years 1996, 1995,
and 1994, respectively.
 
CUSTOMER AND DEALER SUPPORT
 
  Autodesk requires each authorized dealer and distributor to provide a
professional level of technical support to customers by employing full-time,
trained, technical-support personnel. The Company supports its dealers and
distributors through technical-product training, sales training classes, and
direct telephone support. While the Company generally does not provide direct
end-user support, Autodesk offers online support to customers through the
Company's Home Page on the Internet and to customers who log onto the Autodesk
Forum on CompuServe. The four Autodesk Forums are the AutoCAD Forum, the
Autodesk Beta Forum, the Autodesk Multimedia Forum, and the Autodesk Retail
Products Forum. These forums provide answers to technical questions and tips
and techniques to assist users of Autodesk products. The Autodesk Forum also
allows the Company to make important product-support information available
simultaneously to dealers and customers.
 
                                       8
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  Responding to the increasing demand for industry-specific customer services,
the Company offers authorized Autodesk dealers training and support under two
programs: the Autodesk Premier Support Center ("APSC") program and the
Autodesk Systems Center ("ASC") Solutions Training. The APSC program requires
participating dealers to provide a high level of technical support with
special expertise in a specified vertical industry. The ASC Solutions Training
Program requires dealers to provide superior industry-specific application
training to end-users of Autodesk products. Both programs require that the
dealers meet certain qualifications in order to receive an industry medallion
and APSC and ASC Solutions Training status.
 
  As of January 31, 1996, the Company had more than 900 Autodesk Training
Center ("ATC") sites throughout the world. These accredited training centers
offer in-depth education and training in computer-aided design skills on
AutoCAD and other Autodesk products, as well as on related, independently
developed software.
 
  Customers have formed Autodesk user groups as forums for education and to
suggest product enhancements and development of new products. The North
American Autodesk User Group ("NAAUG"), officially recognized by Autodesk,
sponsors an annual meeting held concurrently with the Autodesk University user
show; publishes a quarterly newsletter; independently evaluates Autodesk
products; compiles user feature and functionality requirements; and offers
telecourses taught by its membership on CompuServe. In addition there are
local user groups in Europe, Asia/Pacific, and the Americas focused on
expanding the use of Autodesk products.
 
DEVELOPER PROGRAMS
 
  One of the Company's key strategies is to maintain an open-architecture
software product design to facilitate third-party development of peripheral
and complementary products. This open-architecture design enables customers
and third parties to customize the Company's products for a wide variety of
highly specific uses. Autodesk offers several programs that provide marketing,
sales, and technical support and programming tools to Autodesk Registered
Developers worldwide who have, to date, developed more than 4,500 commercially
available add-on applications for Autodesk products. Although Autodesk derives
no direct revenue from these application developers, the Company believes that
the availability and use of such add-on products enhance sales opportunities
for the Company's core products.
 
  Autodesk also licenses its industry-standard component technologies to
selected developers through the Autodesk OEM Program. Currently, the OEM
Program includes a CAD engine and engines for 3D graphics, drawing access, and
rendering. The Company's OEM Program provides the technology for qualified
developers to create and deliver suites of scaleable products that focus on
solving customer needs in specialized markets. It also leverages Autodesk's
technological and market leadership, enables developers to take cost-effective
advantage of a growing trend in software engineering technology, and provides
customers with an opportunity to migrate to fully extensible, custom, high-end
Autodesk solutions.
 
  To support the growth of third-party developers worldwide, whose
applications extend and enhance the functionality of the Company's products,
Autodesk established the Virtual Corporation Partner Program ("VCPP") during
fiscal year 1995. This program provides sales, marketing, technical, and
financial support to Autodesk Strategic Developers whose efforts broaden and
enhance the functionality of Autodesk software.
 
  In fiscal year 1996, the Company introduced the Mechanical Application
Initiative ("MAI") partner program which is aimed at the development and
marketing of products which can be integrated with Autodesk's MCAD products.
MAI partners participate with Autodesk in product marketing and development
activities. In October 1995, an initial application programming interface was
delivered to MAI partners to support their development of applications
compatible with Autodesk's MCAD product offerings.
 
                                       9
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BACKLOG
 
  The Company typically ships products within one to two weeks after receipt
of an order, which is common in the computer software industry. Accordingly,
the Company does not maintain significant backlog and backlog as of any
particular date is not representative of actual sales for any succeeding
period.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The software industry has limited barriers to entry, and the availability of
desktop computers with continually expanding capabilities at progressively
lower prices, contributes to the ease-of-market entry. Because of these and
other factors, competitive conditions in the future are likely to intensify.
Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced revenues and
profit margins, and loss of market share, which would adversely affect the
Company's business, consolidated results of operations and financial
condition.
 
  The AutoCAD family of products competes directly with other CAD software,
including that of MicroStation by Bentley Systems, Inc.; Personal Designer and
CADDS by Computervision Corporation; MICRO CADAM which is developed and
supported by CADAM Systems Company, Inc; and CADKEY by Cadkey, Inc. In the
low-cost CAD segment, AutoCAD LT competes directly with Corel Visual CADD,
software developed by Numera Software and marketed by Corel Corporation, and
indirectly with Visio Technical by Visio Corporation and TurboCADD 2D/3D by
ISMI. The Company's MCAD products compete with Parametric Technology
Corporation's Pro/Engineer; SolidWorks 95 from SolidWorks Corporation;
TriSpectives from 3D/Eye; the Master Series from Structural Dynamics Research
Corporation; and the CATIA and CADAM products offered by Paris-based Dassault
Systemes and marketed and sold by IBM. Autodesk's data management products
compete with various low end file management systems such as AM Workflow from
Cyco Software BV, as well high end product data management software solutions
including offerings from Sherpa Corporation and Metaphase. The Company's data
management products also compete with generic document management products
including offerings from Documentum and PC DOCS, Inc. When released, AutoCAD
Map is expected to compete most directly with MicroStation Geographics from
Bentley Systems, Inc, and GIS product lines offered by Environmental Systems
Research Institute, Inc. and Intergraph Corporation. The Company also faces
competition in its foreign markets from a number of products offered by
foreign-based companies.
 
  Product offerings from the Kinetix division--3D Studio MAX, 3D Studio,
AutoVision, and Animator Studio--are currently available on IBM PCs and
compatible computers. The primary competition in the multimedia software
market consists of products available on personal computers and computer
systems offered by Silicon Graphics, Inc. including multimedia product
offerings from Alias|Wavefront, a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of
Silicon Graphics, Inc. Products competing with 3D Studio MAX and 3D Studio
software include Softimage 3D by Softimage Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Microsoft Corporation, Lightwave 3D by NewTek, Inc., and trueSpace 2 and
trueSpace/SE by Caligari Corporation. 3D Studio Release 4 is also a viable
alternative in many applications to much costlier graphics systems available
only on computers offered by Silicon Graphics, Inc. AutoVision software
competes with two third-party add-on products, AccuRender from Robert McNeel &
Associates and RenderStar by RenderStar Technology BV.
 
  The Company believes that the principal factors affecting competition in its
markets are price, product reliability, performance, range of useful features,
continuing product enhancements, reputation, and training. In addition, the
availability of third-party application software is a competitive factor
within the CAD market. The Company believes that it competes favorably in
these areas and that its competitive position will depend, in part, upon its
continued ability to enhance existing products, and to develop and market new
products.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSES
 
  The Company protects its intellectual property through copyright, trade
secret, patent, and trademark laws. For substantially all AutoCAD sales
outside of North America, the Company uses software protection locks to
inhibit unauthorized copying. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that the
Company's intellectual property rights can be successfully asserted in the
future or will not be invalidated, circumvented, or challenged. In addition,
the laws of certain foreign countries where the Company's products are
distributed do not protect Autodesk's intellectual property rights to the same
extent as the laws of the US. The inability of the Company to protect its
proprietary information could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business and consolidated results of operation.
 
  Any disputes involving the Company's intellectual property rights or those
of another party could lead to costly litigation which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business and consolidated results of
operations.
 
  The Company retains ownership of software it develops. All software is
licensed to users and provided in object code pursuant to either shrink-wrap-
type licenses or executed license agreements. These agreements contain
restrictions on duplication, disclosure, and transfer.
 
  The Company believes that because of the limitations of laws protecting its
intellectual property and the rapid, ongoing technological changes in both the
computer hardware and software industries, it must rely principally upon
software engineering and marketing skills to maintain and enhance its
competitive market position.
 
  Autodesk has an in-house antipiracy program focused on pursuing companies
and individuals who illegally duplicate, sell or install the Company's
software products. Software piracy is in some cases a felony under US federal
law, which allows copyright and patent holders to protect and enforce their
rights as owners of intellectual property.
 
PRODUCTION
 
  Production of Autodesk software products involves duplication of the
software media and the printing of user manuals. The purchase of media and
transfer of the software programs onto media for distribution to customers are
performed by the Company and by licensed subcontractors. Media for the
Company's products include CD-ROMs and disks and are available from multiple
sources. User manuals for Autodesk products and packaging materials are
produced to Company specifications by outside sources. Domestic production is
performed in leased facilities operated by the Company. Certain product
assembly is also performed by independent third party contractors.
International production is performed in leased facilities in Switzerland and
Australia and by independent third-party contractors in Japan and Singapore.
To date, Autodesk has not experienced any material difficulties or delays in
production of its software and documentation.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of January 31, 1996, the Company had 1,894 full-time employees (1,251 in
North America, 463 in Europe, and 180 in Asia/Pacific), of whom 472 were in
software development, 94 in quality assurance, 911 in marketing and sales, 56
in production, and 361 in general and administrative positions. The Company
believes that its future success will depend, in part, on its ability to
continue to attract and retain highly skilled technical, marketing, support,
and management personnel.
 
  None of the Company's employees in the United States is subject to a
collective bargaining agreement, and the Company has never experienced a work
stoppage. Management believes that its employee relations are good.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
  The forward-looking statements included in this report, which reflect
management's best judgment based on factors currently known, involve risks and
uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated
in the forward-looking statements included herein as a result of a number of
factors, including but not limited to those discussed in Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
incorporated by reference to pages 24 through 29 of the Company's 1996 Annual
Report to Stockholders.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  The Company's executive offices and those related to product development,
domestic marketing, and sales and production are located in leased office
space in northern California. The Company also leases office space in various
locations throughout the US for local sales and technical support personnel.
Autodesk's foreign subsidiaries lease office space for their operations. The
Company owns substantially all equipment used in its facilities.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  In October 1992, Vermont Microsystems, Inc. ("VMI") filed a complaint
against the Company in the US District Court for the District of Vermont,
alleging among other things, misappropriation of trade secrets. In October
1994, the case was tried before a Magistrate of the US District Court of
Vermont. In December 1994, the US District Court ruled in favor of VMI on the
trade secret claim and the Company recorded a litigation charge of $25.5
million as a result of a judgment in this matter. The Company appealed that
judgment, and VMI cross-appealed, before the US Court of Appeals for the
Second Circuit in January 1996. The Company is awaiting a ruling on the
appeal. Management believes the claims in the case, including a cross appeal
by VMI for additional damages, are without merit and the ultimate resolution
of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations. However, depending on the amount
and timing, an unfavorable resolution of this matter could materially affect
the Company's future results of operations or cash flows in a particular
period.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 1996.
 
 Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
  The following sets forth certain information regarding the executive
officers of the Company as of April 15, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         OFFICER
          NAME           AGE                  POSITION                    SINCE
          ----           ---                  --------                   -------
<S>                      <C> <C>                                         <C>
Carol A. Bartz..........  47 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief   1992
                             Executive Officer
Joseph H. Astroth,        40 Vice President, GIS Market Group             1996
 Ph.D...................
Robert M. Carr..........  39 Vice President, Engineering                  1993
Larry L. Crume..........  51 Vice President and General Manager, Kinetix  1995
James D. D'Arezzo.......  45 Vice President, Data Management Market       1994
                             Group, and Vice President, Corporate
                             Marketing
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        OFFICER
         NAME           AGE                  POSITION                    SINCE
         ----           ---                  --------                   -------
<S>                     <C> <C>                                         <C>
Dominic J. Gallello....  41 Vice President, Mechanical CAD Market        1992
                            Group, and Vice President, Asia/Pacific
Eric B. Herr...........  48 Chief Financial Officer, Vice President,     1992
                            Finance and Administration and Vice
                            President, Data Publishing
John E. Lynch..........  39 Chief Technology Officer, Vice President,    1993
                            Advanced Products Group, Vice President,
                            AEC/FM Market Group
Stephen McMahon........  54 Vice President, Human Resources              1994
Marcia K. Sterling.....  52 Vice President, Business Development, and    1995
                            General Counsel
Godfrey R. Sullivan....  42 Vice President, Americas                     1992
Michael E. Sutton......  51 Vice President, Europe                       1993
</TABLE>
 
  Carol A. Bartz joined the Company in April 1992 and has served as President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board since May 1992. Prior to
joining Autodesk, she held various positions at Sun Microsystems, Inc., from
1983 to April 1992, including Vice President, Worldwide Field Operations (July
1990 to April 1992).
 
  Dr. Joseph H. Astroth has served as Vice President, GIS Market Group, since
joining the Company in January 1996. From September 1989 through December
1995, Dr. Astroth held various positions with Graphic Data Systems Corporation
including Director, Environmental Market Group from January 1993 to June 1994,
and Vice President of Product Management, Engineering, from June 1994 to
December 1995.
 
  Robert M. Carr has served as Vice President, Engineering, since February
1995. Mr. Carr joined the Company in November 1993 and served as Vice
President, Core Technology Group, through January 1995. From September 1987 to
August 1993, Mr. Carr served as Vice President of Software Development of Go
Corporation, a company he cofounded.
 
  Larry L. Crume has served as Vice President and General Manager, Kinetix
(formerly Autodesk's Multimedia Market Group), since joining the Company in
October 1995. From January 1990 through September 1994, Mr. Crume worked at
Lotus Development Corporation, serving as Vice President, International
Business Development, from January 1990 to April 1993, and as Vice President,
Electronic Messaging Division, from April 1993 to September 1994. Prior to
joining Autodesk, Mr. Crume was an independent consultant.
 
  James D. D'Arezzo has served as Vice President, Corporate Marketing, and
Vice President, Data Management Market Group, since February 1996. Mr.
D'Arezzo joined the Company in February 1994 and served as Vice President,
Marketing through January 1995. From February 1994 through December 1995,
Mr. D'Arezzo served as Vice President, Corporate Marketing, and Vice
President, GIS and DM Market Groups. From November 1993 to January 1994, Mr.
D'Arezzo served as the Vice President of Corporate Business Development for
Banyan Systems. From March 1990 to November 1993, Mr. D'Arezzo served as
Banyan's Vice President of Marketing.
 
  Dominic J. Gallello has served as Vice President, Mechanical CAD Market
Group, since August 1995 and as Vice President, Asia/Pacific, since joining
the Company in October 1992. From February 1995 to August 1995, Mr. Gallello
served as acting Vice President, Mechanical CAD Market. From April 1981 to
October 1992, he held various positions with Intergraph Corporation, including
President, Intergraph Japan from June 1986 to October 1992.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  Eric B. Herr has been the Company's Chief Financial Officer since joining
the Company in May 1992. Mr. Herr has served as Vice President, Finance and
Administration since January 1995 and as Vice President, Data Publishing since
December 1995. From December 1992 through January 1995, Mr. Herr served as
Vice President, Emerging Businesses. From May 1990 to May 1992, he served as
Vice President of Finance and Planning, Sun Microsystems, Inc.
 
  John E. Lynch joined Autodesk in May 1986 and has served as Chief Technology
Officer and Vice President, Advanced Products Group, since February 1995 and
Vice President, AEC/FM Market Group, since September 1995. From April 1993
through January 1995, Mr. Lynch served as Vice President, Product Development
Group. From June 1991 to April 1993, Mr. Lynch served as General Manager,
AutoCAD Division.
 
  Stephen McMahon has served as Vice President, Human Resources, since joining
the Company in July 1992. From July 1987 to July 1992, Mr. McMahon served as
Senior Director, Human Resources, for Apple Computer, Inc.
 
  Marcia K. Sterling joined Autodesk in October 1995 as Vice President,
Business Development, and General Counsel. From September 1982 to October
1995, she practiced corporate and securities law at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich
& Rosati, where she was a partner.
 
  Godfrey R. Sullivan has served as Vice President, the Americas, since
joining the Company in October 1992 and as Acting Vice President, AEC/FM
Market Group, from February 1995 to September 1995. Mr. Sullivan held various
positions with Apple Computer, Inc., from June 1984 to September 1992,
including Vice President and General Manager, Business Markets Division, from
April 1992 to September 1992 and Vice President and General Manager, US
Reseller Operations, from July 1991 to March 1992.
 
  Michael E. Sutton has served as Vice President, Europe, since June 1993. Mr.
Sutton joined the Company in October 1987 as a sales and marketing director in
the United Kingdom. Mr. Sutton was the Managing Director of the Company's
United Kingdom subsidiary from January 1990 to January 1992. From January 1992
to February 1993, Mr. Sutton served as Northern Region Manager, Europe, and
from February 1993 to May 1993, he served as acting Vice President, Europe.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
        STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to page
45 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to page
23 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to pages
24 through 29 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to pages
30 through 44 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                   PART III
 
  Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Report in that
the Registrant will file a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation
14A (the "Proxy Statement") not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Report and certain information included therein is
incorporated herein by reference. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement
that specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by
reference. Such incorporation does not include the Compensation Committee
Report or the Performance Graph included in the Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  The information concerning the Company's directors required by this Item is
incorporated by reference to the Company's Proxy Statement.
 
  The information concerning the Company's executive officers required by this
Item is incorporated by reference herein to the section of this Report in Part
I, Item 4, entitled "Executive Officers of the Registrant."
 
  The information regarding compliance with Section 16 of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934 is to be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
Company's Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
Company's Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
Company's Proxy Statement.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
  (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:
 
    1. Financial Statements: The following Consolidated Financial Statements
  of Autodesk, Inc. and Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors,
  are incorporated by reference to pages 30 through 44 of the Registrant's
  1996 Annual Report to Stockholders:
 
    Consolidated Statement of Income--Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1996,
    1995, and 1994
 
    Consolidated Balance Sheet--January 31, 1996 and 1995
 
    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows--Fiscal Years Ended January 31,
    1996, 1995, and 1994
 
    Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity--Three-Year Period Ended
    January 31, 1996
 
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
    Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
 
    2. Financial Statement Schedule: The following financial statement
  schedule of Autodesk, Inc., for the fiscal years ended January 31, 1996,
  1995, and 1994 is filed as part of this Report and should be read in
  conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Autodesk, Inc.
 
<TABLE>
     <C>         <S>                                                         <C>
     Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.........................  S-1
</TABLE>
 
    Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not
  applicable or are not required or the information required to be set forth
  therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes
  thereto.
 
    3. Exhibits: The Exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits
  immediately following the financial statement schedules are filed as part
  of, or incorporated by reference into, this Report.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     EXHIBIT
       NO.                                DESCRIPTION
     -------                              -----------
     <C>        <S>
       3.1(1)   Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended
       3.2(1)   Bylaws of Registrant
       4.1(2)   Preferred Shares Rights Agreement dated December 14, 1995
      10.1(1)*  Registrant's 1987 Stock Option Plan, as amended
      10.2*     Registrant's Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan and form of
                Subscription Agreement, as amended
      10.3*     Registrant's 1990 Directors' Option Plan, as amended
      10.4*     Registrant's 1996 Stock Plan
      10.5(1)*  Form of Indemnification Agreement executed by the Company and
                each of its officers and directors
</TABLE>
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     EXHIBIT
       NO.                                DESCRIPTION
     -------                              -----------
     <C>        <S>
      10.6(3)*  Agreement between Registrant and Carol A. Bartz dated April 7,
                1992
      13.1      Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended January 31,
                1996 (to be deemed filed only to the extent required by the
                instructions to exhibits for reports on Form 10-K)
      21.1      List of Subsidiaries
      23.1      Consent of Independent Auditors (included on page 19 of this
                Report)
      24.1      Power of Attorney (included on page 18 of this Report)
      27        Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    --------
    (1) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the
        Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
        January 31, 1995.
    (2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-A
        filed on January 5, 1996, as amended on January 8, 1996.
    (3) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the
        Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April
        30, 1992.
      * Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
  (b) Reports on Form 8-K: No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company
during the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 1996.
 
  With the exception of the information incorporated by reference to the
Annual Report to Stockholders in Items 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Part II and Item 14
of Part IV of this Form 10-K, the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders
is not to be deemed filed as a part of this Report.
- - --------
Autodesk, AutoCAD, AutoVision, World-Creating Toolkit, AutoSurf, AutoSketch,
AutoCAD Data Extension, AutoLISP, 3D Studio, Autodesk WorkCenter,
MaterialSpec, and ATC are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the USA
and/or other countries. Kinetix, Autodesk Mechanical Desktop, Autodesk
Animator Studio, Texture Universe, PartSpec, 3D Studio MAX, Design Your World,
and DXF are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the USA and/or other countries.
Autodesk Registered Developer and NAAUG are servicemarks of Autodesk, Inc. in
the USA and/or other countries. Windows and Windows NT are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark licensed
exclusively through X/Open Co. Ltd. CompuServe is a registered trademark of H
& R Block. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their
respective holders.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
 
                                          Autodesk, Inc.
 
                                                    /s/ CAROL A. BARTZ
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                      CAROL A. BARTZ
                                                   CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
 
Dated: April 26, 1996
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Carol A. Bartz and Eric B. Herr, jointly and
severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him
in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K,
and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or
substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
 
 
         /s/ CAROL A. BARTZ            Chief Executive          April 26, 1996
_____________________________________   Officer and
           CAROL A. BARTZ               Director (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)
 
          /s/ ERIC B. HERR             Chief Financial          April 26, 1996
_____________________________________   Officer (Principal
            ERIC B. HERR                Financial and
                                        Accounting Officer)
 
        /s/ MARK A. BERTELSEN          Director                 April 26, 1996
_____________________________________
          MARK A. BERTELSEN
 
      /s/ CRAWFORD W. BEVERIDGE        Director                 April 26, 1996
_____________________________________
        CRAWFORD W. BEVERIDGE
 
        /s/ J. HALLAM DAWSON           Director                 April 26, 1996
_____________________________________
          J. HALLAM DAWSON
 
        /s/ MORTON L. TOPFER           Director                 April 26, 1996
_____________________________________
          MORTON L. TOPFER
 
         /s/ JERRE L. STEAD            Director                 April 26, 1996
_____________________________________
           JERRE L. STEAD
 
        /s/ MARY ALICE TAYLOR          Director                 April 26, 1996
_____________________________________
          MARY ALICE TAYLOR
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-
K) of Autodesk, Inc. of our report dated February 20, 1996, included in the
1996 Annual Report to Stockholders of Autodesk, Inc.
 
  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Autodesk, Inc.
listed in Item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as
a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
 
  We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Post Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statements (Form S-8 No. 33-54683, No. 33-
22656, No. 33-51110, No. 33-41265, No. 33-15675, No. 33-39458 and No. 33-
61015) pertaining to the 1987 Stock Option Plan, 1990 Directors' Option Plan
and Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan of Autodesk, Inc. of our report
dated February 20, 1996 with respect to the consolidated financial statements
incorporated herein by reference, and our report included the preceding
paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Autodesk, Inc.
 
                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Francisco, California
April 26, 1996
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                                 AUTODESK, INC.
 
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                BALANCE AT             DEDUCTIONS--   BALANCE
                                BEGINNING  ADDITIONS-- RETURNS AND    AT END
DESCRIPTION                      OF YEAR   PROVISIONS   WRITE-OFFS    OF YEAR
- - -----------                     ---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
<S>                             <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
Fiscal year ended January 31,
 1996
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts.................... $6,457,000 $ 3,527,000  $3,253,000  $ 6,731,000
  Allowance for returns, stock
   balancing, and product
   rotation.................... $5,714,000 $10,230,000  $5,644,000  $10,300,000
Fiscal year ended January 31,
 1995
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts.................... $5,204,000 $ 2,198,000  $  945,000  $ 6,457,000
  Allowance for returns, stock
   balancing, and product
   rotation.................... $1,290,000 $ 7,551,000  $3,127,000  $ 5,714,000
Fiscal year ended January 31,
 1994
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts.................... $4,138,000 $ 2,024,000  $  958,000  $ 5,204,000
  Allowance for returns, stock
   balancing, and product
   rotation.................... $      -0- $ 1,290,000  $      -0-  $ 1,290,000
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                                AUTODESK, INC.
 
                          ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1996
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                  DESCRIPTION
 -------                                -----------
 <C>        <S>
   3.1(1)   Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended
   3.2(1)   Bylaws of Registrant
   4.1(2)   Preferred Shares Rights Agreement dated December 14, 1995
  10.1(1)*  Registrant's 1987 Stock Option Plan, as amended
  10.2*     Registrant's Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan and form of
            Subscription Agreement, as amended
  10.3*     Registrant's 1990 Directors' Option Plan, as amended
  10.4*     Registrant's 1996 Stock Plan
  10.5(1)*  Form of Indemnification Agreement executed by the Company and each
            of its officers and directors
  10.6(3)*  Agreement between Registrant and Carol A. Bartz dated April 7,
            1992.
  13.1      Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended January 31, 1996
            (to be deemed filed only to the extent required by the instructions
            to exhibits for reports on Form 10-K)
  21.1      List of Subsidiaries
  23.1      Consent of Independent Auditors (included on page 19 of this Report)
  24.1      Power of Attorney (included on page 18 of this Report)
  27        Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- - --------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-A filed on
    January 5, 1996, as amended on January 8, 1996
(3) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
    Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 1992.
  * Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.2 

                                AUTODESK, INC.

                     EMPLOYEE QUALIFIED STOCK PURCHASE PLAN



     The following constitute the provisions of the Employee Qualified Stock
Purchase Plan (herein called the "Plan") of Autodesk, Inc. (herein called the
"Company").

     1.  Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
         -------                                                         
Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions.  It is the
intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase
Plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  The provisions of
the Plan shall, accordingly, be construed so as to extend and limit
participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section of
the Code.

     2.  Definitions.
         ----------- 

         (a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
              -----

         (b) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
              ----                                               

         (c) "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
              ------------
share, of the Company.

         (d) "Company" shall mean Autodesk, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
              -------                                                    

         (e) "Compensation" shall mean all regular straight time earnings,
              ------------
including payments for overtime, shift premium, incentive compensation,
incentive payments, bonuses, commissions or other compensation.

         (f) "Continuous Status as an Employee" shall mean the absence of any
              --------------------------------                               
interruption or termination of service as an Employee.  Continuous Status as an
Employee shall not be considered interrupted in the case of a leave of absence
agreed to in writing by the Company, provided that such leave is for a period of
not more than 90 days or reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is
guaranteed by contract or statute.

         (g) "Designated Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries which have
              -----------------------  
been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as
eligible to participate in the Plan.

____________________


<PAGE>
 
         (h) "Employee" shall mean any person, including an officer, who is
              --------                                                     
customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than five
(5) months in a calendar year by the Company or one of its Designated
Subsidiaries.

         (i) "Exercise Date" shall mean the date one day prior to the date six
              -------------
(6) months, twelve (12) months, eighteen (18) months or twenty-four (24) months
after the Offering Date of each Offering Period.

         (j) "Exercise Period" shall mean a period commencing on an Offering
              ---------------
Date or on the day after an Exercise Date and terminating one day prior to the
date six (6) months later.

         (k) "Offering Period" shall mean a period of twenty-four (24) months
              ---------------  
consisting of four (4) six-month Exercise Periods during which options granted
pursuant to the Plan may be exercised.

         (l) "Offering Date" shall mean the first day of each Offering Period
              -------------  
of the Plan.

         (m) "Plan"  shall mean this Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan.
              ----                                                          

         (n) "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign, of
              ----------
which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a
Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is hereafter organized
or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.

     3.  Eligibility.
         ----------- 

         (a) Any Employee as defined in paragraph 2 who shall be employed by the
Company on the Offering Date shall be eligible to participate in the Plan,
subject to limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.

         (b) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no
Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) if, immediately after the
grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to
such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own stock and/or
hold outstanding options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more
of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the
Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) which permits such
Employee's rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans of
the Company and its subsidiaries to accrue at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five
Thousand Dollars ($25,000) of fair market value of such stock (determined at the
time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is
outstanding at any time.

     4.  Offering Periods.  The Plan shall be implemented by twenty-four (24)
         ----------------                                                    
month Offering Periods beginning every six (6) months, until terminated in
accordance with Section 20 hereof.  The Board of Directors of the Company shall
have the power to change the duration of offering periods with respect to future
offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least
fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first offering period
to be affected.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     5.  Participation.
         ------------- 

         (a) An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions on the form
provided by the Company and filing it with the Company's payroll office at least
one week prior to the applicable Offering Date, unless a later time for filing
the subscription agreement is set by the Board for all eligible Employees with
respect to a given offering.

         (b) Payroll deductions for a participant shall continue at the rate
specified in the subscription agreement throughout the Offering Period with
automatic re-enrollment for the Offering Period which commences the day after
the Exercise Date at the same rate specified in the original subscription
agreement, subject to any change in subscription rate made pursuant to Section
6(c) or (d), unless sooner terminated by the participant as provided in Section
10.

     6.  Payroll Deductions.
         ------------------ 

         (a) At the time a participant files his or her subscription agreement,
such participant shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each payday
during the offering period in an amount not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of
his or her Compensation on each payroll date. The aggregate of such payroll
deductions during any offering period shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of
his or her aggregate Compensation during said offering period.

         (b) All payroll deductions made by a participant shall be credited to
his or her account under the Plan. A participant may not make any additional
payments into such account.

         (c) A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan
as provided in Section 11, or may decrease, but not increase, the rate of his or
her payroll deductions during the Offering Period by completing or filing with
the Company a form provided by the Company notifying the payroll office of such
withdrawal or reduction of withholding rate. The change in rate shall be
effective as of the next pay date following receipt of the form or at such other
time as the Company and the participant may agree.

         (d) A participant may increase or decrease the rate of withholding for
a new Offering Period so long as such election is made prior to the commencement
of such Offering Period (subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6(a)).

     7.  Grant of Option.
         --------------- 

        (a) On the Offering Date of each Offering Period, each eligible Employee
participating in the Plan shall be granted an option to purchase on each
Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the per share option price) up to
a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock determined by dividing such
Employee's payroll deductions to be accumulated prior to such Exercise Date by
the lower

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the
Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of
the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Exercise
Date; provided that in no event shall an Employee be permitted to purchase
during an Offering Period a number of shares in excess of a number determined by
dividing $50,000 by the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common
Stock on the Offering Date, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections
3(b) and 13 hereof.  Fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock
shall be determined as provided in Section 7(b) herein.

          (b) The option price per share of the shares offered in a given
Exercise Period shall be the lower of: (i) 85% of the fair market value of a
share of the Common Stock of the Company on the Offering Date; or (ii) 85% of
the fair market value of a share of the Common Stock of the Company on the
Exercise Date. The fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on a given
date shall be the closing price as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.'s
National Market or, if traded on a securities exchange, the closing price on
such exchange.

      8.  Exercise of Option.  Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as
          ------------------                                                  
provided in Section 11, his or her option for the purchase of shares will be
exercised automatically on each Exercise Date of the Offering Period, and the
maximum number of full shares subject to option will be purchased for him or her
at the applicable option price with the accumulated payroll deductions in his or
her account.  During his or her lifetime, a participant's option to purchase
shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

      9.  Delivery.  As promptly as practicable after the Exercise Date of each
          --------                                                             
offering, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each participant, as
appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares purchased upon exercise of
his or her option.  Any cash remaining which is insufficient to purchase a full
share of Common Stock at the termination of each Exercise Period shall be
applied to such participant's account in the subsequent Exercise Period unless
the participant requests withdrawal of such cash.

     10.  Automatic Transfer to Low Price Offering Period.  In the event that
          -----------------------------------------------                    
the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock is lower on an Exercise Date
than it was on the first Offering Date for that Offering Period, all Employees
participating in the Plan on the Exercise Date shall be deemed to have withdrawn
from the Offering Period immediately after the exercise of their option on such
Exercise Date and to have enrolled as participants in a new Offering Period
which begins on or about the day following such Exercise Date.  A participant
may elect to remain in the previous Offering Period by filing a written
statement declaring such election with the Company prior to the time of the
automatic change to the new Offering Period.

     11.  Withdrawal; Termination of Employment.
          ------------------------------------- 

          (a) A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the payroll
deductions credited to his or her account under the Plan at any time prior to
the Exercise Date of the Offering Period by giving written notice to the
Company.  All of the participant's payroll deductions credited to his or her

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
account will be paid to him or her at the next pay date after receipt of his or
her notice of withdrawal and his or her option for the current period will be
automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of
shares will be made during the Offering Period.

          (b) Upon termination of the participant's Continuous Status as an
Employee prior to the Exercise Date for any reason, including retirement or
death, the payroll deductions credited to his or her account will be returned to
the participant's or, in the case the of participant's death, to the person or
persons entitled thereto under Section 15, and his or her option will be
automatically terminated.

          (c) A participant's withdrawal from an offering will not have any
effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in a succeeding offering or in
any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company.

     12.  Interest.  No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a
          --------                                                          
participant in the Plan.

     13.  Stock.
          ----- 

          (a) The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock which
shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be 2,600,000 shares,
subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided
in Section 19. If the total number of shares which would otherwise be subject to
options granted pursuant to Section 7(a) hereof on the Exercise Date of an
Offering Period exceeds the number of shares then available under the Plan
(after deduction of all shares for which options have been exercised or are then
outstanding), the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares
remaining available for option grant in as uniform a manner as shall be
practicable and as it shall determine to be equitable. In such event, the
Company shall give written notice of such reduction of the number of shares
subject to the option to each Employee affected thereby and shall similarly
reduce the rate of payroll deductions, if necessary.

          (b) The participant will have no interest or voting right in shares
covered by his or her option until such option has been exercised.

          (c) Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan will be
registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant and
his or her spouse.

     14.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board of
          --------------                                                 
Directors of the Company or a committee appointed by the Board.  The
administration, interpretation or application of the Plan by the Board or its
committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all participants.  Members
of the Board who are eligible Employees are permitted to participate in the
Plan, provided that:

          (a) Members of the Board who are eligible to participate in the Plan
may not vote on any matter affecting the administration of the Plan or the grant
of any option pursuant to the Plan.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) If a Committee is established to administer the Plan, no member of
the Board who is eligible to participate in the Plan may be a member of the
Committee.

     15.  Designation of Beneficiary.
          -------------------------- 

          (a) A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who
is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under
the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end of the
offering period but prior to delivery to such participant of such shares and
cash. In addition, a participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary
who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under the Plan in the
event of such participant's death prior to the Exercise Date of the offering
period.

          (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant
at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a participant and in
the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at
the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares
and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant,
or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of
the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or
cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the
participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company,
then to such other person as the Company may designate.

     16.  Transferability.  Neither payroll deductions credited to a
          ---------------                                           
participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or
to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the participant.  Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw
funds in accordance with Section 11.

     17.  Use of Funds.  All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
          ------------                                                         
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

     18.  Reports.  Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant
          -------                                                              
in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Employees
annually promptly following the Exercise Date, which statements will set forth
the amounts of payroll deductions, the per share purchase price, the number of
shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

     19.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required
          ------------------------------------------                          
action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised and the
number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under
the Plan but have not yet been placed under option (collectively, the
"Reserves"), as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split or the
payment of a stock dividend (but only on the Common Stock) or any other increase
or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration."  Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issue by the Company of shares of stock
of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall
affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the
number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option.

     In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the
offering period will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such
proposed action, unless otherwise provided by the Board.  In the event of a
proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the
merger of the Company with or into another corporation, each option under the
Plan shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by such
successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation,
unless the Board determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu
of such assumption or substitution, that the participant shall have the right to
exercise the option as to all of the optioned stock, including shares as to
which the option would not otherwise be exercisable. If the Board makes an
option fully exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Board shall notify the participant that the option
shall be fully exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
such notice, and the option will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

     The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole discretion,
also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the price per share
of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option, in the event that the
Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings
or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Stock.

     20.  Amendment or Termination.  The Board of Directors of the Company may
          ------------------------                                            
at any time terminate or amend the Plan.  No such termination can affect options
previously granted, nor may an amendment make any change in any option
theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of any participant.  In
addition, to the extent necessary to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Act or
under Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any other
applicable law or regulation), the Company shall obtain stockholder approval in
such a manner and to such a degree as so required.

     21.  Notices.  All notices or other communications by a participant to the
          -------                                                              
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

     22.  Stockholder Approval.
          -------------------- 

          (a) Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date
the Plan is adopted.  If such stockholder

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
approval is obtained at a duly held stockholders' meeting, it must be obtained
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of the Company, or if such stockholder approval is obtained by written consent,
it must be obtained by the unanimous written consent of all stockholders of the
Company; provided, however, that approval at a meeting or by written consent may
be obtained by a lesser degree of stockholder approval if the Board determines,
in its discretion after consultation with the Company's legal counsel, that such
a lesser degree of stockholder approval will comply with all applicable laws and
will not adversely affect the qualification of the Plan under Section 423 of the
Code.

          (b) If and in the event that the Company registers any class of equity
securities pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, any required approval of
the stockholders of the Company obtained after such registration shall be
solicited substantially in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          (c) If any required approval by the stockholders of the Plan itself or
of any amendment thereto is solicited at any time otherwise than in the manner
described in paragraph 21(b) hereof, then the Company shall, at or prior to the
first annual meeting of stockholders held subsequent to the later of (1) the
first registration of any class of equity securities of the Company under
Section 12 of the Exchange Act or (2) the granting of an option hereunder to an
officer or director after such registration, do the following:

              (i)  furnish in writing to the holders entitled to vote for the
Plan substantially the same information which would be required (if proxies to
be voted with respect to approval or disapproval of the Plan or amendment were
then being solicited) by the rules and regulations in effect under Section 14(a)
of the Exchange Act at the time such information is furnished; and

              (ii) file with, or mail for filing to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission four copies of the written information referred to in subsection (i)
hereof not later than the date on which such information is first sent or given
to stockholders.

     23.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.  Shares shall not be issued with
          ----------------------------------                                  
respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and
delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable
provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements
of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

     As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the
person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such
exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any
present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of
counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the
aforementioned applicable provisions of law.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     24.  Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
          ------------                                                      
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
stockholders of the Company as described in paragraph 22.  It shall continue in
effect for a term of twenty (20) years unless sooner terminated under paragraph
20.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                                 AUTODESK, INC.
                                 --------------

                     EMPLOYEE QUALIFIED STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                     --------------------------------------
                             SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
                             ----------------------


_____ Original Application                    Date: ______________
_____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate
_____ Change of Beneficiary(ies)


1.  __________________________________ hereby elects to participate in the
    Autodesk, Inc. Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (the "Stock Purchase
    Plan") and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock,
    without par value, in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the
    Stock Purchase Plan.

2.  I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of
    _____% (maximum 15%) of my Compensation on each payday during the Offering
    Period in accordance with the Stock Purchase Plan. Such deductions are to
    continue for succeeding Offering Periods until I give written instructions
    for a change in or termination of such deductions.

3.  I understand that said payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the
    purchase of shares of Common Stock, without par value, at the applicable
    purchase price determined in accordance with the Stock Purchase Plan. I
    further understand that, except as otherwise set forth in the Stock Purchase
    Plan, shares will be purchased for me automatically on each Exercise Date of
    the offering period unless I otherwise withdraw from the Stock Purchase Plan
    by giving written notice to the Company for such purpose.
 
4.  I have received a copy of the complete "Autodesk, Inc. Employee Qualified
    Stock Purchase Plan." I understand that my participation in the Stock
    Purchase Plan is in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan. I have
    been provided with a prospectus describing the Stock Purchase Plan. I
    understand that I may withdraw from the Stock Purchase Plan and have payroll
    deductions refunded (without interest) on the next payroll date following
    notice of withdrawal at any time during the Offering Period.

5.  Shares purchased for me under the Stock Purchase Plan should be issued in
    the name(s) of:___________________________________________________________. 

<PAGE>
 
6.  I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the
    Stock Purchase Plan within 2 years after the Offering Date (the first day of
    the offering period during which I purchased such shares) or within one year
    after the date on which such shares were transferred to me, I will be
    treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income
    at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair
    market value of the shares at the time such shares were transferred to me
    over the price which I paid for the shares, and that I may be required to
    provide income tax withholding on that amount. I hereby agree to notify the
                                                   ----------------------------
    Company in writing within 30 days after the date of any such disposition.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    However, if I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the
    two-year and one-year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated
    for federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time
    of such disposition, and that such income will be treated as ordinary income
    only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the excess of the
    fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the
    purchase price which I paid for the shares under the option, or (2) the
    excess of the fair market value of the shares over the option price,
    measured as if the option had been exercised on the Offering Date. The
    remainder of the gain or loss, if any, recognized on such disposition will
    be treated as capital gain or loss. The federal income tax treatment of
    ordinary income and capital gain and loss is described in the Company's
    prospectus relating to the Stock Purchase Plan.

7.  I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Stock Purchase Plan. The
    effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my
    eligibility to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan.

                                       -2-
<PAGE>
 
8.  In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my
    beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due me under the Stock
    Purchase Plan:


NAME:  (Please print) _____________________________________________
                      (First)         (Middle)          (Last)


___________________________________________________________________
Relationship

                              _____________________________________
                              (Address)


NAME:  (Please print) _____________________________________________
                      (First)         (Middle)          (Last)


___________________________________________________________________
Relationship

                              _____________________________________
                              (Address)


Employee's Social
Security Number:         ____________________________________


Employee's Address:*     ____________________________________

                         ____________________________________

                         ____________________________________


I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT
SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.


Dated:____________________  _____________________________________
                                   Signature of Employee

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
____________________
*  It is the participant's responsibility to notify the Company's stock
   administrator in the event of a change of address.

                                      -4-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.3 
                                 AUTODESK, INC.

                          1990 DIRECTORS' OPTION PLAN


     1.  Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Directors' Option Plan are
         --------------------                                                  
to attract and retain highly skilled individuals as Directors of the Company, to
provide additional incentive to the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as
Directors, and to encourage their continued service on the Board.

     All options granted hereunder shall be "non-statutory stock options."

     2.  Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
         -----------                                                         

         (a)  "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
               -----                                              

         (b)  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
               ----                                                      

         (c) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company, par value 
              ------------                                                   
$0.01 per share.

         (d) "Company" means Autodesk, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
              -------                                               

         (e) "Director" means a member of the Board.
              --------                              

         (f) "Employee" means any person, including officers and Directors, 
              --------                                                       
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. The payment
of a Director's fee or consulting fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in
and of itself to constitute "employment" by the Company unless the Director and
the Company agree that, as a result of payment of such fees in connection with
services rendered, such Director should not be considered an Outside Director.

         (g) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
              ------------     
amended.

         (h) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common 
              -----------------  
Stock determined as follows:

         (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or
national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market,
the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the closing sale price
for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported), as quoted on
such system or exchange (or, if more than one, on the exchange with the greatest
volume of trading in the Company's Common Stock) on the day of determination, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems
reliable;

<PAGE>
 
     (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on Nasdaq (but not on the National
Market) or regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer, but selling
prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall
be the mean between the high and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the
date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other
source as the Board deems reliable, or;

     (iii)  In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the
Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

     (i) "Option" means an option to purchase Common Stock granted pursuant to
          ------                                                              
the Plan.

     (j) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.
          --------------                                              

     (k) "Optionee" means an Outside Director who receives an Option.
          --------                                                   

     (l) "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee.
          ----------------                                          

     (m) "Plan" means this 1990 Directors' Option Plan.
          ----                                         

     (n) "Purchaser" means an Outside Director who purchases Restricted Stock.
          ---------                                                           

     (o) "Restricted Stock" means Shares granted to and purchased by Outside
          ----------------                                                  
Directors in accordance with Section 4(c) of this Plan.

     (p) "Restricted Stock Award" means the Company's grant of Restricted Stock
          ----------------------                                               
pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Plan.

     (q) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance
          -----                                                              
with Section 11 of the Plan.

     3.  Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of
         -------------------------                                             
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 440,000 Shares (the "Pool") of Common Stock.  The Shares may
be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

     If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised
in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated).  If Shares are forfeited to the Company pursuant to a Restricted
Stock agreement, such Shares shall be returned to the Plan and shall become
available for reissuance under the Plan, unless the Plan shall have been
terminated.  However, such Shares shall not return to the Plan if the persons to
whom they were originally issued receive the benefits of

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
ownership of such Shares (other than voting), as such concept is interpreted
from time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission in the context of
Rule 16b-3.

     4.  Administration of and Grants under the Plan.
         ------------------------------------------- 

     (a) Administration.  Except as otherwise required herein, the Plan shall be
         --------------                                                         
administered by the Board.  All grants of Options and Restricted Stock to
Outside Directors under this Plan shall be automatic and nondiscretionary and
shall be made strictly in accordance with the following provisions:

     (b)  Option Grants.
          ------------- 

     (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which outside Directors
shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares to be covered by
Options granted to Outside Directors.

     (ii) Each Outside Director who joins the Board on or after June 30, 1995
shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase 15,000 Shares (the "Initial
Option") upon the date of the first meeting of the Board at which such person
first serves as a Director (which shall be (i) in the case of a director elected
by the stockholders of the Company, the first meeting of the Board of Directors
after the meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected or (ii) in
the case of a director appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy, the meeting of
the Board at which such director is appointed); provided, however, that no
option shall become exercisable under the Plan until stockholder approval of the
Plan has been obtained in accordance with Section 16 hereof.

     (iii)  Effective as of the annual stockholder meeting to be held June 27,
1996 and on the date of each subsequent annual stockholder meeting during the
term of this Plan, each Outside Director shall automatically receive an
additional option to purchase 10,000 Shares (the "Annual Option"), provided that
(1) the Annual Option shall be granted only to an outside Director who has
served on the Board for at least six full months prior to the date of grant and
(2) the grant of an Annual option shall be subject to the person's continued
service as an outside Director.

     (iv) The terms of each Option granted hereunder shall be as follows:

     (1) Each Option shall terminate, if not previously exercised or otherwise
terminated, on a date ten (10) years after the date of grant.

     (2) Each Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside Director
remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in Section 8 hereof.

     (3) The exercise price per Share of each Option shall be 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Option.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     (4) Each Option shall become exercisable in installments cumulatively as to
34%, 33% and 33%, respectively, of the Optioned Stock as of the date of each of
the three (3) succeeding annual stockholder meetings, based on the Director's
continued service on the Board, for a total vesting period of approximately
three (3) years.

     (v) In the event that any Option granted under the Plan would cause the
number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the number of Shares
previously purchased upon exercise of Options to exceed the Pool, then each such
automatic grant shall be for that number of Shares determined by dividing the
total number of Shares remaining available for grant by the number of Outside
Directors on the automatic grant date.  No further grants shall be made until
such time, if any, as additional Shares become available for grant under the
Plan through action of the stockholders to increase the number of Shares which
may be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration of Options
previously granted hereunder.

     (c)  Restricted Stock Awards.
          ----------------------- 

     (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which Outside Directors
shall receive Restricted Stock Awards or to determine the number of Shares to be
covered by Restricted Stock awarded to Outside Directors; provided, however,
that nothing in this Plan shall be construed to prevent an Outside Director from
declining to receive a Restricted Stock Award under this Plan.

     (ii) Effective as of the annual stockholder meeting to be held June 27,
1996 and on the date of each subsequent annual stockholder meeting during the
term of this Plan, each Outside Director shall automatically receive a
Restricted Stock Award for that number of Shares determined by dividing (1) the
product of (a) fifty percent (50%) of the cash value of his or her annual
retainer as a Director multiplied by (b) 1.2, by (2) the Fair Market Value of a
Share on that date, rounded to the nearest whole Share, provided that on the
date of grant of any such Restricted Stock Award such person is an Outside
Director; and provided further that sufficient Shares are available under the
Plan for the grant of such Restricted Stock Award.

     (iii)  Effective as of the annual stockholder meeting to be held in 1997
and on the date of each subsequent annual meeting during the term of this Plan,
each Outside Director may elect to receive any or all of the remaining cash
balance of his or her annual retainer as a Director in the form of a Restricted
Stock Award by making an election (the "Election").  The Election must be in
writing and delivered to the Secretary of the Company at least six (6) months
before the next annual stockholder meeting.  Any Election made by an Outside
Director pursuant to this subsection 4(c)(iii) shall be irrevocable.  Effective
as of the annual stockholder meeting next following an Election, the Outside
Director shall receive a Restricted Stock Award for that number of Shares
determined by dividing (1) the product of (a) the amount of his or her annual
retainer as a Director covered by the Election, multiplied by (b) 1.2, by (2)
the Fair Market Value of a Share on that date, rounded to the nearest whole
Share, provided that on the date of grant of any such Restricted Stock

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
Award such person is an Outside Director; and provided further that sufficient
Shares are available under the Plan for the grant of such Restricted Stock
Award.

     (iv) The terms of a Restricted Stock Award granted hereunder shall be as
follows:

     (1) the purchase price shall be $.01 per Share (the par value of the
Company's Common Stock); and

     (2) Subject to Sections 9(d) and 11(c), Restricted Stock shall vest on the
date of the following year's annual stockholder meeting, provided that the
Purchaser is an Outside Director on such date.

     (d) Powers of the Board.  Subject to the provisions and restrictions of the
         -------------------                                                    
Plan, the Board shall have the authority, in its discretion:  (i) to determine,
upon review of relevant information and in accordance with Section 2(h) of the
Plan, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock; (ii) to interpret the Plan;
(iii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
Plan; (iv) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any
instrument required to effectuate the grant of an Option or Restricted Stock
Award previously granted hereunder; and (v) to make all other determinations
deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

     (e) Effect of Board's Decision.  All decisions, determinations and
         --------------------------                                    
interpretations of the Board shall be final.

     5.  Eligibility.  Options and Restricted Stock Awards may be granted only
         -----------                                                          
to Outside Directors.  All Options shall be automatically granted in accordance
with the terms set forth in Section 4(b) and all Restricted Stock Awards shall
be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 4(c).

     The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee or Purchaser any right with
respect to continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a
Director, nor shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director
or the Company may have to terminate his or her directorship at any time.

     6.  Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
         ------------                                                      
occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the stockholders of the
Company as described in Section 17 of the Plan.  It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 12 of the Plan.

     7.  Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
         --------------------------------------- 

     (a) Exercise Price.  The per Share exercise price for Optioned Stock shall
         --------------                                                        
be 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Option.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     (b) Form of Consideration.  The consideration to be paid for the Shares to
         ---------------------                                                 
be issued upon exercise of an Option may consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, or
(iii) other shares of the Company's Common Stock which, in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option, either have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender or were not acquired, directly
or indirectly, from the Company, and have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised.

     8.  Exercise of Option.
         ------------------ 

     (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder.  Any Option granted
         -----------------------------------------------                     
hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section 4(b)
hereof.

     An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

     An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such
exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the option is exercised has been received by the
Company.  Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7(b) of the Plan.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by
the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares,
no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall
exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the
option.  A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be
issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the option.  No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 11 of the Plan.

     Except as otherwise provided in Section 3, exercise of an Option in any
manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may
be available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the option, by
the number of Shares as to which the option is exercised.

     (b) Rule 16b-3.  Options granted to Outside Directors must comply with the
         ----------                                                            
applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any
successor thereto and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions
as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section
16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

     (c) Termination of Status as a Director.  If an Outside Director ceases to
         -----------------------------------                                   
serve as a Director, he may, but only within seven (7) months after the date he
ceases to be a Director of the Company, exercise his Option to the extent that
he was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after its term has
expired.  To the extent that the Director was not entitled to exercise an Option
at the date of such

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
termination, or if he does not exercise such Option (which he was entitled to
exercise) within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

     (d) Disability of Optionee.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8(c)
         ----------------------                                                 
above, in the event an Optionee is unable to continue his service as a Director
as a result of his total and permanent disability (as defined in Section
22(e)(3) of the Code), he may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date
of termination, exercise his Option to the extent he was entitled to exercise it
at the date of such termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may
the Option be exercised after its term has expired.  To the extent that he was
not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if he does
not exercise such Option (which he was entitled to exercise) within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

     (e) Death of Optionee.  In the event of the death of an Optionee during the
         -----------------                                                      
term of an Option, the Option shall become fully exercisable, including as to
Shares for which it would not otherwise be exercisable and may be exercised, at
any time within twelve (12) months following the date of death, by the
Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option
by bequest or inheritance.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the
Option be exercised after its term has expired.

     9.  Restricted Stock.
         ---------------- 

     (a) Procedure for Purchase.  Following a Restricted Stock Award in
         ----------------------                                        
accordance with Section 4(c), the Board shall notify the offeree in writing of
the terms, conditions and restrictions relating to the offer, and the offeree
shall have ninety (90) days following receipt of such notice within which to
accept such offer.  The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted
Stock purchase agreement in such form as the Board shall approve.

     (b) Rights as a Stockholder.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
         -----------------------                                          
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing Restricted Stock, no
right to vote or to receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall
exist with respect to purchased Shares.  A share certificate for the number of
Shares of Restricted Stock purchased shall be issued to the Purchaser as soon as
practicable after purchase of the Restricted Stock.  No adjustment will be made
for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the
stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 11 of the Plan.

     (c) Termination of Continuous Status as a Director.  In the event a
         ----------------------------------------------                 
Purchaser's Continuous Status as a Director terminates prior to vesting (other
than by reason of the Purchaser's death).  Restricted Stock shall be forfeited
by the Purchaser without any consideration therefor.

     (d) Death.  In the event a Purchaser's Continuous Status as a
         -----------------                                                    
Director terminates by reason of the Purchaser's death, 

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
the Purchaser's Restricted Stock shall become fully vested as of the date of
death.

     (e) Shares Available Under the Plan.  Except as otherwise provided in
         -------------------------------                                  
Section 3 hereof, a purchase of Restricted Stock as provided hereunder shall
result in a decrease in the number of Shares that thereafter shall be available
under the Plan, by the number of Shares of Restricted Stock purchased.

     (f) Rule 16b-3.  Restricted Stock Awards to Outside Directors must comply
         ----------                                                           
with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and shall
contain such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder
to qualify Plan transactions, and other transactions by Outside Directors that
could be matched with Plan transactions, for the maximum exemption from Section
16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

     10.  Non-Transferability of Options and Restricted Stock Awards.  Options
          ----------------------------------------------------------          
and Restricted Stock Awards  may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution.  Options may be exercised, during the lifetime of the
Optionee, only by the Optionee.

     11.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger, Asset
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sale or Change of Control.
- - ------------------------- 

     (a) Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the
         -------------------------                                        
stockholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding
Option and Restricted Stock Award, the number of Shares which have been
authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options or Restricted
Stock Awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon
cancellation or expiration of an Option or repurchase or forfeiture of
Restricted Stock, as well as the price per Share covered by each such
outstanding Option, as applicable, and the number of Shares issuable pursuant to
the automatic grant provisions of Section 4 hereof shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting
from a stock split, spin off, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination
or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in
the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the
Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the
Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of
consideration."  Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company
of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock
of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made
with respect to, the number or price of Shares subject to an Option or
Restricted Stock Award.

     (b) Dissolution or Liquidation.   In the event of a proposed dissolution or
         --------------------------                                             
liquidation of the Company, Options and Restricted Stock shall become fully
vested and, in the case of Options, fully exercisable, including as to Shares as
to which it would not otherwise be exercisable.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
To the extent an Option or Restricted Stock Award remains unexercised at the
time of the dissolution or liquidation, the Option or Restricted Stock Award
shall terminate.

     (c) Merger or Asset Sale.  In the event of a merger of the Company with or
         --------------------                                                  
into another corporation or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company, Restricted Stock shall fully vest and outstanding Options may be
assumed or equivalent options may be substituted by the successor corporation or
a parent or subsidiary thereof (the "Successor Corporation").  If an Option is
assumed or substituted for, the Option or equivalent option shall continue to be
exercisable as provided in Section 4 hereof for so long as the Optionee serves
as a Director or a director of the Successor Corporation.  Following such
assumption or substitution, if the Optionee's status as a Director or director
of the Successor Corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a
voluntary resignation by the Optionee, the Option or option shall become fully
exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be
exercisable.  Thereafter, the Option or option shall remain exercisable in
accordance with Sections 8(c) through (e) above.

     If the Successor Corporation does not assume an outstanding Option or
substitute for it an equivalent option, the Option shall become fully vested and
exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be
exercisable.  In such event the Board shall notify the Optionee that the Option
shall be fully exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
such notice, and upon the expiration of such period the Option shall terminate.

     For the purposes of this Section 11(c), an Option shall be considered
assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Option confers the right
to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether
stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of
assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of
the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type
of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares).

     12.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
          ------------------------------------- 

     (a) Amendment and Termination.  The Board may at any time amend, alter,
         -------------------------                                          
suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, suspension, or
discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of any Optionee or
Purchaser under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent.  In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 under
the Exchange Act (or any other applicable law or regulation), the Company shall
obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a
degree as required.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in
Sections 4(b) and 4(c) of this Plan (and any additional Sections of this Plan as
required by Rule 16b-3) shall not be amended more than once every six months,
other than to comport with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act, as amended,  or the rules thereunder.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
     (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination.  Any such amendment or termination
         ----------------------------------                                    
of the Plan shall not affect Options or Restricted Stock already granted and
such Options and Restricted Stock shall remain in full force and effect as if
this Plan had not been amended or terminated.

     13.  Time of Granting Options or Restricted Stock Awards.  The date of
          ---------------------------------------------------              
grant of an Option or Restricted Stock Award shall, for all purposes, be the
date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.  Notice of the
determination shall be given to each Outside Director to whom an Option or
Restricted Stock Award is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of
such grant.

     14.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.  Shares shall not be issued
          ----------------------------------                             
pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Restricted Stock Award unless the
exercise of such Option or Restricted Stock Award and the issuance and delivery
of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of
law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, state securities
laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then
be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the
Company with respect to such compliance.

     As a condition to the exercise of an Option or Restricted Stock Award, the
Company may require the person exercising such Option or Restricted Stock Award
to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are
being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such Shares, if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required by any of the aforementioned relevant provisions of
law.

     Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body
having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such
Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

     15.  Reservation of Shares.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
          ---------------------                                             
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

     16.  Agreements.  Options and Restricted Stock Awards shall be evidenced by
          ----------                                                            
written option agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.

     17.  Stockholder Approval.  Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
          --------------------                                              
approval by the stockholders of the Company at or prior to the first annual
meeting of stockholders held subsequent to the adoption of the Plan.  Such
stockholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under
applicable state and federal law.

                                      -10-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.4 
                                AUTODESK, INC.
                                1996 STOCK PLAN


  1.  Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are:
      --------------------                                       

      .   to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of
          substantial responsibility,

      .   to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants, and

      .   to promote the success of the Company's business.

  Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory
Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant.  Stock
Purchase Rights and Long-Term Performance Awards may also be granted under the
Plan.

  2.  Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
      -----------                                                         

      (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be
           -------------                                                      
administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

      (b) "Applicable Laws" means the legal requirements relating to the
           ---------------                                              
administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code and the applicable laws of any
foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights will be
or are being granted under the Plan.

      (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
           -----                                              

      (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
           ----                                                      

      (e) "Committee"  means a Committee appointed by the Board in accordance
           ---------                                                         
with Section 4 of the Plan.

      (f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
           ------------                                        

      (g) "Company" means Autodesk, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
           -------                                               

      (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the
           ----------                                                        
Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services and who is compensated for
such services.  The term "Consultant" shall not include Directors who are paid
only a director's fee by the Company or who are not compensated by the Company
for their services as Directors.

<PAGE>
 
      (i) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that the
           ----------------------------------------------                
employment or consulting relationship with the Company, its Parent, or any
Subsidiary, is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee
or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave
of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.  A
leave of absence approved by the Company shall include sick leave, military
leave, or any other personal leave approved by an authorized representative of
the Company.  For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed
ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by
statute or contract.  If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence
approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any
Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an
Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory
Stock Option.

      (j) "Director" means a member of the Board.
           --------                              

      (k) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
           ----------                                                    
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

      (l) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
           --------                                                     
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  Neither
service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be
sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

      (m) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
           ------------                                                        

      (n) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock
           -----------------                                                  
determined as follows:

          (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or
national market system, including without limitation The Nasdaq National Market
or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value
shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales
were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the date of such
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;

          (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the date of determination, as reported in The
Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

          (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

      (o) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as an
           ----------------------                                           
incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
      (p) "Insiders" means individuals subject to Section 16 of the Exchange
           --------                                                         
Act.

      (q) "Long-Term Performance Award" means an award of cash or stock pursuant
           ---------------------------                                          
to Section 12 of the Plan.

      (r) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to qualify as
           -------------------------                                            
an Incentive Stock Option.

      (s) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice evidencing
           ---------------                                                 
certain terms and conditions of an individual Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Award grant.  The Notice of Grant is part of the Option
Agreement.

      (t) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the
           -------                                                            
meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

      (u) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
           ------                                                    

      (v) "Option Agreement" means a written agreement between the Company and
           ----------------                                                   
an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant.
The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

      (w) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option, Stock
           --------------                                                    
Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award.

      (x) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who holds an outstanding
           --------                                                          
Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award.

      (y) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
           ------                                                        
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

      (z) "Plan" means this 1996 Stock Plan.
           ----                             

      (aa) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to
            ----------------                                                   
a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

      (bb) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written agreement
            -----------------------------------                           
between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right.  The Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant.

      (cc) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to
            ----------                                                          
Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the
Plan.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
      (dd) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
            -------------                                                       
1934, as amended.

      (ee) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance
            -----                                                              
with Section 14 of the Plan.

      (ff) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common Stock
            --------------------                                          
pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.

      (gg) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
            ----------                                                  
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

  3.  Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the
      -------------------------                                                 
Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 1,500,000 Shares, plus (i) any Shares which have been reserved
but unissued under the Company's 1987 Stock Option Plan ("1987 Plan") as of the
date of shareholder approval of this Plan not to exceed 3,000,000 Shares and
(ii) any Shares returned to the 1987 Plan as a result of termination of options
under the 1987 Plan not to exceed 9,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

      If an Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award expires
or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased
Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or
sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated); provided, however, that
                                                      --------               
Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, whether upon exercise of
an Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award, shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the
Company at their original purchase price, and the original purchaser of such
Shares did not receive any benefits of ownership of such Shares, such Shares
shall become available for future grant under the Plan.  For purposes of the
preceding sentence, voting rights shall not be considered a benefit of Share
ownership.

  4.  Administration of the Plan.
      -------------------------- 

      (a) Procedure.
          --------- 

          (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies.  If permitted by Rule 16b-3, the
              ------------------------------                                  
Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to Directors, Officers
who are not Directors, and Employees who are neither Directors nor Officers.

          (ii) Administration With Respect to Directors and Officers Subject to
               ----------------------------------------------------------------
Section 16(b). With respect to Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
- - -------------                                                           
Performance Award grants made to Employees who are also Officers or Directors
subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered by
(A) the Board, if the Board may administer the Plan in a manner complying with

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of
employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and
awards of equity securities are to be made, or (B) a committee designated by the
Board to administer the Plan, which committee shall be constituted to comply
with the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of
employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and
awards of equity securities are to be made.  Once appointed, such Committee
shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by
the Board.  From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee
and appoint additional members, remove members (with or without cause) and
substitute new members, fill vacancies (however caused), and remove all members
of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested
administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt
discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made.

          (iii) Administration With Respect to Other Persons. With respect to
                --------------------------------------------
Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award grants made to
Employees or Consultants who are neither Directors nor Officers of the Company,
the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by
the Board, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. Once
appointed, such Committee shall serve in its designated capacity until otherwise
directed by the Board. The Board may increase the size of the Committee and
appoint additional members, remove members (with or without cause) and
substitute new members, fill vacancies (however caused), and remove all members
of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by Applicable Laws.

      (b) Powers of the Administrator.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan,
          ---------------------------                                         
and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the
Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its
discretion:

          (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in
accordance with Section 2(n) of the Plan;

          (ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom Options, Stock
Purchase Rights and Long-Term Performance Awards may be granted hereunder;

          (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options, Stock Purchase
Rights and Long-Term Performance Awards or any combination thereof, are granted
hereunder;

          (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered
by each Option, Stock Purchase Right and Long-Term Performance Awards granted
hereunder;

          (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

          (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the
terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder.  Such terms and conditions
include, but are not limited to, the

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
exercise price, the time or times when Options, Stock Purchase Rights or Long-
Term Performance Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance
criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and
any restriction or limitation regarding any Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Awards or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto,
based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion,
shall determine;

          (vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan;

          (viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

          (ix) to modify or amend each Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Awards (subject to Section 16(c) of the Plan), including the
discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of
Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan;

          (x) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any
instrument required to effect the grant of an Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Awards previously granted by the Administrator;

          (xi) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to Options,
Stock Purchase Rights, Long-Term Performance Awards and any Restricted Stock;
and

          (xii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable
for administering the Plan.

      (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision.  The Administrator's decisions,
          ----------------------------------                                 
determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Optionees
and any other holders of Options, Stock Purchase Rights or Long-Term Performance
Awards.

  5.  Eligibility.  Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Purchase Rights and Long-
      -----------                                                             
Term Performance Awards may be granted to Employees and Consultants.  Incentive
Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.  If otherwise eligible, an
Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Awards may be granted additional Options, Stock Purchase
Rights or Long-Term Performance Awards.

  6.  Limitations.
      ----------- 

      (a) Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement as
either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.

      (b) Neither the Plan nor any Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Award shall confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to
continuing the Optionee's employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or the
Company's right to terminate such employment or consulting relationship at any
time, with or without cause.

      (c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options to
Employees:

          (i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the Company,
Options to purchase more than 1,000,000 Shares.

          (ii) In connection with his or her initial employment, an Employee may
be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 1,000,000 Shares which shall
not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

          (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately in
connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as described in
Section 14.

          (iv) If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the Company
in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described
in Section 14), the cancelled Option will be counted against the limits set
forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above.

  7.  Term of Plan.  Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, the Plan shall become
      ------------                                                           
effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval
by the shareholders of the Company as described in Section 20 of the Plan.  It
shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier
under Section 16 of the Plan.

  8.  Term of Option.  The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice of
      --------------                                                           
Grant; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may
be provided in the Notice of Grant.

  9.  Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
      --------------------------------------- 

      (a) Exercise Price.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to be
          --------------                                                    
issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be no less than 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

      (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates.  At the time an Option is granted,
          ---------------------------------                                    
the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be exercised
and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the Option
may be exercised.  In so doing, the Administrator may

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
specify that an Option may not be exercised until either the completion of a
service period or the achievement of performance criteria with respect to the
Company or the Optionee.

      (c) Form of Consideration.  The Administrator shall determine the
          ---------------------                                        
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

          (i) cash;

          (ii) check;

          (iii) promissory note;

          (iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

          (v) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such
other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price;

          (vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation
in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

          (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

          (viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

  10. Exercise of Option.
      ------------------ 

      (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted
          -----------------------------------------------                    
hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such
times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth
in the Option Agreement.

          An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

          An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i)
written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized
by the Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Shares
issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee
or, if requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her
spouse.  Until the stock certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as
evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly
authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends
or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The Company shall issue (or
cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly after the Option is
exercised.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which
the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as
provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

          Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares
thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the
Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

      (b) Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship.  Upon
          ----------------------------------------------------       
termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant,
other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise
his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Notice of
Grant to the extent that he or she is entitled to exercise it on the date of
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).  In the absence of a specified time
in the Notice of Grant, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months
following the Optionee's termination.  If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares
covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

      Notwithstanding the above, in the event of an Optionee's change in status
from Consultant to Employee or Employee to Consultant, the Optionee's Continuous
Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not automatically terminate solely as
a result of such change in status.  In such event, an Incentive Stock Option
held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and
shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option three months
and one day following such change of status.

      (c) Disability of Optionee.  Upon termination of an Optionee's Continuous
          ----------------------                                               
Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of the Optionee's Disability,
the Optionee may exercise his or her Option at any time within twelve (12)
months (or such other period of time as is determined by the Administrator) from
the date of termination, but only to the extent that the Optionee is entitled to
exercise it on the date of termination (and in no event later than the
expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).  If,
on the date of termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her
entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option
shall revert to the Plan.  If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise
his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate,
and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
      (d) Death of Optionee.  In the event of the death of an Optionee, the
          -----------------                                                
Option shall become fully exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would
not otherwise be exercisable and may be exercised at any time within twelve (12)
months (or such other period of time as is determined by the Administrator)
following the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance.  If, after death, the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired
the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance does not exercise the
Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

      (e) Rule 16b-3.  Options granted to individuals subject to Section 16 of
          ----------                                                          
the Exchange Act (Insiders) must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule
16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions as may be
required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the
Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

  11. Stock Purchase Rights.
      --------------------- 

      (a) Rights to Purchase.  Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either alone,
          ------------------                                                    
in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan and/or
cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines that it
will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in
writing or electronically, by means of a Notice of Grant, of the terms,
conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares
that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid provided,
however, that the purchase price shall not be less than the par value of the
Company's Common Stock, and the time within which the offeree must accept such
offer, which shall in no event exceed ninety (90) days from the later of (i) the
date upon which the Administrator made the determination to grant the Stock
Purchase Right, or (ii) the date the Notice of Grant of Stock Purchase Rights is
delivered to the Executive.  The offer shall be accepted by execution of a
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.
The number of Shares subject to grants of Stock Purchase Rights shall not exceed
fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of Shares authorized under the Plan.

      (b) Repurchase Option.   The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall
          -----------------                                                 
grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or
involuntary termination of the purchaser's employment with the Company for any
reason (including Disability); provided, however, that such repurchase option
shall terminate in the event of death of the purchaser. In all other cases, the
repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator;
provided, however that, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, no
portion of the repurchase option shall lapse before the end of three years from
the date of purchase of the Restricted Stock. The purchase price for Shares

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the
original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any
indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company.

      (c) Rule 16b-3.  Stock Purchase Rights granted to Insiders, and Shares
          ----------                                                        
purchased by Insiders in connection with Stock Purchase Rights, shall be subject
to any restrictions applicable thereto in compliance with Rule 16b-3.  An
Insider may only purchase Shares pursuant to the grant of a Stock Purchase
Right, and may only sell Shares purchased pursuant to the grant of a Stock
Purchase Right, during such time or times as are permitted by Rule 16b-3.

      (d) Other Provisions.  The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall
          ----------------                                                
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.  In
addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements need not be the
same with respect to each purchaser.

      (e) Rights as a Shareholder.  Once the Stock Purchase Right is exercised,
          -----------------------                                              
the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a shareholder, and
shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records of
the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company.  No adjustment will be made
for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the
Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

      (f) Issuance of Shares.  As soon as possible after full payment of the
          ------------------                                                
purchase price, the Shares purchased shall be duly issued; provided, however,
that the Administrator may require that the purchaser make adequate provision
for any Federal and State withholding obligations of the Company as a condition
to such purchase.

      (g) Shares Available Under the Plan.  Exercise of a Stock Purchase Right
          -------------------------------                                     
in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares that thereafter
shall be available for reissuance under the Plan.

      (h) Stock Withholding to Satisfy Tax Obligations.  The Administrator may,
          --------------------------------------------                         
in its discretion, permit a purchaser to satisfy any withholding tax obligation
that arises in connection with the vesting of Shares by electing to have the
Company withhold from such vested Shares that number of Shares having a Fair
Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld.  Elections by
purchasers to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in writing in
a form acceptable to the Administrator and shall be subject to such restrictions
and limitations as the Administrator may specify.

  12. Long-Term Performance Awards.
      ---------------------------- 

      (a) Awards.  Long-Term Performance Awards are cash or stock bonus awards
          ------                                                              
that may be granted either independently or along with, in addition to or in
tandem with other awards granted under the Plan and/or awards made outside of
the Plan.  Long-Term Performance Awards shall not require payment by the
recipient of any consideration for the Long-Term Performance Award or for the
Shares covered by such award.  The Administrator shall determine the nature,
length and starting date

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
of any performance period (the "Performance Period") for each Long-Term
Performance Award and shall determine the performance and/or employment factors
to be used in the determination of the value of Long-Term Performance Awards and
the extent to which such Long-Term Performance Awards have been earned.  Shares
issued pursuant to a Long-Term Performance Award may be made subject to various
conditions, including vesting or forfeiture provisions.  Long-Term Performance
Awards may vary from participant to participant and between groups of
participants and shall be based upon the achievement of Company, Subsidiary
and/or individual performance factors or upon such other criteria as the
Administrator may deem appropriate.  Performance Periods may overlap and
participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Long-Term
Performance Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and
different performance factors and criteria.  Long-Term Performance Awards shall
be confirmed by, and be subject to the terms of, a written Long-Term Performance
Award agreement.

      (b) Value of Awards.  At the beginning of each Performance Period, the
          ---------------                                                   
Administrator may determine for each Long-Term Performance Award subject to such
Performance Period the range of dollar values and/or numbers of Shares to be
issued to the participant at the end of the Performance Period if and to the
extent that the relevant measures of performance for such Long-Term Performance
Award are met.  Such dollar values or numbers of Shares may be fixed or may vary
in accordance with such performance or other criteria as may be determined by
the Administrator.

      (c) Adjustment of Awards.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16
          --------------------                                               
hereof, the Administrator may, after the grant of Long-Term Performance Awards,
adjust the performance factors applicable to such Long-Term Performance Awards
to take into account changes in the law or in accounting or tax rules and to
make such adjustments as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to
reflect the inclusion or exclusion of the impact of extraordinary or unusual
items, events or circumstances in order to avoid windfalls or hardships.

      (d) Termination.  Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Long-Term
          -----------                                                        
Performance Award agreement, if a participant terminates his or her employment
or his or her consultancy during a Performance Period because of death or
Disability, the Administrator may in its discretion provide for an earlier
payment in settlement of such award, which payment may be in such amount and
under such terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

      Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Long-Term Performance Award
agreement, if a participant terminates employment or his or her consultancy
during a Performance Period for any reason other than death or Disability, then
such a participant shall not be entitled to any payment with respect to the
Long-Term Performance Award subject to such Performance Period, unless the
Administrator shall otherwise determine in its discretion.

      (e) Form of Payment.  The earned portion of a Long-Term Performance Award
          ---------------                                                      
may be paid currently or on a deferred basis (with such interest or earnings
equivalent as may be determined by the Administrator).  Payment shall be made in
the form of cash or whole Shares (including Restricted

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
Stock), or a combination thereof, either in a lump sum payment or in
installments, all as the Administrator shall determine.

      (f) Reservation of Shares.  In the event that the Administrator grants a
          ---------------------                                               
Long-Term Performance Award that is payable in cash or Common Stock, the
Administrator may (but need not) reserve an appropriate number of Shares under
the Plan at the time of grant of the Long-Term Performance Award.  If and to the
extent that the full amount reserved is not actually paid in Common Stock, the
Shares representing the portion of the reserve for that Long-Term Performance
Award that is not actually issued in satisfaction of such Long-Term Performance
Award shall again become available for award under the Plan.  If Shares are not
reserved by the Administrator at the time of grant, then (i) no Shares shall be
deducted from the number of Shares available for grant under the Plan at that
time and (ii) at the time of payment of the Long-Term Performance Award, only
the number of Shares actually issued to the participant shall be so deducted.
If there are not a sufficient number of Shares available under the Plan for
issuance to a participant at the time of payment of a Long-Term Performance
Award, any shortfall shall be paid by the Company in cash.

      (g) Rule 16b-3.  Grants of Long-Term Performance Awards to Directors and
          ----------                                                          
Officers must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and such Long-
Term Performance Awards shall contain such additional conditions or
restrictions, if any, as may be required by Rule 16b-3 to be in the written
agreement relating to such Long-Term Performance Awards in order to qualify for
the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan
transactions.

  13. Non-Transferability of Options, Stock Purchase Rights and Long-Term
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Awards.  An Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance
- - ------------------                                                           
Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed
of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution
and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

  14. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sale.
- - ---- 

      (a) Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the
          -------------------------                                        
shareholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding
Option, Long-Term Performance Award and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of
Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no
Options, Long-Term Performance Awards or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been
granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration
of an Option, Long-Term Performance Award or Stock Purchase Right, as well as
the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, Long-Term
Performance Award or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately adjusted for
any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a stock
split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of
the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued
Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided,
however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not
be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such
adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall
be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no
issuance by the Company of Shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into Shares

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares subject to an Option,
Long-Term Performance Award or Stock Purchase Right.

      (b) Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed dissolution
          --------------------------                                           
or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each Optionee as
soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction.
The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to have the
right to exercise his or her Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Award until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the
Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Option would
not otherwise be exercisable.  In addition, the Administrator may provide that
any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased upon exercise
of an Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award shall lapse as
to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place
at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been
previously exercised, an Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance
Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
action.

      (c) Merger or Asset Sale.  In the event of a merger of the Company with or
          --------------------                                                  
into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company, each outstanding Option, Stock Purchase Right and Long-Term Performance
Award shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the
successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation, or
in the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for
the Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award, the Optionee
shall have the right to exercise the Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Award as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which
it would not otherwise be exercisable.  If an Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Award is exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution
in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the
Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Award shall be fully exercisable for a period of fifteen
(15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Award shall terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-
Term Performance Award shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or
sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive,
for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option, Stock Purchase Right or
Long-Term Performance Award immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets,
the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property)
received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each
Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered
a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such
consideration received in the merger or sale of assets was not solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with
the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be
received upon the exercise of the Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Award, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option, Stock
Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award, to be solely common stock of the
successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
  15. Date of Grant.  The date of grant of an Option, Stock Purchase Right or
      -------------                                                          
Long-Term Performance Award shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the
Administrator makes the determination granting such Option, Stock Purchase Right
or Long-Term Performance Award, or such other later date as is determined by the
Administrator.  Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee
within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

  16. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
      ------------------------------------- 

      (a) Amendment and Termination.  The Board may at any time amend, alter,
          -------------------------                                          
suspend or terminate the Plan.

      (b) Shareholder Approval.  The Company shall obtain shareholder approval
          --------------------                                                
of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule
16b-3 or with Sections 162(m) or 422 of the Code (or any successor rule or
statute or other applicable law, rule or regulation, including the requirements
of any exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or
quoted). Such shareholder approval, if required, shall be obtained in such a
manner and to such a degree as is required by the applicable law, rule or
regulation.

      (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination.  No amendment, alteration,
          ----------------------------------                            
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.


  17. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
      ---------------------------------- 

      (a) Legal Compliance.  Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise
          ----------------                                                      
of an Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award unless the
exercise of such Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award and
the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with all relevant
provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
Applicable Laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system
upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, and shall be further subject
to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

      (b) Investment Representations.  As a condition to the exercise of an
          --------------------------                                       
Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award, the Company may
require the person exercising such Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that
the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present
intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company, such a representation is required.

  18. Liability of Company.
      -------------------- 

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
      (a) Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to obtain
          -----------------------------                                         
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect
of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority
shall not have been obtained.

      (b) Grants Exceeding Allotted Shares.  If the Optioned Stock covered by an
          --------------------------------                                      
Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term Performance Award exceeds, as of the
date of grant, the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan without
additional shareholder approval, such Option, Stock Purchase Right or Long-Term
Performance Award shall be void with respect to such excess Optioned Stock,
unless shareholder approval of an amendment sufficiently increasing the number
of Shares subject to the Plan is timely obtained in accordance with Section
16(b) of the Plan.

  19. Reservation of Shares.  The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at
      ---------------------                                                     
all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

  20. Shareholder Approval.  Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
      --------------------                                              
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the manner and to the degree required under applicable federal and state law.

                                      -16-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 13

Autodesk
Design Your World
1996 Annual Report


<PAGE>
 
pg with charts- Net revenues by Geography

Graph- net revenues in fiscal years 1994, 1995, and 1996 of $405.6 million, 
$454.6 million, and $534.2 million, respectively.

Every day investors ask us, "What exactly does Autodesk do?"

To help answer that question we've created an annual report that is both a
financial document and a narrative. It is a story as much about people with
vision--customers, partners, Autodesk staff--as it is about developing quality
software, leveraging technology trends to pursue new market opportunities, and a
reorientation toward customers.

We also want to reintroduce ourselves because we're no longer just the
AutoCAD(R) company. We're the company that creates and markets design software,
software that you, or people you know, use to create, visualize, imagine, and
manage the designed world. Stay with us, it's an exciting story.
 
                           Selected financial data 
                                  
       (In thousands, except per share data, percentages, and employees)
  
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 Fiscal year ended 
                                                    January 31,           Percentage
                                               1996              1995       change
<S>                                          <C>               <C>          <C> 
Net revenues                                 $534,167          $454,612      17.5%
Income from operations                       $129,027          $107,411      20.1%
Net income*                                  $ 87,788          $ 56,606      55.1%
Net income per share*                        $   1.76          $   1.14      54.4%
Return on net revenues                           16.4%             12.5%     31.2%
Working capital                              $203,539          $218,095      (6.7%)
Stockholders' equity                         $342,328          $323,484       5.8%
Shares used in computing net
 income per share                              49,800            49,840         0%
Number of employees                             1,894             1,788       5.9%
</TABLE>

 *Fiscal year 1995 results include a pre-tax litigation charge of approximately
  $26 million resulting in a $0.33 reduction in earnings per share.
<PAGE>
 
     Letter to Stockholders

     Last winter when I first began thinking about this letter, I recalled one
     incident from fiscal year 1996 with particular clarity. I was meeting with
     the Autodesk Mechanical Desktop(TM) team to discuss beta testing for this
     new mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) product. The talk was lively and
     opinionated; it always is at Autodesk. As we got into the rhythm of the
     meeting, many people seemed to realize at about the same moment that what
     we'd planned just wasn't going to be enough.

     I'm sure some of us were also thinking about the technology transition
     problems we were then having with AutoCAD(R) Release 13, and about the
     thousands of customers and partners we were meeting with worldwide who were
     telling us what was needed to make this release the success it has since
     become.

     From the seeds of this Desktop discussion and out of our experience
     with Release 13, a new model for developing quality software has taken
     root. It's a model in which Autodesk programmers will work side-by-side
     with our customers and application developer partners and their customers
     to shape the final product, to make sure that when it's released, it has
     the features and the performance gains that design professionals need and
     expect. And what began as some 60 beta sites for the Desktop eventually
     topped out at more than 700.

     The other hallmarks of this experience, a renewal of vision and the role
     of dedicated, gifted people in Autodesk success, also characterize fiscal
     year 1996, and our future course. Vision has led us into new markets
     and down exciting paths. We're not just "that CAD software company"

<PAGE>
 
     anymore, we're a design software company. That story is told through-out
     this document, and I hope you'll spend some time with it. Vision has led us
     as well to a renewed commitment to customers. You'll see some of the
     results of that commitment when you review our strong product lineup and
     read about our enhanced support resources. But ultimately, people made the
     difference in fiscal year 1996. Customers, partners, all of us here at
     Autodesk helped turn a year of difficult but essential change into a
     success.

     I can tell you that we are working hard to create the best design software
     in the industry, that we are committed to superior strategic execution in
     fiscal year 1997, and that we enter our new fiscal year with confidence,
     with a solid and enduring foundation for success. Now let's look at the
     bottom-line results.

     Financial Highlights

     Net revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, were $534.2
     million, an increase of 17.5 percent over the previous year. Net income was
     $87.8 million or $1.76 per share compared to $73.1 million or $1.47 per
     share last year. The fiscal year 1995 earnings figure excludes the $16.5
     million earnings impact related to the VMI litigation judgment. Setting
     aside the litigation accrual, earnings grew 20 percent for the year.

     Sales of 233,000 new AutoCAD seats, a record number and an increase of 15
     percent over fiscal year 1995, as well as a 32 percent increase in sales of
     non-AutoCAD products sparked growth. I'm pleased to tell you that the
     installed AutoCAD base now approaches 1.5 million seats. The 1996 balance
     sheet also reflects a $17 million increase in cash reserves over the
     previous fiscal year, even though we spent nearly $108 million to
     repurchase stock as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining
     stockholder value.

     Net revenues by geography were up worldwide. Europe led that annual growth
     with an increase of 33 percent, its highest in more than 5 years.
     Asia/Pacific increased by 23 percent; the Americas by only 3 percent, a
     direct result of the execution problems we had with AutoCAD Release 13.

<PAGE>
 
     A Tough Transition, A Positive Outcome

     The core AutoCAD rearchitecting we undertook for Release 13, which
     incorporated a new object-oriented design paradigm, made for a difficult
     transition. But the final AutoCAD Release 13 platform, for Windows(R) 95
     and Windows NT(R), is an excellent product. It's significantly faster than
     the original product and includes new features, some of which, such as
     real-time Pan and Zoom, customers had wanted for a long time. AutoCAD
     Release 13 also plays particularly well with new customers who want
     to pursue a more-collaborative design process using "intelligent" digital
     models. That story is also told within this document.

     The final Release 13 platform contains the revolutionary new application
     programming interface, the AutoCAD(R) Runtime Extension (ARX). Developer
     partners and customers will leverage ARX to create high-powered
     applications that are integrated into, not merely compatible with, Release
     13. Reaching the ARX milestone is sure to add to AutoCAD success in fiscal
     year 1997 and beyond.

     The Design Software Company

     Our reorganization around customer-focused market groups began to reach a
     critical mass in fiscal year 1996. The products these groups are launching
     in fiscal year 1997 speak strongly to our traditional, but rapidly evolving
     markets and effectively position us in new ones, authenticating our view of
     ourselves as the world's leading design software company. To signal this
     shift we have even changed our Nasdaq stock symbol from ACAD to ADSK.

     In first quarter 1997 we shipped Autodesk Mechanical Desktop for mechanical
     design. The Desktop, with newly developed assembly-modeling technology,
     integrates AutoCAD Release 13, AutoCAD(R). Designer, and AutoSurf(R)
     modules for a comprehensive "art-to-part" mechanical-design environment.
     Later in fiscal year 1997 we will be launching AutoCAD(R) Map, the first in
     a planned series of AutoCAD "avors" in which Release 13 technology will be
     customized and complemented to better suit the needs of our vertical
     markets.

<PAGE>
 
     When you're first in world markets, as we are in CAD software revenues and
     in seats for animation and visualization, you're expected to lead. So look
     for our multimedia team to create a stir as the newly formed Kinetix(TM).
     Autodesk was born out of an entrepreneurial spirit and continues to foster
     it, which is why we've launched Kinetix as a separate division. And if you
     haven't already heard about the new Kinetix animation product 3D Studio
     MAX(TM), believe me, you will in fiscal year 1997.

     The work of our Data Management Market Group in fiscal year 1996 moves us
     strongly into new markets for the electronic publishing of design content
     through Autodesk Data Publishing (ADP) and for design process management
     software like Autodesk WorkCenter(R). Finally, we're licensing Autodesk
     technology as OEM engines to select developer partners, a move that further
     strengthens the competitive advantage of our .DWG file format, the
     worldwide standard for computer-aided design. 

     Each new business opportunity we're pursuing is volume based, markets to
     existing customers, wins us new ones, and adds to our competitiveness.

     Looking Ahead

     I believe Autodesk is now better positioned to pursue multiple, global
     opportunities than at any time in our history. Our business model is more
     integrated and focused, our products support the needs of a total
     design environment, our partners are stronger, our customer base larger.
     We're learning, changing, and growing. In fiscal year 1997 we want to
     delight our customers with quality software. I can't state our future goals
     any more clearly or powerfully than that. We hope you'll continue to
     share in our vision.

     And to those people--customers, business partners, stockholders, the
     Autodesk workforce--who were so very loyal during a challenging business
     year, I extend my personal thanks.



     Carol Bartz, President, Chief Executive Officer, and
     Chairman of the Board

<PAGE>
 
     Design Your World

     The world of design represents extraordinary business opportunities. In
     pursuing them, we've become the world's leading design software company.

     "We're becoming the company whose products help define the total design
     environment. Our market opportunities are limited only by the imagination
     of the design and multimedia communities."

     Eric Herr, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance and
     Administration

     People design office towers and robotics, restorations of natural
     environments and plans for emergency services, car bodies and cameras. They
     design educational programs and pipelines, clothing and yachts, video games
     and maps. People also manage and analyze what they imagine and build. They
     add aesthetic content to their work as they move through the creative
     process. And as they design this complex, interrelated world--your world--
     they use Autodesk software.

     Opening a Door on the Designed World

     What's more ordinary than grasping a door handle as you enter an office
     tower on business? You don't think about the cross-hatched, stainless-steel
     handle that's so easy to grasp and swing, although you can be sure a
     designer has. No matter. We take for granted the highly designed world.

     Even so, it's a rather extraordinary place. It's a world in which a stream
     of electronic data defines, organizes, models, and reinforces all the
     design spaces in your world: From the very tower itself and its urban
     surroundings to the bushings, screws, and bolts in the door handle
     assembly. From the advanced electrical, engineering, heating, air-
     conditioning, and facilities-management systems that support the tower
     workforce to the product videos you watch with your investment banker.

     These designs and interdependent processes are possible, this environment
     made functional and pleasing, in part because of the quality, precision,
     and broad resources found in Autodesk software. 

     So although we began with AutoCAD(R) software for computer-aided design,
     we're now much more. We will always support the 2D CAD market. But
     professionals across the design continuum now need software that allows
     them to work in more collaborative and creative ways, to work in 2D and 3D,
     whether they're manufacturing aircraft, adding special effects to a film,
     or re-modeling a kitchen. We market software for this wider world of
     design, software for mechanical CAD, for multimedia and data management,
     for architecture and geographic information systems, and for design-content
     creation.

     Your world, Autodesk software.
<PAGE>
 
     Quality Software

     We've innovated a new software-development model to meet the creative and
     competitive needs of the people designing your world.

     "With Mechanical Desktop, the MCAD Market Group hit high gear. From the
     Gunslinger events for software development to extended beta testing, from
     the Mechanical Applications Initiative to the creation of extensive
     learning materials, we've architected a complete MCAD software solution
     that will delight customers and partners alike."

     Dominic Gallello, Vice President, MCAD Market Group

     Autodesk Mechanical Desktop(TM) for the mechanical CAD (MCAD) software
     market typifies this new model, leverages core AutoCAD(R) technology, and
     redefines for the entire Company what it means to delight customers with
     quality products.

     The software-development cycle generally follows a linear pattern of
     coding, quality assurance, automated testing, and so on. With Mechanical
     Desktop we initiated a new process in addition to following the traditional
     methodology. We held so-called Gunslinger events (Desktop was code-named
     Texas) in which software architecture and documentation were refined under
     exacting real-world conditions.

     Gunslinger teams included Autodesk software-development engineers and
     application engineers, mechanical engineers from our value-added reseller
     partners, and most importantly, customer engineers.

     We held 12 four-day Gunslingers at our development sites at which more
     than 100 mechanical engineers participated. The goal: to create a complete
     "art to part" MCAD software solution that also helps end-users cut product
     time-to-market.

     The Dialog

     Gunslinger events fostered a rich dialog. As a participant identified a
     software issue--perhaps a developer application stalled at a particular
     command sequence--an Autodesk programmer was there to sort it out online,
     in real time.

     Typically, this sort of exchange does not occur face-to-face. It happens
     after product launch and is conducted over e-mail or via fax. Under those
     circumstances, some highly complex problems may never be fully resolved.
     The Gunslinger innovation eliminates these inefficiencies. As a result
     Mechanical Desktop is the product our customers and partners told us they
     needed, a product that enhances their design creativity and makes them more
     competitive.

     To meet concerns about training and staffing expressed during the Desktop
     development cycle, we created curriculum materials targeted for college and
     university audiences as well as for Autodesk Training Centers. And we
     provided the

<PAGE>
 
     award-winning, interactive, multimedia software, Inside Track(TM), which
     promotes individualized learning of current mechanical-design techniques
     for both professional and student users.

     Revolutionary ARX

     The tightly integrated Mechanical Desktop modules, among them AutoCAD(R)
     Release 13 and a newly created Assembly Modeler, unite 2D and 3D design
     capabilities and provide for associative drafting as well as surface,
     mechanical-assembly, and feature-based solid modeling.

     We also adapted the Release 13-embedded 32-bit, object-oriented application
     programming interface, AutoCAD(R) Runtime Extension (ARX), for the MCAD
     design community. ARX heralds a revolutionary new generation of
     applications that will be fully integrated into AutoCAD, not merely
     AutoCAD-compatible. These applications will foster a seamless and
     associative design, analysis, and manufacturing environment for the MCAD
     professional.

     This pure focus on customer and partner needs now drives Autodesk software
     development more than at any other time in our history. We're confident
     Autodesk Mechanical Desktop software is the right product at the right
     price point for the estimated US$3 billion MCAD software market.

<PAGE>
 
     Imaginative Software

     Given technology trends, the release of 3D Studio MAX software, and new
     leadership within our multimedia team, the launch of Kinetix seemed
     inevitable.

     "With 3D Studio MAX for Windows NT, not only can we leverage new business
     opportunities in the 3D design animation and modeling space, we can spur
     that growth. This compelling, cost-effective software unites 2D and 3D
     design in an intelligent object-oriented environment. It's a trendsetter."

     Larry Crume, Vice President and General
     Manager, Kinetix

     Now Playing: The 3D Experience 

     Producing the realistic, interactive 3D content that design professionals
     and sophisticated consumers desire is costly, typically undertaken in a
     workstation environment. But demand for the 3D experience is so great that
     we're seeing a shift in hardware and operating-system choices to
     accommodate it. Professional users who model and animate in 3D can now
     achieve workstation-level performance--multiple-processor support, built-in
     networking capabilities, and 3D graphics acceleration--by moving to the
     more cost-effective, PC-based, 32-bit Windows NT(R) platform. This opens up
     an exciting new market for design animation software.

     Kinetix is ready with the vision and the products to leverage these
     opportunities.

     Who are Kinetix customers? Investment bankers Volpe and Welty define
     multimedia software as tools for people creating films and videos;
     authoring interactive content, such as World Wide Web home pages;
     developing video games; and for visualizing design, where Autodesk 3D
     Studio(R) and AutoVision(R) software are already market leaders. With the
     release of 3D Studio MAX(TM) for Windows NT, an object-oriented, next-
     generation graphics and animation environment, Kinetix offers a single,
     dynamic content-creation solution for all these market sectors, the current
     estimated value of which is US$650 million.

     Design Visualization and More

     Many of our architectural and mechanical customers who are now considering
     a move to Windows NT will want to leverage 3D Studio MAX software's unified
     2D and 3D environment if

<PAGE>
 
     they make the change. With this software, they'll be able to initiate a
     highly creative, productive process for design visualization and concep-
     tualization. This software also meets the needs of professional animators
     and of those creating 3D content for videos, films, and video games. And
     with 3D Studio MAX plug-ins--products created by our Plug-In developer
     partners--games professionals can output to the Sony(R) PlayStation(TM) and
     Sega(R) Saturn games machines. 3D Studio MAX software also supports VRML,
     Virtual Reality Markup Language, used on the Internet to publish 3D scenes.

     The Vision

     Consumers and design professionals want the richer experience of 3D.
     Certainly for entertainment--movies like Johnny Mnemonic or Virtuosity, TV,
     video games--but also for more serious purposes. As a communications tool
     in educating the medical profession, for animated forensics and crime
     reenactments, for architectural, engineering, and product design. They want
     the 3D experience because it mirrors the way people see and absorb
     information. It enhances understanding, it's visceral. And more
     interestingly from a market perspective, they want to create it, to explore
     its design potential. With our software and that of our Plug-In partners,
     they can.

     

<PAGE>
 
     New Software Markets

     Real-world location, and the data and documents that are linked to it, must
     be managed in every design process.

     "GIS technology is no longer for a specialist class. People will be using
     GIS data on their laptops to avoid traffic jams, book hotel rooms, map out
     a travel itinerary. It doesn't get more down-to-earth than that."

     Dr. Joseph Astroth, Vice President,
     GIS Market Group

     That freeway will be built 1,500 meters from that wetlands area, How will
     the one affect the other? Those HVAC-system drawings have to be modified by
     the construction team, How do they get electronically reviewed and
     corrected? Not surprisingly, people using Autodesk software also need tools
     to manage design documents and to optimize data tied to location.

     You and GIS

     A storm knocks out the electricity. You're curbside when the repairperson
     arrives. She leans out the truck window, asks for your address, and punches
     some keys on a laptop computer hooked into a cellular phone. You watch as
     she downloads files, plugs into a printer, and outputs a map of the
     neighborhood and a diagram of the switching unit on the power pole. Then
     she hooks up her utility belt, climbs the pole, and gets to work. 

     That's a geographic information system, a GIS, in action. It's another way
     in which information technology is changing our lives. The spatial
     technology in a GIS yields a database that links maps, design graphics, and
     related data to real-world location, to geography. That data-base becomes a
     powerful, intelligent information tool for managing land, assets, and 
     infrastructure--from handling environmental restorations to tracking 
     emergency services. Estimated GIS software market: approaching US$900 
     million.

     Over 100,000 Autodesk customers already use AutoCAD(R) for mapping. In
     fiscal year 1997 they can switch to AutoCAD(R) Map software, a more-
     complete mapping solution with tools for data transfer, custom digitizing,
     editing and cleanup, query and analysis, presentation and plotting. The GIS
     Market Group, now developing other products, has this goal: "When people
     think GIS software solutions, they'll think of Autodesk."

<PAGE>
 
     "In fiscal year 1997, we'll be fulfilling a long-term vision: building
     market share by offering software that helps customers manage design data
     and processes. There are no clear leaders in this relatively new market,
     but we intend to be one."

     James D'Arezzo, Vice President,
     Data Management Market Group
 
     Managing the Data You Already Have 

     Entry into data management and electronic publishing, through Autodesk(R)
     Data Publishing, is a natural move for us. Our customers, having created
     more than a billion AutoCAD files, want to cost-effectively organize,
     manage, visualize, and share that data. They also want re-usable digital
     content. Who better to provide these tools than the company that helped
     them create their design data in the first place?

     Estimates suggest that for every professional designing with AutoCAD
     software, five to ten more people on the extended, collaborative design
     team may need to access and elaborate on that person's work.  Beyond this
     immediate circle are the manufacturers, purchasers, salespeople, and others
     who add information to design documents as part of their jobs.  

     The solution: software from the Autodesk Data Management Market Group,
     software that helps people utilize design data and documents for diverse
     purposes. From Autodesk WorkCenter(R) software for networked file
     management to Autodesk(R) View for viewing and redlining. From AutoCAD Data
     Extension(R) for linking data-base information to drawings to the
     Autodesk(R) Mechanical Library for adding digital content.

     We offer a comprehensive response to these complex, interrelated design
     needs.
<PAGE>
 
     Collaborative Design

     We're helping our customers explore the economic and aesthetic
     possibilities of an Internet-based, collaborative design environment using
     object-oriented digital models.

     As Robert Carr, vice president of our Engineering Group explains, "It's a
     leading-edge technology story that we're already exploiting through new and
     existing products and through our industry-standard file formats."

     Digital Models

     A digital model recreates in a computing environment the natural, 
     intuitive way people see designed objects. It's 3D, "experiential
     computing": a digital model mimics its real-world counter-part. For
     example, with digital models a robotics assembly can be visualized,
     analyzed, and simulated before it's built, at tremendous savings. Or models
     can simulate student learning experiences--flying a plane, running an
     experiment.  We also enjoy digital models in video games and films and on 
     the Internet.

     An effective digital model must also be "intelligent"; its individual
     objects must "understand" their context, their relationship with other
     objects, and regenerate quickly and accurately when object parameters
     change. The digital model, used collaboratively, has tremendous potential
     to improve design and productivity. Autodesk provides the world with design
     technology tools that offer these benefits, including AutoCAD(R), Autodesk
     Mechanical Desktop(R), AutoCAD(R) LT, and 3D Studio MAX(TM) software.

     The Foundry and the Internet

     To be widely adopted, the digital-model paradigm must be economical to
     implement, easily used, and models must be available in quantity for the
     mass-market PC platform. Fortunately, much that turns potential into
     profit is now in place. With technology advances such as the release of 32-
     bit Windows(R) 95 and the broader professional use of the Windows NT(R)
     operating system, the digital model now has a life on the desktop.
<PAGE>
 
     This suggests the rise of digital foundries, where design professionals--
     our customers--will create and supply digital models in volume. And by
     permitting on a global scale the fast, easy sharing of these models, the
     Internet will enable the economies of collaborative design and shorten
     product development cycles. For example, imagine a robotics manufacturing
     team downloading revised drawing files from the Internet. They correct
     files and e-mail them to the engineers, in offices halfway around the
     world. In a matter of hours, final changes are completed; new files are
     sent; and manufacturing can begin.

     Industry-Standard File Formats

     As our three-million-plus customers move to the Internet to find these
     economies, to access already-created digital models and to share their own,
     they will take with them our open and de facto file-format standards,
     AutoCAD.DWG and DXF(TM) and 3D Studio .3DS. A fourth file format, .DWF, for
     the recently announced Autodesk WHIP(TM) Plug-In software has been
     specifically created for real-time access to 2D, vector-based, design data
     over the Internet, a fundamental step in enabling a truly collaborative
     design environment for our customers and their clients.

     These Autodesk formats will become the software languages by which
     countless digital models will be stored, published, viewed, and
     manipulated. Millions of people already use them, millions more will.

     "Autodesk's next big franchise, which builds on our design and
     visualization businesses, will be design-capture software for a
     collaborative design environment. Autodesk Mechanical Desktop is our first
     entry in this field, and I think it's a knockout."

     John Lynch, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Advanced Products
     Group
<PAGE>
 
     Delighting Customers

     We want to delight customers with easily accessible, highly utilitarian
     support resources, such as those on our new World Wide Web home page. We're
     moving on other fronts as well.

     Enhanced Product Support

     We've installed a new customer-call-tracking software, SCOPUS ProTeam, for
     recording complete data about support calls. With it, we can spot any trend
     in end-user problems with a particular software product and quickly
     initiate proactive solutions. Eventually we'll use SCOPUS to automate the
     flow of customer questions, bug-related data, and the solutions we've
     crafted to our technical specialists around the world.

     The Worldwide Workgroups program creates support teams grouped by product
     and specialty area to rapidly solve complex technical problems. The program
     leverages the expertise and knowledge of individual Autodesk staff across
     geographies and reduces duplication of resources. In a related effort, our
     Product Support team is writing more customer-focused technical papers,
     which we post to the AutoCAD Forum on CompuServe(R), to our fax information
     system, and to our World Wide Web site. And as Michael Sutton, vice
     president of European operations notes, "We're even centralizing customer-
     and developer-support operations, which allows us to offer more, and more
     focused, product information and a wider range of technical training and
     expertise."

     Education and Training Strategies

     Education and training are a vital part of our business. For example in
     fiscal year 1996, with International Thomson Publishing, we established
     Autodesk(R) Press to respond to the evolving educational needs of design
     professionals, educators, and students. The Press's Inside Track(TM)
     software, an award-winning, interactive, multimedia learning and
     productivity tool for engineers, is based on the educational concepts of
     just-in-time and just-enough learning. It optimizes an engineer's use of
     Autodesk MCAD software by demonstrating the design techniques she must
     master to solve specific mechanical problems.  Under consideration: a
     similar tool for the AEC community.

     Rather than address learning and training strategies late in a software-
     development cycle, they will now be instituted concurrently. This approach
     means better training tools sooner, from technical documentation to the
     course work presented by our worldwide network of more than 5,000 dealer,
     distributor, and training center partners.  Additionally, we've certified
     more than 240 Autodesk Systems Centers to deliver advanced industry
     training, technical support, and solutions to customers. And the new
     Autodesk Developer Network supplies the marketing and technical support as
     well as the Autodesk software engines our developer partners need to
     deliver critical add-on applications.
<PAGE>
 
     Global Accounts, ISO 9000

     We're exploring ways to make it easier for customers to do business with
     us. For example, the Global Accounts Program sets up a process in which
     customers, with offices worldwide, can establish global pricing for their
     software purchases, rather than negotiating contracts and pricing on a
     country-by-country basis.  The Global Accounts Sales Manager then works 
     with other Autodesk sales representatives and dealers and distributors to
     provide comprehensive account management for these customers.  
     
     As significantly, we have achieved ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 certification in a
     number of countries, including Germany, Singapore, the UK, the US, and for
     our European Software Center in Neuchatel, Switzerland. ISO, the
     International Standards Organization, has established globally recognized
     standards for quality assurance in software design, development,
     production, installation, and servicing. All of these advances are win-win
     developments for our customers and for us.


     "The only sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to learn the
     right things faster.  We can't just market software; we have to help
     customers hone in on what they need to know, when they need to know it, so
     that they can be more productive."

     Wayne Hodgins, Technical Director, Autodesk Worldwide Learning Solutions
<PAGE>
 
     Design Partners

     We can focus on what we do best because our partners take excellent
     care of everything else.

     Autodesk's partner-network of developers, dealers, distributors, and
     training centers helps us serve markets great and small the world over.  
     The businesses profiled here exemplify the success, creativity, and
     dedication of thousands more. We celebrate all of them.

     Serving One Market

     Germany's OPEN MIND Software Technologies GmbH, international producers of
     numerical-control (NC) software that turns CAD into CAM (computer-aided
     manufacturing), joined our Mechanical Application Initiative because they
     share our philosophy of combining technologies to benefit customers.

     Integrating their NC applications--hyperWORK for 2D milling and lathing,
     hyperMILL for 3D mold-and-die work with AutoCAD(R) software allows
     mechanical designers and manufacturing engineers to work collaboratively
     from "art to part" within a unified CAM system. Adding additional luster to
     our mechanical CAD offerings are versions of hyperMILL and hyperCAM (a new,
     feature-based milling application) fully integrated into Autodesk
     Mechanical Desktop(TM) software.

     Serving Many

     Quebec-based MKS Compu-Group, Inc., and Eagle Point Software, with
     headquarters in Iowa, have found multiple-market synergy as Autodesk
     partners.

     MKS serves the AEC/FM, Civil Engineering, Mapping/GIS, and Process and
     Power industries as an Autodesk Systems Center, Developer, and Unique
     Application Reseller.  Their activities include developing and selling 
     SAUF, a popular utility that converts English-language AutoCAD Release 12
     and Release 13 Help files into French Canadian (significantly different
     from Continental French); and promoting Autodesk-based solutions through a
     comprehensive marketing plan that includes strong consulting and support
     divisions and MKSEXPO, an annual, province wide convention.  They are
     currently localizing AutoCAD Release 13 software and developing an 
     AutoCAD(R) Map-based tool for use in a long-term mapping and GIS project.
<PAGE>
 
     Eagle Point Software began its Autodesk partnership by integrating its
     stand-alone applications with AutoCAD.  They quickly established a
     reputation for technical support and training expertise and attained
     Autodesk Dealer status.  They now develop and sell more than 85 AutoCAD-
     based AEC, Civil Engineering, Surveying/Mapping, and Hydrology solutions
     to 20,000-plus clients in 61 countries.  Last year Eagle Point purchased
     LandCADD, Facility Mapping Systems, and ECOM Associates, and in June went
     public in a 2-million-share initial offering.

     Opening New Markets

     HOPE (Hindustan Office Products, Ltd.), a New Delhi-based Autodesk
     Distributor, works closely with a growing network of 100-plus dealers
     and uses a variety of tactics--including massive customer-education
     campaigns and a full range of support services--to introduce sophisticated
     design software solutions to areas that are new to CAD. They have
     contributed to Autodesk software's strong presence in nearly all of India's
     design markets, most of which--such as videography, an expanding market due
     to the privatization of Indian television--are beginning to open up.

     Recent government policies easing access to foreign technologies and
     products, reducing import tariffs, and the like will further accelerate the
     pace of technical implementation. HOPE is ready.

     "People use our software and that of our developer partners to do highly
     creative and innovative work.  For example, we never set out to market
     software for the apparel industry, but they use AutoCAD-based applications
     just the same.  There's wonderful synergy here--customers, us, developers."

     Godfrey Sullivan, Vice President, the Americas
<PAGE>
 
     People with Vision

     "A company is only as good as its people, and I think we have some of the
     best and the brightest in the industry.  When you've got people like these
     behind every business effort, it's easy to see an exciting future for
     Autodesk." 

     Christine Tsingos, Vice President and Treasurer
<PAGE>
 
     We share responsibility for the Company's success, which requires vision
     and clarity and a focus on customers.

     "In Product Support we get e-mails and calls from all over the company
     asking us to help provide customer solutions. We know we've succeeded when
     a partner comes back with the message that the solution we offered met the
     customer's needs. Our target is customer delight, and we aim for the 
     bull's-eye."

     Jessica Freiberg, AutoCAD Support Specialist

     "We owe much of our success to the efforts of our worldwide registered
     developer community.  To provide them with the world-class marketing and
     technical support they need, we launched the Autodesk Developer Network.
     After all, delighting partners is an integral part of delighting
     customers."

     Laks Sampath, Product Manager, Autodesk Developer Network

     "We have a rich workplace--rich in people, skills, interests.  That's a 
     great plus for a software company.  It leads inevitably to greater
     creativity and confidence."

     Steve McMahon, Vice President, Human Resources

     "We're a high-energy culture, and people are committed to making a
     difference, in business and in the world.  From late-night, pizza-fueled
     brain-storms to early-morning code reviews, we all feel an obligation to
     our customers and ourselves to give it our best."

     Blair LaCorte, General Manager, Autodesk Data Publishing

     "In Operations we work to deliver quality products efficiently, on time,
     cost-effectively.  Day-to-day it's exciting to be part of the release
     process, from the rollout plan to the final sell sheet.  We've also earned
     ISO 9002 certification, which exemplifies our commitment to quality and to
     customer satisfaction."

     Catrina Eames, Operations Release Coordinator

     "Programming is a science, an art, and a technology, and each programmer's
     work is essential to everyone else's.  Seeing an idea become a reality and
     serving millions of customers at the same time can be a peak experience."

     Shui-Sheng Chern, Senior Software Engineer
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                             Financial Information
 <S>                                                                      <C>
 
Table of Contents
 
Selected Five-Year Financial Data                                         23
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations                             24
 
Consolidated Statement of Income                                          30
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet                                                31
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                                      32
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity                            33
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                34
 
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors                         44
 
Market Information and Dividend Policy                                    45
 
Corporate Information                                                     46
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
Selected Five-Year Financial Data                                 Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Fiscal year ended January 31,
   (In thousands, except per share data,
   percentages, and employees)                  1996           1995            1994           1993            1992

   For the fiscal year
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
   Revenues                                $ 546,884      $ 465,278       $ 418,720      $ 367,721       $ 284,903
   Direct commissions                         12,717         10,666          13,124         14,567          10,929
   Net revenues                              534,167        454,612         405,596        353,154         273,974
   Cost of revenues                           66,812         61,725          63,338         63,652          39,173
   Marketing and sales                       183,550        154,562         137,788        119,871          82,520
   Research and development                   78,678         65,176          56,231         51,481          34,782
   General and administrative                 76,100         65,738          58,536         54,953          37,268
   Income from operations                    129,027        107,411          89,703         63,197          80,231
   Interest and other income, net              9,253          7,233           7,055         11,566          12,063
   Litigation charge                              --         25,500              --          5,000              --
   Income before income taxes                138,280         89,144          96,758         69,763          92,294
   Net income                                 87,788         56,606          62,166         43,873          57,794
   Net cash provided by
     operating activities                    106,632        104,412          88,853         68,608          72,858

   At year end
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Cash, cash equivalents,
     and marketable securities             $ 272,402      $ 255,373       $ 217,011      $ 192,277       $ 191,330
   Current assets                            347,834        373,085         279,557        249,341         247,538
   Total assets                              517,929        482,076         404,874        358,283         328,026
   Current liabilities                       144,295        154,990         102,316         84,080          56,984
   Total liabilities                         175,601        158,592         107,995         90,450          60,721
   Stockholders' equity                      342,328        323,484         296,879        267,833         267,305
   Working capital                           203,539        218,095         177,241        165,261         190,554
   Number of employees                         1,894          1,788           1,788          1,565           1,272

   Common stock data
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income per share                    $    1.76      $    1.14       $    1.25      $    0.88       $    1.15
   Book value per share                    $    7.39      $    6.85       $    6.25      $    5.58       $    5.44
   Dividends paid per share                $    0.24      $    0.24       $    0.24      $    0.24       $    0.23
   Shares used in computing
     net income per share                     49,800         49,840          49,740         49,800          49,980
   Shares outstanding at year end             46,351         47,241          47,480         48,022          49,176

   Financial ratios
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Current ratio                                 2.4            2.4             2.7            3.0             4.3
   Return on net revenues                      16.4%          12.5%           15.3%          12.4%           21.1%
   Return on average assets                    17.6%          12.8%           16.3%          12.8%           19.5%
   Return on average stockholders' equity      26.4%          18.2%           22.0%          16.4%           23.8%

   Growth percentages
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net revenues                                17.5%          12.1%           14.8%          28.9%           18.9%
   Net income                                  55.1%          (8.9%)          41.7%         (24.1%)           1.8%
   Net income per share                        54.4%          (8.8%)          42.0%         (23.5%)             0%
</TABLE>

                                                                              23
<PAGE>
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

Operating Results

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Net Revenues
                                        Percentage                   Percentage
   (In millions)                1996        change          1995         change          1994
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>               <C>       <C>                <C>       <C>    
   Revenues                  $ 546.9           18%       $ 465.3            11%       $ 418.7
   Direct commissions           12.7           19%          10.7           (19%)         13.1
   Net revenues              $ 534.2           18%       $ 454.6            12%       $ 405.6
</TABLE>

Autodesk's consolidated net revenues increased 18 percent to $534.2 million in
fiscal year 1996 from $454.6 million in fiscal year 1995. The Company achieved
net revenue growth in all sales geographies, the most significant occurring in
the Company's European operations. Growth in revenues resulted from higher sales
of AutoCAD(R) software, the Company's flagship product, as well as increased
sales of multimedia, data management, and low-end CAD product offerings, most
notably AutoCAD(R) LT.

Sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD updates increased from the prior fiscal year while
continuing to represent approximately 80 percent of consolidated net revenues.
Worldwide demand for AutoCAD remained strong in fiscal year 1996, resulting in
the sale of 233,000 new licenses compared to 203,000 in the prior fiscal year.
Fiscal year 1996 AutoCAD update revenue resulted principally from sales of the
most current AutoCAD version, AutoCAD Release 13, which was released in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 1995. AutoCAD update revenue increased 17 percent
over the previous fiscal year to approximately $49 million in fiscal year 1996.

When viewed by geography, fiscal year 1996 net revenues increased 33 percent, 23
percent, and 3 percent in Europe, Asia/Pacific, and the Americas, respectively,
compared to fiscal year 1995 growth in these regions of 15 percent, 25 percent,
and 4 percent. Foreign revenues, including export sales from the United States,
accounted for approximately 64 percent, 61 percent, and 58 percent of revenues
in fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The weaker value of the
dollar, relative to international currencies, favorably affected fiscal year
1996 international revenues by approximately $18.8 million compared to fiscal
year 1995. Fiscal year 1995 sales were also favorably impacted by currencies by
approximately $12.0 million compared to fiscal year 1994. Since most of the
Company's international production costs and operating expenses are incurred in
foreign currencies, the net impact of exchange rate fluctuations on income from
operations is less than on revenues.

A summary of revenues by geographic area is presented in Note 9, page 43, to the
consolidated financial statements.

Direct commissions paid to dealers represented 2 percent of net revenues in both
fiscal years 1996 and 1995 and increased to $12.7 million in fiscal year 1996
from $10.7 million in fiscal year 1995. This increase resulted from higher sales
to national accounts and US educational institutions. The decrease in direct
commissions in fiscal year 1995 when compared to fiscal year 1994 resulted from
a reduction in the domestic commission rate in the last half of fiscal year
1994, partially offset by increased national account and educational sales in
the US.

The Company expects continued revenue growth during fiscal year 1997 in all
geographies resulting from sales of AutoCAD and new product offerings including
Autodesk Mechanical Desktop,(TM) 3D Studio MAX,(TM) and AutoCAD(R) Map. Delays
in the introduction of new or enhanced products or failure to achieve
significant customer acceptance could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's revenues and consolidated results of operations in future periods. The
foregoing forward-looking information is based upon current expectations of the
Company. Actual results could differ materially for the reasons noted and due to
other risks, including but not limited to those mentioned above and otherwise
discussed under "Certain Risk Factors Which May Impact Future Operating
Results," page 27.

24
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Cost of Revenues
                                              Percentage                    Percentage
   (In millions)                    1996          change        1995            change       1994
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>          <C>                <C>       <C>   
   Cost of revenues               $ 66.8          8%           $ 61.7             (3%)      $ 63.3
   Percentage of net revenues        13%                         14%                           16%
</TABLE>

Cost of revenues includes the purchase of disks and compact discs (CD-ROMs),
costs associated with transferring the Company's software to electronic media,
printing of user manuals and packaging materials, freight, royalties,
amortization of capitalized software development costs, and, in certain foreign
markets, software protection locks. The improved gross margin in fiscal years
1996 and 1995 resulted from ongoing cost-control measures primarily in the areas
of purchasing, disk duplication, assembly, packaging, shipping, and the
increased use of lower-cost CD-ROM media. In the future, the Company expects
that cost of revenues as a percentage of net revenues may be impacted by the mix
of product sales, royalty rates for licensed technology embedded in the
Company's products, the geographic distribution of sales, and sales of product
updates, which have lower gross margins than commercial versions of the
Company's software products.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Operating Expenses
                                              Percentage                   Percentage
   (In millions)                    1996          change        1995           change         1994
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>                 <C>     <C>                  <C>      <C>    
   Marketing and sales           $ 183.6             19%     $ 154.6              12%      $ 137.8
   Percentage of net revenues        34%                         34%                           34%
   Research and development      $  78.7             21%     $  65.2              16%      $  56.2
   Percentage of net revenues        15%                         14%                           14%
   General and administrative    $  76.1             16%     $  65.7              12%      $  58.5
   Percentage of net revenues        14%                         14%                           14%
</TABLE>


Marketing and sales expenses include salaries, sales commissions, travel, and
facility costs for the Company's marketing, sales, dealer training, and support
personnel. These expenses also include programs aimed at increasing revenues,
such as advertising, trade shows, and expositions, as well as various sales and
promotional programs designed for specific sales channels. While remaining
constant as a percentage of net revenues, fiscal year 1996 marketing and sales
expenses increased from the prior fiscal year due to an increase in personnel
costs, sales incentive programs, continued expansion in the sales geographies,
and expenses to support the Company's market group structure. Fiscal year 1995
marketing and sales expenses increased over fiscal year 1994 primarily due to
worldwide marketing programs to support releases of new and enhanced products,
including AutoCAD Release 13. The Company expects to continue to invest in
marketing and sales of its products, to develop market opportunities, and to
promote Autodesk's competitive position. Accordingly, the Company expects
marketing and sales expenses to continue to be significant, both in absolute
dollars and as a percentage of net revenues.

Research and development expenses consist principally of salaries and benefits
for software engineers, contract development fees, expenses associated with
product translations, costs of computer equipment used in software development,
and facility expenses. Total research and development spending, including
capitalized expenses, increased $11.4 million or 17 percent during fiscal year
1996 due to the addition of software engineers, costs associated with the
development of new and enhanced products, and the translation of certain of
these products into foreign languages. Research and development

                                                                              25
<PAGE>
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

spending, including capitalized expenses, in fiscal year 1995 increased $11.1
million from fiscal year 1994 as a result of development costs for software
products such as AutoCAD Release 13 and expenses for product localization. The
Company capitalized product development expenses of $2.1 million in fiscal year
1995 and none in fiscal years 1996 and 1994. The Company anticipates that
research and development expenses will increase in fiscal year 1997 as a result
of product development efforts by the Company's market groups. Additionally, the
Company intends to continue recruiting and hiring experienced software
developers and to consider the licensing and acquisition of complementary
software technologies and businesses.

General and administrative expenses include the Company's information systems,
human resources, finance, legal, purchasing, and other administrative
operations. The increase in these expenses in fiscal year 1996 resulted from
higher personnel costs associated with increased operations and expenses to
upgrade and maintain the Company's worldwide information systems, partially
offset by a reduction in legal expenses. The increase in general and
administrative expenses in fiscal year 1995 over fiscal year 1994 resulted
primarily from legal expenses incurred in connection with the litigation
discussed below and due to higher personnel and facility costs. In fiscal year
1997, the Company currently expects that general and administrative expenses
will increase at approximately the same rate as, or slightly below, anticipated
revenue growth to support spending on infrastructure, including continued
investment in Autodesk's worldwide information systems.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Interest and Other Income and Litigation Charge

                                             Percentage                Percentage
   (In millions)                       1996      change        1995        change        1994
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>      <C>               <C>      <C>  
   Interest and other income, net     $ 9.3         28%      $  7.2            3%       $ 7.1
   Percentage of net revenues            2%                      2%                        2%
   Litigation charge                  $   0                  $ 25.5                     $   0
   Percentage of net revenues            0%                      6%                        0%
</TABLE>

Interest income was $10.6 million, $8.0 million, and $7.9 million for fiscal
years 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The increase in fiscal year 1996
interest income from the prior fiscal year resulted from a greater average
balance of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, partially offset
by lower interest rates on the Company's international investment portfolio when
compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. Interest and other income
for fiscal years 1996 and 1995 was net of interest expense of $1.8 million and
$0.2 million, respectively, associated with the legal judgment discussed below.

The Company has a hedging program to minimize foreign exchange gains or losses,
where possible, from recorded foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. This
program involves the use of forward foreign exchange contracts in the primary
European and Asian currencies. The Company does not currently attempt to hedge
foreign-denominated revenues and expenses not yet incurred. Gains (losses)
resulting from foreign currency transactions primarily in Europe and
Asia/Pacific, which are included in interest and other income, were $554,000,
($1,043,000), and ($969,000) in fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.

In December 1994, a $25.5 million judgment was entered against the Company on a
claim of trade secret misappropriation brought by Vermont Microsystems, Inc.
("VMI"). At January 31, 1996, the Company had accrued the judgment plus interest
at the rate specified in the judgment. The Company appealed the judgment, and
VMI cross-appealed, before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in
January 1996. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
condition or results of operations. See Note 4, page 39, to the consolidated
financial statements.

26
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Provision for Income Taxes
                                                     Percentage                 Percentage
  (In millions)                               1996       change         1995        change        1994
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>       <C>             <C>       <C>   
  Provision for income taxes                $ 50.5          55%       $ 32.5          (6%)      $ 34.6
  Percentage of net revenues                    9%                        7%                        9%
  Effective income tax rate                  36.5%                     36.5%                     35.8%
</TABLE>

See Note 3, page 38, to the consolidated financial statements for an analysis of
the differences between the US statutory and the effective income tax rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Net Income and Net Income per Share
                                                     Percentage                Percentage
   (In millions, except per share data)       1996       change         1995       change         1994
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>       <C>            <C>        <C>   
   Net income                               $ 87.8          55%       $ 56.6         (9%)       $ 62.2
   Percentage of net revenues                  16%                       12%                       15%
   Net income per share                     $ 1.76          54%       $ 1.14         (9%)       $ 1.25
</TABLE>

Results for fiscal year 1995 include a pre-tax litigation charge of
approximately $26 million resulting in a $0.33 reduction in net income per
share.

Certain Risk Factors Which May Impact
Future Operating Results

Autodesk operates in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of
risks, some of which are beyond the Company's control. The following discussion
highlights some of these risks and the possible impact of these factors on
future results from operations. 

The forward-looking statements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which reflect management's
best judgment based on factors known, involve risks and uncertainties. Actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to
those discussed below. Forward-looking information provided by Autodesk pursuant
to the safe harbor established by recent securities legislation should be
evaluated in the context of these factors.

Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results 

The Company has experienced some fluctuations in operating results in interim
periods in certain geographic regions due to seasonality. The Company's
operating results in Europe during the third fiscal quarter are usually impacted
by a slow summer period, while the Asia/Pacific operations typically experience
seasonal slowing in the third and fourth fiscal quarters.

The Company typically receives and fulfills a majority of its orders within the
quarter, with a substantial portion occurring in the third month of the fiscal
quarter. As a result, the Company may not learn of revenue shortfalls until late
in a fiscal quarter. Additionally, the Company's operating expenses are based in
part on its expectations for future revenues and are relatively fixed in the
short term. Any revenue shortfall below expectations could have an immediate and
significant adverse effect on results of operations.

Similarly, shortfalls in Autodesk's revenues or earnings from levels expected by
securities analysts could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on
the trading price of the Company's common stock. Moreover, the Company's stock
price is subject to the volatility generally associated with technology stocks
and may also be affected by broader market trends unrelated to performance.

                                                                              27
<PAGE>
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

Product Concentration

Autodesk derives a substantial portion of its revenues from sales of AutoCAD,
AutoCAD updates, and adjacent products which are interoperable with AutoCAD. As
such, any factor adversely affecting sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD updates,
including such factors as market acceptance, product performance and
reliability, reputation, price competition, and the availability of third-party
applications, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and
consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Product Development and Introduction

The software industry is characterized by rapid technological change as well as
changes in customer requirements and preferences. The Company believes that its
future results will depend largely upon its ability to offer products that
compete favorably with respect to price, reliability, performance, range of
useful features, continuing product enhancements, reputation, and training.
Delays or difficulties with new product introductions or product enhancements
planned for release in fiscal year 1997 could have a material and adverse effect
on the Company's business and consolidated results of operations. Further,
increased competition in the market for design, multimedia, data management, or
data publishing software products could also have a negative impact on the
Company's business and consolidated results of operations.

The software products offered by the Company are internally complex and may
contain errors or defects ("bugs"), especially when first introduced. Despite
extensive product testing and quality control, there can be no assurance that
defects and errors will not be found in the Company's products. Such defects or
errors could result in damage to the Company's reputation, loss of revenues, or
lack of market acceptance of its products, any of which could have a material
and adverse effect on the Company's business and consolidated results of
operations.

Certain of the Company's product development activities are performed by
independent firms and contractors while other technologies are licensed from
third parties. Autodesk generally either owns or has an exclusive license for
use of the software developed by third parties. Because talented development
personnel are in high demand, there can be no assurance that independent
developers, including those who have developed products for the Company in the
past, will be able to provide development support to the Company in the future.
Similarly, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain and
renew license agreements on favorable terms, if at all, which could have a
material and adverse effect on the Company's business and consolidated results
of operations.

International Revenues

The Company anticipates that international revenues will continue to account for
a significant portion of its revenues. Risks inherent in the Company's
international sales include the following: unexpected changes in regulatory
practices and tariffs; difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
longer collection cycles; potential changes in tax laws; greater difficulty in
protecting intellectual property; and the impact of fluctuating exchange rates
between the US dollar and foreign currencies in markets where Autodesk does
business. The Company's international results may also be impacted by general
economic and political conditions in these foreign markets. During the past
fiscal year, the Company's results were adversely impacted by reduced economic
expansion in southeast Asia, most notably in Taiwan, and by economic uncertainty
and instability in Latin America. There can be no assurance that these and other
factors will not have a material and adverse effect on the Company's future
international sales and consequently on the Company's business and consolidated
results of operations.

Dependence on Distribution Channels

The Company sells its software products primarily to distributors and dealers
(value-added resellers or "VARs"). Autodesk's ability to effectively distribute
its products depends in part upon the financial and business condition of its
VAR network. Although the Company has not to date experienced any material
problems with its VAR network, computer software dealers and distributors are
typically not highly capitalized and have experienced difficulties during
times of economic contraction and may do so in the future. While no single
customer accounted for more than 10 percent of the Company's consolidated
revenues in fiscal years 1996, 1995, or 1994, the loss of or a significant
reduction in business with any one of the Company's major international
distributors or large US dealers could have a material and adverse effect on the
Company's business and consolidated results of operations in future periods.

28
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

Product Returns

With the exception of certain European distributors, agreements with the
Company's VARs do not contain specific product-return privileges. However, the
Company permits its VARs to return product in certain instances, generally
during periods of product transition and update cycles. In fiscal year
1996, the Company experienced a higher level of product returns than in prior
fiscal years, most notably in the US, which management attributed to performance
issues associated with initial versions of AutoCAD Release 13 software. Autodesk
establishes allowances, including allowances for stock balancing and product
rotation, based on estimated future returns of product and after taking into
account channel inventory levels, the timing of new product introductions, and
other factors. While the Company maintains strict measures to monitor channel
inventories and to provide appropriate allowances, actual product returns may
differ from the Company's reserve estimates, and such differences could be
material to Autodesk's consolidated financial statements.

Intellectual Property

The Company protects its intellectual property through copyright, trade secret,
patent, and trademark laws. There can be no assurance that such measures will be
adequate to protect the Company's proprietary intellectual property or that
claims or infringement of third parties' intellectual property rights will not
occur. Costs incurred in the future to litigate intellectual property ownership
or to acquire license rights could negatively impact future results of
operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital, which consists principally of cash, cash equivalents, and
marketable securities, was $203.5 million at January 31, 1996, compared to
$218.1 million at January 31, 1995. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable
securities, which consist primarily of high-quality municipal bonds,
tax-advantaged money market instruments, and US treasury notes, totaled $272.4
million at January 31, 1996 (including a restricted balance of $28.0 million
related to the VMI litigation discussed on page 26), compared to $255.4 million
at January 31, 1995. The increase in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable
securities of $17.0 million was due primarily to cash generated from operations
($106.6 million) and cash proceeds from the issuance of shares through employee
stock option and stock purchase programs ($46.4 million). This increase was
partially offset by cash used to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock
under an ongoing, systematic repurchase program ($108.0 million); to purchase
computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements ($16.3 million); and
to pay dividends on the Company's common stock ($11.2 million).

During fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Company repurchased and retired
2,671,000, 2,990,000, and 3,176,000 shares of its common stock at average
repurchase prices of $40.43, $30.05, and $22.54, respectively, pursuant to a
systematic repurchase program approved by its Board of Directors to reduce the
dilutive effect of common shares to be issued under the Company's employee stock
plans. In December 1995, the Board of Directors continued the program by
approving the repurchase of up to 4 million additional shares.

The Company has an unsecured $40 million bank line of credit that may be used
from time to time to facilitate short-term cash flow. At January 31, 1996, there
were no borrowings outstanding under this credit agreement. The line of credit
expires in January 1997.

The Company's principal commitments at January 31, 1996, consisted of
obligations under operating leases for facilities.

Longer-term cash requirements, other than normal operating expenses, are
anticipated for development of new software products and enhancement of existing
products; financing anticipated growth; dividend payments; repurchases of the
Company's common stock; and the possible acquisition of businesses, software
products, or technologies complementary to the Company's business. The Company
believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities,
available line of credit, and cash generated from operations will be sufficient
to satisfy its currently anticipated cash requirements for fiscal year 1997.

                                                                              29
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statement of Income

                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Fiscal year ended January 31,
   (In thousands, except per share data)                   1996        1995         1994
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>      
   Revenues                                           $ 546,884   $ 465,278    $ 418,720
   Direct commissions                                    12,717      10,666       13,124
   Net revenues                                         534,167     454,612      405,596

   Costs and expenses:
     Cost of revenues                                    66,812      61,725       63,338
     Marketing and sales                                183,550     154,562      137,788
     Research and development                            78,678      65,176       56,231
     General and administrative                          76,100      65,738       58,536
        Total costs and expenses                        405,140     347,201      315,893

   Income from operations                               129,027     107,411       89,703

   Interest and other income, net                         9,253       7,233        7,055
   Litigation charge                                         --      25,500           --

   Income before income taxes                           138,280      89,144       96,758
   Provision for income taxes                            50,492      32,538       34,592

   Net income                                         $  87,788   $  56,606    $  62,166

   Net income per share                               $    1.76   $    1.14    $    1.25

   Shares used in computing net income per share         49,800      49,840       49,740
</TABLE>

   See accompanying notes.

30
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet

                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             January 31,
   (In thousands)                                                     1996          1995
   Assets
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>      
   Current assets:                                                           
     Cash and cash equivalents                                   $ 129,305     $ 195,038
     Marketable securities                                          64,001        45,316
     Accounts receivable, net of allowance for                               
       doubtful accounts of $6,731 ($6,457 in 1995)                 93,919        86,340
     Inventories                                                     9,685         5,769
     Deferred income taxes                                          33,769        29,915
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets                      17,155        10,707
       Total current assets                                        347,834       373,085

   Marketable securities, including a restricted balance
     of $28,000 at January 31, 1996                                 79,096        15,019
   Computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements:
     Computer equipment and furniture                              106,643        91,557
     Leasehold improvements                                         21,100        20,048
     Accumulated depreciation                                      (78,778)      (65,090)
       Net computer equipment, furniture, and
         leasehold improvements                                     48,965        46,515
   Capitalized software and purchased technologies                  22,141        26,406
   Other assets                                                     19,893        21,051
                                                                 $ 517,929     $ 482,076

   Liabilities and stockholders' equity
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                            $  24,547     $  21,535
     Accrued compensation                                           22,441        18,165
     Accrued income taxes                                           65,517        53,202
     Litigation accrual                                                 --        25,800
     Other accrued liabilities                                      31,790        36,288
       Total current liabilities                                   144,295       154,990

   Deferred income taxes                                             1,912         2,625
   Litigation accrual                                               27,640            --
   Other liabilities                                                 1,754           977

   Commitments and contingencies

   Stockholders' equity:
     Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized,
       46,351 issued and outstanding (47,241 in 1995)              140,765       100,870
     Retained earnings                                             191,109       215,064
     Foreign currency translation adjustment                        10,454         7,550
       Total stockholders' equity                                  342,328       323,484
                                                                 $ 517,929     $ 482,076
</TABLE>

   See accompanying notes.

                                                                              31
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                              Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Fiscal year ended January 31,

   (In thousands)                                             1996           1995           1994

   Operating activities
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>      
   Net income                                            $  87,788      $  56,606      $  62,166
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided by operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization                        25,247         24,989         20,568
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
       net of business combinations:
         Accounts receivable                                (7,579)       (15,068)        (8,283)
         Inventories                                        (3,850)         3,034          8,049
         Deferred income taxes                              (4,567)       (18,334)        (9,133)
         Prepaid expenses and other current assets          (6,443)        (2,898)           923
         Accounts payable and accrued liabilities            3,721         48,017          5,031
         Accrued income taxes                               12,315          8,066          9,532

   Net cash provided by operating activities               106,632        104,412         88,853

   Investing activities
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Purchases of available-for-sale
     marketable securities                                (224,655)       (74,682)      (438,405)
   Maturities of available-for-sale
     marketable securities                                 141,893        145,754        426,168
   Purchases of computer equipment, furniture,
       and leasehold improvements                          (16,306)       (20,019)       (21,503)
   Business combinations, net of cash acquired              (7,194)        (4,469)        (6,536)
   Capitalization of software costs and purchases
       of software technologies                             (1,409)        (4,958)        (2,479)
   Other                                                     8,042          4,642          1,474

   Net cash provided (used) by investing activities        (99,629)        46,268        (41,281)

   Financing activities
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                   46,424         59,912         47,899
   Repurchase of common stock                             (107,976)       (89,851)       (71,586)
   Dividends paid                                          (11,184)       (11,307)       (11,388)
   Net cash used in financing activities                   (72,736)       (41,246)       (35,075)
   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    (65,733)       109,434         12,497
   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year          195,038         85,604         73,107
   Cash and cash equivalents at end of year              $ 129,305      $ 195,038      $  85,604
</TABLE>

   See accompanying notes.

32
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity                    Autodesk, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Three-year period ended January 31, 1996

                                                                                       Foreign
                                                                                      currency          Total
                                               Common stock            Retained    translation  stockholders'
   (In thousands)                          Shares         Amount       earnings     adjustment         equity
<S>                                        <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
   Balances, January 31, 1993              48,022      $  67,456      $ 206,274      $  (5,897)     $ 267,833
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Common shares issued under stock
     option and stock purchase plans        2,634         41,875                                       41,875
   Tax effect of stock options                             6,024                                        6,024
   Net income                                                            62,166                        62,166
   Dividends paid                                                       (11,388)                      (11,388)
   Repurchase of common shares             (3,176)       (71,586)                                     (71,586)
   Foreign currency
     translation adjustment                                                              1,955          1,955

   Balances, January 31, 1994              47,480         43,769        257,052         (3,942)       296,879
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Common shares issued under stock
     option and stock purchase plans        2,751         49,467                                       49,467
   Tax effect of stock options                            10,445                                       10,445
   Net income                                                            56,606                        56,606
   Dividends paid                                                       (11,307)                      (11,307)
   Repurchase of common shares             (2,990)        (2,811)       (87,040)                      (89,851)
   Foreign currency
     translation adjustment                                                             11,492         11,492
   Unrealized losses on available-
     for-sale securities, net of tax                                       (247)                         (247)

   Balances, January 31, 1995              47,241        100,870        215,064          7,550        323,484
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Common shares issued under stock
     option and stock purchase plans        1,781         35,712                                       35,712
   Tax effect of stock options                            10,712                                       10,712
   Net income                                                            87,788                        87,788
   Dividends paid                                                       (11,184)                      (11,184)
   Repurchase of common shares             (2,671)        (6,529)      (101,447)                     (107,976)
   Foreign currency
     translation adjustment                                                              2,904          2,904
   Unrealized gains on available-
     for-sale securities, net of tax                                        888                           888

   Balances, January 31, 1996              46,351      $ 140,765      $ 191,109      $  10,454      $ 342,328
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   See accompanying notes.

                                                                              33
<PAGE>
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies

Operations

Autodesk, Inc. ("Autodesk" or the "Company"), develops, markets, and sells a
family of design and multimedia software products for use on personal computers
and workstations.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated.

The asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated from
their respective functional currencies at the rates in effect at the balance
sheet date, and revenue and expense accounts are translated at weighted average
rates during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are reflected
as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains (losses) resulting from
foreign currency transactions, which are included in interest and other income,
were $554,000, ($1,043,000), and ($969,000) in fiscal years 1996, 1995, and
1994, respectively.

In August 1993, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding stock of Ithaca
Software and in November 1993, purchased the net assets of Woodbourne, Inc. The
aggregate cash purchase price of these two transactions was approximately $6.5
million. In fiscal year 1995, approximately $3.5 million was paid to the former
Ithaca Software stockholders based on product milestones and revenues. In August
1995, the Company acquired certain assets of Automated Methods (Pty) Ltd. and
during fiscal year 1996 made final payments to the former Ithaca stockholders
based on revenues from specified products. Cash payments associated with these
transactions totaled approximately $7.2 million. Additional consideration may
also be payable to the former shareholders of Automated Methods (Pty) Ltd. based
on future revenues from specified products. These acquisitions were accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting with the purchase price being
principally allocated to capitalized software and purchased technologies, and
intangible assets. The results of the acquired entities, which have not been
material in relation to those of the Company, have been included in the
consolidated financial results from the respective dates of acquisition.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign currency translation

The Company hedges a portion of its exposure on certain intercompany receivables
and payables denominated in foreign currencies using forward foreign exchange
contracts in European and Asian foreign currencies. Gains and losses associated
with exchange rate fluctuations on forward foreign exchange contracts are
recorded currently as other income or loss and offset corresponding gains and
losses on the foreign currency assets being hedged. The costs of forward foreign
exchange contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the
contract as interest and other income.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with insignificant interest-
rate risk and original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair
value.

Marketable securities

Marketable securities, consisting principally of high-quality municipal bonds,
tax-advantaged money market instruments, and US treasury notes, are stated at
fair value. Marketable securities maturing within one year that are not
restricted are classified as current assets.

34
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

Effective February 1, 1994, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities" ("FAS No. 115"). FAS No. 115 has been adopted prospectively,
and the financial statements of prior years have not been restated. The
cumulative effect as of February 1, 1994, of adopting FAS No. 115 was not
material.

Under FAS No. 115, the appropriate classification of securities is determined at
the time of purchase and is reevaluated as of each balance sheet date. The
Company has classified all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale
and carries such securities at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net
of tax, reported in stockholders' equity until disposition.

Concentration of credit risk

The Company places its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities with
financial institutions with high credit standing and, by policy, limits the
amounts invested with any one institution, type of security, and issuer.
Autodesk's accounts receivable are derived from software sales to a large number
of dealers and distributors in the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. The
Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers' financial conditions and
limits the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally
requires no collateral.

Inventories

Inventories, consisting principally of disks and technical manuals, are stated
at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out method) or market.

Computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements

Computer equipment and furniture are depreciated using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to ten
years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term.

Capitalized software and purchased technologies

Costs incurred in the initial design phase of software development are expensed
as incurred. Once the point of technological feasibility is reached, production
costs (programming and testing) are capitalized. Certain acquired
software-technology rights are also capitalized. Capitalized software costs are
amortized ratably as revenues are recognized, but not less than on a
straight-line basis over two- to seven-year periods. Amortization expense was
$11,765,000, $7,634,000, and $7,478,000 in fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively. The actual lives of the Company's capitalized software or
purchased technologies may differ from the Company's estimates, and such
differences could cause carrying amounts of these assets to be reduced
materially.

Royalties

The Company licenses software used to develop components of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT,
3D Studio, and certain other software products. Royalties are payable to
developers of the software at various rates and amounts generally based on unit
sales or revenues. Royalty expense was $6,102,000, $5,944,000, and $5,128,000 in
fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. Such costs are included as a
component of cost of revenues.

Revenue recognition

Autodesk's revenue recognition policy is in compliance with the provisions of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position 
91-1, "Software Revenue Recognition." Revenue is recognized at the time of
shipment, provided that no significant vendor obligations exist and collection
of the resulting receivable is deemed probable. A portion of revenues related to
customer consulting and training obligations is deferred, while costs associated
with certain post-sale customer obligations are accrued.
                                                                              35
<PAGE>
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Autodesk establishes allowances for product returns, including allowances for
stock balancing and product rotation, based on estimated future returns of
product and after taking into consideration channel inventory levels at its
resellers, the timing of new product introductions, and other factors. These
allowances are recorded as direct reductions of accounts receivable. While the
Company maintains strict measures to monitor channel inventories and to provide
appropriate allowances, actual product returns may differ from the Company's
estimates, and such differences could be material to the consolidated financial
statements.

Net income per share

Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding
common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents.

Common stock split

In October 1994, Autodesk's stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
common stock from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares and to effect a two-for-one
split of the Company's common stock in the form of a 100 percent common stock
dividend. All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the
stock split.

Recently issued accounting standards

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed Of" ("FAS No. 121"). FAS No. 121 requires that long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by an entity be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company will
adopt FAS No. 121 in the first quarter of fiscal year 1997. Based on current
circumstances, management does not believe the effect of adoption will be
material to the consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("FAS No. 123") was issued in October 1995 and is effective for
the Company's fiscal year ending January 31, 1997. FAS No. 123 allows for the
adoption of a new fair-value-based method or the continued use of the
intrinsic-value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB No. 25") to measure compensation expense for the
Company's stock-based compensation plans. The Company intends to continue to
follow APB No. 25 but will be required to make pro forma disclosures of net
income and earnings per share as if the fair-value-based method had been
applied.


Note 2. Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments

Estimated fair values of financial instruments are based on quoted market
prices. The carrying amounts and fair value of the Company's financial
instruments are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             January 31, 1996           January 31, 1995

                                          Carrying                    Carrying     
   (In thousands)                           amount    Fair value        amount    Fair value
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>      
   Cash and cash equivalents             $ 129,305     $ 129,305     $ 195,038     $ 195,038
   Marketable securities                   143,097       143,097        60,335        60,335
   Forward foreign currency contracts         (143)         (143)           25            25
</TABLE>

36
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.

Foreign currency contracts

The Company enters into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the value of
assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies against fluctuations in
exchange rates. Substantially all forward foreign currency contracts entered
into by the Company have maturities of 60 days or less. The notional amounts of
foreign currency contracts were $15.5 million and $10.7 million at January 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively, and were predominantly to buy Swiss francs. While
the contract or notional amount is often used to express the volume of foreign
exchange contracts, the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are generally
limited to the amounts, if any, by which the counterparties' obligations under
the agreements exceed the obligations of the Company to the counterparties.

Marketable securities

Marketable securities include the following available-for-sale debt securities
at January 31, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Gross        Gross    Estimated
                                         unrealized   unrealized         fair
   (In thousands)                 Cost        gains       losses        value

   January 31, 1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     
   Short-Term:
     Municipal bonds          $ 30,439     $     85     $      1     $ 30,523
     Time deposits              33,478           --           --       33,478
                                63,917           85            1       64,001

   Long-Term:
     Municipal bonds            47,380          694            3       48,071
     US Treasury notes          29,397          608            3       30,002
     Time deposits and other     1,008           15           --        1,023
                                77,785        1,317            6       79,096
                              $141,702     $  1,402     $      7     $143,097

   January 31, 1995
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Short-Term:
     Municipal bonds          $ 45,312     $      6     $    143     $ 45,175
     Time deposits                 141                                    141
                                45,453            6          143       45,316

   Long-Term:
     Municipal bonds            15,271                       252       15,019
                              $ 60,724     $      6     $    395     $ 60,335
</TABLE>

Long-term US Treasury notes included a restricted balance of $28 million at
January 31, 1996. The contractual maturities of Autodesk's short-term marketable
securities at January 31, 1996, were one year or less while the Company's long-
term marketable securities had contractual maturities of between one and two
years except $3.8 million maturing in three years. Expected maturities may
differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may
have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

                                                                              37
<PAGE>
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Fiscal year ended January 31,

   (In thousands)               1996           1995           1994
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>     
   Federal:
     Current                $ 26,711       $ 29,203       $ 21,516
     Deferred                 (3,392)       (13,169)        (6,282)

   State:
     Current                   8,779          9,417          7,884
     Deferred                   (856)        (3,839)        (1,110)

   Foreign:
     Current                  19,569         12,252         14,325
     Deferred                   (319)        (1,326)        (1,741)
                            $ 50,492       $ 32,538       $ 34,592
</TABLE>

The principal reasons that the aggregate income tax provisions differ from the
US statutory rate of 35 percent are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Fiscal year ended January 31,

   (In thousands)                                         1996          1995          1994
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>     
   Income tax provision at statutory rate             $ 48,398      $ 31,200      $ 33,865
   Foreign income taxed at rates different from
     the US statutory rate                              (7,863)       (4,916)       (4,537)
   State income taxes, net of federal benefit            8,616         4,802         5,277
   Tax-exempt interest                                  (1,668)       (1,608)       (1,539)
   Other                                                 3,009         3,060         1,526
                                                      $ 50,492      $ 32,538      $ 34,592
</TABLE>

38
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.


Significant sources of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Fiscal year ended January 31,

   (In thousands)                              1996           1995
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>     
   Net deferred tax assets:
     Accrued state income taxes            $  5,409       $  4,607
     Expenses not currently deductible       24,303         21,353
     Other                                    4,057          3,955
                                             33,769         29,915

   Net deferred tax liabilities:
     Capitalized software                     2,573          4,384
     Other                                     (661)        (1,759)
                                              1,912          2,625

   Net deferred tax assets                 $ 31,857       $ 27,290
</TABLE>

No provision has been made for federal income taxes on unremitted earnings of
certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries (cumulative $122,257,000 at
January 31, 1996) since the Company plans to indefinitely reinvest all such
earnings. At January 31, 1996, the unrecognized deferred tax liability for these
earnings was approximately $35.8 million. Foreign pre-tax income was
$64,433,000, $34,294,000, and $35,840,000 in fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively.

Cash payments for income taxes were $32,032,000, $32,361,000, and $28,157,000
for fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.


Note 4. Litigation Accrual

In December 1994, the Company recorded a $25.5 million litigation charge as the
result of a judgment against the Company on a claim of trade secret
misappropriation brought by Vermont Microsystems, Inc. ("VMI"). The Company
appealed that judgment, and VMI cross-appealed, before the US Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit, in January 1996. The Company is awaiting a ruling on the
appeal. Management believes the claims in the case, including a cross-appeal by
VMI for additional damages, are without merit and that the ultimate resolution
of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated financial condition or results of operations. However, depending on
the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of this matter could materially
affect the Company's future results of operations or cash flows in a particular
period.

The Company was required by statute to post collateral approximating the amount
of the judgment plus accrued interest. At January 31, 1996, the Company's
long-term marketable securities included a balance of $28.0 million which is
restricted as to its use until final adjudication of this matter.

                                                                              39
<PAGE>
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases office space and equipment under noncancelable lease
agreements. The leases generally provide that the Company pay taxes, insurance,
and maintenance expenses related to the leased assets. Future minimum lease
payments for fiscal years ended January 31 are as follows: $14,280,000 in 1997;
$12,687,000 in 1998; $11,437,000 in 1999; $9,770,000 in 2000; $7,648,000 in
2001; and $32,757,000 thereafter.

Rent expense was $16,992,000, $18,221,000, and $14,806,000 in fiscal years 1996,
1995, and 1994, respectively.

The Company has an unsecured $40 million bank line of credit, which may be used
from time to time to facilitate short-term cash flow. The line of credit expires
in January 1997.

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal
course of business activities. In management's opinion, resolution of these
matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's
consolidated results of operations or its financial position. However, depending
on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could materially
affect the Company's future results of operations or cash flows in a particular
period.


Note 6. Employee Benefit Plans

Stock Option Plans 

Under the Company's stock option plans, incentive and nonqualified stock options
may be granted to officers, employees, directors, and consultants to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock. A maximum of 20,240,000 shares of common
stock have been authorized for issuance under the plans. The exercise price of
the stock options is determined by the Company's Board of Directors on the date
of grant and is at least equal to the fair market value of the stock on the
grant date.

Stock option activity is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Number of Shares     Price Per Share
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>          
   Options outstanding at January 31, 1994             8,710,000       $12.56-$28.19
     Granted                                           2,123,000       $24.25-$38.25
     Exercised                                        (2,416,000)      $12.56-$25.38
     Canceled                                           (420,000)      $13.38-$30.25

   Options outstanding at January 31, 1995             7,997,000       $12.56-$38.25
     Granted                                           2,546,000       $35.25-$49.25
     Exercised                                        (1,484,000)      $12.56-$30.50
     Canceled                                           (368,000)      $13.38-$49.25

   Options outstanding at January 31, 1996             8,691,000       $13.38-$49.25

   Options exercisable at January 31, 1996             3,379,000       $13.38-$38.25

   Options available for grant at January 31, 1996     3,223,000
</TABLE>

40
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.


Certain employees have disposed of stock acquired through the exercise of
incentive stock options earlier than the mandatory holding period required for
such options. The tax benefits allowed to the Company because of these
dispositions, together with the tax benefits realized from the exercise of
nonqualified stock options, have been recorded as increases to common stock.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan for all employees meeting
certain eligibility criteria. Under the plan, employees may purchase shares of
the Company's common stock, subject to certain limitations, at not less than 85
percent of fair market value as defined in the plan. A total of 2,100,000 shares
have been reserved for issuance under the plan. In fiscal years 1996, 1995, and
1994, shares totaling 301,000, 335,000, and 318,000, respectively, were issued
under the plan at average prices of $24.01, $17.90, and $14.30 per share. At
January 31, 1996, a total of 621,000 shares were available for future issuance
under the plan.

Pre-Tax Savings Plans

The Company has pre-tax savings plans covering nearly all US employees that
qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Eligible employees
may contribute up to 15 percent of their pre-tax salary, subject to certain
limitations. The Company makes voluntary contributions and matches a portion of
employee contributions. Company contributions, which may be terminated at the
Company's discretion, were $2,442,000, $1,474,000, and $964,000 in fiscal years
1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.


Note 7. Stockholders' Equity

Reincorporation

In August 1994, the Company was reincorporated in the state of Delaware. As part
of this reincorporation, each outstanding share of the California corporation no
par common stock was converted to one share of the Delaware corporation $0.01
par value common stock.

Preferred Stock

The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes two million shares of
preferred stock, none of which is 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.

In December 1995, the Company adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan which provides
existing stockholders with the right to purchase for $200 one one-thousandth of 
a share of perferred stock for each share of common stock owned by the 
stockholder in the event of certain changes in the Company's ownership.  These 
rights may serve as a deterrent to certain unauthorized takeover attempts which 
are not in the best interests of stockholders.  The rights expire in December 
2005.

Common Stock Repurchase Program

During fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Company repurchased and retired a
total of 2,671,000, 2,990,000, and 3,176,000 shares of its common stock at
average repurchase prices of $40.43, $30.05, and $22.54, respectively, pursuant
to a systematic repurchase plan approved by the Company's Board of Directors to
reduce the dilutive effect of common stock to be issued under the Company's
employee stock plans. In December 1995, the Board of Directors continued the
program by approving the repurchase of up to 4 million additional shares.

                                                                              41
<PAGE>
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 8. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal years 1996, 1995, and 1994
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   (In thousands, except per share data)   1st Quarter    2nd Quarter    3rd Quarter     4th Quarter    Fiscal Year

   Fiscal year 1996:
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>      
   Net revenues                              $ 138,658      $ 140,686      $ 128,537       $ 126,286      $ 534,167
   Gross margin                                121,373        123,324        112,419         110,239        467,355
   Income from operations                       38,408         38,897         28,046          23,676        129,027
   Net income                                   25,977         26,299         19,207          16,305         87,788
   Net income per share                           0.51           0.52           0.38            0.34           1.76

   Fiscal year 1995:
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net revenues                              $ 106,578      $ 110,259      $ 108,179       $ 129,596      $ 454,612
   Gross margin                                 91,479         95,123         93,994         112,291        392,887
   Income from operations                       24,340         24,398         23,230          35,443        107,411
   Net income                                   16,446         16,587         15,896           7,677         56,606
   Net income per share                           0.33           0.34           0.32            0.15           1.14

   Fiscal year 1994:
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net revenues                              $ 101,665      $ 103,613     $   98,176       $ 102,142      $ 405,596
   Gross margin                                 84,661         86,865         83,481          87,251        342,258
   Income from operations                       21,830         23,935         21,298          22,640         89,703
   Net income                                   15,442         16,471         14,928          15,325         62,166
   Net income per share                           0.31           0.33           0.30            0.31           1.25
</TABLE>


Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1995 included a pre-tax litigation
charge of approximately $26.0 million, resulting in a $0.33 reduction in net
income per share.

42
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Autodesk, Inc.


Note 9. Information by Geographic Area

Information regarding the Company's operations by geographic area at January 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994 and for the fiscal years then ended is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Fiscal year ended January 31,

   (In thousands)                              1996           1995           1994

   Revenues:
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>            <C>      
   The Americas
     Customers in the United States       $ 195,272      $ 182,133      $ 177,833
     Customers in Asia/Pacific               42,262         36,513         26,788
     Customers in Canada                     14,619         15,720         16,173
     Other exports                           11,103         14,951         11,492
     Intercompany revenues                   67,728         48,539         48,068
                                            330,984        297,856        280,354

   Europe                                   211,480        159,110        138,317
   Asia/Pacific                              72,148         56,851         48,117
   Consolidating eliminations               (67,728)       (48,539)       (48,068)
                                          $ 546,884      $ 465,278      $ 418,720

   Income from operations:
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Americas                           $  63,843      $  71,518      $  56,127
   Europe                                    53,696         25,121         24,687
   Asia/Pacific                              11,488         10,772          8,889
                                          $ 129,027      $ 107,411      $  89,703

   Identifiable assets:
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Americas                           $ 306,795      $ 336,403      $ 261,347
   Europe                                   250,268        211,056        172,328
   Asia/Pacific                              73,426         51,761         45,555
   Consolidating eliminations              (112,560)      (117,144)       (74,356)
                                          $ 517,929      $ 482,076      $ 404,874
</TABLE>

Intercompany revenues consist of royalty revenue payable by the Company's
subsidiaries under software license agreements with the US parent company. At
January 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, total foreign net equity was $133,213,000,
$88,660,000, and $115,025,000, respectively.

                                                                              43
<PAGE>
 
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Autodesk, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Autodesk, Inc.
as of January 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended January 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Autodesk, Inc. at January 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
January 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Francisco, California
February 20, 1996

44
<PAGE>
 
Market Information and Dividend Policy                            Autodesk, Inc.


Market Prices

The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol ADSK (previously ACAD). The following table lists the high and low sales
prices for each quarter in the last three fiscal years (as adjusted for the
stock split in October 1994):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Fiscal year 1996                 High               Low
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>               <C> 
   First quarter                $ 44              $ 33
   Second quarter                 50 1/4            34
   Third quarter                  53                33
   Fourth quarter                 39 1/2            27 3/4

   Fiscal year 1995
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
   First quarter                $ 30 7/8          $ 24 1/8
   Second quarter                 28 1/4            23 1/4
   Third quarter                  35                24 5/8
   Fourth quarter                 41 1/2            30 3/4

   Fiscal year 1994
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
   First quarter                $ 24 3/8          $ 19 3/8
   Second quarter                 28 3/8            19 7/8
   Third quarter                  25 7/8            19 7/8
   Fourth quarter                 26 1/8            18 1/2
</TABLE>


Dividends

The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.06 per share in fiscal years 1996,
1995, and 1994. The Company currently intends to continue paying regular cash
dividends on a quarterly basis.

Stockholders

As of March 31, 1996, the approximate number of common stockholders of record
was 1,430.

Annual Meeting

The Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held at 3:00 PM on June 27,
1996, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1010 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, California.

Form 10-K

A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 1996 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained without charge by
sending a written request to: Investor Relations, Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis
Parkway, San Rafael, CA 94903.

                                                                              45
<PAGE>
 
     Corporate Information

     Directors

     Carol A. Bartz
     President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, 
     Autodesk, Inc.

     Mark A. Bertelsen
     Managing Partner, Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Attorneys-at-Law

     Crawford W. Beveridge
     Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Enterprise, an economic development
     company

     J. Hallam Dawson
     IDI Associates CA, a private investment bank

     Jerre L. Stead
     Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Legent Computer Corp.

     Mary Alice Taylor
     Senior Vice President-US and Canada, Federal Express Corporation

     Morton L. Topfer
     Vice Chairman, Dell Computer Corporation 

     Officers

     Carol Bartz
     President and Chief Executive Officer

     Dr. Joseph Astroth
     Vice President, GIS Market Group

     John Calonico
     Vice President and Corporate Controller

     Robert Carr
     Vice President, Engineering Group

     Larry Crume
     Vice President and General Manager, Kinetix

     James D'Arezzo
     Vice President, Data Management Market Group, and Vice President, 
     Corporate Marketing

     Dominic Gallello
     Vice President, Mechanical CAD Market Group, and Vice President, 
     Asia/Pacific

     Eric Herr
     Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance and Administration, and
     Vice President, Autodesk Data Publishing

     William Kredel
     Vice President and Chief Information Officer

     John Lynch
     Chief Technology Officer, Vice President, Advanced Products Group, 
     and Vice President, AEC/FM Market Group

     Stephen McMahon
     Vice President, Human Resources

     John Sanders
     Vice President, Worldwide Support & Services

     Marcia Sterling
     Vice President, Business Development, and General Counsel

     Godfrey Sullivan
     Vice President, the Americas

     Michael Sutton
     Vice President, Europe

     Michael Tabatabai
     Vice President, Worldwide Operations

     Christine Tsingos
     Vice President and Treasurer

     Legal Counsel

     Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati
     650 Page Mill Road
     Palo Alto, CA 94304
     USA

     Transfer Agent

     Harris Trust & Savings Bank
     c/o Shareholder Services
     11th Floor
     311 West Monroe Street
     Chicago, IL 60606
     USA

     Independent Auditors

     Ernst & Young LLP
     555 California Street
     San Francisco, CA 94104
     USA

     Corporate Headquarters

     Autodesk, Inc.
     111 McInnis Parkway
     San Rafael, CA 94903
     USA

     The Americas

     Autodesk, Inc.
     111 McInnis Parkway
     San Rafael, CA 94903
     USA

     Asia/Pacific

     Autodesk, Inc.
     111 McInnis Parkway
     San Rafael, CA 94903
     USA

     Europe

     Autodesk (Europe) SA
     20, route de Pre-Bois
     Case Postale 766
     CH-1215 Geneva 15
     Switzerland



     Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, AutoCAD, AutoSurf, Autodesk WorkCenter,
     AutoCAD Data Extension, 3D Studio, and AutoVision are registered
     trademarks, and Kinetix, Inside Track, Autodesk Mechanical Desktop, 3D
     Studio MAX, DXF, the Design Your World logo, and Autodesk WHIP are
     trademarks, of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. Windows
     and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
     CompuServe is a registered trademark of H & R Block. All other brand names,
     product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

     (C) Copyright 1996 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.


                                       46
<PAGE>
 
For more information

For more information, please write Investor Relations, Autodesk, Inc., 111 
McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA 94903, phone us at 415-507-5000, or visit our 
World Wide Web home pages at: www.autodesk.com OR www.ktx.com.
<PAGE>
 
Autodesk, Inc.
111 McInnis Parkway
San Rafael, CA 94903
USA
415-507-5000
<PAGE>
 
1996 AUTODESK ANNUAL REPORT IMAGE DESCRIPTION

Front cover
- - - Blue and yellow lines in oval and circular shapes intersecting a rectangle
with a blue field of color and the Autodesk logo and corporate tagline "Design
Your World" reversed out in white.

Back cover
- - - Yellow oval line and blue line plus 3 small black and white photographs
featuring Autodesk employees, the Autodesk logo appears at the bottom right.

Inside cover/page 1
- - - 3 sets of graphs showing financial information: Revenues by Geography (3
separate pie charts in yellow and blue), Net Revenues for 1994-96 (vertical bar
chart in blue and black) and Selected Financial Data (horizontal chart in yellow
and black).

     Net Revenues by geography                Fiscal year 1996
      Fiscal year 1994                         Americas     - 39%
       Americas     - 48%                      Europe       - 40%
       Europe       - 34%                      Asia/Pacific - 21%
       Asia/Pacific - 18%                     Net revenues
      Fiscal year 1995                         Fiscal year 1994 - $405.6 million
       Americas     - 44%                      Fiscal year 1995 - $454.6 million
       Europe       - 35%                      Fiscal year 1996 - $534.2 million
       Asia/Pacific - 21%

Letter to the stockholders/2-3
- - - Color photograph of the CEO, Carol Bartz, 5 black and white photographs of the
Executive Staff, a large blue oval monotone photo of Bartz and 2 Executive Staff
members in the background across the spread, 2 circular yellow lines.

Letter to the stockholders/4-5
- - - A large blue oval monotone photo of 2 Exec Staff members in the background
across the spread, 7 black and white photos of the Executive Staff, 2 circular
yellow lines, Bartz's signature.

Design Your World/6-7
- - - A photograph showing a man with his hand on a door handle in front of a solid
yellow door shape. Blue oval lines and 5 circular shapes encircle the figure
suggesting "orbiting planets". 3 of the circles are filled with images: 1. a
photograph of a city/buildings/waterfront, 2. a manufacturing scene of melted
metal being poured into a mold, 3. a photo of a mountain, trees and meadow.

MCAD/8-9
- - - A 3D rendering of a gray camera, a circular electrical component, metal tanks
and piping, a section view of a telescope, an exploded view of a washing machine
basket and control panel, 3 yellow line art drawings of mechanical components.

Multimedia/10-11
- - - A black and white photograph of a young boy sitting with a game operating
control device in his hands, a blue line extends from the device to the center
of a monitor depicted in yellow lines. 3 rendered images appear at the top of
the monitor: 1. a blue dinosaur skeleton in a museum display, 2. a greenish
interior dining room set, 3. the box cover of the game 7th Guest (a menacing
house on a hilltop). 2 wireframe frogs in yellow are to the left of the spread -
jumping and the Kinetix logo is in yellow.
<PAGE>
 
1996 AUTODESK ANNUAL REPORT IMAGE DESCRIPTION

GIS & Data Management/12-13
- - - An overhead photo of a woman in a orange hardhat entering data into a laptop
computer. This image is linked with blue lines and circles to an image of a
residential house, data (addresses and utility information), a parcel map and a
photo of 2 people servicing an electrical power pole.

Technology/14-15
- - - The left page bottom shows a blue monotone of a computer monitor, a rendered
robotic arm shows on the screen. Overlapping this image is a black and white
photo of 2 men viewing a computer monitor, the same rendered robot arm is shown
on this screen. The left side top shows a blue monotone computer monitor with a
wireframe of a welding nozzle on the screen. Overlapping this image is a black
and white photo of 1 woman viewing a monitor, the same wireframe image is on her
screen. Linking the two sets of images on both pages is a circular yellow line
and 2 circles. On the left page, bottom are 3 rendered parts of the robotic arm
(a metal nozzle, and 2 metal bases), along with 3 more circles, overlapping a
wireframe of one of the bases.

Customer Support/16-17
- - - On the right page, upper corner is a screen shot of the Support and Training
"page" of the Autodesk web site. Connected to the internet page graphic is a man
sitting at a computer terminal connected by blue circles and a line. 3 circular
black and white photos are linked to sections of the internet page by yellow
circles and lines. The 3 photos show 1. a woman with a telephone headset, 3
people in a training class and a man raising his hand in a user's group.

Design Partners/18-19
- - - A series of 11 black and white photos spread across 2 pages linked by a cutout
oval shape. A large color circle is placed next to and distinguishes 4 groupings
of photos along with outline type of 4 companies: Eagle Point, MKS, Open Mind,
HOPE. The photos include 11 images of various Autodesk business partners, people
at computer monitors, giving presentations, in computer training, in the
workplace.

People with Vision/20-21
- - - A series of black and white photos spread across 2 pages linked by an oval
cutout shape, converging blue lines, a magenta oval, a yellow solid oval and a
blue oval. The 12 photos include various Autodesk employees in the work
environment, in meetings, on the assembly line, at computers, in offices.

Financials/45
- - - The letters ADSK appear large in the background in the upper left quarter of
the page.

Back Inside Cover
- - - 2 yellow ovals and a blue line connect a single small photo at the bottom left
(a man playing a guitar) to a grouping of 6 black and white photos on the upper
right. The photos are linked by a cutout of an oval and show Autodesk employees
in the workplace.



<PAGE>
 
                         SUBSIDIARIES OF AUTODESK INC.
                         -----------------------------             EXHIBIT 21.1


The Registrant owns 100% of the outstanding voting securities of the following 
corporations, all of which are included in the Registrant's consolidated 
financial statements:

                                            Jurisdiction of
        Name                                 Incorporation
- - ------------------------------           ------------------------

Autodesk (Europe) S.A.                   Switzerland
Autodesk AB                              Sweden
Autodesk AG                              Switzerland
Autodesk Asia Pte. Ltd.                  Singapore
Autodesk Australia Pty. Ltd.             Australia
Autodesk B.V.                            Netherlands
Autodesk Canada Inc.                     Canada
Autodesk Development Africa (Pty) Ltd.   Republic of South Africa
Autodesk Development B.V.                Netherlands
Autodesk Far East Ltd.                   Hong Kong
Autodesk Gesm bH                         Austria
Autodesk GmbH                            Germany
Autodesk International Ltd.              Barbados
Autodesk Korea Ltd.                      Korea
Autodesk Ltd.                            United Kingdom
Autodesk Ltd. Japan                      Japan
Autodesk Ltda                            Brazil
Autodesk R                               Russian Federation
Autodesk S.A.                            Spain
Autodesk S.A.                            France
Autodesk S.p.A.                          Italy
Autodesk Software limitada               Portugal
Autodesk spol. s.r.o                     Czechia
Autodesk, Inc. Taiwan                    Taiwan


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1996
<CASH>                                         129,305
<SECURITIES>                                    64,001
<RECEIVABLES>                                  100,650
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,731
<INVENTORY>                                      9,685
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               347,834
<PP&E>                                         127,743
<DEPRECIATION>                                  78,778
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 517,929
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          144,295
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       140,765
<OTHER-SE>                                     201,563
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   517,929
<SALES>                                        546,884
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               546,884
<CGS>                                           66,812
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  338,328
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 3,527
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,841
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                138,280
<INCOME-TAX>                                    50,492
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             87,788
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    87,788
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.76
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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