SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec 17, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to an additional 16 million shares of the company's common stock. The primary purpose of the increase is to offset the dilutive impact of employee stock option grants. Combined with prior remaining approvals, Autodesk currently has Board authorization to repurchase up to a total of 18 million shares.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/SFTH083LOGO )

Since the inception of the repurchase program in 1992, Autodesk has reported the repurchase of 80 million shares at a cost of $1.3 billion. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2004, Autodesk repurchased approximately 5 million shares at a cost of approximately $81 million.

The stock will be purchased from time to time at the direction of management, either in the open market or through private transactions, in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements. The number of shares to be purchased and the timing of the purchases will be based on several factors, including general market conditions and the trading price of Autodesk common stock. Purchases will be funded from available working capital.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information, contact any Authorized Autodesk Reseller, call Autodesk at 800-964-6432, or visit www.autodesk.com. Discreet(R) product information is available at 800-869-3504 or via the Web at www.discreet.com.

NOTE: Autodesk and Discreet are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries.

CONTACT: Sue Pirri of Autodesk, +1-415-507-6467, or sue.pirri@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Photo : http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/SFTH083LOG

Sue Pirri of Autodesk, +1-415-507-6467, or sue.pirri@autodesk.com