Autodesk reports fourth-quarter loss

<p>SAN RAFAEL Feb. 26, 2009 -- Autodesk Inc. (ADSK) reported a net loss for the fourth quarter, with global revenues dropping 17 percent in the Americas and 25 percent in Asia.</p><p>The design software and services provider posted a net loss of $105.3 million, or $0.47 per share for the fourth quarter, compared to net income of $96.5 million, or $0.40 per share in the fourth quarter of the prior year.</p><p>The loss was attributed to goodwill impairment and deteriorating global economic conditions. Autodesk also provided financial outlook for the first quarter, falling short of analysts' expectations.</p><p>As previously announced, Autodesk will pare its global workforce by about 750 employees, or about 10 percent of its workforce, and consolidate certain facilities and operations.</p><p>The company, which employs about 1,200 in its San Rafael headquarters, recently announced it will sublease about a quarter of its space there as a part of the cost cutting measures.</p><p>Autodesk provides software and services to the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets.</p><p>The company's stock price was $14.06 at the close of trading today, a decrease of 24 cents, or 1.7 percent, from yesterday's closing price.</p>