In the dynamic landscape of technology, Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC) stand out as pivotal players in the software application industry. Both companies provide innovative solutions that cater to design and engineering professionals, yet they carve out distinct niches within the market. Autodesk excels in 3D design and engineering software, while PTC focuses on digital transformation and product lifecycle management. This article will delve into their respective strategies and innovations to help you determine which company may offer the most compelling investment opportunity.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Autodesk, Inc. Overview
Autodesk, Inc. is a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, catering to a diverse clientele across various industries. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Rafael, California, Autodesk provides a comprehensive suite of products such as AutoCAD and Fusion 360. These tools support professionals in architecture, engineering, product design, and media by enhancing their design and collaboration processes. The company’s mission is to empower users to create, visualize, and simulate their ideas, driving innovation and efficiency in the design workflow. With a market capitalization of approximately $64.8B, Autodesk is well-positioned in the technology sector, continually evolving its offerings to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital landscape.
PTC Inc. Overview
PTC Inc., established in 1985 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in software solutions that enable businesses to undergo digital transformation. The company operates two primary segments: Software Products and Professional Services, offering innovative platforms like ThingWorx and Vuforia to enhance operational efficiency. PTC’s solutions cater to product lifecycle management, computer-aided design, and augmented reality, aiming to streamline collaboration and accelerate time-to-market for product teams. With a market cap of around $21.0B, PTC focuses on providing cutting-edge tools that support organizations in adapting to technological advancements and driving sustainable growth.
Key similarities and differences
Both Autodesk and PTC operate within the software application industry, providing essential tools for design and engineering. However, Autodesk emphasizes broad design applications, while PTC focuses on product lifecycle management and digital transformation technologies. Autodesk’s offerings cater primarily to creative industries, whereas PTC’s solutions are tailored for industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Income Statement Comparison
Below is a comparative income statement for Autodesk, Inc. and PTC Inc. for the most recent fiscal year, allowing investors to gauge their financial performance.
| Metric | Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) | PTC Inc. (PTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 64.76B | 21.02B |
| Revenue | 6.13B | 2.74B |
| EBITDA | 1.55B | 1.06B |
| EBIT | 1.37B | 0.93B |
| Net Income | 1.11B | 0.74B |
| EPS | 5.17 | 6.18 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In the latest fiscal year, Autodesk reported a revenue growth of 12.7% compared to the previous year, indicating strong demand for its software solutions. PTC, while smaller in scale, also demonstrated growth with a revenue increase of approximately 19.2%. Autodesk’s net income improved significantly, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency, while PTC showed a notable increase in profitability margins. Despite Autodesk’s larger scale, PTC’s EPS surpassed Autodesk’s, suggesting effective cost management and strategic pricing. Both companies are positioned well, but investors should monitor market conditions that could impact future growth.
Financial Ratios Comparison
The table below presents a comparative analysis of the most recent revenue and financial ratios for Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC).
| Metric | Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) | PTC Inc. (PTC) |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 42.43% | 19.33% |
| ROIC | 18.01% | 14.77% |
| P/E | 60.20 | 32.88 |
| P/B | 25.54 | 6.36 |
| Current Ratio | 0.68 | 0.96 |
| Quick Ratio | 0.68 | 0.96 |
| D/E | 0.98 | 0.36 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 23.62% | 20.68% |
| Interest Coverage | 0 | 4.91 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.57 | 0.41 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 21.44 | 15.58 |
| Payout Ratio | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 0% | 0% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
Autodesk exhibits strong returns on equity (ROE) and invested capital (ROIC), indicating efficient capital management. However, its high P/E and P/B ratios may suggest overvaluation compared to PTC, which has healthier debt ratios and a better interest coverage ratio. PTC’s financial health shows promise, but its lower returns raise some caution for potential investors. Overall, both companies have strengths and risks that warrant careful consideration in investment decisions.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Both Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC) do not pay dividends, aligning their strategies with reinvestment for growth. Autodesk focuses on innovation and improving its product offerings, which likely supports long-term value creation. PTC similarly emphasizes R&D and acquisitions. Both companies engage in share buybacks, which can enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares. Overall, their approaches appear conducive to sustainable long-term shareholder returns, albeit with inherent risks associated with growth strategies.
Strategic Positioning
Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) holds a significant market share in the 3D design and engineering software sector, driven by its comprehensive suite of applications like AutoCAD and Fusion 360. With a market cap of $64.8B, it faces competitive pressure from PTC Inc. (PTC), which specializes in IoT and AR solutions. PTC’s market cap of $21.0B and innovative platforms like ThingWorx position it well, emphasizing the need for both companies to adapt to technological disruptions and changing market demands.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will analyze the weekly stock price movements of Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC) over the past year, focusing on key price dynamics and notable fluctuations.
Trend Analysis
Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) Over the past year, ADSK has experienced a significant price increase of 32.16%, indicating a bullish trend. However, in the recent period from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, the stock has declined by 4.92%, with a trend slope of -2.55. The highest price reached was 326.37, while the lowest was 201.60. The overall trend shows deceleration, and the standard deviation of 30.24 indicates notable volatility.
PTC Inc. (PTC) PTC’s stock price has increased by 5.78% over the past year, reflecting a bullish trend as well. However, the recent analysis shows a more pronounced decline of 14.47% from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, with a trend slope of -3.22. The stock hit a high of 215.05 and a low of 139.77. Like ADSK, PTC also shows signs of deceleration, with a standard deviation of 15.42, suggesting moderate volatility.
In summary, while both stocks have had an overall bullish trend for the year, recent price actions indicate a shift towards a bearish direction.
Analyst Opinions
Recent analyst recommendations for Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC) indicate a cautious yet optimistic outlook. Analysts rate ADSK with a “B,” citing strong return on equity (5) and return on assets (5) as key strengths, while noting concerns about its price-to-earnings ratio (1). PTC receives a “B+” rating, benefiting from a solid discounted cash flow score (4) and robust return metrics. Overall, the consensus for both companies leans toward a “buy” for the current year, reflecting confidence in their growth potential.
Stock Grades
In the current market scenario, I have gathered the latest stock grades for Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC) from reputable grading companies.
Autodesk, Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baird | maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-26 |
| BMO Capital | maintain | Market Perform | 2025-11-26 |
| Wells Fargo | maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-26 |
| Deutsche Bank | upgrade | Buy | 2025-11-26 |
| Macquarie | maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-26 |
| B of A Securities | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-26 |
| Barclays | maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-26 |
| Rosenblatt | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-26 |
| Rosenblatt | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-24 |
| Baird | maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-18 |
PTC Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piper Sandler | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-07 |
| Rosenblatt | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-06 |
| Rosenblatt | maintain | Buy | 2025-10-30 |
| Barclays | maintain | Overweight | 2025-07-31 |
| Piper Sandler | maintain | Neutral | 2025-07-31 |
| Oppenheimer | maintain | Outperform | 2025-07-31 |
| Rosenblatt | maintain | Buy | 2025-07-31 |
| Keybanc | maintain | Overweight | 2025-07-31 |
| RBC Capital | maintain | Outperform | 2025-07-31 |
| Stifel | maintain | Buy | 2025-07-31 |
Overall, the grading trends for both Autodesk and PTC show a consistent reinforcement of their current ratings, with Autodesk receiving a notable upgrade to “Buy” from Deutsche Bank. PTC maintains a strong position with several “Buy” ratings from reputable firms, indicating positive investor sentiment.
Target Prices
The consensus target prices from reliable analysts indicate positive growth expectations for both Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC).
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autodesk, Inc. | 400 | 343 | 373.4 |
| PTC Inc. | 255 | 120 | 213.25 |
Analysts expect Autodesk to reach a consensus target of 373.4, above its current price of 303.34, while PTC has a target consensus of 213.25, significantly higher than its current price of 175.43.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The following table outlines the strengths and weaknesses of Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC) based on the most recent data.
| Criterion | Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) | PTC Inc. (PTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Moderate | High |
| Profitability | Strong (Net Margin: 18.1%) | Very Strong (Net Margin: 27.1%) |
| Innovation | High | High |
| Global presence | Moderate | Strong |
| Market Share | 5% | 4% |
| Debt level | Moderate (Debt/Equity: 0.98) | Low (Debt/Equity: 0.36) |
In summary, both companies exhibit strong innovation and profitability, with PTC showing a superior net margin and lower debt level, while Autodesk has a moderate level of diversification and global presence.
Risk Analysis
The following table summarizes key risks associated with Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC), based on the most recent data.
| Metric | Autodesk, Inc. | PTC Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | High | Moderate |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate | High |
| Operational Risk | Moderate | Low |
| Environmental Risk | Moderate | Moderate |
| Geopolitical Risk | Low | Moderate |
In my analysis, I find that both companies face considerable market and regulatory risks, particularly Autodesk, which operates in a highly competitive technology sector. Recent trends in regulation regarding data privacy and environmental sustainability are likely to impact these firms significantly.
Which one to choose?
In comparing Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and PTC Inc. (PTC), we observe distinct financial metrics that can influence investor decisions. Autodesk shows a robust gross profit margin of 90.57% and a net profit margin of 18.14%, but its high price-to-earnings ratio of 60.20 indicates potential overvaluation. Conversely, PTC boasts a lower price-to-earnings ratio of 32.88 and a solid net profit margin of 27.05%, suggesting it may offer more value at its current price.
Analyst ratings for both companies are similar, with Autodesk receiving a grade of B and PTC a slightly higher B+. The stock trends indicate Autodesk has experienced higher volatility, while PTC has shown a steadier increase albeit with recent declines.
For growth-oriented investors, Autodesk may appear appealing, while those seeking value and stability could find PTC more attractive. However, both companies face risks such as market dependence and competition.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Autodesk, Inc. and PTC Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
