10-KPeriod: FY2021

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC Annual Report, Year Ended Sep 30, 2021

Filed November 9, 2021For Securities:ROK

Summary

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) demonstrated a strong recovery in fiscal year 2021, with total sales increasing by 10.5% year-over-year to $6,997.4 million. This growth was driven by broad-based demand across its three operating segments: Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. The company's strategic focus on digital transformation and industrial automation is evident in its performance, with notable acquisitions like Plex Systems and Fiix Inc. bolstering its software and connected services offerings. Despite facing supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures, Rockwell Automation's outlook for fiscal year 2022 remains positive, with guidance for reported sales growth between 16%-19% and Adjusted EPS between $10.50-$11.10. The company is actively managing its supply chain and investing in technology to maintain its competitive edge. Furthermore, Rockwell Automation continues to prioritize shareholder returns, evidenced by its share repurchase program and consistent dividend payments, underscoring its commitment to creating long-term shareholder value.

Financial Highlights

57 data points
Beta

Revenue

$7.00B

41.4% Gross Margin

Net Income

$1.36B

19.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$11.58

Total Assets

$10.70B

Cash & Equivalents

$662.20M

Free Cash Flow

$1.14B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$7.00B
Cost of Revenue$4.10B
Gross Profit$2.90B
R&D Expenses$422.50M
SG&A Expenses$1.68B
Interest Expense$94.60M
Net Income$1.36B
EPS (Basic)$11.69
EPS (Diluted)$11.58
Shares Outstanding (Basic)116.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)117.10M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total sales increased by 10.5% to $6,997.4 million in fiscal year 2021, indicating a robust recovery and growth.
  • 2The company completed several strategic acquisitions in fiscal 2021, including Plex Systems and Fiix Inc., to enhance its software and digital transformation capabilities.
  • 3Operating segments showed improved performance, with Intelligent Devices sales up 12.0% and Software & Control sales up 15.8%. Lifecycle Services saw a more modest 2.7% increase in sales.
  • 4Record order backlog entering fiscal year 2022 provides a strong foundation for continued growth, reflecting high demand for Rockwell Automation's offerings.
  • 5The company provided a positive outlook for fiscal year 2022, projecting reported sales growth of 16%-19% and Adjusted EPS between $10.50-$11.10.
  • 6Rockwell Automation generated strong free cash flow of $1,140.7 million in fiscal year 2021, up from $1,006.6 million in fiscal year 2020, supporting investments and shareholder returns.
  • 7The company repurchased approximately $301.4 million of its common stock in fiscal year 2021, demonstrating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

In fiscal year 2021, Rockwell Automation reported a significant increase in sales, up 10.5% to $6,997.4 million. This growth was driven by strong demand across its Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services segments. The company also demonstrated improved profitability, with diluted EPS increasing to $11.58 from $8.77 in the prior year.

Rockwell Automation's strategy focuses on driving organic sales growth, expanding market share, and increasing recurring revenue through information solutions and connected services. Key acquisitions in fiscal year 2021, such as Plex Systems and Fiix Inc., are aimed at strengthening its position in cloud-native manufacturing platforms and AI-enabled maintenance systems, aligning with the trend towards digital transformation in industrial automation.

The company faces several risks, including disruptions from pandemics and natural disasters, supply chain constraints affecting component availability and costs, macroeconomic cyclicality impacting customer capital spending, and intense competition. Cybersecurity threats to its products and systems, as well as the ability to attract and retain qualified talent, are also significant considerations.

Rockwell Automation generated substantial free cash flow of $1,140.7 million in fiscal year 2021. The company actively managed its capital structure by issuing new long-term debt to fund acquisitions and continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately $301.4 million of its common stock. Dividend payments also remained a priority.