Summary
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) reported a strong quarter for the period ending December 30, 2019, demonstrating significant recovery and growth compared to the prior year. Net income attributable to Rockwell Automation surged to $310.7 million, or $2.66 per diluted share, a substantial increase from $80.3 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, in the same period last year. This performance was significantly boosted by a notable gain from the company's investment in PTC Inc., which more than offset a decrease in total segment operating earnings. Despite a slight decrease in organic sales (-1.0%), overall reported sales grew by 2.6% year-over-year, driven by acquisitions and positive currency translation effects. The formation of the Sensia joint venture also contributed to the company's financial results. While operating segment earnings saw a decline, the company's robust net income, strong free cash flow generation of $194.1 million, and an increased share repurchase authorization provide a positive outlook for shareholders.
Financial Highlights
51 data points| Revenue | $1.68B |
| Cost of Revenue | $981.60M |
| Gross Profit | $702.90M |
| SG&A Expenses | $403.20M |
| Interest Expense | $26.40M |
| Net Income | $310.70M |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.68 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.66 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 115.70M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 116.60M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net income attributable to Rockwell Automation significantly increased to $310.7 million ($2.66/share) from $80.3 million ($0.66/share) in the prior year's quarter, largely due to investment gains.
- 2Total sales grew by 2.6% to $1,684.5 million, with organic sales slightly decreasing by 1.0%. Acquisitions contributed 4.5 percentage points to sales growth.
- 3The company generated strong free cash flow of $194.1 million, an increase from $170.0 million in the prior year's quarter.
- 4Operating margin for the Architecture & Software segment was 29.8%, while the Control Products & Solutions segment margin was 12.4%. Both showed declines year-over-year, primarily due to higher investment spending and unfavorable mix.
- 5The company formed the Sensia joint venture in October 2019, consolidating its results and contributing $314.1 million in goodwill and $254.1 million in intangible assets.
- 6Share repurchases continued, with approximately $100 million spent in the quarter, and $1,008.4 million remaining authorization for future repurchases.
- 7The effective tax rate decreased substantially to 5.7% from 33.5% in the prior year, influenced by investment adjustments and tax benefits from the Sensia JV formation.