Rockwell Automation Inc
Q1 2026 Earnings
Market Reaction
S&P 500 over the same 30 days: −0.06%.
Did ROK Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
Rockwell Automation kicked off fiscal 2026 with a convincing first-quarter performance, posting earnings per share of $2.75 against a consensus estimate of $2.48, a beat of 10.73%, while revenue of $2.10 billion edged past expectations by 0.96% and grew 11.8% year over year. The standout driver behind the quarter was a broad-based margin expansion, with total segment operating margin climbing to 20.7% from 17.1% a year ago, fueled by higher sales volumes, favorable price-cost dynamics, and a particularly strong showing from the Software and Control segment, where operating margin surged to 31.2% from 25.1%. Organic growth of 10% reflected robust demand across Intelligent Devices and Software and Control, even as Lifecycle Services posted a modest 6% organic decline. Investor attention has also centered on the company's growing software and AI-enabled offerings, which continue to underpin its premium positioning in industrial automation. Looking ahead, management reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 organic sales growth range of 2%-6% and raised its diluted EPS guidance to $10.75-$11.55, reflecting a more favorable full-year tax rate.
- Double-digit sales growth driven by healthy demand across key end markets
- Meaningful margin expansion from higher sales volume, positive price/cost inclusive of productivity, and favorable mix
- Intelligent Devices organic sales up 16% and Software & Control organic sales up 17%
- Software & Control segment operating margin expanded to 31.2% from 25.1%
- Total ARR grew 7% year over year
- Lower effective tax rate (11.7% vs 16.4%) due to discrete tax benefits including Sensia dissolution-related tax benefit
“I'm pleased with Rockwell's start to fiscal 2026, with sales, margins, and earnings all exceeding our expectations. Demand across our key end markets remained healthy, driving double-digit sales growth and continued momentum in our product and software businesses. Meaningful margin expansion this quarter reflects the strength of our portfolio, the discipline of our operating model, and our team's continued focus on structural productivity.”
Rockwell Automation CEO, on the earnings call
Forward Guidance & Outlook
Rockwell Automation reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 reported sales growth range of 3%-7% and organic sales growth range of 2%-6%, with a reported sales midpoint of approximately $8.8 billion. The company updated its diluted EPS guidance range to $10.75-$11.55 (from $10.40-$11.40) and Adjusted EPS guidance range to $11.40-$12.20 (from $11.20-$12.20), with the increase reflecting an updated full-year tax rate. Currency translation is expected to contribute approximately 1% to sales growth. Inorganic sales growth is expected to be approximately 0%. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 18.5% with an Adjusted Effective Tax Rate of approximately 19.5%. Sales growth and Adjusted EPS guidance do not include the impact of the anticipated dissolution of the Sensia joint venture. Management expects gradual sequential improvement through the fiscal year.
ROK YoY Financials
ROK Revenue by Segment
ROK Revenue by Geography
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.