Rockwell Automation (ROK)

[Investorman]

Earnings Preview: Rockwell Automation
by: theflyonthewall.com January 30, 2009

Rockwell Automation (ROK) is expected to report Q1 earnings Monday, February 2 before market open with a conference call scheduled 8:30 am ET.

Guidance
Analysts are looking for EPS of 84c on revenue of $1.26B. The consensus range is 72c-93 for EPS, and $1.22B-$1.3B for revenue, according to First Call.

Analyst Views
Rockwell stated at its Q4 earnings call it sees FY09 EPS of $3.10-$3.60 vs. consensus of $3.21. For FY09 the company is expecting a revenue decline between 1%-5% from 2008 levels, excluding the effects of currency. Rockwell will also face currency headwinds associated with a stronger US dollar. The company also said the impact of constrained credit markets, volatility in commodity and currency markets and a slowing global economy will not be known for some time. The company has not seen any significant weakening in its order levels but economic indicators and projections continue to deteriorate. Rockwell expects the second half of FY09 as tougher than the first half.