Earnings Preview: Rockwell Automation's EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise - Aspen Technology (NASDAQ:AZPN), AMETEK (NYSE:AME)

Rockwell Automation ROK unveils its next round of earnings this Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Rockwell Automation's fourth quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.22/share and revenues of $1.55 billion. Rockwell Automation's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 91 cents/share on revenues of $1.36 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if the company has accomplished the estimated 34.1% rise in EPS and 14% increase in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q3	Q2	Q1	Q4
EPS Estimate	$1.19	$1.12	$0.88	$0.91
EPS Actual	$1.22	$1.14	$1.04	$0.91

Stock Performance:

As of November 2, 2011, Rockwell Automation's current share price was $69.13. Shares are down 2.1% year to date.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has stayed consistent over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of Rockwell Automation's peers.

Ametek AME: Moderate Buy with a $0.60 recent quarter EPS
Aspen Technology AZPN: Moderate Buy with a -$0.13 recent quarter EPS
Emerson Electric EMR: Hold with a $0.98 recent quarter EPS
Baldwin Technology Company (BLD): Moderate Buy with a -$0.55 recent quarter EPS

Rockwell Automation is in the industrial automotive-robotics industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.8%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation power, control and information solutions to customers in the manufacturing sector.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Rockwell Automation's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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