Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) reported earnings on April 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended March 31 (Q2), Rockwell Automation missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue shrank slightly. Non-GAAP earnings per share grew. GAAP earnings per share increased.

Gross margins expanded, operating margins were steady, net margins increased.

Revenue details
 Rockwell Automation reported revenue of $1.52 billion. The 14 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see sales of $1.59 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $1.33. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.29 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $1.33 for Q2 were 15% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.16 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.24 for Q2 were 6.9% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.16 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 40.5%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.7%, much about the same as the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.6%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.64 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.43.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $6.54 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.53.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Rockwell Automation is hold, with an average price target of $92.31.

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