Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is expected to report Q3 earnings on July 30. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
 Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Rockwell Automation's revenues will increase 2.3% and EPS will expand 4.5%.

The average estimate for revenue is $1.60 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.39.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Rockwell Automation tallied revenue of $1.52 billion. GAAP reported sales were 2.5% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.56 billion.

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

EPS details
 Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.33. 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.

Recent performance
 For the preceding 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.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $6.42 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.48.

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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