Shares of Rockwell Automation (ROK) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 17.8% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $463.49 in the previous session. Rockwell Automation has gained 18.1% since the start of the year compared to the 15% move for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the 41.2% return for the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?
The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on May 5, 2026, Rockwell Automation reported EPS of $3.3 versus consensus estimate of $2.89.
For the current fiscal year, Rockwell Automation is expected to post earnings of $12.21 per share on $8.83 in revenues. This represents a 15.95% change in EPS on a 5.91% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $13.93 per share on $9.38 in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 14.01% and 6.21%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
While Rockwell Automation has moved to its 52-week high in the recent past, investors need to be asking, what is next for the company? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Rockwell Automation has a Value Score of F. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 37.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 29.1X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 29.6X versus its peer group's average of 22.2X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 3.26. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks Rank
We also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this is even more important than the company's VGM Score. Fortunately, Rockwell Automation currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to favorable earnings estimate revisions from covering analysts.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Rockwell Automation fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Rockwell Automation shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).