Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) reported Q2 EPS of $2.04, $0.04 worse than the analyst estimate of $2.08. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.66 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.71 billion.

• Reported sales up 0.4 percent year over year; organic sales up 3.6 percent
• Diluted EPS of $2.88; Adjusted EPS of $2.04
• Updating fiscal 2019 Diluted EPS guidance: $8.15 - $8.45
• Updating fiscal 2019 Adjusted EPS guidance: $8.85 - $9.15

Commenting on the second quarter results, Blake D. Moret, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Our results for the quarter reflect profitable growth in all regions, led by strong process industry performance. We saw accelerating growth in Information Solutions and Connected Services, reflecting adoption of the Connected Enterprise. Our growth was tempered by weaker-than-expected automotive sales, which impacted our product sales. Adjusted EPS increased by 8 percent in the quarter.”

Moret continued, “Our strategic partnership with PTC is progressing well. We are winning profitable new business across all focus industries and geographies, and some of our engagements are expanding to multi-site rollouts. In addition, in February we announced that we will be forming the Sensia joint venture with Schlumberger, creating the oil and gas industry\'s first fully integrated automation solutions provider for the digital oilfield. The announcement has been well-received by target customers."

GUIDANCE:

Rockwell Automation sees FY2019 EPS of $8.85-$9.15, versus the consensus of $9.02.

Commenting on the outlook, Moret added, "We continue to see broad-based growth, with strong financial performance. However, given the weakness in automotive, we are reducing the high end of our guidance range for organic sales growth and Adjusted EPS. The mid-point of the updated Adjusted EPS guidance range is now $9.00, compared to $9.05 in previous guidance.”

Moret continued, "We are accelerating the execution of our strategy. I\'m very encouraged to see employees and partners embrace our new ways to win, expanding value for customers and shareowners.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Rockwell Automation (ROK) click here.