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Rockwell Automation

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FY2012 Annual Report · Rockwell Automation
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2012  Annual Report and Form 10-K

    INNOVATION &
   LEADERSHIP        

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012

fINaNCIal 
HIGHlIGHTs

2009

2010

2011

2012

Sales

$4,332.5

$4,857.0

$6,000.4

$6,259.4

Segment operating earnings1

429.7

717.2

1,027.6

1,131.4

Income from continuing operations

217.9

440.4

697.1

737.0

Diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations

Sales by segment:

1.53

3.05

4.79

5.13

Architecture & Software

1,723.5

2,115.0

2,594.3

2,650.4

Control Products & Solutions

2,609.0

2,742.0

3,406.1

3,609.0

Return on Invested Capital1

10.7%

22.8 %

31.6%

30.3%

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$6,000.4

$6,259.4

$4,857.0

$4,332.5

$5.13

$4.79

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$3.05

$1.53

2009

2010

2011

2012

2009

2010

2011

2012

SALES

Control Products & Solutions
Architecture & Software

EARNINGS PER SHARE

31.6%

30.3%

$597.6

$561.7

$430.8

$410.7

22.8%

10.7%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2009

2010

2011

2012

RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL1  

FREE CASH FLOW 1,2 

2

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1  Segment  operating  earnings, 

free 
cash  fl ow,  organic  sales  and  return 
on 
invested  capital  are  non-GAAP 
fi nancial  measures.  Please  see  the 
Form  10-K  and  supplemental  section 
following the Form 10-K for defi nitions 
and calculations of these measures.

2  Free  cash  fl ow  for  both  2011  and 
2010  includes  a  discretionary  pre-tax 
contribution  of  $150  million  to  the 
company’s U.S. pension trust. Free cash 
fl ow  for  2012  includes  a  discretionary 
pre-tax  contribution  of  $300  million  to 
the company’s U. S. pension trust.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012

CHaIRmaN’s
lETTER

  To Our Shareowners:

Again  this  year,  Rockwell  Automation  achieved  record 

sales  and  earnings,  despite  a  continued  challenging  global 

macroeconomic environment. Sales reached nearly $6.3 billion, 

up 4 percent from 2011, despite a 3 point headwind from cur-
rency translation with organic growth1 in all regions. Earnings per 
share from continuing operations were $5.13, a 7 percent increase 

compared  to  2011.  We  also  expanded  operating  margin  by  one

full  point  while  continuing  to  invest  for  growth.  The  company’s 

“best-in-class”  after-tax  return  on  invested  capital  remained  above 

30  percent.  This  performance  continues  our  track  record  of  providing 

superior  long-term  returns  for  shareowners,  enabling  the  board  of 

directors to increase the company’s dividend 11 percent and to authorize 

an  additional  $1  billion  for  share  repurchases.  We  are  grateful  to  our 

customers, partners and employees for making these results possible.

We believe that Rockwell Automation remains a great investment. 

To stay competitive in mature markets, manufacturers need to invest in 

automation  to  drive  productivity  and  manufacturing  fl exibility,  address 

regulatory,  safety  and  sustainability  needs,  and  to  replace  an  aging 

installed base.   

In emerging markets, the case for automation is even more compelling. 

Infrastucture  investment  will  continue,  and  oil  and  gas  and  mining  are 

critical  to  the  economic  development.  Rising  standards  of  living  and  a 

rapidly  growing  middle  class  increase  the  need  for  consumer  products 

manufacturing. Wage infl ation is also a natural tailwind for automation. 

As a “pure play” automation company, Rockwell Automation benefi ts from 

these  underlying  growth  forces  in  both  mature  and  emerging  markets. 

We operate in global markets that grow in excess of GDP. 

3

  We believe that ethics must drive 

our business decisions every day.

4

 Emerging economies now account 

for 22 percent of our global sales.

 Our  three  platforms  of  Integrated  Architecture,  Intelligent  

Motor  Control,  and  Solutions  and  Services  provide  a  com-

prehensive portfolio to serve both end users and OEM machine 

builders. We believe these platforms form the foundation for long-

term  sustainable  growth.  We  estimate  our  addressed  market  at 

over $80 billion, which has grown significantly over the past decade, 

primarily due to our expanding capabilities in process automation.

Our  largest  growth  opportunity  still  comes  from  our  highly  successful 

process  initiative  that  contributed  nearly  $900  million  in  sales  in  2012,  

up  about  20  percent  from  2011.  We  continue  to  win  strategic  projects 

around the world in an increasingly diverse set of industries by leveraging  

our  leading  technology  platform,  industry  domain  expertise,  and  global  

delivery capabilities.  

Other diversification strategies continue to pay off as we intensify our focus 

on unmet customer needs. For example, by understanding the support needs 

of  automation  equipment  through  its  lifecycle,  our  services  organization  

has  been  winning  an  increasing  number  of  contracts  to  extend  the  life  of  

aging  equipment  and  to  help  customers  migrate  to  newer  technology.  

This  year  we  added  network  consulting  and  machine  safety  assessments  

and remediation to our broad range of services. 

To  support  customers  anywhere  in  the  world  they  choose  to  invest,  we 

also  continue  to  expand  customer-facing  resources,  our  global  manu-

facturing  footprint  and  technology  development  capabilities.  Our  world- 
wide  PartnerNetworkTM  framework  helps  us  deliver  the  value-added 
potential  of  our  solutions.  To  increase  customer  access  to  our  growing 

portfolio, we developed more effective channels to market during the past 

year, especially in emerging countries. As a result of these and other actions, 

emerging economies now account for 22 percent of our global sales.  

5

  Our solid balance sheet and  

stable cash flow complement  

our strong culture of integrity.

 Our  22,000  talented  employees  provide  another  source  of 

differentiation. Their leadership in executing our growth and 

performance  strategy  each  day  creates  exceptional  value  for 

our  customers.  One  of  the  backbones  of  our  company  is  our 

commitment to integrity and corporate responsibility. We believe 

that ethics must drive our business decisions every day and will be 

one of the major contributing factors to our ability to deliver greater 

value  for  all  our  stakeholders  –  customers,  partners,  employees, 

communities, and shareowners.  

Our  solid  balance  sheet  and  stable  cash  flow  complement  our 

strong  culture  of  integrity.  We  maintain  a  disciplined  cash  deployment 

strategy  that  first  funds  organic  growth  and  acquisitions.  Two  recent 

acquisitions,  including  one  in  China,  strengthened  the  Control  Products 

&  Solutions  segment.  Our  strong  cash  flow  also  enables  us  to  consistently  

return  cash  to  shareowners.  During  the  past  three  years,  the  company 

returned  more  than  $1.3  billion  to  shareowners  through  dividends  and 

share  repurchases.  We  also  increased  the  quarterly  dividend  by  over  

60 percent in that same time frame. 

Despite near-term uncertainty in the global economic outlook, we are confident 

in our strategy and our ability to execute. We remain focused on what we can 

control, seeking to ensure sustained growth and performance throughout the 

business cycle by balancing the company’s current financial performance with 

long-term investments in innovation and leadership. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust.   

Keith D. Nosbusch

Chairman & CEO

6

 We plan to double our process 

business to about $1.8 billion in  

5 years via increasingly larger 

global projects such as  

Canadian oil sands processing.

7

2012

GROWTH 
plaTfORms

 We believe our three platforms form the 
foundation for long-term sustainable growth.

 Integrated Architecture Centered on the Logix Platform

Integrated Architecture centered on Logix is an important 
differentiator because we are the only automation provider 
that can support discrete, continuous process, batch, safety, 
motion and motor control on the same hardware platform 
with  the  same  software  programming  environment.  Our 
integrated architecture is open and scalable with industry 
standard communications protocols that run on unmodified 
EtherNet/IP,  making  it  easier  for  customers  to  implement 
solutions  quickly  and  cost-effectively.  A  strategic  alliance 
with Cisco and our co-branded industrial switches further 
simplify enterprise and IT connectivity. 

Our  ongoing  investments  in  the  expansion  of  the  Logix 
platform  resulted  this  year  in  significant  new  mid-range 
products that are ideal for OEM machine builders. Features 
such as integrated motion, safety, EtherNet/IP connectivity 
and  common  development  tools  give  users  the  same 
flexibility,  reduced  development  time,  and  ease-of-use 
as  larger-scale  systems  from  Rockwell  Automation.  Our 
scalable  offerings  from  small  to  large  systems  allow  our 
OEM  customers  to  differentiate  themselves  through  our 
machine  builder  program  that  lowers  the  Total  Cost  To 
Design,  Develop,  and  DeliverSM  their  industrial  machinery 
product lines. 

8

Intelligent Motor Control

Intelligent motor control is one of our core competencies 
and  an  important  capability  of  an  automation  system. 
We  have  a  strong  market  position  with  intelligent  motor 
control  sales  of  over  $1  billion.  These  products  and 
solutions consist of low- and medium-voltage drives, soft 
motor control, electronic motor protection, and the motor 
control  centers  that  package  them  together.  Intelligent 
motor  control  enhances  the  availability,  effi  ciency  and 
safe operation of our customers’ critical and most energy-
intensive plant assets. 

Motor  control  is  central  to  many  processes  in  every 
industry.  Our  intelligent  motor  control  off ering  can  be 
integrated  seamlessly  with  the  Logix  architecture.  We 
believe that it is a distinct competitive advantage to off er 
a  comprehensive  automation  solution  that  includes 
intelligent motor control. 

This  year  we  introduced  a  new  line  of  PowerFlex® 
drives  that  expand 
options for mid-range markets.

intelligent  motor  control 

Solutions and Value-add Services

p d a t e

desig
sig

Our deep domain expertise in industrial applications 
enables  solutions  and  services  that  can  support 
customers  through  the  entire  lifecycle  of 
their  automation  investment.  The  com-
bination  of  this  domain  expertise  with 
our 
innovative  technologies  enables 
us  to  help  our  customers  solve  their 
manufacturing and business challenges.

ate

migrate /  u

Services  and  solutions  provide  addi-
tional opportunities to diff erentiate our 
technology platforms. Through a lifecycle 
view  of  our  customers’  applications,  we 
can  marry  the  initial  solution  with  long-
term support. Our globally distributed delivery 
resources can eff ectively serve customers wherever 
they operate.

 Migration 
Services

Legacy 
Support

Asset 
Management
Remote 
Monitoring

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mize

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Consulting

Engineering 
Services

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Training

Startup

t / i n stall
n sta

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t

9

 
2012

pROCEss
sOlUTIONs

PlantPAx

Process Automation System

Process  continues  to  be  the  largest  growth  opportunity 
for  Rockwell  Automation  with  an  estimated  addressable 
market  of  $35  billion.  We  believe  our  PlantPAx®  process 
automation  system,  built  on  the  integrated  architecture 
and  Logix  platform,  uniquely  provides  comprehensive 
hardware,  software,  and  application  tools,  scalability,  and 
tight linkage with safety and intelligent motor control.  

The  deep  domain  expertise  of  thousands  of  Rockwell 
Automation engineers enables us to deliver a growing range 
of  process  solutions  for  increasingly  large  global  projects. 
This  is  augmented  by  process  OEMs  and  independent 
solution  providers,  many  of  whom  are  members  of  our 
PartnerNetwork™ framework.

This  growth  is  evidenced  by  these  fi ve  indicative  process 
wins in 2012:

Cynar Plc, a leading technology company in the waste-to-
energy market, awarded us an $11 million order to design 
and  build  a  new  end-of-life  plastics  to  fuel  conversion 
plant  in  Bristol,  U.K.,  for  SITA  UK  Ltd.,  a  Cynar  customer 
and  partner  in  the  development.  This  win  is  signifi cant 
because it includes process skids, automation architecture, 
power  control  and  engineering/startup  services  in  one 
integrated solution.

Lauren-Jyoti, a joint venture between Lauren Engineers 
and Constructors, a U.S. engineering, procurement and 
construction  company,  and  Jyoti  Power  Structures, 
an  Indian  counterpart,  awarded  us  a  $1.9  million 
process  order.   We  will  provide  a  PlantPAx-based 
power  plant  distributed  control  system  (DCS) 
solution with solar fi eld local controller panels 
for  Godawari  Green  Energy  in  Rajasthan, 
India,  delivering  a  solution  that  creates  an 
opportunity  to  set  industry  standards  in 
solar power. 

10

1

4

2

3

5

1. Cynar Plc

2. Lauren-Jyoti

3. Nyrstar Hobart

4. Warwick  Chemicals , Ltd.

5. Daewoo  Shipbuilding  &  Marine Engineering

Nyrstar  Hobart,  a  leading  global  multi-metals  company, 
awarded  us  a  $2.5+  million  order  to  replace  a  DCS  at 
the  company’s  zinc  smelting  operation  in  Australia,  with 
PlantPAx. It is one of the world’s largest zinc smelters with 
a capacity of 280,000 tons, and a milestone, given the size 
and complexity of the DCS conversion.

Warwick Chemicals Ltd. awarded us a $1.9 million order for 
a multi-phase project to replace the company’s DCS solution 
with  PlantPAx  to  achieve  a  lower  total  cost  of  ownership, 
open  connectivity  with  third-party  systems,  and  improved 
service  and  support.  It  demonstrates  Warwick  Chemicals’ 
increasing  trust  in  Rockwell  Automation  as  their  process 
control supplier. 

Daewoo  Shipbuilding  &  Marine  Engineering,  a  South 
Korean  shipbuilder  awarded  us  a  $6+  million  order  to 
provide emergency shutdown, fi re and gas safety systems, 
and  engineering  services  for  four  new  off shore  drill  ships. 
This win is signifi cant because it propels us to the forefront 
of  control  and  safety  solutions  for  off shore  vessels  and 
drilling rigs.

11

2012

OEm
GROWTH

The OEM machine builder market is another opportunity for 

us. In 2012, the OEM business represented about 30 percent 

of our revenues. This market has expanded over the last fi ve 

years and we estimate it to be a $25 billion opportunity. The 

fastest-growing  region  is  Asia-Pacifi c  where  our  presence 

and investments are expected to help us gain share.

Globally, OEMs are important in every vertical, 
for  us 
presenting  signifi cant  opportunity 
in  traditional  markets,  across  a  wide  array  of 

industry segments and regions. 

Chief  among  an  OEM’s  priorities  are  faster  time 
to  market  and  improved  machine  utilization  and 
optimization.  We  off er  design  and  productivity  tools 

that  shorten  the  Total  Cost  To  Design,  Develop,  and 

DeliverSM  new  machines.  OEMs  also  benefi t  from  the 
complete  integration  of  our  control,  power,  information, 
and safety capability.  

Our  scalable,  multi-discipline  control  portfolio  off ers  a 
complete solution in one platform. We augment that with a 
complementary portfolio of industrial controls and sensing 
components. 

A Complete Integrated Portfolio Right-sized for OEM Machine Builders

Services & Solutions

Networks

Visualization

Control

Information

Safety

Motor Control

Motion

Distributed I/O

Industrial Control

12

Our global and remote support capabilities also extend OEMs’ reach 
and footprint by enabling better support of machines at customer 
sites worldwide. 

We  are  developing  much  closer  relationships  with  OEMs 
through our segmented sales organization and our machine 
builder  program.  This  program  has  significantly  grown 
during  the  past  five  years  to  more  than  600  participants 
today  who  are  served  by  technical  consultants  with 
domain expertise in every major OEM segment. These 
technical  consultants  provide  OEMs  with  design  and 
engineering support, competency training and even 
commercial coordination.

13

2012

WORKfORCE
TalENT

We do business in more than 80 countries, and our employ-

ees  refl ect  the  diversity  of  the  markets  and  customers  we 

serve throughout the world. We are a global, cross-cultural 

organization diff erentiated by our intellectual property, and 

our people are the foundation of all we do. This is what sets 

us apart as a company as we work to improve the standard 

of living for everyone by making the world more productive 

and sustainable. 

Global collaboration, global connections 

We  know  we  can  only  meet  our  customer 
commitments  when  we  fi rst  meet  our  commit-
ments  to  one  another.  We  are  all  connected  – 
working  together,  living  our  values,  recognizing 
excellence  in  each  other  –  and  it  takes  each  one  of 
our  more  than  22,000  employees  sharing  a  common 

vision, mission and priorities to drive our results. 

We stay connected through  our growth and performance 
strategy.  This  roadmap  helps  each  employee  make  the 
best  business  decisions  –  choices  that  support  our 
priorities  and  promote  our  values.  It’s  this  link  that 
connects  the  work  and  contributions  of  each  employee 
with our overall success. 

Our employee experience

Whether  someone  has  worked  20  years  or  20  days  with 
our  company,  our  approach  is  the  same:  we  listen  to 
our  employees.  We  seek  out  their  ideas  and  input,  and 

Search for Talent Starts in Early Education
Our search for talent starts in the early educational years. We invest heavily and 

participate  in  Science,  Technology,  Engineering  and  Math  (STEM)  education 

programs for children and teens. In addition, we’ve built successful partnerships 

with  more  than  100  colleges  and  universities  worldwide.  By  advising  on  educa-
tional  curriculum  and  providing  automation  equipment  for  teaching  labs,  we’re 

helping  to  inspire  and  train  the  next  generation  of  engineering  talent. Through 

our unwavering commitment to improving STEM education, we remain steadfast 

in our focus toward quality education and lifelong learning.

14

they  directly  impact  how  we  will  grow  and  the  results  we  
achieve.  That’s  why  it’s  important  new  employees  feel 
engaged  and  productive  from  day  one.  To  support  this 
launched  a  new  Global  Onboarding 
experience,  we 
program in 2012. Based on best-practice research and new-
hire  feedback,  this  program  provides  our  new  employees 
with  an  immediate  understanding  of  our  company  and 
business, helping them feel connected to who we are as an 
organization and becoming part of our global community.

Attracting and developing top talent

Our  eff orts  to  ensure  we  have  an  engaged  workforce 
begin well before an employee’s fi rst day on the job. It starts 
with  our  ability  to  recruit  top  talent  globally,  allowing  us 
to strengthen our successes in the markets we serve – and 
in markets we want to enter – anywhere in the world. It also 
means we actively recognize and develop our employees to 
become leaders for tomorrow. 

Our  Leadership  Development  Program  exposes  young
professionals  to  all  aspects  of  our  business  through 
rotational  placements,  coaching,  skills  development  and 
leadership training.

training 

learning 

through  summits, 

We  are  also  engaging  our  leaders  in  ongoing  education 
and 
labs,  and 
workshops  designed  to  foster  an  inclusive  work  culture. 
Our leaders participate not just as executive sponsors, but 
as leaders who learn about, understand and work through 
diff erences. Equally important are our eff orts to embed this 
mindset  throughout  our  organization,  from  our  regional 
headquarters to our most remote locations. Rather than a 
one-time event, we look at this as our way of doing business, 
our  way  of  creating  a  diff erentiated  culture  that  enables 
employees to do their best work. While the eff ort starts with 
our  leaders,  it  does  not  end  there. Teams  throughout  our 
businesses are identifying potential barriers to an inclusive 
workforce and making recommendations to help us achieve 
this important goal. 

Our people, our success

It’s the commitment and the passion to meet our customers’ 
needs  that  diff erentiates  us.  And  we  will  continue  to 
invest  in  the  success  of  our  people  .  .  .  and  the  success  of 
our customers.   

15

2012

CORpORaTE
REspONsIBIlITY

With  a  corporate  mission  focused  on  sustainability, 
socially  responsible  practices  are  inherent  in  the  way  we 
work  and  do  business.  We  are  consistently  recognized 
around the world for our eff orts to protect the health and 
safety of our employees.

•  Our  global  safety  performance  is  best  in  class,  and  in 
2012  our  employees  continued  a  multi-year  trend  to 
work  more  safely  than  the  prior  year  with  fewer  work-
related injuries.

•  For the second consecutive year, the Singapore Ministry 
of  Manpower’s  Workplace  Safety  and  Health  Council 
presented  our  Asia  Pacifi c  Business  Center  (APBC)  with 
their  top  honor.   This  is  the  fi fth  time  the  Ministry  has 
honored the APBC.

•  Also  for  the  second  consecutive  year,  the  Mexican 
Labor Agency recognized our Monterrey Manufacturing 
Center  as  the  safest  in  its  industry  category  with  a  First 
Place Award.

We  have  made  a  fi rm  commitment  to  care  for  the  world 
around  us  through  effi  cient  and  careful  use  of  resources. 
We made progress toward our 2022 goal to reduce energy 
and resulting carbon emissions by 30 percent, normalized 
to  sales,  as  compared  to  our  2008  baseline.  In  our  most 
recent Corporate Responsibility Report, we noted that we 
decreased  energy  intensity  by  14  percent  as  part  of  our 
2022 commitment. We reduced the amount of solid waste 
generated  and  exceeded  our  annual  goal  to  recycle  or 
reclaim 80 percent of that waste.

With  the  help  of  our  suppliers  and  the  data  they 
provided, we met a self-imposed 2012 goal to analyze 
and  determine  the  RoHS  (Restriction  of  Hazardous 
Substances)  status  of  all  of  our  components  and 
salable products. 

16

 In  the  US,  we  increased  our  supplier  spend 
with  minority,  women  and  Small  Business 
Administration-designated  businesses  by  14 
percent.  And,  for  the  fi rst  time  in  the  history  of  the 
Northern  Ohio  Minority  Supplier  Development 
four  of  the  organization’s 
In  presenting  the  award,  the 
NOMSDC  event  chair  noted,  “From  top  to  bottom, 
inside  and  out, 
locally  and  nationally,  this  company 
embraces  and  advocates  for  minority  supplier  diversity 
and development.” 

Council,  we  won  all 

Corporate  Awards. 

We  build  strong  business  and  community  relationships 
with a shared understanding of values and goals that help 
us fulfi ll our corporate mission. 

As  part  of  our  philanthropic  eff orts,  we  contributed  $7.4 
million  in  cash  and  in-kind  donations  to  community 
organizations and programs that address education, health 
and human services, and arts and cultural needs.

(Corporate  Responsibility)  Magazine 

CR 
included  us 
on  their  2012  “100  Best  Corporate  Citizens”  list.  And,  as 
we  have  for  the  past  11  years,  we  were  again  listed  on 
FTSE4Good Index of Companies, a leading social responsibility 
investment index, and our overall environmental, social and 
governance rating was a 91 out of a possible 100.

In  2012,  we  were  named  to  the  Ethisphere  Institute’s  an-
nual  “World’s  Most  Ethical  Companies”  list  for  the  fourth 
time.  Additionally,  we  received  the  BBB  International 
Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence for demonstrating 
“superior  commitment  to  exceptional  standards  that 
benefi t  customers,  employees,  suppliers,  shareholders 
and  surrounding  communities.”  Another  honor  was  the 
American  Business  Ethics  Award,  from  the  Foundation  for 
Financial Service Professionals.

New lights on the Rockwell Automation / 

Allen-Bradley Clock will reduce energy 

usage by 81 percent and are expected 

to save approximately $750,000 over 

their lifetime.

  In our commitment to energy 

and carbon reduction, we made 

progress toward a goal that by 

2022 we will reduce carbon 

emissions by 30 percent. 

17

2012

OffICERs 

Keith D. Nosbusch

Chairman of the Board and  
Chief Executive Officer

Sujeet Chand

Senior Vice President and 
Chief Technology Officer

Kent G. Coppins

Vice President and  
General Tax Counsel

Theodore D. Crandall

Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

David M. Dorgan

Vice President  
and Controller

Rondi Rohr-Dralle

Vice President,  
Investor Relations and 
Corporate  Development

Robert A. Ruff

Senior Vice President

Susan J. Schmitt

Senior Vice President, 
Human Resources

Martin Thomas

Senior Vice President, 
Operations and  
Engineering Services

Steven W. Etzel

Vice President  
and Treasurer

Douglas M. Hagerman

Senior Vice President, 
General Counsel  
and Secretary

Frank C. Kulaszewicz

Senior Vice President

John P. McDermott

Senior Vice President

John M. Miller

Vice President and  
Chief Intellectual  
Property Counsel

Steven A. Eisenbrown

Senior Vice President

Blake D. Moret

Senior Vice President

18

2012

BOaRD Of
DIRECTORs

Keith D. Nosbusch

Chairman of the Board and 
Chief Executive Offi  cer

Steven R. Kalmanson

Retired Executive Vice President,
Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Betty C. Alewine

Retired President and 
Chief Executive Offi  cer,
COMSAT Corporation

Verne G. Istock

Retired Chairman 
and President, 
Bank One Corporation

Barry C. Johnson, Ph.D.

Retired Dean, 
College of Engineering, 
Villanova University

James P. Keane

Chief Operating Offi  cer,
Steelcase, Inc.

William T. McCormick, Jr.

Retired Chairman and 
Chief Executive Offi  cer,
CMS Energy Corporation

Donald R. Parfet

Managing Director,
Apjohn Group, LLC

IN MEMORIAM 

David B. Speer

Chairman and Chief Executive Offi  cer,
Illinois Tool Works Inc.

We lost a good friend and valued Board member with the untimely death of David 
Speer, 61, on November 17, 2012.

David joined Illinois Tool Works in 1978 and served in numerous selling, 
marketing, and management positions. He became president in 2004, 
CEO in 2005, and chairman in 2006.

David served on our Board for nine years, and on every one of our committees.  
We will miss his energy, perspective and wisdom. 

19

2012

GENERal 
INfORmaTION

Rockwell Automation

Global Headquarters 
1201 South Second Street 
Milwaukee, WI 53204 
+1 (414) 382-2000 
www.rockwellautomation.com

Investor Relations

Securities analysts should call: 
Rondi Rohr-Dralle  
Investor Relations 
+1 (414) 382-8510

Corporate Public Relations

Members of the news media should call: 
John A. Bernaden 
Corporate Communications 
+1 (414) 382-2555

Annual Meeting

The company’s annual meeting of shareowners  
will be held at our Global Headquarters,   
1201 South Second Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,  
on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. CST.   
A notice of the meeting and proxy materials will  
be furnished to shareowners in December 2012.

Internet

Log on to www.cpushareownerservices.com for convenient 
access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for online services 
including account information, change of address, transfer 
of shares, lost certificates, dividend payment elections and 
additional administrative services.

If you are interested in receiving shareowner information 
electronically, enroll in MLinkSM, a self-service program 
that provides electronic notification and secure access to 
shareowner communications. To enroll, follow the MLink 
enrollment instructions when you access your shareowner 
account via www.cpushareownerservices.com

Telephone

Call Computershare at one  
of the following numbers: 
Inside the United States: (800) 204-7800 
Outside the United States: +1 (201) 680-6578

In Writing

Correspondence about share ownership, dividend 
payments, transfer requirements, change of address, lost 
certificates and account status may be directed to: 

Computershare 
PO Box 358010 
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8010

Shareowner Services

Computershare, our transfer agent and registrar, maintains 
the records for our registered shareowners and can help 
you with a variety of shareowner-related services. You can 
access your shareowner account in one of the following 
three ways:

Shareowners wishing to transfer stock should send their 
written request, stock certificate(s) and other required 
documents to:

Computershare 
PO Box 358016 
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8016

20

 
 
 
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare 
PO Box 358010 
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8010 
(800) 204-7800 or +1 (201) 680-6578

Stock Exchange

Common Stock (Symbol: ROK) 
New York Stock Exchange

Ombudsman

Questions or concerns about accounting, internal 
controls or auditing matters and the company’s 
business conduct should be reported to:

Ombudsman 
Rockwell Automation, Inc. 
1201 South Second Street 
Milwaukee, WI 53204 
Telephone: (800) 552-3589 
Fax: +1 (414) 382-8485 
Email: ombudsman@rockwell.com

You may contact the Ombudsman from any computer 
or any device with a Web browser and if you wish 
to remain anonymous, visit the following externally 
hosted website:  
https://rockwellautomationombudsman.alertline.com

Registered or overnight mail should be sent to: 
Computershare 
500 Ross Street 
6th Floor 
Pittsburgh, PA 15262

A copy of our annual report (including Form 10-K) 
may be obtained without charge by writing to: 

Rockwell Automation  
Shareowner Relations  
1201 South Second Street, E-7F19 
Milwaukee, WI 53204

Or call +1 (414) 382-8410. Other investor information 
is available in the Investor Relations section of our 
website at www.rockwellautomation.com

Shareowners needing further assistance should 
contact Rockwell Automation Shareowner Relations 
by telephone at +1 (414) 382-8410 or email at 
shareownerrelations@ra.rockwell.com

Investor Services Program

Under the Computershare Investor Services 
Program for shareowners of Rockwell Automation, 
shareowners of record may select to reinvest all or a 
part of their dividends, to have cash dividends directly 
deposited in their bank accounts and to deposit 
share certificates with the agent for safekeeping. 
These services are all provided without charge to the 
participating shareowner.

In addition, the program allows participating 
shareowners at their own cost to make optional cash 
investments in any amount from $100 to $100,000 
per year or to sell all or any part of the shares held 
in their accounts. Participation in the program is 
voluntary, and shareowners of record may participate 
or terminate their participation at any time. For full 
details of the program, direct inquiries to:

Computershare 
PO Box 358035 
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8035 
(800) 204-7800 or +1 (201) 680-6578 
www.cpushareownerservices.com

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP 
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1400 
Milwaukee, WI 53202 
+1 (414) 271-3000

21

FORM 10-K
Rockwell Automation

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
_____________ 

Form 10-K 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 

Commission file number 1-12383 

Rockwell Automation, Inc. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 

(State or other jurisdiction of 

incorporation or organization) 

1201 South 2nd Street 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

(Address of principal executive offices) 

25-1797617 

(I.R.S. Employer 

Identification No.) 

53204 

(Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 

(414) 382-2000 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 

Common Stock, $1 Par Value 

Name of each exchange on which registered 

New York Stock Exchange 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2) 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:2) No (cid:1) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange  Act  of  1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such 
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2) 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  has  submitted  electronically  and  posted  on  its  corporate  Web  site,  if  any,  every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2) 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will 
not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in 
Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:1) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 
reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 
of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 
Large Accelerated Filer (cid:1) 

Smaller reporting company (cid:2) 

Non-accelerated Filer (cid:2) 

Accelerated Filer (cid:2) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:2) No (cid:1) 

The aggregate market value of registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of registrant on March 31, 2012 was approximately $11.3 billion. 

139,309,300 shares of registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1 per share, were outstanding on October 31, 2012. 

Certain  information  contained  in  the  Proxy Statement  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareowners  of  registrant  to  be  held  on  February 5, 
2013 is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Table of Contents

PART I 

3

ITEM 1 
Business ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
ITEM 1A 
Risk Factors ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
ITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
ITEM 2 
Properties ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
ITEM 3 
Legal Proceedings ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
ITEM 4 
Mine Safety Disclosures .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
ITEM 4A 
Executive Offi cers of the Company ...................................................................................................................................................................................................10

PART II 

11

ITEM 5 

Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters 
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ...........................................................................................................................................................................11
ITEM 6 
Selected Financial Data ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
ITEM 7 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ...........12
ITEM 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .............................................................................................................25
ITEM 8 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ..........................................................................................................................................................27
Consolidated Balance Sheet ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Consolidated Statement of Operations ...................................................................................................................................................................................................28
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows .................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ Equity ....................................................................................................................................................................30
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) .....................................................................................................................................30
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................................................................................................................................................................31
ITEM 9 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.........54
ITEM 9A  Controls and Procedures ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54
ITEM 9B  Other Information ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54

PART III 

ITEM 10 
ITEM 11 
ITEM 12 

ITEM 13 
ITEM 14 

PART IV 

Directors, Executive Offi cers and Corporate Governance ...............................................................................................................................55
Executive Compensation......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................55
Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners and Management 
and Related Stockholder Matters .........................................................................................................................................................................................................55
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ..................................................56
Principal Accountant Fees and Services .................................................................................................................................................................................56

55

57

ITEM 15 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule .......................................................................................................................................................................57
SIGNATURES ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................61

2

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

   
PART I  

PART I

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains statements (including certain projections and 
business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” as defi ned in the 
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe”, 
“estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “will”, “intend” and 
other similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Actual 
results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain 
risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including 
but not limited to:

 • macroeconomic factors, including global and regional business conditions, 
the availability and cost of capital, the cyclical nature of our customers’ 
capital spending, sovereign debt concerns and currency exchange rates;
 • laws, regulations and governmental policies affecting our activities in the 

countries where we do business;

 • the successful development of advanced technologies and demand for 

and market acceptance of new and existing products;

 • our ability to successfully address claims by taxing authorities in the various 

jurisdictions where we do business;

 • our ability to attract and retain qualifi ed personnel;
 • our ability to manage costs related to employee retirement and health 

care benefi ts;

 • the uncertainties of litigation, including liabilities related to the safety and 

security of the products, services, and solutions we sell;

 • our ability to manage and mitigate the risks associated with our solutions 

business;

 • a disruption of our distribution channels;
 • the availability and price of components and materials;
 • the successful integration and management of acquired businesses;
 • the successful execution of our cost productivity and globalization 

 • the availability, effectiveness and security of our information technology 

initiatives; and

systems;

 • competitive products, services and solutions and pricing pressures, 
and our ability to provide high quality products, services and solutions;
 • a disruption of our operations due to natural disasters, acts of war, 

strikes, terrorism, social unrest or other causes;

 • intellectual property infringement claims by others and the ability to 

protect our intellectual property;

 • other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed 
from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) fi lings.

These forward-looking statements refl ect our beliefs as of the date of fi ling 
this report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-
looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events 
or otherwise. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for more information.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 3

   
PART I  
ITEM 1 Business

ITEM 1  Business

General

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the Company or Rockwell Automation) is 
a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and 
information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive 
advantage for their businesses. The Company continues the business 
founded as the Allen-Bradley Company in 1903. The privately-owned 
Allen-Bradley Company was a leading North American manufacturer of 
industrial automation equipment when the former Rockwell International 
Corporation (RIC) purchased it in 1985. Our products and services are 
designed to meet our customers’ needs to reduce total cost of ownership, 
maximize asset utilization, improve time to market and reduce manufacturing 
business risk.

The Company was incorporated in Delaware in connection with a tax-free 
reorganization completed on December 6, 1996, pursuant to which we 
divested our former aerospace and defense businesses (the A&D Business) 
to The Boeing Company (Boeing). In the reorganization, RIC contributed 
all of its businesses, other than the A&D Business, to the Company 

and distributed all capital stock of the Company to RIC’s shareowners. 
Boeing then acquired RIC. RIC was incorporated in 1928.

As used herein, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company” or “Rockwell 
Automation” include subsidiaries and predecessors unless the context 
indicates otherwise. Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
refers to our continuing businesses unless otherwise indicated.

Whenever an Item of this Annual Report on Form 10-K refers to information 
in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be 
held on February 5, 2013 (the Proxy Statement), or to information under 
specifi c captions in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), or in 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (the Financial 
Statements), the information is incorporated in that Item by reference. 
All date references to years and quarters refer to our fi scal year and 
quarters unless otherwise stated.

Operating Segments

We have two operating segments: Architecture & Software and Control 
Products & Solutions. In 2012, our total sales were $6.3 billion. Financial 
information with respect to our operating segments, including their 
contributions to sales and operating earnings for each of the three years in the 
period ended September 30, 2012, is contained under the caption Results 
of Operations in MD&A, and in Note 17 in the Financial Statements.

Our Architecture & Software operating segment is headquartered in Mayfi eld 
Heights, Ohio and Singapore, and our Control Products & Solutions 
operating segment is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both 
operating segments conduct business globally. Major markets served by 
both segments include transportation, oil and gas, metals, mining, food 
and beverage, and life sciences.

Architecture & Software

Our Architecture & Software operating segment recorded sales of 
$2.7 billion (42 percent of our total sales) in 2012. The Architecture & 
Software segment contains all of the hardware, software and communication 
components of our integrated control and information architecture capable 
of controlling the customer’s industrial processes and connecting with their 
manufacturing enterprise. Architecture & Software has a broad portfolio 
of products, including:

 • Control platforms that perform multiple control disciplines and monitoring 
of applications, including discrete, batch and continuous process, drives 
control, motion control and machine safety control. Products include 
controllers, electronic operator interface devices, electronic input/
output devices, communication and networking products and industrial 
computers. The information-enabled Logix controllers provide integrated 
multi-discipline control that is modular and scalable.

Geographic Information

 • Software products that include confi guration and visualization software 
used to operate and supervise control platforms, advanced process 
control software and manufacturing execution software (MES) that 
enables customers to improve manufacturing productivity and meet 
regulatory requirements.

 • Other products, including rotary and linear motion control products, 

sensors and machine safety components.

Control Products & Solutions

Our Control Products & Solutions operating segment recorded 2012 sales 
of $3.6 billion (58 percent of our total sales). The Control Products & 
Solutions segment combines a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent 
motor control and industrial control products, application expertise and 
project management capabilities. This comprehensive portfolio includes:

 • Low and medium voltage electro-mechanical and electronic motor starters, 
motor and circuit protection devices, AC/DC variable frequency drives, 
push buttons, signaling devices, termination and protection devices, 
relays, timers and condition sensors.

 • Value-added solutions ranging from packaged solutions such as confi gured 
drives and motor control centers to automation and information solutions 
where we provide design, integration and start-up services for custom-
engineered hardware and software systems primarily for manufacturing 
applications.

 • Services designed to help maximize a customer’s automation investment 
and provide total life-cycle support, including technical support and repair, 
asset management, training and predictive and preventative maintenance.

In 2012, sales to customers in the United States accounted for 49 percent of 
our total sales. Outside the United States, we sell in every region. The largest 
sales outside of the United States on a country-of-destination basis are 
in Canada, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Brazil. See 

Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with our 
operations outside of the United States. Sales and property information 
by major geographic area for each of the past three years is contained in 
Note 17 in the Financial Statements.

4

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

PART I  

ITEM 1 Business

Competition

Depending on the product or service involved, our competitors range from 
large diversifi ed corporations that also have business interests outside 
of industrial automation to smaller companies that specialize in niche 
industrial automation products and services. Factors that infl uence our 
competitive position include the breadth of our product portfolio and scope 

of solutions, technology leadership, knowledge of customer applications, 
installed base, distribution network, quality of products and services, global 
presence and price. Our major competitors of both segments include 
Siemens AG, ABB Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., Schneider Electric 
SA and Emerson Electric Co.

Distribution

In the United States, Canada and certain other countries, we sell primarily 
through the independent distributors in conjunction with our direct sales 
force. In the remaining countries, we sell through a combination of our 
direct sales force and to a lesser extent, through independent distributors. 

Approximately 70 percent of our global sales are through independent 
distributors. Sales to our largest distributor in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 
approximately 10 percent of our total sales. The independent distributors 
typically do not carry products that compete with Allen-Bradley® products.

Research and Development

Our research and development spending for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $259.1 million, $254.4 million, and $198.9 million, 
respectively. Customer-sponsored research and development was not signifi cant in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Employees

At September 30, 2012, we had approximately 22,000 employees. Approximately 8,500 were employed in the United States.

Raw Materials and Supplies

We purchase a wide range of equipment, components, fi nished products 
and materials used in our business. The raw materials essential to the 
manufacture of our products generally are available at competitive prices. 
Although we have a broad base of suppliers and subcontractors, we 

depend upon the ability of our suppliers and subcontractors to meet 
performance and quality specifi cations and delivery schedules. See 
Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with our reliance 
on third party suppliers.

Backlog

Our total order backlog at September 30 was (in millions):

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions

2012
167.3 $
962.6  
1,129.9 $

2011
160.3
1,016.8
1,177.1

$

$

Backlog is not necessarily indicative of results of operations for future periods due to the short-cycle nature of most of our sales activities. Backlog 
orders scheduled for shipment beyond 2013 were approximately $70.8 million as of September 30, 2012.

Environmental Protection Requirements

Information about the effect of compliance with environmental protection requirements and resolution of environmental claims is contained in Note 16 
in the Financial Statements and in Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

Patents, Licenses and Trademarks

We own or license numerous patents and patent applications related to 
our products and operations. Various claims of patent infringement and 
requests for patent indemnifi cation have been made to us. We believe 
that none of these claims or requests will have a material adverse effect 
on our fi nancial condition. While in the aggregate our patents and licenses 
are important in the operation of our business, we do not believe that loss 
or termination of any one of them would materially affect our business or 
fi nancial condition. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks 
associated with our intellectual property.

The Company’s name and its registered trademark “Rockwell Automation®” 
and other trademarks such as “Allen-Bradley®”, “A-B®” and “PlantPAx 
Process Automation System™” are important to both of our business 
segments. In addition, we own other important trademarks that we 
use, such as “ICS Triplex™” for our control products and systems for 
industrial automation, and “Rockwell Software®” and “FactoryTalk®” for 
our software offerings.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 5

 
PART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Seasonality

Our business segments are not subject to signifi cant seasonality. However, the calendarization of our results can vary and may be affected by the 
seasonal spending patterns of our customers due to their annual budgeting processes and their working schedules.

Available Information

We maintain a website at http://www.rockwellautomation.com. Our 
annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current 
reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports fi led or furnished 
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the Exchange Act), as well as our annual report to shareowners and 
Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5, are available free of charge on 
this site as soon as reasonably practicable after we fi le or furnish these 

reports with the SEC. All reports we fi le with the SEC are also available free 
of charge via EDGAR through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 Our Guidelines on Corporate Governance and charters for our Board 
committees are also available on our website. The information contained 
on and linked from our website is not incorporated by reference into this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A  Risk Factors

In the ordinary course of our business, we face various strategic, operating, 
compliance and fi nancial risks. These risks could have an impact on our 
business, fi nancial condition, operating results and cash fl ows. Our most 
signifi cant risks are set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.

Our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process seeks to identify and 
address signifi cant risks. Our ERM process uses the integrated risk 
framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) to 
assess, manage, and monitor risks. We believe that risk-taking is an 
inherent aspect of the pursuit of our growth and performance strategy. 
Our goal is to manage risks prudently rather than avoiding risks. We can 
mitigate risks and their impact on the Company only to a limited extent.

A team of senior executives prioritizes identifi ed risks and assigns an 
executive to address each major identifi ed risk area and lead action plans 
to manage risks. Our Board of Directors provides oversight of the ERM 
process and reviews signifi cant identifi ed risks. The Audit Committee also 
reviews signifi cant fi nancial risk exposures and the steps management has 
taken to monitor and manage them. Our other Board committees also 
play a role in risk management, as set forth in their respective charters.

Our goal is to proactively manage risks in a structured approach in 
conjunction with strategic planning, with the intent to preserve and enhance 
shareowner value. However, the risks set forth below and elsewhere 
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other risks and uncertainties 
could cause our results to vary materially from recent results or from our 
anticipated future results and could adversely affect our business and 
fi nancial condition.

Adverse changes in business or industry conditions 
and volatility and disruption of the capital and credit 
markets may result in decreases in our revenues 
and profi tability.

We are subject to macroeconomic cycles and when recessions occur, we 
may experience reduced orders, payment delays, supply chain disruptions 
or other factors as a result of the economic challenges faced by our 
customers, prospective customers and suppliers.

Demand for our products is sensitive to changes in levels of industrial 
production and the fi nancial performance of major industries that we 
serve. As economic activity slows, credit markets tighten, or sovereign 
debt concerns linger, companies tend to reduce their levels of capital 
spending, which could result in decreased demand for our products.

6

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

Our ability to access the credit markets, and the related costs of these 
borrowings, is affected by the strength of our credit rating and current 
market conditions. If our access to credit, including the commercial 
paper market, is adversely affected by a change in market conditions 
or otherwise, our cost of borrowings may increase or our ability to fund 
operations may be reduced.

We generate a substantial portion of our revenues from 
international sales and are subject to the risks of doing 
business in many countries.

Approximately 51 percent of our revenues in 2012 were made outside of 
the U.S. Future growth rates and success of our business depend in large 
part on growth in our international sales. Numerous risks and uncertainties 
affect our international operations. These risks and uncertainties include 
increased fi nancial, legal and operating risks, such as political and economic 
instability, compliance with existing and future laws, regulations and policies, 
including those related to tariffs, investments, taxation, trade controls, 
employment regulations, repatriation of earnings and enforcement of 
contract and intellectual property rights. In addition, we are affected by 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, infl ation rates and interest rates.

New legislative and regulatory actions could adversely 
affect our business.

Legislative and regulatory action may be taken in the various countries 
and other jurisdictions where we operate that may affect our business 
activities in these countries or may otherwise increase our costs to do 
business. For example, we are increasingly required to comply with 
various environmental and other material, product, certifi cation, labeling 
and customer requirements. These requirements could increase our 
costs and could potentially have an adverse effect on our ability to ship 
our products into certain jurisdictions.

An inability to respond to changes in customer 
preferences could result in decreased demand 
for our products.

Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and offer products 
that appeal to the changing needs and preferences of our customers in the 
various markets we serve. Developing new products requires high levels 
of innovation, and the development process is often lengthy and costly. If 
we are not able to anticipate, identify, develop and market products that 
respond to changes in customer preferences, demand for our products 
could decline.

PART I  

ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Failures or security breaches of our products or 
information technology systems could have an adverse 
effect on our business.

Intellectual property infringement claims of others and 
the inability to protect our intellectual property rights 
could harm our business and our customers.

We rely heavily on information technology (IT) both in our products, solutions 
and services for customers and in our enterprise IT infrastructure in order 
to achieve our business objectives. Government agencies and security 
experts have warned about growing risks of hackers, cyber-criminals and 
other attacks targeting every type of IT system including industrial control 
systems such as those we sell and service and corporate enterprise 
IT systems.

Our portfolio of hardware and software products, solutions and services and 
our enterprise IT systems may be vulnerable to damage or intrusion from 
a variety of attacks including computer viruses, worms or other malicious 
software programs. These attacks have sometimes been successful.

Despite the precautions we take, an intrusion or infection of software, 
hardware or a system that we sold or serviced could result in the disruption 
of our customers’ business, loss of proprietary or confi dential information, 
or injuries to people or property. Similarly, an attack on our enterprise IT 
system could result in theft or disclosure of trade secrets or other intellectual 
property or a breach of confi dential customer or employee information. 
Any such events could have an adverse impact on revenue, harm our 
reputation, cause us to incur legal liability and cause us to incur increased 
costs to address such events and related security concerns.

We are implementing a global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system 
that is resulting in redesigned processes, organization structures and a 
common information system. Signifi cant roll-outs of the system occurred 
at our U.S. locations and certain non-U.S. locations in 2007 to 2012, and 
are scheduled to continue at additional locations in 2013 and beyond. 
As we continue to implement new systems, they may not perform as 
expected. This could have an adverse effect on our business.

There are inherent risks in our solutions businesses.

Risks inherent in the sale of solutions include assuming greater responsibility 
for project completion and success, defi ning and controlling contract 
scope, effi ciently executing projects, and managing the quality of our 
subcontractors and suppliers. If we are unable to manage and mitigate 
these risks, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our industry is highly competitive.

We face strong competition in all of our market segments in several 
signifi cant respects. We compete based on breadth and scope of our 
product portfolio and solution and service offerings, technology differentiation, 
product performance, quality of our products and services, knowledge of 
integrated systems and applications that address our customers’ business 
challenges, pricing, delivery and customer service. The relative importance 
of these factors differs across the markets and product areas that we serve. 
We seek to maintain acceptable pricing levels by continually developing 
advanced technologies for new products and product enhancements and 
offering complete solutions for our customers’ business problems. If we 
fail to keep pace with technological changes or to provide high quality 
products and services, we may experience price erosion, lower revenues 
and margins. We expect the level of competition to remain high in the 
future, which could limit our ability to maintain or increase our market 
share or profi tability.

We face the potential harms of natural disasters, 
terrorism, acts of war, international confl icts or 
other disruptions to our operations.

Natural disasters, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international confl icts, 
political instability and the actions taken by governments could cause damage 
to or disrupt our business operations, our suppliers or our customers, and 
could create economic instability. Although it is not possible to predict such 
events or their consequences, these events could decrease demand for 
our products or make it diffi cult or impossible for us to deliver products.

Others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us or our 
customers. We frequently provide a limited intellectual property indemnity 
in connection with our terms and conditions of sale to our customers and 
in other types of contracts with third parties. Indemnifi cation payments 
and legal costs to defend claims could be costly.

In addition, we own the rights to many patents, trademarks, brand 
names and trade names that are important to our business. The inability 
to enforce our intellectual property rights may have an adverse effect on 
our results of operations. Expenses related to enforcing our intellectual 
property rights could be signifi cant.

We must successfully defend any claims from taxing 
authorities to avoid an adverse effect on our tax 
expense and fi nancial position.

We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to interpret the 
income tax laws and rulings in each of those taxing jurisdictions. Due to the 
ambiguity of tax laws among those jurisdictions as well as the subjectivity 
of factual interpretations, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ 
from actual payments or assessments. Claims by taxing authorities related 
to these differences could have an adverse impact on our operating results 
and fi nancial position.

Our business success depends on attracting and 
retaining qualifi ed personnel while appropriately 
managing costs related to employee benefi ts.

Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our management 
team and key employees. Their skills, experience and industry knowledge 
signifi cantly benefi t our operations and performance. One important 
aspect of attracting and retaining qualifi ed personnel is continuing to offer 
competitive employee retirement and health care benefi ts.

The amount of expenses we record for our defi ned benefi t pension plans 
depends on factors such as changes in market interest rates and the 
value of plan assets. Signifi cant decreases in market interest rates or the 
value of plan assets would increase our expenses. Expenses related to 
employer-funded health care benefi ts continue to increase as well.

Increasing employee benefi t costs or the failure to attract and retain 
members of our management team and key employees could have a 
negative effect on our operating results and fi nancial condition.

Potential liabilities and costs from litigation (including 
asbestos claims and environmental remediation) 
could reduce our profi tability.

Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be asserted 
against us relating to the conduct of our business, including those pertaining 
to the safety and security of the products, services and solutions we sell, 
employment, contract matters and environmental remediation.

We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury as 
a result of exposure to asbestos that was used in certain of our products 
many years ago. Our products may also be used in hazardous industrial 
activities, which could result in product liability claims. The uncertainties 
of litigation (including asbestos claims) and the uncertainties related to the 
collection of insurance coverage make it diffi cult to predict the ultimate 
resolution.

Our operations are subject to regulation by various environmental regulatory 
authorities concerned with the impact of the environment on human health, 
the limitation and control of emissions and discharges into the air, ground 
and waters, the quality of air and bodies of water, and the handling, use 
and disposal of specifi ed substances. Environmental laws and regulations 
can be complex and may change. Our fi nancial responsibility to clean up 

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 7

PART I  
ITEM 1B Unresolved Staff Comments

contaminated property or for natural resource damages may extend to 
previously owned or used properties, waterways and properties owned by 
unrelated companies or individuals, as well as properties that we currently 
own and use, regardless of whether the contamination is attributable to 
prior owners. We have been named as a potentially responsible party at 
cleanup sites and may be so named in the future, and the costs associated 
with these current and future sites may be signifi cant.

We have, from time to time, divested certain of our businesses. In connection 
with these divestitures, certain lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be 
instituted or asserted against us related to the period that we owned the 
businesses, either because we agreed to retain certain liabilities related 
to these periods or because such liabilities fall upon us by operation of 
law. In some instances, the divested business has assumed the liabilities; 
however, it is possible that we might be responsible to satisfy those liabilities 
if the divested business is unable to do so.

A disruption to our distribution channel could reduce 
our revenues.

In the United States and Canada, approximately 90 percent of our sales 
are through distributors. In certain other countries, the majority of our sales 
are also through a limited number of distributors. While we maintain the 
right to appoint new distributors, any unplanned disruption to our existing 
distribution channel could adversely affect our revenues. A disruption could 
result from the sale of a distributor to a competitor, fi nancial instability of 
a distributor, or other events.

We rely on vendors to supply equipment and 
components, which creates certain risks and 
uncertainties that may adversely affect our business.

Our business requires that we buy equipment and components, including 
fi nished products, which may include computer chips and commodities 
such as copper, aluminum and steel. Our reliance on suppliers of these 
items involves certain risks, including:

 • poor quality can adversely affect the reliability and reputation of our 

products;

 • the cost of these purchases may change due to infl ation, exchange 

rates, commodity market volatility or other factors;

 • we may not be able to recover any increase in costs for these purchases 

through price increases to our customers; and

 • a shortage of components, commodities or other materials could adversely 
affect our manufacturing effi ciencies and ability to make timely delivery.

Any of these uncertainties could adversely affect our profi tability and ability 
to compete. We also maintain several single-source supplier relationships, 
because either alternative sources are not available or the relationship is 
advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery, capacity, 
or price considerations. Unavailability or delivery delays of single-source 
components or products could adversely affect our ability to ship the 
related products in a timely manner. The effect of unavailability or delivery 
delays would be more severe if associated with our higher volume and 
more profi table products. Even where substitute sources of supply are 
available, qualifying the alternate suppliers and establishing reliable supplies 
could cost more or could result in delays and a loss of revenues.

Our competitiveness depends on successfully executing 
our globalization and cost productivity initiatives.

Our globalization strategy includes localization of our products and services to 
be closer to our customers and identifi ed growth opportunities. Localization 
of our products and services includes expanding our capabilities, including 
supply chain and sourcing activities, product design, manufacturing, 
engineering, marketing and sales and support. These activities expose 
us to risks, including those related to political and economic uncertainties, 
transportation delays, labor market disruptions, and challenges to protect 
our intellectual property. In addition, we continue to invest in initiatives to 
reduce our cost structure. The failure to achieve our objectives on these 
initiatives could have an adverse effect on our operating results and 
fi nancial condition.

Risks associated with acquisitions could have an adverse 
effect on us.

We have acquired, and will continue to acquire, businesses in an effort to 
enhance shareowner value. Acquisitions involve risks and uncertainties, 
including:

 • diffi culties in integrating the acquired business, retaining the acquired 
business’ customers, and achieving the expected benefi ts of the 
acquisition, such as revenue increases, access to technologies, cost 
savings and increases in geographic or product presence, in the desired 
time frames;

 • loss of key employees of the acquired business;
 • diffi culties implementing and maintaining consistent standards, controls, 

procedures, policies and information systems; and

 • diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns.

Future acquisitions could result in debt, dilution, liabilities, increased 
interest expense, restructuring charges and amortization expenses related 
to intangible assets.

ITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

8

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 3 Legal Proceedings

PART I  

ITEM 2  Properties

We operate manufacturing facilities in the United States and multiple foreign countries. Manufacturing space occupied approximately 3.3 million square 
feet, of which 37 percent was in the United States and Canada. Our global headquarters are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a facility that we own. 
We lease the remaining facilities noted below. Most of our facilities are shared by operations in both segments and may be used for multiple purposes 
such as administrative, manufacturing, warehousing and / or distribution.

The following table sets forth information regarding our headquarter locations as of September 30, 2012.

Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Mayfi eld Heights, Ohio, United States
Singapore
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Diegem, Belgium
Hong Kong
Weston, Florida, United States

Headquarters
Global and Control Products & Solutions
Architecture & Software
Architecture & Software
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asia-Pacifi c
Latin America

The following table sets forth information regarding our principal manufacturing locations as of September 30, 2012.

Location
Monterrey Guadalupe, Mexico
Aarau, Switzerland
Twinsburg, Ohio, United States
Mequon, Wisconsin, United States
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Shanghai, China
Singapore
Tecate, Mexico
Ladysmith, Wisconsin, United States
Richland Center, Wisconsin, United States
Katowice, Poland
Jundiai, Brazil

Manufacturing Square Footage
637,000
284,000
257,000
240,000
216,000
196,000
146,000
135,000
124,000
124,000
95,000
94,000

There are no major encumbrances (other than fi nancing arrangements, which in the aggregate are not signifi cant) on any of our plants or equipment. In 
our opinion, our properties have been well maintained, are in sound operating condition and contain all equipment and facilities necessary to operate 
at present levels.

ITEM 3  Legal Proceedings

McGregor, Texas NWIRP Facility Environmental Claim. RIC operated 
the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP) in McGregor, Texas 
from 1958 through 1978 for the United States Navy. Incident to Boeing’s 
acquisition of RIC in 1996, we agreed to indemnify RIC and Boeing for 
any liability arising out of RIC’s activities at the NWIRP to the extent such 
liability is not assumed or indemnifi ed by the U.S. government.

On December 3, 2007, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) notifi ed 
RIC that the United States Navy was seeking to recover environmental 
cleanup costs incurred at the NWIRP. The DOJ asserted that it has incurred 
more than $50 million (excluding interest, attorneys’ fees and other indirect 
costs) in environmental cleanup costs at the NWIRP, and it believes that 
it may have a potential cause of action against RIC and other former 
contractors at the NWIRP for recovery of those costs. In June 2011, RIC 
and one other former contractor at the NWIRP reached a settlement with 
the DOJ and the United States Navy to resolve all claims in exchange for 
payment of $14 million. RIC will be responsible for half of the settlement 
amount. The parties negotiated the terms of a Consent Decree that was 
reviewed and approved by the DOJ. The Consent Decree was submitted to 
the District Court for approval, and was approved on September 30, 2012 
thereby completely resolving this claim.

Asbestos. We (including our subsidiaries) have been named as a defendant 
in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos 
that was used in certain components of our products many years ago. 
Currently there are a few thousand claimants in lawsuits that name us 
as defendants, together with hundreds of other companies. In some 
cases, the claims involve products from divested businesses, and we are 
indemnifi ed for most of the costs. However, we have agreed to defend and 
indemnify asbestos claims associated with products manufactured or sold 
by our Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric motors and motor repair 
services businesses prior to their divestiture by us, which occurred on 
January 31, 2007. We also are responsible for half of the costs and liabilities 
associated with asbestos cases against RIC’s divested measurement and 
fl ow control business. But in all cases, for those claimants who do show 
that they worked with our products or products of divested businesses for 
which we are responsible, we nevertheless believe we have meritorious 
defenses, in substantial part due to the integrity of the products, the 
encapsulated nature of any asbestos-containing components, and the 
lack of any impairing medical condition on the part of many claimants. We 
defend those cases vigorously. Historically, we have been dismissed from 
the vast majority of these claims with no payment to claimants.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 9

PART I  
ITEM 4 Mine Safety Disclosures

We have maintained insurance coverage that we believe covers indemnity 
and defense costs, over and above self-insured retentions, for claims 
arising from our former Allen-Bradley subsidiary. Following litigation against 
Nationwide Indemnity Company (Nationwide) and Kemper Insurance 
(Kemper), the insurance carriers that provided liability insurance coverage 
to Allen-Bradley, we entered into separate agreements on April 1, 2008 
with both insurance carriers to further resolve responsibility for ongoing 
and future coverage of Allen-Bradley asbestos claims. In exchange for a 
lump sum payment, Kemper bought out its remaining liability and has been 
released from further insurance obligations to Allen-Bradley. Nationwide 
entered into a cost share agreement with us to pay the substantial majority 
of future defense and indemnity costs for Allen-Bradley asbestos claims. We 
believe this arrangement will continue to provide coverage for Allen-Bradley 
asbestos claims throughout the remaining life of the asbestos liability.

The uncertainties of asbestos claim litigation make it diffi cult to predict 
accurately the ultimate outcome of asbestos claims. That uncertainty is 
increased by the possibility of adverse rulings or new legislation affecting 
asbestos claim litigation or the settlement process. Subject to these 
uncertainties and based on our experience defending asbestos claims, 
we do not believe these lawsuits will have a material effect on our fi nancial 
condition or results of operations.

Other. Various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may 
be instituted or asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, 
including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and 
health, intellectual property, employment and contract matters. Although the 
outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, 
claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, we believe 
the disposition of matters that are pending or have been asserted will not 
have a material effect on our fi nancial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

ITEM 4A  Executive Offi cers of the Company

The name, age, offi ce and position held with the Company and principal occupations and employment during the past fi ve years of each of the executive 
offi cers of the Company as of October 31, 2012 are:

Name, Offi ce and Position, and Principal Occupations and Employment
Keith D. Nosbusch — Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Offi cer
Sujeet Chand — Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Offi cer
Kent G. Coppins — Vice President and General Tax Counsel
Theodore D. Crandall — Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Offi cer
David M. Dorgan — Vice President and Controller
Steven A. Eisenbrown — Senior Vice President
Steven W. Etzel — Vice President and Treasurer since November 2007; Assistant Treasurer previously
Douglas M. Hagerman — Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Frank C. Kulaszewicz — Senior Vice President since April 2011; Vice President and General Manager, Control 

and Visualization Business previously

John P. McDermott — Senior Vice President
John M. Miller — Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel
Blake D. Moret — Senior Vice President since April 2011; Vice President and General Manager, Customer Support 

and Maintenance previously

Rondi Rohr-Dralle — Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development since February 2009; Vice President, 

Corporate Development previously

Robert A. Ruff — Senior Vice President
Susan J. Schmitt — Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Martin Thomas — Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering Services

Age
61
54
59
57
48
59
52
51

48
54
45

49

56
64
49
54

There are no family relationships, as defi ned by applicable SEC rules, between any of the above executive offi cers and any other executive offi cer or 
director of the Company. No offi cer of the Company was selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between the offi cer and any person 
other than the Company. All executive offi cers are elected annually.

10

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 5 Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

PART II  

PART II

ITEM 5  Market for the Company’s Common Equity, 

Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 
of Equity Securities

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “ROK.” On October 31, 2012 there were 22,490 shareowners 
of record of our common stock.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions reporting 
system during each quarter of our fi scal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

Fiscal Quarters
First
Second
Third
Fourth

$

2012

High
78.01 $
84.71  
80.67  
73.98  

Low
53.06 $
72.21  
62.41  
61.20  

2011

High
72.75 $
94.88  
98.19  
89.79  

Low
60.08
71.79
76.71
50.36

We declare and pay dividends at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. During 2012 we declared and paid aggregate cash dividends of $1.745 per 
common share. We increased our quarterly dividend per common share 11 percent to 47.0 cents per common share effective with the dividend payable 
in September 2012 ($1.88 per common share annually). During  2011 we declared and paid aggregate cash dividends of $1.475 per common share.

The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of us of shares of our common stock during the three months 
ended September 30, 2012:

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased

Period
July 1 – 31, 2012
August 1 – 31, 2012
September 1 – 30, 2012
TOTAL
(1)  Average price paid per share includes brokerage commissions.
(2)  On November 7, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a $1.0 billion share repurchase program. On June 7, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized us to expend up to 
an additional $1.0 billion to repurchase shares of our common stock. As of September 30, 2012 no shares remained subject to repurchase under our November 7, 2007 
repurchase program. Our repurchase program allows management to repurchase shares at its discretion. However, during quarterly “quiet periods,” defined as the period of time 
from quarter-end until two business days following the furnishing of our quarterly earnings results to the SEC on Form 8-K, shares are repurchased at our broker’s discretion 
pursuant to a share repurchase plan subject to price and volume parameters.

963,944 $
106,900  
375,229  

963,944 $
106,900  
375,229  

1,446,073

1,446,073

Average Price 
Paid Per Share(1)
64.12
70.32
70.56
66.25

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased 
as Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs

Maximum Approx. 
Dollar Value of Shares 
that may yet be 
Purchased Under the 
Plans or Programs(2)
970,668,738
963,151,116
936,673,493

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 11

 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data

ITEM 6  Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth selected consolidated fi nancial data of our continuing operations. The data should be read in conjunction with MD&A 
and the Financial Statements. The consolidated statement of operations data for each of the following fi ve years ended September 30, the related 
consolidated balance sheet data and other data have been derived from our audited consolidated fi nancial statements.

$

$

2012

6,259.4 $
60.1  
737.0  

5.20  
5.13  
1.745  

5,636.5 $
157.0  
905.0  
1,851.7  

Year Ended September 30,
2011

2010

2009(a)

2008(b)

6,000.4 $
59.5  
697.1  

4,857.0 $
60.5  
440.4  

4,332.5 $
60.9  
217.9  

4.88  
4.79  
1.475  

3.09  
3.05  
1.22  

1.54  
1.53  
1.16  

5,284.9 $

4,748.3 $

4,305.7 $

—  
905.0  
1,748.0  

—  
904.9  
1,460.4  

—  
904.7  
1,316.4  

5,697.8
68.2
577.6

3.94
3.89
1.16

4,593.6
100.1
904.4
1,688.8

(in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Sales
Interest expense
Income from continuing operations
Earnings per share from continuing operations:

Basic
Diluted

Cash dividends per share
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
(at end of period)
Total assets
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Shareowners’ equity
Other Data:
Capital expenditures
Depreciation
Intangible asset amortization
(a) 

$

151.0
101.3
35.2
Includes costs of $60.4 ($41.8 million after tax, or $0.29 per diluted share) related to restructuring actions designed to better align our cost structure with then-current economic 
conditions. The majority of the charges related to severance benefits recognized pursuant to our severance policy and local statutory requirements.
Includes net costs of $46.7 million ($30.4 million after tax, or $0.21 per diluted share) primarily related to restructuring actions designed to better align resources with growth 
opportunities  and  to  reduce  costs  as  a  result  of  then-current  and  anticipated  market  conditions. The  2008  restructuring  actions  included  workforce  reductions  aimed  at 
streamlining administrative functions, realigning selling resources to the highest anticipated growth opportunities and consolidating business units. The majority of the charges 
related to severance benefits recognized pursuant to our severance policy and local statutory requirements.

139.6 $
103.9  
34.7  

120.1 $
96.5  
34.8  

99.4 $
95.7  
31.6  

101.7  
32.4  

98.0 $

(b) 

ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

Non-GAAP Measures

The following discussion includes organic sales and free cash fl ow, which 
are non-GAAP measures. See Supplemental Sales Information for a 
reconciliation of reported sales to organic sales and a discussion of why 
we believe this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors. See Financial 
Condition for a reconciliation of cash fl ows from operating activities to 
free cash fl ow and a discussion of why we believe this non-GAAP measure 
is useful to investors.

Overview

We are a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control 
and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive 
advantage for their businesses. Overall demand for our products and 
services is driven by:

 • investments in manufacturing, including upgrades, modifi cations and 
expansions of existing facilities or production lines, and the creation of 
new facilities or production lines;

12

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 • our customers’ needs for productivity and cost reduction, sustainable 
production (cleaner, safer and more energy effi cient), quality assurance 
and overall global competitiveness;

 • industry factors that include our customers’ new product introductions, 
demand for our customers’ products or services, and the regulatory and 
competitive environments in which our customers operate;
 • levels of global industrial production and capacity utilization;
 • regional factors that include local political, social, regulatory and economic 

circumstances;

 • the seasonal spending patterns of our customers due to their annual 

budgeting processes and their working schedule; and

 • investments in basic materials production capacity, partly in response to 

higher commodity pricing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

PART II  

Long-term Strategy

Our vision of being the most valued global provider of innovative industrial 
automation and information products, services and solutions is supported 
by our growth and performance strategy, which seeks to:

 • achieve growth rates in excess of the automation market by expanding 
our served market and strengthening our competitive differentiation;
 • diversify our revenue streams by increasing our capabilities in new 
applications, broadening our solutions and service capabilities, advancing 
our global presence and serving a wider range of industries;

 • grow market share by gaining new customers and by capturing a larger 

share of existing customers’ spending;

 • enhance our market access by building our channel capability and 

partner network;

 • make acquisitions that serve as catalysts to organic growth by adding 
complementary technology, expanding our served market, increasing 
our domain expertise or continuing our geographic diversifi cation;

 • deploy human and fi nancial resources to strengthen our technology 

leadership and our intellectual capital business model; and

 • continuously improve quality and customer experience and drive annual 

cost productivity.

By implementing the strategy above, we seek to achieve our long-term 
fi nancial goals that include revenue growth of 6-8 percent, double-digit 
EPS growth, return on invested capital in excess of 20 percent, free cash 
fl ow of about 100 percent of net income and 60 percent of our revenue 
outside the U.S, including 30 percent of revenue from emerging markets.

Our customers face the challenge of remaining globally cost competitive 
and automation can help them achieve their productivity and sustainability 
objectives. Our value proposition is to help our customers reduce time 
to market, lower total cost of ownership, improve asset utilization and 
manage enterprise risks.

Differentiation through Technology and Domain 
Expertise

We seek a technology leadership position in industrial automation. We 
believe that our three platforms - integrated architecture, intelligent motor 
control and solutions and services - provide the foundation for long-term 
sustainable growth.

Our integrated control and information architecture, with Logix at its core, 
is an important differentiator. We are the only automation provider that 
can support discrete, process, batch, safety, motion and motor control 
on the same hardware platform with the same software programming 
environment. Our integrated architecture is scalable with standard open 
communications protocols making it easier for customers to implement 
more cost effectively.

Intelligent motor control is one of our core competencies and an important 
aspect of an automation system. These products and solutions enhance 
the availability, effi ciency and safe operation of our customers’ critical and 
most energy-intensive plant assets. Our intelligent motor control offering 
can be integrated seamlessly with the Logix architecture.

Domain expertise refers to solutions and services that we provide to support 
customers through the entire life cycle of their automation investment. 
The combination of industry-specifi c domain expertise of our people with 
our innovative technologies enables us to help our customers solve their 
manufacturing and business challenges.

Global Expansion

As the manufacturing world continues to expand, we must be able to meet 
our customers’ needs in emerging markets. We continue to expand our 
footprint in emerging markets. We currently have approximately 60 percent of 
our employees outside the U.S., and 51 percent of our revenues outside 
of the U.S.

As we expand in markets with considerable growth potential and shift 
our global footprint, we expect to continue to broaden the portfolio of 
products, solutions and services that we provide to our customers in 
these regions. We have made signifi cant investments to globalize our 
manufacturing, product development and customer facing resources 
in order to be closer to our customers throughout the world. Growth in 
the emerging markets of Asia-Pacifi c, including China and India, Latin 
America, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa is projected to exceed 
global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates, due to higher levels 
of infrastructure investment and the growing middle-class population. We 
believe that increased demand for consumer products in these markets will 
lead to manufacturing investment and provide us with additional growth 
opportunities in the future.

Enhanced Market Access

Over the past decade, our investments in technology and globalization 
have enabled us to expand our addressed market to approximately 
$80 billion. Our process initiative has been the most important contributor 
to this expansion and remains our largest growth opportunity. Logix is 
the technology foundation that enabled us to become an industry leader 
for batch process applications and to compete effectively with traditional 
Distributed Control Systems (DCS) providers for continuous process 
applications. We complement that with a growing global network of 
engineers and partners to provide solutions to process customers.

OEMs represent another area of addressed market expansion and a 
strong growth opportunity. To remain competitive, OEMs need to fi nd the 
optimal balance of machine cost and performance while reducing their 
time to market. Our scalable integrated architecture and intelligent motor 
control offerings, along with design productivity tools and our motion and 
safety products, can assist OEMs in addressing these business needs.

We have developed a powerful network of channel partners, technology 
partners and commercial partners that act as amplifi ers to our internal 
capabilities and enable us to serve our customers’ needs around the world.

Broad Range of Industries Served

We apply our knowledge of manufacturing applications to help customers 
solve their business challenges. We serve customers in a wide range of 
industries, including consumer products, resource-based and transportation.

Our consumer products customers are engaged in the food and beverage, 
home and personal care and life sciences industries. These customers’ 
needs include new capacity, incremental capacity from existing facilities, an 
increasingly fl exible manufacturing environment and regulatory compliance. 
These customers operate in an environment where product innovation 
and time to market are critical factors.

We serve customers in resource-based industries, including oil and gas, 
mining, aggregates, cement, metals, energy, pulp and paper and water/
wastewater. Companies in these industries typically invest when commodity 
prices are relatively high and global demand for basic materials is increasing.

In the transportation industry, factors such as geographic expansion, 
investment in new model introductions and more fl exible manufacturing 
technologies infl uence customers’ automation investment decisions. Our 
sales in transportation are primarily to automotive and tire manufacturers.

Outsourcing and Sustainability Trends

Demand for our products, solutions and services across all industries 
benefi ts from the outsourcing and sustainability needs of our customers. 
Customers increasingly desire to outsource engineering services to achieve 
a more fl exible cost base. Our manufacturing application knowledge 
enables us to serve these customers globally.

We help our customers meet their sustainability needs pertaining to 
energy effi ciency, environmental and safety goals. Higher energy prices 
have historically caused customers across all industries to invest in more 
energy-effi cient manufacturing processes and technologies, such as 

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 13

PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

intelligent motor control and energy effi cient solutions and services. In 
addition, environmental and safety objectives often spur customers to 
invest to ensure compliance and implement sustainable business practices.

Acquisitions

Our acquisition strategy focuses on products, solutions or services that will 
be catalytic to the organic growth of our core offerings. In October 2012, 
we acquired certain assets of the medium voltage drives business of 
Harbin Jiuzhou Electric Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of medium 
voltage drives, direct current power supplies, switch gear and wind 
inverters, headquartered in Harbin, China. The acquisition strengthened 
our presence in the Asia-Pacifi c motor control market by adding signifi cant 
capabilities in design, engineering and manufacturing of medium voltage 
drive products. In March 2012, we acquired certain assets and assumed 
certain liabilities of SoftSwitching Technologies Corporation, an industrial 
power quality detection and protection systems provider in the United States. 
In May 2011, we purchased a majority stake in the equity of Lektronix 
Limited and its affi liate, an independent industrial automation repair and 
service provider primarily in Europe and Asia. In April 2011, we acquired 
certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Hiprom (Pty) Ltd and its 
affi liates, a process control and automation systems integrator for the 
mining and mineral processing industry in South Africa.

We believe the acquired companies will help us expand our served market 
and deliver value to our customers.

Continuous Improvement

Productivity and continuous improvement are important components of our 
culture. We have programs in place that drive ongoing process improvement, 
functional streamlining, material cost savings and manufacturing productivity. 
We are in the process of developing and implementing common global 
processes and an enterprise-wide business system. These are intended 
to improve profi tability that can be used to fund investments in growth 
and to offset infl ation. Our ongoing productivity initiatives target both cost 
reduction and improved asset utilization. Charges for workforce reductions 
and facility rationalization may be required in order to effectively execute 
our productivity programs.

U. S. Industrial Economic Trends

In 2012, sales to U.S. customers accounted for 49 percent of our total 
sales. The various indicators we use to gauge the direction and momentum 
of our U.S. served markets include:

 • The Industrial Production Index (Total Index), published by the Federal 
Reserve, which measures the real output of manufacturing, mining, and 
electric and gas utilities. The Industrial Production Index is expressed as 
a percentage of real output in a base year, currently 2007. Historically 
there has been a meaningful correlation between the changes in the 
Industrial Production Index and the level of automation investment made 
by our U.S. customers in their manufacturing base.

 • The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published by 
the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which is an indication of 
the current and near-term state of manufacturing activity in the U.S. 
According to the ISM, a PMI measure above 50 indicates that the U.S. 
manufacturing economy is generally expanding while a measure below 
50 indicates that it is generally contracting.

 • Industrial Equipment Spending, which is an economic statistic compiled 
by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). This statistic provides insight 
into spending trends in the broad U.S. industrial economy. This measure 
over the longer term has proven to demonstrate a reasonable correlation 
with our domestic growth.

 • Capacity Utilization (Total Industry), which is an indication of plant operating 
activity published by the Federal Reserve. Historically there has been a 
meaningful correlation between Capacity Utilization and levels of U.S. 
industrial production.

The  table  below  depicts  the  trends  in  these  indicators  from 
fi scal 2010 to 2012, which point to moderating growth in manufacturing 
activity during fi scal 2012. These indicators are among the factors that 
lead us to anticipate a period of slower industrial growth. We continue 
to believe this is a pause in the recovery and not an infl ection point. We 
expect to see improved market conditions in fi scal 2013 but not until the 
latter part of the year.

Industrial 
Production 
Index

97.2
97.3
96.7
95.3

94.2
92.9
92.6
91.6

91.1
89.7
87.8
86.3

Industrial 
Equipment 
Spending
(in billions)

Capacity 
Utilization
(percent)

197.9
197.8
190.7
196.6

187.0
171.6
169.6
161.3

156.5
156.4
146.9
149.9

78.5
78.9
78.7
77.9

77.1
76.3
76.2
75.4

74.8
73.3
71.4
69.5

PMI

51.5
49.7
53.4
53.1

52.5
55.8
59.7
57.3

56.4
56.0
59.3
55.8

Fiscal 2012
Quarter ended:

September 2012
June 2012
March 2012
December 2011

Fiscal 2011
Quarter ended:

September 2011
June 2011
March 2011
December 2010

Fiscal 2010
Quarter ended:

September 2010
June 2010
March 2010
December 2009

Note: Economic indicators are subject to revisions by the issuing organizations.

14

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

PART II  

Non-U.S. Regional Trends

Summary of Results of Operations

In 2012, sales to non-U.S. customers accounted for 51 percent of our 
total sales. These customers include both indigenous companies and 
multinational companies with expanding global presence. International 
demand, particularly in emerging markets, has historically been driven 
by the strength of the industrial economy in each region, investments in 
infrastructure and expanding consumer markets.

We use changes in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as one indicator of 
the growth opportunities in each region where we do business. In 2012, 
worldwide GDP growth has slowed, and in some regions GDP has 
declined, indicating a global economic slowdown. In Europe, sovereign 
debt concerns have put downward pressure on industrial growth. Western 
Europe continues to operate in a recessionary environment, with potential 
for an improved outlook in some economies later next year. The emerging 
markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) experienced strong 
growth that is expected to continue next year. In Asia, China experienced 
its slowest GDP growth since early 2009 but the economy shows some 
signs of improvement. India was fl at in 2012 compared to 2011, and there 
is no indication of any near term improvement. In Latin America, Mexico 
was the strongest performing country with projected continued growth. 
Brazil experienced an economic slowdown in 2012 but the outlook is for 
some improvement in 2013. We still expect that emerging markets will be 
the fastest growing automation markets over the long term.

Despite a diffi cult economic environment in 2012, we delivered sales growth 
of 4 percent, or 6 percent organically, and ended the year with record 
sales of $6,259.4 million. All regions experienced organic sales growth 
year over year, led by Canada with organic sales growth of 20 percent. 
EMEA had strong organic growth of 6 percent in the face of a recession 
in Western Europe. The end markets with the strongest sales growth for 
the year were transportation and oil and gas.

We continued to execute our key initiatives, which contributed to our 
positive performance:

 • Sales related to our process initiative grew approximately 20 percent 

year over year in 2012.

 • Logix organic sales increased 8 percent compared to 2011.
 • Sales in emerging markets increased 4 percent, or 8 percent organically, 
as compared to 2011, with particular strength in Central and Eastern 
Europe. Acquisitions contributed 2 percentage points to the increase 
and currency translation reduced sales by 6 percentage points. Emerging 
markets represented 22 percent of total company sales in 2012, and 
we expect this proportion to continue to grow.

Total segment operating margin expanded one full percentage point while 
we continued to invest for growth.

Our effective tax rate for 2012 was 23.7 percent compared to 19.7 percent 
in 2011, primarily due to larger discrete tax benefi ts a year ago.

The following tables refl ect our sales and operating results for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in millions, except per share amounts):

Year Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2010

2,650.4   $
3,609.0  
6,259.4   $

2,594.3   $
3,406.1  
6,000.4   $

2,115.0  
2,742.0  
4,857.0  

Sales

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions

 TOTAL SALES (A)
Segment operating earnings (1)

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions

$

$

$

702.8   $
428.6  
1,131.4  
(19.8)
(85.6)
(60.1)
965.9  
(228.9)
737.0  
—  
737.0   $

659.1   $
368.5  
1,027.6  
(19.8)
(80.7)
(59.5)
867.6  
(170.5)
697.1  
0.7  
697.8   $

Total segment operating earnings (2) (B )
Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
General corporate — net
Interest expense
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations (3)
NET INCOME
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
NET INCOME
Diluted weighted average outstanding shares
TOTAL SEGMENT OPERATING MARGIN(2) (B/A)
(1)  See Note 17 in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the definition of segment operating earnings.
(2)  Total segment operating earnings and total segment operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these measures are useful to investors as measures 
of operating performance. We use these measures to monitor and evaluate the profitability of the company. Our measure of total segment operating earnings and total segment 
operating margin may be different from those used by other companies.

3.05  
0.17  
3.22  
144.0  
14.8%

4.79   $
0.01  
4.80   $

5.13   $
—  
5.13   $

17.1%  

18.1%  

143.4  

145.2  

$

$

$

475.4  
241.8  
717.2  
(18.9)
(93.6)
(60.5)
544.2  
(103.8)
440.4  
23.9  
464.3  

(3)  See Note 13 in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of items reported as discontinued operations.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2012 Compared to 2011

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Sales
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

Sales

$

2012
6,259.4
965.9
5.13

$

2011
6,000.4
867.6
4.79

$

Change
259.0
98.3
0.34

Sales in fi scal 2012 increased 4 percent compared to 2011. Organic sales 
increased 6 percent. Acquisitions contributed 1 percentage point to the 
growth rate and currency translation reduced sales by 3 percentage points. 
Organic sales in our solutions and services businesses grew 12 percent 
year over year, acquisitions contributed 2 percentage points to the increase 
and currency translation reduced sales by 4 percentage points. Year-end 

backlog in these businesses was 7 percent lower than a year ago due to 
an increase in order delays. Product organic sales grew 4 percent year 
over year and currency translation reduced sales by 3 percentage points. 
Volume accounted for substantially all of the organic sales growth during 
the year as pricing contributed less than 1 percentage point to growth.

The table below presents our sales for the year ended September 30, 2012 by geographic region and the percentage change in sales from the year 
ended September 30, 2011 (in millions, except percentages):

United States
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asia-Pacifi c
Latin America
TOTAL SALES
(1)  We attribute sales to the geographic regions based upon country of destination.
(2)  Organic sales are sales excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates and acquisitions. See Supplemental Sales Information for information on this non-GAAP measure.

5%
17%
1%
3%
(1)%
4%

5%
20%
6%
5%
8%
6%

$

Year Ended 
September 30, 2012(1)
3,067.3
$
464.3
1,280.6
942.4
504.8
6,259.4

Change vs. 
Year Ended 
September 30, 2011

Change in Organic 
Sales vs. Year Ended 
September 30, 2011(2)

 • Organic sales growth in the United States was driven by transportation 
and oil and gas industries, as consumer industries lagged the region 
growth rate.

 • Strong organic sales growth in Canada refl ected continued strength in 

the resource-based industries.

 • EMEA’s organic sales growth was driven by strong double digit growth 
in its emerging markets, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
 • Asia-Pacifi c organic sales growth was mixed across the countries in the 
region with mature markets generally outperforming emerging markets 
and Australia experiencing signifi cant sales declines.

 • Organic sales growth in Latin America was driven by strong growth in 
transportation and oil and gas industries in Mexico, partially offset by 
year-over-year declines in Brazil, which is experiencing an economic 
slowdown.

Income from Continuing Operations 
before Income Taxes

Income from continuing operations before income taxes increased 11 percent 
from $867.6 million in 2011 to $965.9 million in 2012. The increase was 
predominantly due to increased volume and lower incentive compensation 
expense, partially offset by increased spending to support growth.

Architecture & Software

(in millions, except percentages)
Sales
Segment operating earnings
Segment operating margin

Sales

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2012 was 23.7 percent compared to 19.7 percent 
in 2011. The 2012 and 2011 effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. 
statutory rate of 35 percent because our sales outside of the U.S. benefi ted 
from lower tax rates.

During 2012, we recognized net discrete tax benefi ts of $2.1 million primarily 
related to the favorable resolution of worldwide tax matters. During 2011, 
we recognized net discrete tax benefi ts of $25.0 million related to the 
favorable resolution of worldwide tax matters and the retroactive extension 
of the U.S. federal research credit.

See Note 15 in the Financial Statements for a complete reconciliation 
of the United States statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate and more 
information on tax events in 2012 and  2011 affecting the respective tax rates.

$

2012

2,650.4   $
702.8  

26.5%  

2011

Change

2,594.3   $
659.1  

25.4%  

56.1  
43.7  

1.1 pts

Architecture & Software sales increased 2 percent in 2012. Organic 
sales increased 5 percent, and the effects of currency translation reduced 
sales by 3 percentage points. Pricing contributed less than 1 percentage 
point to growth during the year. Year-over-year organic sales growth in 

all regions other than Canada and EMEA was slightly above the segment 
average. Logix organic sales increased 8 percent in 2012 compared 
to 2011 and currency translation reduced sales by 3 percentage points.

16

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

PART II  

Operating Margin

Architecture & Software segment operating earnings increased 7 percent. Operating margin expanded 1.1 points to 26.5 percent in 2012 as compared 
to 2011. The increase was predominantly due to volume increases and lower incentive compensation expense, partially offset by increased spending 
to support growth.

Control Products & Solutions

(in millions, except percentages)
Sales
Segment operating earnings
Segment operating margin

Sales

Control Products & Solutions sales increased 6 percent. Organic 
sales increased 8 percent. Acquisitions contributed 1 percentage point 
to the growth rate and currency translation reduced sales by 3 percentage 
points. Pricing contributed less than 1 percentage point to growth during 
the year. Canada was the strongest performing region for the segment 
with double digit year-over-year organic sales growth during the year. 
Year-over-year organic sales growth in Latin America and EMEA was 
slightly above the segment average, while year-over-year organic sales 
growth in the United States and Asia-Pacifi c was less than the segment 
average growth rate.

2011 Compared to 2010

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Sales
Income from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

Sales

$

2012

3,609.0   $
428.6  

11.9%  

2011

3,406.1   $
368.5  

10.8%  

Change

202.9  
60.1  

1.1 pts

Operating Margin

Control Products & Solutions segment operating earnings increased 
16 percent. Operating margin expanded 1.1 points to 11.9 percent in 2012 
as compared to 2011. The increase was predominantly due to volume 
increases and lower incentive compensation expense, partially offset by 
increased spending to support growth.

$

2011
6,000.4
697.1
4.79

$

2010
4,857.0
440.4
3.05

$

Change
1,143.4
256.7
1.74

Our sales increased $1,143.4 million, or 24 percent, from $4,857.0 million 
in 2010 to $6,000.4 million in 2011. Sales in our solutions and services 
businesses increased 24 percent year over year, and year-end backlog in 
these businesses was 12 percent higher than a year ago. Product sales 

also grew 24 percent year over year refl ecting continued improvement in 
customers’ spending and increased OEM demand. Volume accounted 
for substantially all the organic sales growth during the period as pricing 
contributed less than 1 percentage point to growth during the period.

The table below presents our sales for the year ended September 30, 2011 by geographic region and the percentage change in sales from the year 
ended September 30, 2010 (in millions, except percentages):

$

United States
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asia-Pacifi c
Latin America
TOTAL SALES
$
(1)  We attribute sales to the geographic regions based upon country of destination.
(2)  Organic sales are sales excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates and acquisitions. See Supplemental Sales Information for information on this non-GAAP measure.

18%
17%
22%
18%
30%
20%

19%
23%
28%
26%
38%
24%

Year Ended 
September 30, 2011(1)
2,917.8
396.2
1,267.6
910.6
508.2
6,000.4

Change vs. 
Year Ended 
September 30, 2010

Change in Organic 
Sales  vs. Year Ended 
September 30, 2010(2)

 • Organic sales growth in the United States was driven by heavy and 
transportation industries, as consumer industries lagged the region 
growth rate.

 • Organic sales growth in Canada was driven primarily by heavy industries.
 • Europe’s strong organic sales growth was driven primarily by transportation 

and consumer industries, and strong OEM demand.

 • Asia-Pacifi c organic sales growth was driven by strength in emerging 
markets, including China and India with 23 and 26 percent growth, 
respectively. (1)

 • Latin America growth was driven by mining and oil and gas industries.

Income from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations increased 58 percent from $440.4 million 
in 2010 to $697.1 million in 2011. The increase was predominantly due to 
increased volume, partially offset by increased spending to support growth. 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $137.9 million 
from $1,323.3 to $1,461.2, but decreased as a percentage of sales by 
2.8 points to 24.4 percent as volume increases outpaced spending increases.

General corporate expenses were net of a $3.8 million gain in 2011 resulting 
from the sale of an investment.

(1) Organic sales growth in China and India exclude 4 and 3 percentage points from the effect of changes in currency, respectively.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2011 was 19.7 percent compared to 19.1 percent 
in 2010. The 2011 and 2010 effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. 
statutory rate of 35 percent because our sales outside of the U.S. benefi ted 
from lower tax rates.

During 2011, we recognized net discrete tax benefi ts of $25.0 million 
related to the favorable resolution of worldwide tax matters and the 
retroactive extension of the U.S. federal research credit. During 2010, we 
recognized discrete tax benefi ts of $27.2 million primarily related to the 
favorable resolution of tax matters, partially offset by discrete tax expenses 
of $9.6 million primarily related to the impact of a change in Mexican tax 
law and interest related to unrecognized tax benefi ts.

See Note 15 in the Financial Statements for a complete reconciliation 
of the United States statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate and more 
information on tax events in 2011 and 2010 affecting the respective tax rates.

Discontinued Operations

Income from discontinued operations was $0.7 million in 2011 compared 
to $23.9 million in 2010. Income from discontinued operations in the prior 
year included a $21.3 million tax benefi t resulting from the resolution of 
a domestic tax matter relating to the January 2007 sale of our Dodge 
mechanical and Reliance Electric motors and motor repair services 
businesses.

Architecture & Software

(in millions, except percentages)
Sales
Segment operating earnings
Segment operating margin

$

2011

2,594.3   $
659.1  

25.4%  

2010

2,115.0   $
475.4  

22.5%  

Change
479.3  
183.7  

2.9 pts

Sales

Operating Margin

Architecture & Software sales increased 23 percent to $2,594.3 million 
in 2011 compared to $2,115.0 million in 2010. Organic sales increased 
20 percent, and the effects of currency translation contributed 3 percentage 
points to the total increase. Substantially all of the organic sales increase 
resulted from increased volume due to positive macroeconomic conditions 
in most regions and industries. Pricing had an immaterial effect on revenue 
during the period. Year-over-year sales increases in all regions other than 
the United States were greater than the segment average rate of increase. 
Logix sales increased 29 percent in 2011 compared to 2010.

Control Products & Solutions

(in millions, except percentages)
Sales
Segment operating earnings
Segment operating margin

Sales

Control Products & Solutions sales increased 24 percent to $3,406.1 million 
in 2011 compared to $2,742.0 million in 2010. Organic sales increased 
20 percent, and the effects of currency translation and acquisitions 
contributed 3 percentage points and 1 percentage point, respectively, 
to the total increase. The segment’s organic sales increase resulted from 
growth in both products and solutions and services businesses, which 
grew at rates similar to the segment average. Latin America, Asia-Pacifi c 
and EMEA reported year-over-year growth above the segment average, 
while year-over-year sales increases in the United States and Canada were 
less than the segment average growth rate. Pricing had an immaterial 
effect on revenue during the period.

Operating Margin

Control Products & Solutions segment operating earnings were $368.5 million 
in 2011, up 52 percent from $241.8 million in the same period of 2010. 
Operating margin increased 2.0 points to 10.8 percent in 2011 as compared 
to 2010. The increase was predominantly due to volume increases, partially 
offset by sales mix and increased spending to support growth.

Architecture & Software segment operating earnings were $659.1 million 
in 2011, up 39 percent from $475.4 million in 2010. Operating margin 
increased 2.9 points to 25.4 percent in 2011 as compared to 2010. 
The increase in operating margin was predominantly due to volume 
increases as a result of higher worldwide levels of industrial production 
and capital spending by our customers, partially offset by sales mix and 
increased spending to support growth.

$

2011

3,406.1   $
368.5  

10.8%  

2010

2,742.0   $
241.8  

8.8%  

Change
664.1  
126.7  

2.0 pts

Introduction of new non-GAAP measures and 
changes to defi nition of segment operating 
earnings for fi scal 2013

In order to provide transparency into the operational results of our business, 
beginning in fi scal 2013, we will provide non-GAAP earnings measures 
(Adjusted Income and Adjusted EPS) that exclude non-operating pension 
costs and their related tax effects from income from continuing operations. 
We defi ne non-operating pension costs as defi ned benefi t plan interest 
cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of actuarial gains 
and losses and the impacts of any plan curtailments or settlements. 
These components of net periodic benefi t cost primarily relate to changes 
in pension assets and liabilities that are a result of market performance; 
we consider these costs to be unrelated to the operational performance 
of our business. In addition, we will redefi ne segment operating earnings 
to exclude non-operating pension costs. Service cost and amortization 
of prior service cost will continue to be included in our segment operating 
earnings as these components of net periodic benefi t cost represent the 
operating cost of providing pension benefi ts to our employees.

18

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

PART II  

Adjusted Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Income are non-GAAP measures that exclude 
the effects of the non-operating pension costs and their related tax effects. 
We believe these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to 
investors about our operating performance and allow management and 
investors to compare our operating performance period over period. 

Our measures of Adjusted Income and Adjusted EPS may be different from 
measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should 
not be considered a substitute for income from continuing operations 
and diluted EPS.

Income from continuing operations

Non-operating pension costs
Tax effect of non-operating pension costs

ADJUSTED INCOME
Diluted EPS from continuing operations

Non-operating pension costs per diluted share, before tax
Tax effect of non-operating pension costs per diluted share

ADJUSTED EPS

Operating and Non-Operating Pension Costs

Service cost
Prior service credit amortization
Operating pension cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Net actuarial loss
Other
Non-operating pension cost
NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST

$

$
$

$

2013 
(Estimate)

$

$

92.6   $
(2.5)
90.1    
160.8    
(227.2)
145.1    
—    
78.7    

168.8

$

$

$
$

$

$

2012
737.0  
35.2  
(12.6)
759.6

5.13  
0.25  
(0.09)
5.29

2012
71.8  
(2.3)
69.5  
167.6  
(228.1)
94.7  
1.0  
35.2  

104.7

$

2011
697.1  
23.5  
(8.5)
712.1

4.79  
0.16  
(0.06)
4.89

2011
70.1  
(2.2)
67.9  
163.9  
(204.5)
63.7  
0.4  
23.5  
91.4

$

$
$

$

$

$

2010
440.4  
10.1  
(3.6)
446.9

3.05  
0.07  
(0.02)
3.10

2010
68.7  
(3.8)
64.9  
159.7  
(192.1)

42.1  
0.4  
10.1  
75.0

Segment Operating Earnings (non-GAAP)

The table below reflects our operating results for years ended 
September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 with non-operating pension costs 
reclassifi ed to their own line item for all periods presented. These costs 
were previously included in the operating earnings of each segment and 
in general corporate-net. Fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 non-operating 
pension costs excluded from Architecture & Software segment operating 

earnings were $11.6 million, $11.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively. 
Fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 non-operating pension costs excluded from 
Control Products & Solutions segment operating earnings were $20.9 million, 
$9.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 
non-operating pension costs excluded from general corporate-net were 
$2.7 million, $2.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

2012

2011

2010

Segment operating earnings:
Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions

$

714.4   $
449.5  
1,163.9  
(19.8)
(82.9)
(35.2)
(60.1)
965.9  
(228.9)
737.0   $
5.13   $

670.4   $
378.4  
1,048.8  
(19.8)
(78.4)
(23.5)
(59.5)
867.6  
(170.5)
697.1   $
4.79   $

Total segment operating earnings (1)
Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
General corporate-net
Non-operating pension costs
Interest expense
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax provision
Income from continuing operations
Diluted EPS from continuing operations
Average diluted shares
Segment operating margin:
22.6%
Architecture & Software
9.0%
Control Products & Solutions
15.0%
Total segment operating margin (1)
(1)  Total segment operating earnings and total segment operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these measures are useful to investors as measures 
of operating performance. We use these measures to monitor and evaluate the profitability of our operating segments. Our measures of total segment operating earnings and 
total segment operating margin may be different from measures used by other companies.

27.0%  
12.5%  
18.6%  

25.8%  
11.1%  
17.5%  

145.2  

143.4  

$
$

478.8  
248.0  
726.8  
(18.9)
(93.1)
(10.1)
(60.5)
544.2  
(103.8)
440.4  
3.05  
144.0  

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Financial Condition

The following is a summary of our cash fl ows from operating, investing and fi nancing activities, as refl ected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash 
Flows (in millions):

Cash provided by (used for):

Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes free cash fl ow (in millions):

Cash provided by continuing operating activities
Capital expenditures of continuing operations
Excess income tax benefi t from share-based compensation
FREE CASH FLOW

Our defi nition of free cash fl ow, which is a non-GAAP fi nancial measure, takes 
into consideration capital investments required to maintain the operations 
of our businesses and execute our strategy. Cash provided by continuing 
operating activities adds back non-cash depreciation expense to earnings 
and thus does not refl ect a charge for necessary capital expenditures. 
Our defi nition of free cash fl ow excludes the operating cash fl ows and 
capital expenditures related to our discontinued operations. Operating, 
investing and fi nancing cash fl ows of our discontinued operations are 
presented separately in our statement of cash fl ows. Our accounting for 
share-based compensation requires us to report the related excess income 
tax benefi t as a fi nancing cash fl ow rather than as an operating cash fl ow. 
We have added this benefi t back to our calculation of free cash fl ow in 
order to generally classify cash fl ows arising from income taxes as operating 
cash fl ows. In our opinion, free cash fl ow provides useful information to 
investors regarding our ability to generate cash from business operations 
that is available for acquisitions and other investments, service of debt 
principal, dividends and share repurchases. We use free cash fl ow as one 
measure to monitor and evaluate performance. Our defi nition of free cash 
fl ow may differ from defi nitions used by other companies.

Free cash flow was a source of $597.6 million for the year ended 
September 30, 2012 compared to a source of $561.7 million for the year 
ended September 30, 2011. Free cash fl ow for 2012 and 2011 include 
discretionary pre-tax contributions to our U.S. qualifi ed pension trust of 
$300 million and $150 million, respectively. The increase in free cash fl ow 
is primarily due to higher income from continuing operations and a smaller 
increase in working capital, partially offset by a higher discretionary pre-tax 
contribution to our U.S. qualifi ed pension trust in 2012.

We purchased $487.5 million of short-term investments in the year ended 
September 30, 2012, of which $137.5 million matured during the same period.

We repurchased approximately 3.7 million shares of our common stock 
under our share repurchase program in 2012. The total cost of these shares 
was $265.3 million, of which $7.6 million was recorded in accounts payable 
at September 30, 2012, related to 110,000 shares that did not settle until 
October 2012. In 2011, we repurchased approximately 4.0 million shares 
of our common stock. The total cost of these shares was $299.2 million, 
of which $1.7 million was recorded in accounts payable at September 
30, 2011, related to 30,000 shares that did not settle until October 2011. 
Our decision to repurchase stock in 2013 will depend on business conditions, 
free cash fl ow generation, other cash requirements and stock price. At 
September 30, 2012 we had approximately $936.7 million remaining for 
stock repurchases under our existing board authorization. See Part II, Item 
5, Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder 
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, for additional 
information regarding share repurchases.

20

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

Year Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2010

$

$

$

$

718.7   $
(503.2)
(282.7)
(16.8)
(84.0) $

718.7   $
(139.6)

18.5    

597.6

$

643.7   $
(160.9)
(297.9)
(5.8)
179.1

$

643.7   $
(120.1)

38.1    

561.7

$

494.0  
(89.0)
(241.4)
6.8  

170.4

494.0  
(99.4)
16.1  

410.7

We expect future uses of cash to include working capital requirements, 
capital expenditures, additional contributions to our retirement plans, 
acquisitions of businesses, dividends to shareowners, repurchases of 
common stock and repayments of debt. We expect capital expenditures 
in 2013 to be about $150 million. We expect to fund future uses of cash 
with a combination of existing cash balances and short-term investments, 
cash generated by operating activities, commercial paper borrowings or a 
new issuance of debt or other securities.

Given our extensive international operations, a signifi cant amount of our 
cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (funds) are held in 
non-U.S. subsidiaries where our undistributed earnings are permanently 
reinvested. Generally, these funds would be subject to U.S. tax if repatriated. 
The percentage of such non-U.S. funds can vary from quarter to quarter 
with a range of approximately 70 percent to 90 percent over the past eight 
quarters. As of September 30, 2012, approximately 90 percent of our funds 
were held in such non-U.S. subsidiaries. We have not encountered and do 
not expect to encounter any diffi culty meeting the liquidity requirements of 
our domestic and international operations.

In addition to cash generated by operating activities, we have access to 
existing fi nancing sources, including the public debt markets and unsecured 
credit facilities with various banks. Commercial paper is our principal source of 
short-term fi nancing. At September 30, 2012, commercial paper borrowings 
outstanding were $157.0 million, with a weighted average interest rate 
of 0.27 percent. We had no commercial paper borrowings outstanding during 
the year ended September 30, 2011. Our debt-to-total-capital ratio was 36.4 
 percent at September 30, 2012 and 34.1 percent at September 30, 2011.

At September 30, 2012 and 2011, our total current borrowing capacity 
under our unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in March 2015, 
was $750.0 million. We have not borrowed against this credit facility 
at September 30, 2012 or 2011. Borrowings under this credit facility 
bear interest based on short-term money market rates in effect during 
the period the borrowings are outstanding. The terms of this credit facility 
contain covenants under which we would be in default if our debt-to-
total-capital ratio was to exceed 60 percent. We were in compliance with 
all covenants under this credit facility at September 30, 2012 and 2011. 
Separate short-term unsecured credit facilities of approximately 
$120.6 million at September 30, 2012 were available to non-U.S. subsidiaries.

Among other uses, we can draw on our credit facility as a standby liquidity 
facility to repay our outstanding commercial paper as it matures. This 
access to funds to repay maturing commercial paper is an important 
factor in maintaining the short-term credit ratings set forth in the table 
below. Under our current policy with respect to these ratings, we expect 
to limit our other borrowings under our credit facility, if any, to amounts 
that would leave enough credit available under the facility so that we 
could borrow, if needed, to repay all of our then outstanding commercial 
paper as it matures.

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

PART II  

The following is a summary of our credit ratings as of September 30, 2012:

Credit Rating Agency
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Fitch Ratings

Our ability to access the commercial paper market, and the related costs 
of these borrowings, is affected by the strength of our credit rating and 
market conditions. We have not experienced any diffi culty in accessing 
the commercial paper market to date. If our access to the commercial 
paper market is adversely affected due to a change in market conditions 
or otherwise, we would expect to rely on a combination of available cash 
and our unsecured committed credit facility to provide short-term funding. 
In such event, the cost of borrowings under our unsecured committed 
credit facility could be higher than the cost of commercial paper borrowings.

We regularly monitor the third-party depository institutions that hold 
our cash and cash equivalents. Our emphasis is primarily on safety and 
liquidity of principal and secondarily on maximizing yield on those funds. 
We diversify our cash and cash equivalents among counterparties to 
minimize exposure to any one of these entities.

Short Term 
Rating
A-1
P-2
F1

Long Term 
Rating
A
A3
A

Outlook
Stable
Stable
Stable

We enter into contracts to offset changes in the amount of future cash fl ows 
associated with certain third-party sales and intercompany transactions 
denominated in foreign currencies forecasted to occur within the next 
two years and to offset transaction gains or losses associated with some 
of our assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than 
their functional currencies resulting from intercompany loans and other 
transactions with third parties denominated in foreign currencies. Our 
foreign currency forward exchange contracts are usually denominated in 
currencies of major industrial countries. We diversify our foreign currency 
forward exchange contracts among counterparties to minimize exposure 
to any one of these entities.

Cash dividends to shareowners were $247.4 million in 2012 ($1.745 per 
common share), $211.0 million in 2011 ($1.475 per common share) and 
$173.6 million in 2010 ($1.22 per common share). Our current quarterly 
dividend rate is $0.47 per common share ($1.88 per common share 
annually), which is determined at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.

A summary of our projected contractual cash obligations at September 30, 2012 are (in millions):

Payments by Period

$

Thereafter
2,290.5
Long-term debt and interest (a)
99.7
Minimum operating lease payments
Postretirement benefi ts (b)
100.4
—
Pension funding contribution (c)
Purchase obligations (d)
24.4
Other long-term liabilities (e)
—
—
Unrecognized tax benefi ts (f)
TOTAL
2,515.0
(a)  The amounts for long-term debt assume that the respective debt instruments will be outstanding until their scheduled maturity dates. The amounts include interest, but exclude 

Total
2,575.0 $
377.6  
172.5  
40.4  
173.2  
81.4  
90.4  
3,510.5 $

2017
56.9 $
35.7  
12.7  
—  
7.5  
—  
—  
112.8 $

2016
56.9 $
40.8  
13.6  
—  
7.6  
—  
—  
118.9 $

2015
56.9 $
54.5  
14.5  
—  
7.6  
—  
—  
133.5 $

2014
56.9 $
67.3  
15.2  
—  
17.7  
—  
—  
157.1 $

2013
56.9 $
79.6  
16.1  
40.4  
108.4  
17.3  
—  

318.7 $

$

the unamortized discount of $45.0 million. See Note 6 in the Financial Statements for more information regarding our long-term debt.

(b)  Our postretirement plans are unfunded and are subject to change. Amounts reported are estimates of future benefit payments, to the extent estimable.
(c)  Amounts reported for pension funding contributions reflect current estimates of known commitments. Contributions to our pension plans beyond 2013 will depend on future 
investment performance of our pension plan assets, changes in discount rate assumptions and governmental regulations in effect at the time. Amounts subsequent to 2013 are 
excluded from the summary above, as these amounts cannot be estimated with certainty. The minimum contribution for our U.S. pension plan as required by the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is currently zero. We may make additional contributions to this plan at the discretion of management.

(d)  This item includes long-term obligations under agreements with various service providers, contractual commitments for capital expenditures and contractually required cash 
payments  for  acquisitions. Amounts  payable  in  2013  include  $84.4  million  for  acquisition  of  the  medium  voltage  drives  business  of  Harbin  Jiuzhou  Electric  Co.,  Ltd  in 
October 2012. See Note 19 in the Financial Statements for more information regarding the acquisition.

(e)  Other  long-term  liabilities  include  environmental  liabilities  net  of  related  receivables,  asset  retirement  obligations  and  indemnifications. Amounts  subsequent  to  2013  are 

excluded from the summary above, as we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when the liabilities will be paid.

(f)  Amount for unrecognized tax benefits includes accrued interest and penalties. We are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when the liabilities for unrecognized tax 

benefits will be settled or paid. 

Supplemental Sales Information

We translate sales of subsidiaries operating outside of the United States 
using exchange rates effective during the respective period. Therefore, 
changes in currency rates affect our reported sales. Sales by businesses 
we acquired also affect our reported sales. We believe that organic sales, 
defi ned as sales excluding the effects of changes in currency exchange 
rates and acquisitions, which is a non-GAAP fi nancial measure, provides 
useful information to investors because it refl ects regional and operating 
segment performance from the activities of our businesses without the 
effect of changes in currency rates or acquisitions. We use organic sales as 

one measure to monitor and evaluate our regional and operating segment 
performance. We determine the effect of changes in currency exchange 
rates by translating the respective period’s sales using the currency 
exchange rates that were in effect during the prior year. We determine the 
effect of acquisitions by excluding sales in the current period for which 
there are no sales in the comparable prior period. Organic sales growth 
is calculated by comparing organic sales to reported sales in the prior 
year. We attribute sales to the geographic regions based on the country 
of destination.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 21

 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended 
September 30, 2011

Year Ended 
September 30, 2010

Sales
2,917.8
396.2
1,267.6
910.6
508.2
6,000.4

Sales
2,456.2
321.0
987.3
724.3
368.2
4,857.0

Sales
2,594.3
3,406.1
6,000.4

Sales
2,115.0
2,742.0
4,857.0

PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a reconciliation of our reported sales to organic sales (in millions):

United States
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa  
Asia-Pacifi c
Latin America
TOTAL COMPANY SALES

$

$

United States
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa  
Asia-Pacifi c
Latin America
TOTAL COMPANY SALES

$

$

Sales
3,067.3 $
464.3  
1,280.6  
942.4  
504.8  
6,259.4 $

Sales
2,917.8 $
396.2  
1,267.6  
910.6  
508.2  
6,000.4 $

Year Ended September 30, 2012
Sales Excluding 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Acquisitions

3.3 $
9.4  
98.3  
11.8  
43.1  
165.9 $

3,070.6 $
473.7  
1,378.9  
954.2  
547.9  
6,425.3 $

Organic Sales
3,068.3

$

473.7  
1,345.8  
952.9  
547.9  

6,388.6

$

(2.3) $
—    

(33.1)
(1.3)

—    
(36.7) $

Year Ended September 30, 2011
Sales Excluding 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Acquisitions

(6.7) $

(21.5)
(42.8)
(52.4)
(30.4)
(153.8) $

2,911.1 $
374.7  
1,224.8  
858.2  
477.8  
5,846.6 $

Organic Sales
2,910.5

$

374.7  
1,209.0  
857.9  
477.8  

5,829.9

$

(0.6) $
—    

(15.8)
(0.3)

—    
(16.7) $

The following is a reconciliation of our reported sales by operating segment to organic sales (in millions):

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions
TOTAL COMPANY SALES

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions
TOTAL COMPANY SALES

Sales
2,650.4 $
3,609.0  
6,259.4 $

Sales
2,594.3 $
3,406.1  
6,000.4 $

$

$

$

$

Year Ended September 30, 2012
Sales Excluding 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Acquisitions

73.5 $
92.4  
165.9 $

2,723.9 $
3,701.4  
6,425.3 $

Organic Sales
2,723.9
3,664.7  
6,388.6

$

$

—   $

(36.7)
(36.7) $

Year Ended September 30, 2011
Sales Excluding 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Changes in 
Currency

Effect of 
Acquisitions

(64.5) $
(89.3)
(153.8) $

2,529.8 $
3,316.8  
5,846.6 $

Organic Sales
2,529.8
3,300.1  
5,829.9

$

$

—   $

(16.7)
(16.7) $

Year Ended 
September 30, 2011

Year Ended 
September 30, 2010

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have prepared the consolidated fi nancial statements in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which 
require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated fi nancial 
statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual 
results could differ from those estimates. We believe the following critical 
accounting policies could have the most signifi cant effect on our reported 
results or require subjective or complex judgments by management.

Retirement Benefi ts — Pension

amortization of differences between the assumptions and actual experience 
will affect the amount of pension expense in future periods.

Our global pension expense in 2012 was $104.7 million compared to 
$91.4 million in 2011. Approximately 72 percent of our 2012 global pension 
expense relates to our U.S. pension plan. The actuarial assumptions used to 
determine our 2012 U.S. pension expense included the following: discount 
rate of 5.20 percent (compared to 5.60 percent for 2011); expected rate of 
return on plan assets of 8.00 percent (compared to 8.00 percent for 2011); 
and an assumed long-term compensation increase rate of 4.00 percent 
(compared to 4.00 percent for 2011).

Pension costs and obligations are actuarially determined and are infl uenced 
by assumptions used to estimate these amounts, including the discount 
rate, the expected rate of return on plan assets, the assumed annual 
compensation increase rate, the retirement rate, the mortality rate and 
the employee turnover rate. Changes in any of the assumptions and the 

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, we were not required to make contributions 
to satisfy minimum statutory funding requirements in our U.S. pension 
plans. However, we made voluntary contributions of $300.0 million, 
$150.0 million, and $150.0 million to our U.S pension plans in 2012, 
2011, and 2010, respectively.

22

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

PART II  

We estimate our pension expense will be approximately $168.8 million 
in 2013, an increase of approximately $64.1 million from 2012, of which 
$20.6 million and $43.5 million relate to operating and non-operating 
pension costs, respectively. Further information on operating and non-
operating pension costs is provided in “Introduction of new non-GAAP 
measures and changes to defi nition of segment operating earnings for fi scal 
2013” section in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”.

For 2013, our U.S. discount rate will decrease to 4.15 percent. The discount 
rate was set as of our September 30 measurement date and was determined 
by modeling a portfolio of bonds that match the expected cash fl ow of 

our benefi t plans. We have assumed a U.S. long-term compensation 
increase rate of 4.00 percent in 2013. We established this rate by analyzing 
all elements of compensation that are pension-eligible earnings. Our 
expected rate of return on U.S. plan assets will remain at 8.00 percent. 
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we considered actual 
returns on plan assets over the long term, adjusted for forward-looking 
considerations, such as infl ation, interest rates, equity performance and 
the active management of the plans’ invested assets. We also considered 
our current and expected mix of plan assets in setting this assumption. 
The target allocations and ranges of expected return for our major categories 
of U.S. plan assets are as follows:

Asset Category
Equity Securities
Debt Securities
Other

Target 
Allocations

55%
40%
5%

Expected Return
9% – 10%
4% – 6%
6% – 11%

The fi nancial markets produced strong results in 2012. The plan’s 
Debt Securities return exceeded the expected return range in 2012, 
as lower market interest rates resulted in higher bond values. 
The plan’s Equity Securities return exceeded the expected return range 
in 2012, largely due to higher U.S. equity returns. While the fi nancial 
markets continue to experience volatility, we have not changed our 
expectation for long-term returns for the asset categories in which our 
plan assets are invested. Actual return for our portfolio of U.S. plan 

assets was approximately 6.60 percent annualized for the 15 years 
ended September 30, 2012, and was approximately 9.00 percent annualized 
for the 20 years ended September 30, 2012.

The changes in our discount rate and return on plan assets have an inverse 
relationship with our net periodic benefi t cost. The change in our discount 
rate also has an inverse relationship with our projected benefi t obligation. 
The change in our compensation increase rate has a direct relationship 
with our net periodic benefi t cost and projected benefi t obligation.

The following chart illustrates the estimated change in benefi t obligation and annual net periodic pension cost assuming a change of 25 basis points in 
the key assumptions for our U.S. pension plans (in millions):

Discount rate
Return on plan assets
Compensation increase rate

Pension Benefi ts

Change in 
Projected Benefi t 
Obligation

$

121.3 $

—  
23.6  

Change in
Net Periodic 
Benefi t Cost
11.0
5.9
4.8

More information regarding pension benefi ts is contained in Note 12 in the Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

For approximately 80 percent of our consolidated sales, we record sales 
when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists; pricing 
is fi xed or determinable; collection is reasonably assured; and product 
has been delivered and acceptance has occurred, as may be required 
according to contract terms, or services have been rendered. Within this 
category, we will at times enter into arrangements that involve the delivery 
of multiple products and/or the performance of services, such as installation 
and commissioning. The timing of delivery, though varied based upon the 
nature of the undelivered component, is generally short-term in nature. 
For these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based 
on that element’s relative selling price, provided the delivered element has 
value to customers on a standalone basis and, if the arrangement includes 
a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is 
probable and substantially in our control. Relative selling price is obtained 
from sources such as vendor-specifi c objective evidence (VSOE), which 
is based on the separate selling price for that or a similar item, or from 
third-party evidence such as how competitors have priced similar items. 
If such evidence is not available, we use our best estimate of the selling 
price, which includes various internal factors such as our pricing strategy 
and market factors.

We recognize substantially all of the remainder of our sales as construction-
type contracts using either the percentage-of-completion or completed 
contract methods of accounting. We record sales relating to these contracts 
using the percentage-of-completion method when we determine that 
progress toward completion is reasonably and reliably estimable; we use 

the completed contract method for all others. Under the percentage-
of-completion method, we recognize sales and gross profi t as work is 
performed using the relationship between actual costs incurred and total 
estimated costs at completion. Under the percentage-of-completion 
method, we adjust sales and gross profi t for revisions of estimated total 
contract costs or revenue in the period the change is identifi ed. We record 
estimated losses on contracts when they are identifi ed.

We use contracts and customer purchase orders to determine the existence 
of an agreement of sale. We use shipping documents and customer 
acceptance, when applicable, to verify delivery. We assess whether the 
fee is fi xed or determinable based on the payment terms associated 
with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or 
adjustment. We assess collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the 
customer as determined by credit evaluations and analysis, as well as the 
customer’s payment history.

Returns, Rebates and Incentives

Our primary incentive program provides distributors with cash rebates or 
account credits based on agreed amounts that vary depending on the 
customer to whom our distributor ultimately sells the product. We also offer 
various other incentive programs that provide distributors and direct sale 
customers with cash rebates, account credits or additional products and 
services based on meeting specifi ed program criteria. Certain distributors 
are offered a right to return product, subject to contractual limitations.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 23

 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We record accruals for customer returns, rebates and incentives at the 
time of revenue recognition based primarily on historical experience. 
Adjustments to the accrual may be required if actual returns, rebates 
and incentives differ from historical experience or if there are changes to 
other assumptions used to estimate the accrual. A critical assumption 
used in estimating the accrual for our primary distributor rebate program 
is the time period from when revenue is recognized to when the rebate 
is processed. If the time period were to change by 10 percent, the effect 
would be an adjustment to the accrual of approximately $10.7 million.

Returns, rebates and incentives are recognized as a reduction of sales if 
distributed in cash or customer account credits. Rebates and incentives 
are recognized in cost of sales for additional products and services to be 
provided. Accruals are reported as a current liability in our balance sheet 
or, where a right of offset exists, as a reduction of accounts receivable. The 
 accrual for customer returns, rebates and incentives was $176.6 million  at 
 September 30, 2012  and $162.0 million  at  September 30, 2011, of which 
$7.9 million  at  September 30, 2012  and $8.0 million  at  September 30, 2011 
 was included as an offset to accounts receivable.

Litigation, Claims and Contingencies

We record liabilities for litigation, claims and contingencies when an obligation 
is probable and when we have a basis to reasonably estimate the value of 
an obligation. We also record liabilities for environmental matters based on 
estimates for known environmental remediation exposures. The liabilities 
include accruals for sites we currently own or operate or formerly owned or 
operated and third-party sites where we were determined to be a potentially 
responsible party. At third-party environmental sites where more than one 
potentially responsible party has been identifi ed, we record a liability for our 
estimated allocable share of costs related to our involvement with the site 
as well as an estimated allocable share of costs related to the involvement 
of insolvent or unidentifi ed parties. At environmental sites where we are 
the only responsible party, we record a liability for the total estimated costs 
of remediation. We do not discount future expenditures for environmental 
remediation obligations to their present value. Environmental liability 
estimates may be affected by changing determinations of what constitutes 
an environmental exposure or an acceptable level of cleanup. To the extent 
that remediation procedures change, additional contamination is identifi ed, 
or the fi nancial condition of other potentially responsible parties is adversely 
affected, the estimate of our environmental liabilities may change.

Our accrual for environmental matters was $45.2 million, net of related 
receivables of $32.1 million, at September 30, 2012 and $41.1 million, net 
of related receivables of $32.5 million, at September 30, 2011. Our recorded 
liability for environmental matters relates almost entirely to businesses formerly 
owned by us (legacy businesses) for which we retained the responsibility 
to remediate. The nature of our current business is such that the likelihood 
of new environmental exposures that could result in a signifi cant charge to 
earnings is low. As a result of remediation efforts at legacy sites and limited 
new environmental matters, we expect that gradually, over a long period 
of time, our environmental obligations will decline. However, changes in 
remediation procedures at existing legacy sites or discovery of contamination 
at additional sites could result in increases to our environmental obligations.

Our principal self-insurance programs include product liability where we 
are self-insured up to a specifi ed dollar amount. Claims exceeding this 
amount up to specifi ed limits are covered by policies issued by commercial 
insurers. We estimate the reserve for product liability claims using our claims 
experience for the periods being valued. Adjustments to the product liability 
reserves may be required to refl ect emerging claims experience and other 
factors such as infl ationary trends or the outcome of claims. The reserve 
for product liability claims was $22.3 million at September 30, 2012 and 
$20.1 million at September 30, 2011.

Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or 
asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business. As described 
in Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings, we have been named as a defendant 
in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos 
that was used in certain components of our products many years ago. 
See Part I, Item 3 for further discussion.

We accrue for costs related to the legal obligation associated with the 
retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, 
construction, development or the normal operation of the long-lived asset. 
The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is not conditional 
even though the timing or method may be conditional. Identifi ed conditional 
asset retirement obligations include asbestos abatement and remediation 
of soil contamination beneath current and previously divested facilities. 
We estimate conditional asset retirement obligations using site-specifi c 
knowledge and historical industry expertise. A signifi cant change in 
the costs or timing could have a signifi cant effect on our estimates. 
We recorded these liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, which 
totaled $3.4 million in other current liabilities and $22.4 million in other 
liabilities at September 30, 2012 and $4.7 million in other current liabilities 
and $23.9 million in other liabilities at September 30, 2011.

In conjunction with the sale of our Dodge mechanical and Reliance 
Electric motors and motor repair services businesses, we agreed to 
indemnify Baldor Electric Company for costs and damages related 
to certain legacy legal, environmental and asbestos matters of these 
businesses arising before January 31, 2007, for which the maximum 
exposure is capped at the amount received for the sale. We estimate the 
potential future payments we could incur under these indemnifi cations may 
approximate $13.5 million, of which $1.6 million has been accrued in other 
current liabilities at September 30, 2012 and 2011, and $8.8 million and 
$10.1 million has been accrued in other liabilities at September 30, 2012 
and 2011, respectively. A signifi cant change in the costs or timing could 
have a signifi cant effect on our estimates.

More information regarding litigation, claims and contingencies is contained 
in Note 16 in the Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular 
examinations by U.S. Federal, state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Additionally, 
we have retained tax liabilities and the rights to tax refunds in connection 
with various divestitures of businesses in prior years. Our income tax 
positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws 
and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which we do business. Due to the 
subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the 
differences and interplay in tax laws between those jurisdictions as well 
as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the fi nal resolution of complex 
tax audit matters, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from 
actual payments or assessments.

While we have support for the positions we take on our tax returns, taxing 
authorities may assert interpretations of laws and facts and may challenge 
cross jurisdictional transactions. Cross jurisdictional transactions between 
our subsidiaries involving the transfer price for products, services, and/or 
intellectual property as well as various U.S. state tax matters comprise our 
more signifi cant income tax exposures. The gross liability for unrecognized 
tax benefi ts, excluding interest and penalties, was recorded in other liabilities 
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the amount of $70.3 million at 
September 30, 2012 and $75.1 million at September 30, 2011. The amount 
of net unrecognized tax benefi ts that would reduce our effective tax rate for 
continuing operations if recognized was $23.3 million at September 30, 2012 
and $30.2 million at September 30, 2011. We recognize interest and 
penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense. Total accrued 
interest and penalties were $20.1 million at September 30, 2012 and 
$16.9 million at September 30, 2011. We believe it is reasonably possible 
that the amount of unrecognized tax benefi ts could be reduced by up 
to $1.2 million during the next 12 months as a result of the resolution of 
worldwide tax matters and the lapses of statutes of limitations.

We recorded a valuation allowance for a portion of our deferred 
tax assets related to net operating loss, tax credit, and capital loss 
carryforwards (Carryforwards) and certain temporary differences in the 
amount of $31.8 million at September 30, 2012 and $32.8 million at 
September 30, 2011 based on the projected profi tability of the entity in 
the respective tax jurisdiction. The valuation allowance is based on an 
evaluation of the uncertainty that the Carryforwards and certain temporary 

24

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PART II  

differences will be realized. Our income would increase if we determine we 
will be able to use more Carryforwards or certain temporary differences 
than currently expected.

Our consolidated fi nancial statements provide for tax liability on undistributed 
earnings of our subsidiaries that will be repatriated to the U.S. As of 
September 30, 2012, we have not provided U.S. deferred taxes for 
$2,081.0 million of such earnings, since these earnings have been, and 
under current plans will continue to be, permanently reinvested outside 
the U.S.

At the end of each interim reporting period, we estimate a base effective 
tax rate that we expect for the full fi scal year based on our most recent 
forecast of pretax income, permanent book and tax differences and 
global tax planning strategies. We use this base rate to provide for income 
taxes on a year-to-date basis, excluding the effect of signifi cant unusual 
or extraordinary items and items that are reported net of their related tax 
effects. We record the tax effect of signifi cant unusual or extraordinary 
items and items that are reported net of their tax effects in the period in 
which they occur.

More information regarding income taxes is contained in Note 15 in the 
Financial Statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 in the Financial Statements regarding recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 

About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk during the normal course of business from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We manage 
exposure to these risks through a combination of normal operating and fi nancing activities and derivative fi nancial instruments in the form of foreign 
currency forward exchange contracts. We sometimes use interest rate swap contracts to manage the balance of fi xed and fl oating rate debt.

Foreign Currency Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency risks that arise from normal business 
operations. These risks include the translation of local currency balances 
of foreign subsidiaries, transaction gains and losses associated with 
intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries and transactions denominated 
in currencies other than a location’s functional currency. Our objective is 
to minimize our exposure to these risks through a combination of normal 
operating activities and the use of foreign currency forward exchange 
contracts. Contracts are usually denominated in currencies of major 
industrial countries. The fair value of our foreign currency forward exchange 
contracts is an asset of $12.4 million and a liability of $23.0 million at 
September 30, 2012. We enter into these contracts with major fi nancial 
institutions that we believe to be creditworthy.

We do not enter into derivative fi nancial instruments for speculative 
purposes. In 2012, the relative strengthening of the U.S. dollar against 
foreign currencies had an unfavorable impact on our revenues and results 
of operations, while in 2011 the relative weakening of the U.S. dollar had 
a favorable impact. While future changes in foreign currency exchange 
rates are diffi cult to predict, our revenues and profi tability may be adversely 
affected if the U.S. dollar further strengthens relative to 2012 levels.

Certain of our locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies 
other than their functional currencies. We enter into foreign currency 

forward exchange contracts to offset the transaction gains or losses 
associated with some of these assets and liabilities. For such assets and 
liabilities without offsetting foreign currency forward exchange contracts, 
a 10 percent adverse change in the underlying foreign currency exchange 
rates would reduce our pre-tax income by approximately $10 million.

We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value regardless of 
the purpose for holding them. The use of these contracts allows us to 
manage transactional exposure to exchange rate fl uctuations as the gains 
or losses incurred on the foreign currency forward exchange contracts 
will offset, in whole or in part, losses or gains on the underlying foreign 
currency exposure. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges for 
accounting purposes are adjusted to fair value through earnings. For 
derivatives that are hedges, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes 
in fair value are either offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged 
assets, liabilities or fi rm commitments through earnings or recognized in 
other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. 
We recognize the ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value in 
earnings immediately. The ineffective portion was not signifi cant in 2012 
and 2011. A hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in underlying foreign 
currency exchange rates associated with these contracts would not be 
signifi cant to our fi nancial condition or results of operations.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 25

PART II  
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

In addition to existing cash balances and cash provided by normal operating 
activities, we use a combination of short-term and long-term debt to fi nance 
operations. We are exposed to interest rate risk on certain of these debt 
obligations.

Our short-term debt obligations relate to commercial paper borrowings 
and bank borrowings. Commercial paper borrowings outstanding at 
September 30, 2012 were $157.0 million with remaining maturities of 
6 days at a weighted average interest rate of 0.27 percent. We had no 
outstanding commercial paper or bank borrowings at September 30, 2011. 
As these obligations mature, we issued, and anticipate continuing to issue, 
additional short-term commercial paper obligations to refi nance all or part 
of these borrowings. Changes in market interest rates on commercial 
paper borrowings affect our results of operations. In 2012, a 100 basis 
point increase in average market interest rates would have increased 

our interest expense by $2.7 million. Due to the low level of variable-rate 
borrowings in 2011, interest rate changes would not have had a material 
impact on interest expense.

We had outstanding fi xed rate long-term debt obligations with a carrying 
value of $905.0 million at  September 30, 2012 and 2011. The fair value of 
this debt was $1,187.9 million at September 30, 2012 and $1,125.4 million 
at September 30, 2011. The potential reduction in fair value on such 
fi xed-rate debt obligations from a hypothetical 10 percent increase in 
market interest rates would not be material to the overall fair value of the 
debt. We currently have no plans to repurchase our outstanding fi xed-rate 
instruments before their maturity and, therefore, fl uctuations in market 
interest rates would not have an effect on our results of operations or 
shareowners’ equity.

26

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

ITEM 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(in millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Receivables
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Other current assets
Total current assets

Property, net
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Deferred income taxes
Other assets
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt
Accounts payable
Compensation and benefi ts
Advance payments from customers and deferred revenue
Customer returns, rebates and incentives
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Retirement benefi ts
Other liabilities
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 16)
Shareowners’ equity:

Common stock (shares issued: 181.4)
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Common stock in treasury, at cost (shares held: 2012, 41.6; 2011, 39.5)

Total shareowners’ equity

TOTAL
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

September 30,
2012

2011

$

$

$

$

903.9   $
350.0    
1,187.3    
619.0    
208.6    
118.7    
3,387.5    
587.1    
948.8    
209.5    
351.1    
152.5    

5,636.5

$

157.0   $
547.6    
246.4    
204.1    
168.7    
207.8    

1,531.6

905.0    
1,105.8    
242.4    

181.4    
1,416.7    
3,858.8    
(1,225.3)
(2,379.9)
1,851.7    
5,636.5

$

988.9  
—  
1,063.4  
641.7  
199.6  
181.5  
3,075.1  
561.4  
952.6  
218.0  
336.2  
141.6  

5,284.9

—  
455.1  
319.6  
189.0  
154.0  
212.2  

1,329.9

905.0  
1,059.3  
242.7  

181.4  
1,381.4  
3,382.8  
(992.9)
(2,204.7)
1,748.0  
5,284.9

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 27

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Sales

Products and solutions
Services

Cost of sales

Products and solutions
Services

Gross profi t

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Other expense (Note 14)
Interest expense
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax provision (Note 15)
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations (Note 13)
NET INCOME
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
NET INCOME
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
NET INCOME
Weighted average outstanding shares:
Basic
Diluted
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

$

$

$

$

$

Year Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2010

5,656.1   $
603.3    
6,259.4    

5,430.8   $
569.6    
6,000.4    

(3,315.9)
(420.8)
(3,736.7)
2,522.7    
(1,491.7)
(5.0)
(60.1)
965.9    
(228.9)
737.0

(3,224.0)
(386.0)
(3,610.0)
2,390.4    
(1,461.2)
(2.1)
(59.5)
867.6    
(170.5)
697.1

—    

737.0

$

0.7    

697.8

$

5.20   $
—    

5.20

$

5.13   $
—    

5.13

$

4.88   $
—    

4.88

$

4.79   $
0.01    
4.80

$

141.5    
143.4    

142.7    
145.2    

4,357.9  
499.1  
4,857.0  

(2,576.2)
(344.4)
(2,920.6)
1,936.4  
(1,323.3)
(8.4)
(60.5)
544.2  
(103.8)
440.4

23.9  

464.3

3.09  
0.17  
3.26

3.05  
0.17  
3.22

142.0  
144.0  

28

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in millions)
Continuing operations:
Operating activities:
Net income
Income from discontinued operations
Income from continuing operations
Adjustments to arrive at cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Share-based compensation expense
Retirement benefi t expense
Pension trust contributions
Deferred income taxes
Net loss (gain) on disposition of property and investments
Income tax benefi t from the exercise of stock options
Excess income tax benefi t from share-based compensation
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions, divestitures, 
and foreign currency adjustments:

Receivables
Inventories
Accounts payable
Compensation and benefi ts
Income taxes
Other assets and liabilities

Cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities:
Capital expenditures
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Purchases of short-term investments
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
Proceeds from sale of property and investments

Cash used for investing activities

Financing activities:
Net issuance of short-term debt
Cash dividends
Purchases of treasury stock (See Note 10 for non-cash fi nancing activities)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
Excess income tax benefi t from share-based compensation
Other fi nancing activities

Cash used for fi nancing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Cash (used for) provided by continuing operations
Discontinued operations:

Cash used for discontinued operating activities

Cash used for discontinued operations
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

Year Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2010

$

737.0   $

—    
737.0    

697.8   $
(0.7)
697.1    

103.9    
34.7    
43.5    

105.9  
(341.1)

82.2    
1.0    
0.7    

(18.5)

(135.7)

21.4    
90.2    
(67.0)
35.7    
24.8    

718.7

(139.6)
(16.2)
(487.5)
137.5    
2.6    

(503.2)

157.0    
(247.4)
(259.4)

49.0    
18.5  
(0.4)
(282.7)
(16.8)
(84.0)

96.5    
34.8    
39.5    
100.9    
(184.7)

46.5    
(0.9)
3.1    

(38.1)

(207.2)
(41.9)
15.0    
16.9    
49.2    
17.0    

643.7

(120.1)
(45.9)

—    
—    
5.1    

(160.9)

—    

(211.0)
(298.7)
174.0    
38.1  
(0.3)
(297.9)
(5.8)
179.1

(1.0)
(1.0)
(85.0)
988.9
903.9

$

(3.6)
(3.6)
175.5
813.4
988.9

$

$

464.3  
(23.9)
440.4  

95.7  
31.6  
36.3  
89.1  
(181.2)
57.5  
5.5  
0.6  
(16.1)

(131.7)
(166.4)
117.2  
143.9  
(22.7)
(5.7)
494.0

(99.4)
—  
—  
—  
10.4  
(89.0)

—  
(173.6)
(118.8)
35.2  
16.1  
(0.3)
(241.4)
6.8  

170.4

(0.8)
(0.8)
169.6
643.8
813.4

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 29

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ Equity

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Common stock (no shares issued during years)
Additional paid-in capital
Beginning balance
Income tax benefi ts from share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense
Shares delivered under incentive plans
Ending balance
Retained earnings
Beginning balance
Net income
Cash dividends (2012, $1.745 per share; 2011, $1.475 per share; 
2010, $1.22 per share)
Shares delivered under incentive plans
Ending balance
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning balance
Other comprehensive loss
Ending balance
Treasury stock
Beginning balance
Purchases
Shares delivered under incentive plans
Ending balance
Total shareowners’ equity
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Year Ended September 30,

2012
181.4

$

2011
181.4

$

1,381.4    
19.2    
42.7    
(26.6)
1,416.7    

3,382.8    
737.0    

(247.4)
(13.6)
3,858.8    

(992.9)
(232.4)
(1,225.3)

(2,204.7)
(265.3)

90.1    

(2,379.9)
1,851.7

$

1,344.2    
41.2    
38.7    
(42.7)
1,381.4    

2,912.4    
697.8    

(211.0)
(16.4)
3,382.8    

(841.2)
(151.7)
(992.9)

(2,136.4)
(299.2)
230.9    

(2,204.7)
1,748.0

$

$

$

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(in millions)
Net income
Other comprehensive loss:

Pension and other postretirement benefi t plan adjustments
(net of tax benefi t of $103.1, $93.2 and $71.8)
Currency translation adjustments
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on cash fl ow hedges
(net of tax benefi t of $3.1 and expense of $2.3 and $5.0)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, net of tax

Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Year Ended September 30,

2012
737.0   $

2011
697.8   $

(192.4)
(35.0)

(5.0)

—    

(232.4)
504.6   $

(178.7)

23.4    

3.9    
(0.3)
(151.7)
546.1   $

$

$

2010
181.4

1,304.8  
16.7  
35.8  
(13.1)
1,344.2  

2,667.2  
464.3  

(173.6)
(45.5)
2,912.4  

(727.5)
(113.7)
(841.2)

(2,109.5)
(120.0)
93.1  
(2,136.4)
1,460.4

2010
464.3  

(126.6)
4.4  

8.3  
0.2  
(113.7)
350.6  

30

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

NOTE 1 

Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the Company or Rockwell Automation) is a 
leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information 
solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage for their 
businesses.

Basis of Presentation

Except as indicated, amounts refl ected in the consolidated fi nancial statements 
or the notes thereto relate to our continuing operations.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated fi nancial statements include the accounts 
of the Company and its wholly-owned and controlled majority owned 
subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated 
in consolidation. Investments in affi liates over which we do not have control 
but exercise signifi cant infl uence are accounted for using the equity method 
of accounting. These affi liated companies are not material individually or in 
the aggregate to our fi nancial position, results of operations or cash fl ows.

Use of Estimates

The consolidated fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), 
which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated fi nancial 
statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual 
results could differ from those estimates. We use estimates in accounting for, 
among other items, customer returns, rebates and incentives; allowance for 
doubtful accounts; excess and obsolete inventory; share-based compensation; 
acquisitions; product warranty obligations; retirement benefi ts; litigation, 
claims and contingencies, including environmental matters, conditional 
asset retirement obligations and contractual indemnifi cations; and income 
taxes. We account for changes to estimates and assumptions prospectively 
when warranted by factually based experience.

Revenue Recognition

Product and solution revenues consist of industrial automation power, control 
and information; hardware and software products; and custom-engineered 
systems. Service revenues include multi-vendor customer technical support 
and repair, asset management and optimization consulting and training. All 
service revenue recorded in our results of operations is associated with our 
Control Products & Solutions segment.

For approximately 80 percent of our consolidated sales, we record sales 
when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists; pricing 
is fi xed or determinable; collection is reasonably assured; and product 
has been delivered and acceptance has occurred, as may be required 
according to contract terms, or services have been rendered. Within this 
category, we will at times enter into arrangements that involve the delivery 
of multiple products and/or the performance of services, such as installation 
and commissioning. The timing of delivery, though varied based upon the 
nature of the undelivered component, is generally short-term in nature. 
For these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based 
on that element’s relative selling price, provided the delivered element has 
value to customers on a standalone basis and, if the arrangement includes 
a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is 
probable and substantially in our control. Relative selling price is obtained 

from sources such as vendor-specifi c objective evidence (VSOE), which 
is based on the separate selling price for that or a similar item, or from 
third-party evidence such as how competitors have priced similar items. 
If such evidence is not available, we use our best estimate of the selling 
price, which includes various internal factors such as our pricing strategy 
and market factors.

We recognize substantially all of the remainder of our sales as construction-
type contracts using either the percentage-of-completion or completed 
contract method of accounting. We record sales relating to these contracts 
using the percentage-of-completion method when we determine that 
progress toward completion is reasonably and reliably estimable; we use the 
completed contract method for all others. Under the percentage-of-completion 
method, we recognize sales and gross profi t as work is performed using 
the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at 
completion. Under the percentage-of-completion method, we adjust sales 
and gross profi t for revisions of estimated total contract costs or revenue in 
the period the change is identifi ed. We record estimated losses on contracts 
when they are identifi ed.

We use contracts and customer purchase orders to determine the existence 
of an agreement of sale. We use shipping documents and customer 
acceptance, when applicable, to verify delivery. We assess whether the fee 
is fi xed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the 
transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. 
We assess collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the customer as 
determined by credit evaluations and analysis, as well as the customer’s 
payment history.

Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in sales and 
the related costs are included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement 
of Operations.

Returns, Rebates and Incentives

Our primary incentive program provides distributors with cash rebates or 
account credits based on agreed amounts that vary depending on the 
customer to whom our distributor ultimately sells the product. We also offer 
various other incentive programs that provide distributors and direct sale 
customers with cash rebates, account credits or additional products and 
services based on meeting specifi ed program criteria. Certain distributors 
are offered a right to return product, subject to contractual limitations.

We record accruals for customer returns, rebates and incentives at the 
time of sale based primarily on historical experience. Returns, rebates and 
incentives are recognized as a reduction of sales if distributed in cash or 
customer account credits. Rebates and incentives are recognized in cost 
of sales for additional products and services to be provided. Accruals are 
reported as a current liability in our balance sheet or, where a right of offset 
exists, as a reduction of accounts receivable.

Taxes on Revenue Producing Transactions

Taxes assessed by governmental authorities on revenue producing 
transactions, including sales, value added, excise and use taxes, are 
recorded on a net basis (excluded from revenue).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits and certifi cates of deposit 
with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 31

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments include time deposits and certifi cates of deposit 
with original maturities of more than three months but no more than one 
year at the time of purchase. These investments are stated at cost, which 
approximates fair value.

when the undiscounted expected future cash fl ows derived from an asset 
are less than its carrying amount. If we determine that an asset is impaired, 
we measure the impairment to be recognized as the amount by which the 
recorded amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. We report assets to be 
disposed of at the lower of the recorded amount or fair value less cost to 
sell. We determine fair value using a discounted future cash fl ow analysis.

Receivables

We record allowances for doubtful accounts based on customer-specifi c 
analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past 
due balances and economic conditions. Receivables are stated net of 
allowances for doubtful accounts of $28.0 million at September 30, 2012 and 
$26.1 million at September 30, 2011. In addition, receivables are stated 
net of an allowance for certain customer returns, rebates and incentives of 
$7.9 million at September 30, 2012 and $8.0 million at September 30, 2011.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the fi rst-in, fi rst-
out (FIFO) or average cost methods. Market is determined on the basis of 
estimated realizable values.

Property

Property, including internal use software, is stated at cost. We calculate 
depreciation of property using the straight-line method over 15 to 
40 years for buildings and improvements, 3  to 10 years for machinery 
and equipment and 3 to 8 years for computer hardware and internal-use 
software. We capitalize signifi cant renewals and enhancements and write off 
replaced units. We expense maintenance and repairs, as well as renewals 
of minor amounts.

Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets generally result from business acquisitions. 
We account for business acquisitions by allocating the purchase price to 
tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their 
fair values; the excess of the purchase price over the allocated amount is 
recorded as goodwill.

We review goodwill and other intangible assets with indefi nite useful lives 
for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances 
indicate impairment may be present. Any excess in carrying value over the 
estimated fair value is charged to results of operations. We perform an annual 
impairment test during the second quarter of our fi scal year.

We amortize certain customer relationships on an accelerated basis over 
the period of which we expect the intangible asset to generate future cash 
fl ows. We amortize all other intangible assets with fi nite useful lives on a 
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives assigned 
range from 2 to 10 years for trademarks, 7 to 20 years for customer 
relationships, 7 to 17 years for technology and 2 to 30 years for other 
intangible assets.

Intangible assets also include costs of software developed by our software 
business to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed. Amortization of developed 
computer software products is calculated on a product-by-product basis 
as the greater of (a) the unamortized cost at the beginning of the year 
times the ratio of the current year gross revenue for a product to the total 
of the current and anticipated future gross revenue for that product, (b) the 
straight-line amortization over the remaining estimated economic life of the 
product or (c) one-fourth of the total deferred software cost for the project.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the recoverability of the recorded amount of long-lived assets 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded 
amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Impairment is assessed 

Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative fi nancial instruments in the form of foreign currency 
forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risks. We use 
foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset changes in the 
amount of future cash fl ows associated with certain third-party sale and 
intercompany transactions expected to occur within the next two years (cash 
fl ow hedges) and changes in the fair value of certain assets and liabilities 
resulting from intercompany loans and other transactions with third parties 
denominated in foreign currencies. Our accounting method for derivative 
fi nancial instruments is based upon the designation of such instruments as 
hedges under U.S. GAAP. It is our policy to execute such instruments with 
global fi nancial institutions that we believe to be creditworthy and not to 
enter into derivative fi nancial instruments for speculative purposes. Foreign 
currency forward exchange contracts are usually denominated in currencies 
of major industrial countries.

Foreign Currency Translation

We translate assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside of the 
United States with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar into U.S. 
dollars using exchange rates at the end of the respective period. We translate 
sales, costs and expenses at average exchange rates effective during the 
respective period. We report foreign currency translation adjustments as 
a component of other comprehensive loss. Currency transaction gains 
and losses are included in the results of operations in the period incurred.

Research and Development Expenses

We expense research and development (R&D) costs as incurred; these costs 
were $259.1 million in 2012, $254.4 million in 2011 and $198.9 million in 2010. 
We include R&D expenses in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement 
of Operations.

Income Taxes

We account for uncertain tax positions by determining whether it is more 
likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based 
on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions that meet the more-
likely-than-not recognition threshold, we determine the amount of benefi t 
to recognize in the fi nancial statements based on our assertion of the most 
likely outcome resulting from an examination, including the resolution of any 
related appeals or litigation processes.

Earnings Per Share

We present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic 
EPS is calculated by dividing earnings available to common shareowners, 
which is income excluding the allocation to participating securities, by 
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the 
year, excluding unvested restricted stock. Diluted EPS amounts are based 
upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent 
shares outstanding during the year. We use the treasury stock method to 
calculate the effect of outstanding share-based compensation awards, 
which requires us to compute total employee proceeds as the sum of 
(a) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award, (b) the 
amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future 
services and (c) the amount of tax benefi ts, if any, that would be credited 
to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of the award. Share-based 
compensation awards for which the total employee proceeds of the award 
exceed the average market price of the same award over the period have 

32

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

an antidilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, we exclude them from the 
calculation. Antidilutive share-based compensation awards for the years 
ended September 30, 2012 (2.3 million shares), 2011 (2.1 million  shares) 
and 2010 (4.9 million shares) were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation. 
U.S. GAAP requires unvested share-based payment awards that contain 

non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid 
or unpaid, to be treated as participating securities and included in the 
computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. 
Our participating securities are composed of unvested restricted stock and 
non-employee director restricted stock units.

The following table reconciles basic and diluted EPS amounts (in millions, except per share amounts):

Income from continuing operations
Less: Allocation to participating securities
Income from continuing operations available to common shareowners
Income from discontinued operations
Less: Allocation to participating securities
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareowners
Net income
Less: Allocation to participating securities
Net income available to common shareowners
Basic weighted average outstanding shares
Effect of dilutive securities

Stock options
Performance shares

Diluted weighted average outstanding shares
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income

$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

2012
737.0   $
(1.4)
735.6   $
—   $
—    
—   $
737.0   $
(1.4)
735.6   $
141.5    

1.6    
0.3    
143.4    

5.20   $
—  
5.20   $

5.13   $
—    

5.13

$

2011
697.1   $
(1.4)
695.7   $
0.7   $
—  
0.7   $
697.8   $
(1.4)
696.4   $
142.7  

2.1    
0.4    
145.2    

4.88   $
—  
4.88   $

4.79   $
0.01    
4.80

$

2010
440.4  
(1.0)
439.4  
23.9  
(0.1)
23.8  
464.3  
(1.1)
463.2  
142.0  

1.7  
0.3  
144.0  

3.09  
0.17  
3.26  

3.05  
0.17  
3.22

Share-Based Compensation

Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations

We recognize share-based compensation expense for equity awards on 
a straight-line basis over the service period of the award based on the 
fair value of the award as of the grant date.

Product and Workers’ Compensation 
Liabilities

We record accruals for product and workers’ compensation claims in the 
period in which they are probable and reasonably estimable. Our principal 
self-insurance programs include product liability and workers’ compensation 
where we self-insure up to a specifi ed dollar amount. Claims exceeding 
this amount up to specifi ed limits are covered by policies purchased from 
commercial insurers. We estimate the liability for the majority of the self-
insured claims using our claims experience for the periods being valued.

Environmental Matters

We record accruals for environmental matters in the period in which our 
responsibility is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. 
We make changes to the accruals in the periods in which the estimated 
costs of remediation change. At third-party environmental sites for which 
more than one potentially responsible party has been identifi ed, we record a 
liability for our estimated allocable share of costs related to our involvement 
with the site as well as an estimated allocable share of costs related to 
the involvement of insolvent or unidentifi ed parties. At environmental sites 
for which we are the only responsible party, we record a liability for the 
total estimated costs of remediation. We do not discount to their present 
value future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations. If we 
determine that recovery from insurers or other third parties is probable, 
we record a receivable for the estimated recovery.

We accrue for costs related to a legal obligation associated with the 
retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, 
construction, development or the normal operation of the long-lived asset. 
The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is not conditional 
even though the timing or method may be conditional.

Reclassifi cations

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassifi ed to conform to the 
current year presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued 
guidance to amend and simplify the rules related to testing indefi nite-lived 
intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance 
allows an entity to perform an initial qualitative assessment, based on the 
entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely 
than not that an indefi nite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The results of 
this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform the 
quantitative impairment test. The new guidance is effective for us beginning 
October 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material 
effect on our consolidated fi nancial statements and related disclosures.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 2 

Acquisitions

In March 2012, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities 
of SoftSwitching Technologies Corporation (SoftSwitching), an industrial 
power quality detection and protection systems provider in the United States. 
We recorded no goodwill associated with this acquisition.

In April 2011, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of 
Hiprom (Pty) Ltd and its affi liates (Hiprom), a process control and automation 
systems integrator for the mining and mineral processing industry in 
South Africa. In May 2011, we purchased a majority stake in the equity 
of Lektronix Limited and its affi liate (Lektronix), an independent industrial 

automation repairs and service provider in Europe and Asia. We purchased 
the remaining minority shares for $10.9 million in December 2011. The 
aggregate purchase price of the Hiprom and Lektronix acquisitions was 
$58.8 million. We recorded goodwill of $34.8 million attributable to intangible 
assets that do not meet the criteria for separate recognition, including an 
assembled workforce with industry-wide technical expertise and customer 
service capabilities. We assigned the full amount of goodwill for Hiprom 
and Lektronix to our Control Products & Solutions segment. None of the 
goodwill recorded is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The fair values and weighted average useful lives that have been assigned to the acquired identifi able intangible assets of these acquisitions are:

(in millions, except useful lives)
Customer relationships
Technology
Trademarks
Other intangible assets

2012

2011

Fair Value

Wtd. Avg. 
Useful Life

  $

3.2

10 years  

Fair Value
14.3
1.5
1.3
0.6

Wtd. Avg. 
Useful Life
14 years
10 years
2 years
4 years

The results of operations of the acquired businesses have been included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations since the dates of acquisition. 
Pro forma fi nancial information and allocation of the purchase price are not presented as the effects of these acquisitions are not material to our results 
of operations or fi nancial position.

NOTE 3 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were (in millions):

Balance as of September 30, 2010
Acquisition of businesses
Translation and other
Balance as of September 30, 2011
Translation and other
BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Other intangible assets consist of (in millions):

Amortized intangible assets:

Computer software products
Customer relationships
Technology
Trademarks
Other
Total amortized intangible assets

Intangible assets not subject to amortization
TOTAL

Amortized intangible assets:

Computer software products
Customer relationships
Technology
Trademarks
Other
Total amortized intangible assets

Intangible assets not subject to amortization
TOTAL

34

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

Architecture 
& Software

Control Products 
& Solutions

$

$

385.5 $

—  
1.2   
386.7  
1.0  
387.7 $

527.0   $
34.8    
4.1    
565.9    
(4.8)
561.1

$

September 30, 2012
Accumulated 
Amortization

Carrying 
Amount

123.4 $
72.6  
88.9  
32.1  
21.4  
338.4  
43.7  
382.1 $

61.2 $
30.7  
50.9  
12.9  
16.9  
172.6  
—  

172.6 $

September 30, 2011
Accumulated 
Amortization

Carrying 
Amount

101.2 $
72.4  
85.1  
31.2  
21.6  
311.5  
43.7  
355.2 $

45.3 $
23.2  
44.0  
9.0  
15.7  
137.2  
—  

137.2 $

$

$

$

$

Total
912.5  
34.8  
5.3  
952.6  
(3.8)
948.8

Net

62.2
41.9
38.0
19.2
4.5
165.8
43.7
209.5

Net

55.9
49.2
41.1
22.2
5.9
174.3
43.7
218.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

Computer software products represent costs of computer software to 
be sold, leased or otherwise marketed. Computer software products 
amortization expense was $15.9 million in 2012, $16.8 million in 2011 and 
$13.6 million in 2010.

The Allen-Bradley® trademark has an indefi nite life, and therefore is not 
subject to amortization.

Estimated amortization expense is $31.1 million in 2013, $32.7 million in 2014, 
$27.0 million in 2015, $23.4 million in 2016 and $19.4 million in 2017.

We performed the annual evaluation of our goodwill and indefi nite life 
intangible assets for impairment during the second quarter of 2012 and 
concluded these assets are not impaired.

NOTE 4 

Inventories

Inventories consist of (in millions):

Finished goods
Work in process
Raw materials, parts and supplies
INVENTORIES

NOTE 5 

Property, net

Property consists of (in millions):

Land
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Internal-use software
Construction in progress

Total

Less accumulated depreciation
PROPERTY, NET

NOTE 6 

Long-term and Short-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of (in millions):

5.65% notes, payable in 2017
6.70% debentures, payable in 2028
6.25% debentures, payable in 2037
5.20% debentures, payable in 2098
Unamortized discount and other
LONG-TERM DEBT

At September 30, 2012 and 2011, our total current borrowing capacity 
under our unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in March 2015, 
was $750.0 million. We have not borrowed against this credit facility 
at September 30, 2012 or 2011. Borrowings under this credit facility 
bear interest based on short-term money market rates in effect during 
the period the borrowings are outstanding. The terms of this credit facility 
contain covenants under which we would be in default if our debt-to-
total-capital ratio was to exceed 60 percent. We were in compliance with 
all covenants under this credit facility at September 30, 2012 and 2011. 
Separate short-term unsecured credit facilities of approximately 
$120.6 million at September 30, 2012 were available to non-U.S. subsidiaries. 
There were no signifi cant commitment fees or compensating balance 
requirements under any of our credit facilities. Borrowings under our credit 
facilities during fi scal 2012 and 2011 were not signifi cant.

September 30,

2012
262.5 $
149.5  
207.0  
619.0 $

2011
265.0
139.4
237.3
641.7

September 30,
2012

3.7   $

292.5    
1,022.1    
414.6    
65.7    
1,798.6    
(1,211.5)
587.1

$

2011

3.8  
277.2  
996.3  
368.5  
74.7  
1,720.5  
(1,159.1)
561.4

September 30,
2012
250.0   $
250.0    
250.0    
200.0    
(45.0)
905.0

$

2011
250.0  
250.0  
250.0  
200.0  
(45.0)
905.0

$

$

$

$

$

$

Our short-term debt obligations primarily relate to commercial paper 
borrowings. At September 30, 2012, commercial paper outstanding 
was $157.0 million. At September 30, 2012 the weighted average 
interest rate and maturity period of the commercial paper outstanding 
were 0.27 percent and six days, respectively. At September 30, 2011, 
we had no commercial paper borrowings outstanding.

Interest payments were $59.0 million during 2012, $60.1 million during 
2011 and $59.4 million during 2010.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 7 

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities consist of (in millions):

Unrealized losses on foreign exchange contracts (Note 9)
Product warranty obligations (Note 8)
Taxes other than income taxes
Accrued interest
Income taxes payable
Other
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

September 30,

2012
21.5 $
37.8  
37.1  
15.6  
14.7  
81.1  
207.8 $

2011
6.3
38.5
40.0
15.6
31.0
80.8
212.2

$

$

NOTE 8 

Product Warranty Obligations

We record a liability for product warranty obligations at the time of sale to a 
customer based upon historical warranty experience. Most of our products 
are covered under a warranty period that runs for twelve months from 
either the date of sale or installation. We also record a liability for specifi c 

Changes in product warranty obligations are (in millions):

warranty matters when they become known and reasonably estimable. 
Our product warranty obligations are included in other current liabilities 
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Balance at beginning of period
Warranties recorded at time of sale
Adjustments to pre-existing warranties
Settlements of warranty claims
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD

September 30,
2012
38.5   $
35.0    
(2.1)
(33.6)
37.8

$

2011
37.3  
38.2  
(3.9)
(33.1)
38.5

$

$

NOTE 9 

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement

We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage certain 
foreign currency risks. We enter into these contracts to offset changes in 
the amount of future cash fl ows associated with certain third-party and 
intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies forecasted 
to occur within the next two years (cash fl ow hedges). Certain of our 
locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than 
their functional currencies resulting from intercompany loans and other 
transactions with third parties denominated in foreign currencies. We also 
enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts that we do not 
designate as hedging instruments to offset the transaction gains or losses 
associated with some of these assets and liabilities.

We recognize all derivative fi nancial instruments as either assets or 
liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We value our 
forward exchange contracts using a market approach. We use a valuation 
model based on inputs including forward and spot prices for currency 
and interest rate curves. We did not change our valuation techniques 
during fi scal 2012, 2011, or 2010. We report in other comprehensive 
income (loss) the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative fi nancial 
instruments that we designate and that qualify as cash fl ow hedges. We 
reclassify these gains or losses into earnings in the same periods when the 
hedged transactions affect earnings. Gains and losses on derivative fi nancial 
instruments for which we do not elect hedge accounting are recognized 
in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in each period, based upon 
the change in the fair value of the derivative fi nancial instruments.

It is our policy to execute such instruments with major fi nancial institutions 
that we believe to be creditworthy and not to enter into derivative fi nancial 
instruments for speculative purposes. We diversify our forward exchange 
contracts among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of 

these entities. Most of our forward exchange contracts are denominated 
in currencies of major industrial countries. The notional values of our 
forward exchange contracts outstanding at September 30, 2012 were 
$994.6 million, of which $614.6 million were designated as cash fl ow 
hedges. Currency pairs (buy / sell) comprising the most signifi cant contract 
notional value were United States dollar (USD) / euro, USD / Canadian 
dollar, Swiss franc / euro, Swiss franc / USD, Singapore dollar / USD, and 
Swiss franc / Canadian dollar.

We also use foreign currency denominated debt obligations to hedge portions 
of our net investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of the 
debt obligations are refl ected in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
within shareowners’ equity where they offset gains and losses recorded 
on our net investments globally. We had $14.6 million and $14.1 million of 
foreign currency denominated debt designated as net investment hedges 
at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

U.S. GAAP defi nes fair value as the price that would be received for an asset 
or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between 
market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the 
asset or liability. U.S. GAAP also classifi es the inputs used to measure 
fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, 
quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets 
that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are 
observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

36

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and their location in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were (in millions):

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Forward exchange contracts
Forward exchange contracts
Forward exchange contracts
Forward exchange contracts
TOTAL

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Forward exchange contracts
Forward exchange contracts
Forward exchange contracts
TOTAL

Balance Sheet Location
Other current assets
Other assets
Other current liabilities
Other liabilities

Balance Sheet Location
Other current assets
Other assets
Other current liabilities

$

$

$

$

Fair Value (Level 2)

September 30, 2012

September 30, 2011

8.7   $
1.3    
(8.4)
(1.5)
0.1

$

15.9  
1.6  
(5.9)
(1.4)
10.2

Fair Value (Level 2)

September 30, 2012

September 30, 2011

2.3   $
0.1    

(13.1)
(10.7) $

12.1  
—  
(0.4)
11.7

The pre-tax amount of (losses) gains recorded in other comprehensive loss related to hedges that would have been recorded in the Consolidated 
Statement of Operations had they not been so designated was (in millions):

Forward exchange contracts (cash fl ow hedges)
Foreign currency denominated debt (net investment hedges)
TOTAL

$

$

2012
(1.7) $
(0.5)
(2.2) $

2011

3.0   $
(0.2)
2.8

$

2010
9.0
—
9.0

Approximately $0.3 million ($0.2 million net of tax) of net unrealized gains on cash fl ow hedges as of September 30, 2012 will be reclassifi ed into earnings 
during the next 12 months. We expect that these net unrealized losses will be offset when the hedged items are recognized in earnings.

The pre-tax amount of (losses) gains reclassifi ed from accumulated other comprehensive loss into the Consolidated Statement of Operations related 
to derivative forward exchange contracts designated as cash fl ow hedges, which offset the related losses and gains on the hedged items during the 
periods presented, was:

Sales
Cost of sales
TOTAL

$

$

2012
(1.1) $
7.5    
6.4

$

2011

0.3   $
(3.5)
(3.2) $

2010
(2.2)
(2.2)
(4.4)

The amount recognized in earnings as a result of ineffective hedges was not signifi cant.

The pre-tax amount of (losses) gains from forward exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the Consolidated Statement 
of Operations during the periods presented was:

Other expense
Cost of sales
TOTAL

$

$

2012
(21.9) $
—    
(21.9) $

2011
6.2
0.4
6.6

$

$

2010
(15.8)
(0.4)
(16.2)

We also hold fi nancial instruments consisting of cash, short-term investments, short-term debt and long-term debt. The fair values of our cash, short-
term investments and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts as reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the short-term nature 
of these instruments. We base the fair value of long-term debt upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. The following table presents 
the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of fi nancial instruments not measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Short-term debt
Long-term debt

Long-term debt

September 30, 2012

$

Carrying 
Amount

903.9 $
350.0  
157.0  
905.0  

Total
903.9 $
350.0  
157.0  
1,187.9  

Fair Value

Level 1

779.4 $

—  
—  
—  

Level 2

124.5 $
350.0  
157.0  
1,187.9  

Level 3
—
—
—
—

September 30, 2011

Carrying Value

$

905.0 $

Fair Value
1,125.4

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 10  Shareowners’ Equity

Common Stock

At September 30, 2012, the authorized stock of the Company consisted of one billion shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, 
and 25 million shares of preferred stock, without par value. At September 30, 2012, 19.1 million shares of authorized common stock were reserved 
for various incentive plans.

Changes in outstanding common shares are summarized as follows (in millions):

Beginning balance
Treasury stock purchases
Shares delivered under incentive plans
ENDING BALANCE

2012
141.9  
(3.7)
1.6  

139.8

2011
141.7  
(4.0)
4.2  

141.9

2010
142.1  
(2.2)
1.8  

141.7

During September 2012, we repurchased 110,000 shares of common stock for $7.6 million that did not settle until October 2012. During September 2011, 
we repurchased 30,000 shares of common stock for $1.7 million that did not settle until October 2011. These outstanding purchases were recorded 
in accounts payable at September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of (in millions):

Pension and other postretirement benefi t plan adjustments (Note 12)
Accumulated currency translation adjustments
Net unrealized gains on cash fl ow hedges
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

NOTE 11  Share-Based Compensation

During 2012, 2011 and 2010 we recognized $43.5 million, $39.5 million and 
$36.3 million of pre-tax share-based compensation expense, respectively. 
The total income tax benefit related to share-based compensation 
expense was $13.8 million during 2012, $12.9 million during 2011 and 
$11.9 million during 2010. We recognize compensation expense on grants 
of share-based compensation awards on a straight-line basis over the 
service period of each award recipient. As of September 30, 2012, total 
unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation 
awards was $39.9 million, net of estimated forfeitures, which we expect 
to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years.

Our 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan (2012 Plan) authorizes us to deliver up 
to 6.8 million shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options, 
or upon grant or in payment of stock appreciation rights, performance 

Stock Options

September 30,
2012
(1,226.0) $

0.5    
0.2    

(1,225.3) $

2011
(1,033.6)
35.5  
5.2  
(992.9)

$

$

shares, performance units, restricted stock units and restricted stock. 
Our 2003 Directors Stock Plan, as amended, authorizes us to deliver up 
to 0.5 million shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options 
or upon grant of shares of our common stock and restricted stock units. 
Shares relating to awards under our 2012 Plan, 2008 Long-Term Incentive 
Plan, as amended, or our 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, 
that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without 
the issuance or delivery of shares will be available for further awards under 
the 2012 Plan. Approximately 6.9 million shares under our 2012 Plan 
and 0.3 million shares under our 2003 Directors Stock Plan remain available 
for future grant or payment at September 30, 2012. We use treasury stock 
to deliver shares of our common stock under these plans. Our 2012 Plan 
does not permit share-based compensation awards to be granted after 
February 7, 2022.

We have granted non-qualifi ed and incentive stock options to purchase our common stock under various incentive plans at prices equal to the fair market 
value of the stock on the grant dates. The exercise price for stock options granted under the plans may be paid in cash, shares of common stock or a 
combination of cash and shares. Stock options expire ten years after the grant date and vest ratably over three years.

The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $23.49, $21.39 and 
$13.59, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $43.9 million, $157.3 million and $49.7 million during 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
respectively. We estimated the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following assumptions:

Average risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility
Expected term (years)

2012
1.06%
2.29%
0.43  
5.3  

2011
1.94%
2.37%
0.39  
5.5  

2010
2.15%
3.16%
0.41  
5.5  

The average risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. treasury security rates 
corresponding to the expected term in effect as of the grant date. The expected 
dividend yield is based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of 
the market value of our common stock as of the grant date. We determined 

expected volatility using daily historical volatility of our stock price over the 
most recent period corresponding to the expected term as of the grant date. 
We determined the expected term of the stock options using historical data 
adjusted for the estimated exercise dates of unexercised options.

38

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
A summary of stock option activity for the year ended September 30, 2012 is:

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

Outstanding at October 1, 2011
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Cancelled
OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2012
Exercisable at September 30, 2012

Performance Share Awards

Shares
(in thousands)

7,781   $
1,388    
(1,187)
(106)
(3)
7,873    
7,647    
4,781    

Wtd. Avg. 
Exercise Price
51.46
74.12
41.58
65.97
54.21
56.75
56.45
50.32

Wtd. Avg. 
Remaining 
Contractual Term
(years)

Aggregate Intrinsic 
Value of In-The-
Money Options
(in millions)

6.5 $
6.4  
5.3  

107.6
106.4
92.1

Certain offi cers and key employees are also eligible to receive shares of our common stock in payment of performance share awards granted to 
them. Grantees of performance shares will be eligible to receive shares of our common stock depending upon our total shareowner return, assuming 
reinvestment of all dividends, relative to the performance of the S&P 500 over a  three-year period.

A summary of performance share activity for the year ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:

Outstanding at October 1, 2011
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Performance Shares
(in thousands)

382   $
93    

(173)
(5)
297

Wtd. Avg. Grant Date
Share Fair Value
50.70
101.57
31.82
90.27
76.84

Maximum potential shares to be delivered in payment under the 
fi scal 2012 and 2011 awards are 179,144 shares and 146,220 shares, 
respectively. There will be a 173 percent payout of the target number 
of shares awarded in fi scal 2010, with a maximum of 232,337 shares 
to be delivered in payment under the awards in December 2012. There 

were 200 percent and 42 percent payouts of the target number of shares 
awarded in fi scal 2009 and 2008, with 345,432 and 43,767 shares delivered 
in payment under the awards in December 2011 and December 2010, 
respectively.

The per share fair value of performance share awards granted during the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $101.57, $87.00 and 
$54.81, respectively, which we determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

Average risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility (Rockwell Automation)

2012
0.39%
2.29%
0.43  

2011
0.63%
2.01%
0.49  

2010

1.22%
2.51%
0.48  

The average risk-free interest rate is based on the three-year U.S. treasury security rate in effect as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is 
based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the market value of our common stock as of the grant date. The expected volatilities were 
determined using daily historical volatility for the most recent three-year period as of the grant date.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

We grant restricted stock to certain employees, and non-employee 
directors may elect to receive a portion of their compensation in 
restricted stock units. Restrictions on restricted stock generally lapse 
over periods ranging from one to fi ve years. We value restricted stock 
and restricted stock units at the closing market value of our common 
stock on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value 

of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted during the 
years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $73.73, $69.00 
 and  $43.76, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the 
years ended September 30, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $6.2 million, 
$4.5 million, and $5.3 million, respectively.

A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:

Outstanding at October 1, 2011
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Restricted Stock 
and Restricted 
Stock Units
(in thousands)

276   $
84    
(83)
(8)
269

Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Share Fair Value
47.52
73.73
31.97
80.55
59.57

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 12  Retirement Benefi ts

We sponsor funded and unfunded pension plans and other postretirement 
benefi t plans for our employees. The pension plans cover most of our 
employees and provide for monthly pension payments to eligible employees 
after retirement. Pension benefi ts for salaried employees generally are 
based on years of credited service and average earnings. Pension benefi ts 
for hourly employees are primarily based on specifi ed benefi t amounts 
and years of service. Effective July 1, 2010 we closed participation in our 
U.S. and Canada pension plans to employees hired after June 30, 2010. 
Employees hired after June 30, 2010 are instead eligible to participate in 
employee savings plans. The Company contributions are based on age 
and years of service and range from 3% to 7% of eligible compensation. 
Effective October 1, 2010, we also closed participation in our UK pension 

The components of net periodic benefi t cost are (in millions):

plan to employees hired after September 30, 2010 and these employees 
are now eligible for a defi ned contribution plan. Benefi ts to be provided to 
plan participants hired before July 1, 2010 or October 1, 2010, respectively, 
are not affected by these changes. Our policy with respect to funding our 
pension obligations is to fund the minimum amount required by applicable 
laws and governmental regulations. We may, however, at our discretion, 
fund amounts in excess of the minimum amount required by laws and 
regulations, as we did in 2012, 2011 and 2010. Other postretirement 
benefi ts are primarily in the form of retirement medical plans that cover 
most of our United States employees and provide for the payment of certain 
medical costs of eligible employees and dependents after retirement.

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization:

$

Prior service credit
Net transition obligation
Net actuarial loss

Settlements
NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST

2012
71.8   $

167.6    
(228.1)

(2.3)

—    
94.7    
1.0    

Pension
Benefi ts

2011
70.1   $

163.9    
(204.5)

(2.2)
0.4    
63.7    
—    

91.4

$

2010
68.7   $

159.7    
(192.1)

(3.8)
0.4    
42.1    
—    

75.0

$

Other Postretirement
Benefi ts

2012

2.2   $
7.2    
—    

2011

3.5   $

10.2    
—    

(10.6)

(10.6)

—    
2.4    
—    
1.2

$

—    
6.4    
—    
9.5

$

2010

3.8  
12.5  
—  

(10.6)
—  
8.4  
—  

14.1

$

104.7

$

Benefi t obligation, plan assets, funded status, and net liability information is summarized as follows (in millions):

Pension
Benefi ts

Other Postretirement
Benefi ts

2012
3,482.6   $
71.8    
167.6    
597.0    
—    
5.4    

(176.6)

2.4    
4,150.2    
2,572.9    
470.6    
341.1    
5.4    

(176.6)
(0.1)
3,213.3    
(936.9) $

0.8   $

(10.2)
(927.5)
(936.9) $

2011
3,179.7   $
70.1    
163.9    
220.5    
—    
5.7    

(182.4)

25.1    
3,482.6    
2,486.6    
50.3    
184.7    
5.7    

(182.4)

28.0    
2,572.9    
(909.7) $

4.3   $
(9.4)
(904.6)
(909.7) $

$

$

$

$

2012
157.7   $
2.2    
7.2    
24.0    
(3.1)
10.4    
(26.6)

0.7    
172.5    
—    
—    
16.2    
10.4    
(26.6)

—    
—    
(172.5) $

—   $

(15.8)
(156.7)
(172.5) $

2011
209.3  
3.5  
10.2  
(46.0)
—  
11.0  
(30.2)
(0.1)
157.7  
—  
—  
19.2  
11.0  
(30.2)
—  
—  
(157.7)

—  
(16.5)
(141.2)
(157.7)

Benefi t obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
Plan amendments
Plan participant contributions
Benefi ts paid
Currency translation and other
Benefi t obligation at end of year
Plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Plan participant contributions
Benefi ts paid
Currency translation and other
Plan assets at end of year
FUNDED STATUS OF PLANS
Net amount on balance sheet consists of:
Other assets
Compensation and benefi ts
Retirement benefi ts
NET AMOUNT ON BALANCE SHEET

40

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at September 30, 2012 and 2011 which have not yet been recognized in net 
periodic benefi t cost are as follows (in millions):

Prior service credit
Net actuarial loss
Net transition benefi t
TOTAL

Pension

2012
(0.3)
1,210.7  
(0.1)
1,210.3

$

$

2011
(2.1)
1,038.0  
(0.1)
1,035.8

$

$

$

$

Other Postretirement
Benefi ts

$

2012
(21.8)
37.5  
—  

15.7

$

2011
(28.4)
26.2  
—  

(2.2)

During 2012, we recognized prior service credits of $12.9 million 
($8.2 million net of tax) and net actuarial losses of $97.1 million 
($62.5 million net of tax) in pension and other postretirement net periodic 
benefi t cost, which were included in accumulated other comprehensive 
loss at September 30, 2011. In 2013 we expect to recognize prior 
service credits of $13.3 million ($8.4 million net of tax), and net actuarial 
losses of $149.5 million ($96.0 million net of tax) in pension and other 
postretirement net periodic benefi t cost, which are included in accumulated 
other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2012.

Net Periodic Benefi t Cost Assumptions

In 2012, 2011, and 2010 we made discretionary pre-tax contributions 
of $300.0 million, $150.0 million, and $150.0 million, respectively, to our 
U.S. qualifi ed pension plan trust.

The accumulated benefi t obligation for our pension plans was $3,865.3 million 
and $3,264.9 million at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Signifi cant assumptions used in determining net periodic benefi t cost for the period ended September 30 are (in weighted averages):

U.S. Plans
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Compensation increase rate
Non-U.S. Plans
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Compensation increase rate

Pension Benefi ts
September 30,
2011

5.60%
8.00%
4.00%

4.14%
6.07%
3.09%

2012

5.20%
8.00%
4.00%

4.15%
5.93%
3.03%

2010

6.20%
8.00%
4.30%

4.67%
6.18%
2.88%

Other Postretirement Benefi ts
September 30,
2011

2012

4.90%
—  
—  

4.10%
—  
—  

5.10%
—  
—  

4.75%
—  
—  

2010

6.00%
—  
—  

5.00%
—  
—  

Net Benefi t Obligation Assumptions

Signifi cant assumptions used in determining the benefi t obligations are (in weighted averages):

Pension Benefi ts
September 30,
2012

2011

Other Postretirement Benefi ts 
September 30,
2012

2011

U.S. Plans
Discount rate
Compensation increase rate
Healthcare cost trend rate (1)
Non-U.S. Plans
4.10%
Discount rate
—  
Compensation increase rate
7.12%
Healthcare cost trend rate (2)
(1)  The healthcare cost trend rate reflects the estimated increase in gross medical claims costs. As a result of the plan amendment adopted effective October 1, 2002, our effective 
per person retiree medical cost increase is zero percent beginning in 2005 for the majority of our postretirement benefit plans. For our other plans, we assume the gross 
healthcare cost trend rate will decrease to 5.50% in 2017.

3.85%
—  
8.00%

4.90%
—  
8.50%

3.80%
—  
6.68%

5.20%
4.00%
—  

4.15%
4.00%
—  

3.37%
3.03%
—  

4.15%
3.03%
—  

(2)  Decreasing to 4.50% in 2017.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we consider actual returns on plan assets over the long term, adjusted for 
forward-looking considerations, such as infl ation, interest rates, equity performance and the active management of the plan’s invested assets. We also 
considered our current and expected mix of plan assets in setting this assumption. This resulted in the selection of the weighted average long-term rate 
of return on assets assumption. Our global weighted-average targeted and actual asset allocations at September 30, by asset category, are:

Asset Category
Equity Securities
Debt Securities
Other

Allocation Range
30% – 65%
35% – 50%
0% – 35%

Target 
Allocations

September 30,
2012

52%
40%
8%

52%
41%
7%

2011

49%
43%
8%

The investment objective for pension funds related to our defi ned benefi t 
plans is to meet the plan’s benefi t obligations, while maximizing the long-term 
growth of assets without undue risk. We strive to achieve this objective by 
investing plan assets within target allocation ranges and diversifi cation within 
asset categories. Target allocation ranges are guidelines that are adjusted 
periodically based on ongoing monitoring by plan fi duciaries. Investment 
risk is controlled by rebalancing to target allocations on a periodic basis 
and ongoing monitoring of investment manager performance relative to 
the investment guidelines established for each manager.

As of September 30, 2012 and 2011, our pension plans do not own our 
common stock.

In certain countries where we operate, there are no legal requirements or 
fi nancial incentives provided to companies to pre-fund pension obligations. 
In these instances, we typically make benefi t payments directly from cash 
as they become due, rather than by creating a separate pension fund.

The valuation methodologies used for our pension plans’ investments 
measured at fair value are described as follows. There have been no 
changes in the methodologies used at  September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Common stock — Valued at the closing price reported on the active 
market on which the individual securities are traded.

Mutual funds — Valued at the closing price reported on the active market 
on which the individual funds are traded.

Corporate debt — Valued at either the yields currently available on 
comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under 

a discounted cash fl ow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such 
as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for 
certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.

Government securities — Valued at the most recent closing price reported 
on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

Common collective trusts — Valued at the net asset value (NAV) as 
determined by the custodian of the fund. The NAV is based on the fair 
value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities then 
divided by the number of units outstanding.

Private equity and alternative equity — Valued at the estimated fair value, 
as determined by the respective fund manager, based on the net asset 
value of the investment units held at year end which is subject to judgment.

Real estate - Consists of the direct investment into Swiss real estate 
(2011 only) and real estate funds. Real estate funds provide an indirect 
investment into a diversifi ed and multi-sector portfolio of property assets. 
Real estate funds are valued at the most recent closing price reported on 
the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Insurance contracts — Valued at the aggregate amount of accumulated 
contribution and investment income less amounts used to make benefi t 
payments and administrative expenses which approximates fair value.

Other — Consists of other fi xed income investments and common collective 
trusts with a mix of equity and fi xed income underlying assets. Other fi xed 
income investments are valued at the most recent closing price reported 
on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

42

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or refl ective of future fair values. 
Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies 
or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain fi nancial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Refer 
to Note 9 for further information regarding levels in the fair value hierarchy.  The following table presents our pension plans’ investments measured at 
fair value as of September 30, 2012:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

0.4 $

— $

— $

U.S. Plans

Cash
Equity securities:
Common stock
Mutual funds
Common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

Corporate debt
Government securities
Common collective trusts
Other types of investments:

Private equity
Alternative equity
Insurance contracts

Non-U.S. Plans

Cash
Equity securities:
Common stock
Common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

Corporate debt
Government securities
Common collective trusts
Other types of investments:

Real estate
Insurance contracts
Other

653.7  
160.0  
—  

—  
287.9  
—  

—  
—  
—  

26.8  

39.3  
—  

—  
0.8  
—  

—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
530.5  

525.9  
80.5  
145.5  

—  
—  
—  

—  

—  
296.9  

68.7  
—  
167.1  

46.2  
—  
2.8  

Total

0.4

653.7
160.0
530.5

525.9
368.4
145.5

83.2
53.4
0.8

26.8

39.3
296.9

68.7
0.8
167.1

—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

83.2  
53.4  
0.8  

—  

—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

—  
38.5  
4.4  
180.3 $

46.2
38.5
7.2
3,213.3

TOTAL PLAN INVESTMENTS

$

1,168.9 $

1,864.1 $

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following table presents our pension plans’ investments measured at fair value as of September 30, 2011:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

0.4 $

— $

— $

U.S. Plans

Cash
Equity securities:
Common stock
Mutual funds
Common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

Corporate debt
Government securities
Common collective trusts
Other types of investments:

Private equity
Alternative equity
Insurance contracts

Non-U.S. Plans

Cash
Equity securities:
Common stock
Common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

Corporate debt
Government securities
Common collective trusts
Other types of investments:

Real estate
Insurance contracts
Other

504.0  
144.2  
—  

—  
246.3  
—  

—  
—  
—  

32.2  

31.5  
—  

—  
1.9  
—  

—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
317.5  

347.6  
22.6  
237.5  

—  
—  
—  

—  

—  
257.8  

52.1  
—  
161.0  

42.2  
—  
4.3  

Total

0.4

504.0
144.2
317.5

347.6
268.9
237.5

85.0
49.0
0.9

32.2

31.5
257.8

52.1
1.9
161.0

—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

85.0  
49.0  
0.9  

—  

—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

3.9  
26.9  
4.1  
169.8 $

46.1
26.9
8.4
2,572.9

TOTAL PLAN INVESTMENTS

$

960.5 $

1,442.6 $

The Company has corrected the classifi cation of certain pension plan investments related to the fair value hierarchy and/or the investment category as 
of and for the year ended September 30, 2011. Within the fair value hierarchy in the table above, level 1 increased by $153 million, level 2 decreased 
by $202 million and level 3 increased by $49 million. We have also refl ected the level 3 asset correction in the table below which summarizes changes 
in fair market value for our pension plans’ level 3 assets.  

44

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in fair market value of our pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the year ended September 30, 2012.

U.S. Plans

Private equity
Alternative equity
Insurance contracts

Non-U.S. Plans
Real estate
Insurance contracts
Other

Balance 
October 1,  2011

Realized Gains

Unrealized
Gains (Losses)

Purchases, Sales, 
Issuances, and 
Settlements, Net

Balance 
September 30, 2012

$

$

85.0 $
49.0  
0.9  

3.9  
26.9  
4.1  
169.8 $

18.0 $
4.4  
—  

—  
—  
—  
22.4 $

(9.3) $
(1.4)

—    

—    
7.9    
0.1    
(2.7) $

(10.5) $
1.4    
(0.1)

(3.9)
3.7    
0.2    
(9.2) $

83.2
53.4
0.8

—
38.5
4.4
180.3

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in fair market value of our pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the year ended September 30, 2011.

U.S. Plans

Private equity
Alternative equity
Insurance contracts

Non-U.S. Plans
Real estate
Insurance contracts
Other

Balance 
October 1,  2010

Realized Gains

Unrealized
Gains (Losses)

Purchases, Sales, 
Issuances, and 
Settlements, Net

Balance 
September 30, 2011  

$

$

62.2 $
46.3  
0.9  

3.9  
28.5  
7.4  
149.2 $

3.2 $
7.0  
—  

—  
—  
—  
10.2 $

13.3   $
5.8    
—    

—    

(4.7)
0.2    

14.6

$

6.3   $

(10.1)

—    

—    
3.1    
(3.5)
(4.2) $

85.0
49.0
0.9

3.9
26.9
4.1
169.8

Estimated Future Payments

We expect to contribute approximately $40 million related to our worldwide pension plans and $16 million to our postretirement benefi t plans in 2013.

The following benefi t payments, which include employees’ expected future service, as applicable, are expected to be paid (in millions):

2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 – 2022

$

Pension 
Benefi ts

214.7 $
210.6  
215.6  
219.4  
226.5  
1,275.1  

Other 
Postretirement 
Benefi ts
16.1
15.2
14.5
13.6
12.7
54.2

Other Postretirement Benefi ts

A one-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effect (in millions):

Increase (decrease) to total of service and interest cost components $
Increase (decrease) to postretirement benefi t obligation

2012

0.2 $
2.4  

2011

0.2 $
2.7  

2012
(0.2) $
(2.1)

2011
(0.1)
(2.4)

One-Percentage Point Increase

One-Percentage Point Decrease

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 45

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Pension Benefi ts

Information regarding our pension plans with accumulated benefi t obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets (underfunded plans) at 
September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in millions):

Projected benefi t obligation
Accumulated benefi t obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Defi ned Contribution Savings Plans

$

2012
3,850.4
3,573.5  
2,919.0  

$

2011
3,064.4
2,876.2
2,172.7

We also sponsor certain defi ned contribution savings plans for eligible employees. Expense related to these plans was $38.2 million in 2012, 
$31.2 million in 2011 and $23.3 million  in 2010.

NOTE 13  Discontinued Operations

During 2011, we recorded a net $0.7 million benefi t from the settlement 
of an indemnifi cation of Baldor Electric Company and certain tax matters 
related to divested businesses, partially offset by a change in estimate for 
an environmental matter pertaining to a discontinued business.

During 2010, we recorded a $21.3 million tax benefi t as a result of the 
resolution of a domestic tax matter relating to the January 2007 sale of 
our Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric motors and repair services 
businesses. We also recorded a net $2.6 million after-tax benefi t relating 
to changes in estimate for environmental and legal matters of our divested 
businesses.

NOTE 14  Other Expense

The components of other expense are (in millions):

Net gain (loss) on dispositions of securities and property
Interest income
Royalty income
Environmental charges
Other
OTHER EXPENSE

NOTE 15 

Income Taxes

Selected income tax data from continuing operations (in millions):

Components of income before income taxes:

United States
Non-United States

TOTAL
Components of the income tax provision:

Current:

United States
Non-United States
State and local

Total current
Deferred:

United States
Non-United States
State and local

Total deferred
INCOME TAX PROVISION 
Total income taxes paid 

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

2012
(1.0) $
7.8    
2.3    
(9.3)
(4.8)
(5.0) $

2012

469.6
496.3
965.9

71.3
72.3
3.1
146.7

76.8
0.4
5.0
82.2
228.9
167.5

$

$

$

$
$

2011

0.9   $
6.0    
3.6    
(4.5)
(8.1)
(2.1) $

2011

364.3   $
503.3    
867.6   $

51.0   $
75.0    
(2.0)
124.0    

46.6    
(5.2)
5.1    
46.5    
170.5   $
118.6   $

2010
(5.5)
5.0  
2.4  
(5.9)
(4.4)
(8.4)

2010

144.9  
399.3  
544.2  

9.7  
36.7  
(0.1)
46.3  

41.2  
13.1  
3.2  
57.5  
103.8  
100.7  

During 2012, we recognized net discrete tax benefi ts of $2.1 million primarily related to the favorable resolution of worldwide tax matters.

During 2011, we recognized net discrete tax benefi ts of $25.0 million related to the favorable resolution of worldwide tax matters and the retroactive 
extension of the U.S. federal research credit.

46

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

During 2010, we recognized discrete tax benefi ts of $27.2 million primarily related to the favorable resolution of tax matters, partially offset by discrete 
tax expenses of $9.6 million  primarily related to the impact of a change in Mexican tax law and interest related to unrecognized tax benefi ts.

Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory rate and our effective tax rate was:

Statutory tax rate
State and local income taxes
Non-United States taxes
Foreign tax credit utilization
Employee stock ownership plan benefi t
Change in valuation allowances
Domestic manufacturing deduction
Resolution of prior period tax matters
Other
EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

2012
35.0%
0.8  

(10.3)

0.4  
(0.3)
(0.2)
(1.1)
(0.6)

—  
23.7%

2011
35.0%
0.7  

(12.7)

0.9  
(0.3)
0.8  
(0.8)
(2.9)
(1.0)
19.7%

2010
35.0%
0.3  

(12.8)

1.3  
(0.4)
(3.2)
(0.2)
(4.1)
3.2  
19.1%

We operate in certain non-U.S. tax jurisdictions under various government sponsored tax incentive programs, which expire during 2016 through 2019 and 
may be extended if certain additional requirements are met. The tax incentive programs reduced our effective income tax rate by 4.3, 5.0 and 5.9 percentage 
points in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Deferred Taxes

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to our net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were (in millions):

2012

2011

Current deferred income tax assets:

Compensation and benefi ts
Product warranty costs
Inventory
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Deferred credits
Returns, rebates and incentives
Self-insurance reserves
Restructuring reserves
Net operating loss carryforwards
U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards
State tax credit carryforwards
Other — net
Current deferred income tax assets

Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):

Retirement benefi ts
Property
Intangible assets
Environmental reserves
Share-based compensation
Self-insurance reserves
Deferred gains
Net operating loss carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards
U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards
State tax credit carryforwards
Other — net
Subtotal
Valuation allowance
Net long-term deferred income tax assets
TOTAL DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS

$

$

$

28.7   $
14.3  
58.4  
15.6  
9.5  
47.5  
2.7  
2.4  
3.7  
—  
0.9  
24.9  
208.6  

369.3   $
(90.3)
(34.1)
13.7  
40.1  
6.2  
3.3  
38.5  
17.2  
1.5  
3.4  
14.1  
382.9  
(31.8)
351.1  
559.7

$

26.1  
14.1  
57.3  
15.2  
9.4  
44.3  
2.2  
1.1  
1.6  
8.4  
—  
19.9  
199.6  

335.4  
(80.3)
(28.9)
11.9  
33.6  
5.7  
3.8  
41.6  
18.3  
1.5  
3.5  
22.9  
369.0  
(32.8)
336.2  
535.8

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Total deferred tax assets were $715.9 million at September 30, 2012 
and $682.8 million at September 30, 2011. Total deferred tax liabilities 
were $124.4 million at September 30, 2012 and $114.2 million at 
September 30, 2011.

We have not provided U.S. deferred taxes for $2,081.0 million of undistributed 
earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries, since these earnings have been, 
and under current plans will continue to be, permanently reinvested outside 
the U.S. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional taxes 
that may be payable upon distribution.

We believe it is more likely than not that we will realize current and long-
term deferred tax assets through the reduction of future taxable income, 
other than for the deferred tax assets refl ected below. Signifi cant factors 
we considered in determining the probability of the realization of the 
deferred tax assets include our historical operating results and expected 
future earnings.

Tax attributes and related valuation allowances at September 30, 2012 are (in millions):

Tax Attribute to be Carried Forward
Non-United States net operating loss carryforward
Non-United States net operating loss carryforward
Non-United States capital loss carryforward
United States net operating loss carryforward
United States tax credit carryforward
State and local net operating loss carryforward
State tax credit carryforward
Subtotal — tax carryforwards
Other deferred tax assets
TOTAL

Tax Benefi t 
Amount

7.2 $

12.4  
17.2  
7.0  
1.5  
15.6  
4.3  
65.2  
1.8  
67.0 $

$

$

Valuation 
Allowance
5.3
6.8
17.2
—
—
0.7
—
30.0
1.8
31.8

Carryforward 
Period Ends
2013-2022
Indefi nite
Indefi nite
2019-2027
2018-2027
2012-2031
2015-2026

Indefi nite

During 2012, there was no material change in the valuation allowance. During 2011, the valuation allowance increased $6.1 million primarily due to the 
utilization of a non-U.S. capital loss carryforward.

Unrecognized Tax Benefi ts

We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular 
examinations by various U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. jurisdictions for 
various tax periods. Additionally, we have retained tax liabilities and the rights 
to tax refunds in connection with various divestitures of businesses in prior 
years. Our income tax positions are based on research and interpretations 
of the income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which we 

do business. Due to the subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings 
in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in tax laws between 
those jurisdictions as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the 
fi nal resolution of complex tax audit matters, our estimates of income tax 
liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments.

A reconciliation of our gross unrecognized tax benefi ts, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows (in millions):

Gross unrecognized tax benefi ts balance at beginning of year
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities
Reductions related to lapses of statute of limitations
Effect of foreign currency translation
Gross unrecognized tax benefi ts balance at end of year
Offsetting tax benefi ts
NET UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS

$

$

2012
75.1   $
—    
3.3    
—    

(6.3)
(2.4)
0.6    
70.3    
(47.0)
23.3

$

2011
66.3   $
22.3    
9.3    
(0.6)
(18.5)
(3.0)
(0.7)
75.1    
(44.9)
30.2

$

2010
116.7  
6.3  
1.0  
(12.0)
(44.0)
(3.7)
2.0  
66.3  
(51.1)
15.2

The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefi ts that would reduce our 
effective tax rate if recognized was $70.3 million ($23.3 million net of 
offsetting tax benefi ts) as of September 30, 2012, $75.1 million ($30.2 million 
net of offsetting tax benefi ts) as of September 30, 2011 and $57.5 million 
($9.5 million net of offsetting tax benefi ts) as of September 30, 2010. 
Offsetting tax benefi ts primarily consist of tax receivables that were 
recorded in other assets and foreign tax credit items that were recorded 
in deferred income taxes.

During 2012, there was no material change in the amount of gross 
unrecognized tax benefi ts.

During the next 12 months, we believe it is reasonably possible that the 
amount of gross unrecognized tax benefi ts could be reduced by up to 

$1.2 million and the amount of offsetting tax benefi ts could be reduced by 
up to $0.8 million as a result of the resolution of worldwide tax matters 
and the lapses of statutes of limitations.

We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax 
expense. Benefi ts (expense) recognized were $(3.1) million, $9.7 million, 
and $0.9 million during 2012,  2011 and 2010, respectively. Accrued interest 
and penalties were $20.1 million and $16.9 million at September 30, 2012 
and 2011, respectively.

We conduct business globally and are routinely audited by the various tax 
jurisdictions in which we operate. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal 
income tax examinations for years before 2009 and are no longer subject to 
state, local and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2003.

48

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

NOTE 16  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Environmental Matters

Lease Commitments

Federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of substances 
into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes and other activities 
affecting the environment have and will continue to have an effect on 
our manufacturing operations. Thus far, compliance with environmental 
requirements and resolution of environmental claims have been accomplished 
without material effect on our liquidity and capital resources, competitive 
position, fi nancial condition or results of operations.

We have been designated as a potentially responsible party at 13 Superfund 
sites, excluding sites as to which our records disclose no involvement or 
as to which our potential liability has been fi nally determined and assumed 
by third parties. We estimate the total reasonably possible costs we could 
incur for the remediation of Superfund sites at September 30, 2012 to 
be $14.3 million, of which $8.0 million has been accrued.

Various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been asserted against 
us alleging violations of federal, state and local environmental protection 
requirements, or seeking remediation of alleged environmental impairments, 
principally at previously owned properties. As of September 30, 2012, 
we have estimated the total reasonably possible costs we could incur 
from these matters to be $88.1 million. We have recorded environmental 
accruals for these matters of $38.9 million. In addition to the above 
matters, certain environmental liabilities are substantially indemnifi ed by 
ExxonMobil Corporation. At September 30, 2012, we recorded a liability 
of $30.4 million and a receivable of $29.1 million for these matters. We 
estimate the total reasonably possible costs that we could incur from 
these matters to be $37.1 million.

Based on our assessment, we believe that our expenditures for environmental 
capital investment and remediation necessary to comply with present 
regulations governing environmental protection and other expenditures for 
the resolution of environmental claims will not have a material effect on our 
liquidity and capital resources, competitive position, fi nancial condition or 
results of operations. We cannot assess the possible effect of compliance 
with future requirements.

Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations

We accrue for costs related to a legal obligation associated with the 
retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, 
construction, development or the normal operation of the long-lived asset. 
The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is not conditional 
even though the timing or method may be conditional. Identifi ed conditional 
asset retirement obligations include asbestos abatement and remediation 
of soil contamination beneath current and previously divested facilities. 
We estimated conditional asset retirement obligations using site-specifi c 
knowledge and historical industry expertise. We recorded $3.4 million in 
other current liabilities and $22.4 million in other liabilities for these obligations 
at  September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2011, we recorded liabilities for 
these asset retirement obligations of $4.7 million in other current liabilities 
and $23.9 million in other liabilities.

Rental expense was $115.0 million in 2012, $111.5 million in 2011 
and $106.0 million in 2010. Minimum future rental commitments under 
operating leases having noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year 
aggregated $377.6 million as of September 30, 2012 and are payable 
as follows (in millions):

2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Beyond 2017
TOTAL

$

$

79.6
67.3
54.5
40.8
35.7
99.7
377.6

Commitments from third parties under sublease agreements having 
noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year aggregated $1.4 million as 
of September 30, 2012 and are receivable through 2017 at approximately 
$0.3 million per year. Most leases contain renewal options for varying 
periods, and certain leases include options to purchase the leased property.

Other Matters

Various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be 
instituted or asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, 
including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and 
health, intellectual property, employment and contract matters. Although 
the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some 
lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, 
we believe the disposition of matters that are pending or have been 
asserted will not have a material effect on our business, fi nancial condition 
or results of operations.

We (including our subsidiaries) have been named as a defendant in lawsuits 
alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos that was used 
in certain components of our products many years ago. Currently there 
are a few thousand claimants in lawsuits that name us as defendants, 
together with hundreds of other companies. In some cases, the claims 
involve products from divested businesses, and we are indemnifi ed for 
most of the costs. However, we have agreed to defend and indemnify 
asbestos claims associated with products manufactured or sold by our 
former Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric motors and motor repair 
services businesses prior to their divestiture by us, which occurred on 
January 31, 2007. We are also responsible for half of the costs and liabilities 
associated with asbestos cases against our former Rockwell International 
Corporation’s divested measurement and fl ow control business. But in 
all cases, for those claimants who do show that they worked with our 
products or products of divested businesses for which we are responsible, 
we nevertheless believe we have meritorious defenses, in substantial 
part due to the integrity of the products, the encapsulated nature of any 
asbestos-containing components, and the lack of any impairing medical 
condition on the part of many claimants. We defend those cases vigorously. 
Historically, we have been dismissed from the vast majority of these claims 
with no payment to claimants.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 49

 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

We have maintained insurance coverage that we believe covers indemnity 
and defense costs, over and above self-insured retentions, for claims 
arising from our former Allen-Bradley subsidiary. Following litigation against 
Nationwide Indemnity Company (Nationwide) and Kemper Insurance 
(Kemper), the insurance carriers that provided liability insurance coverage 
to Allen-Bradley, we entered into separate agreements on April 1, 2008 
with both insurance carriers to further resolve responsibility for ongoing 
and future coverage of Allen-Bradley asbestos claims. In exchange for a 
lump sum payment, Kemper bought out its remaining liability and has been 
released from further insurance obligations to Allen-Bradley. Nationwide 
entered into a cost share agreement with us to pay the substantial majority 
of future defense and indemnity costs for Allen-Bradley asbestos claims. 
We believe that this arrangement with Nationwide will continue to provide 
coverage for Allen-Bradley asbestos claims throughout the remaining life 
of the asbestos liability.

The uncertainties of asbestos claim litigation make it diffi cult to predict 
accurately the ultimate outcome of asbestos claims. That uncertainty is 
increased by the possibility of adverse rulings or new legislation affecting 
asbestos claim litigation or the settlement process. Subject to these 
uncertainties and based on our experience defending asbestos claims, 
we do not believe these lawsuits will have a material effect on our fi nancial 
condition or results of operations.

We have, from time to time, divested certain of our businesses. In connection 
with these divestitures, certain lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be 
instituted or asserted against us related to the period that we owned the 
businesses, either because we agreed to retain certain liabilities related 
to these periods or because such liabilities fall upon us by operation of 

law. In some instances the divested business has assumed the liabilities; 
however, it is possible that we might be responsible to satisfy those 
liabilities if the divested business is unable to do so.

In connection with the spin-offs of our former automotive component 
systems business, semiconductor systems business and Rockwell Collins 
avionics and communications business, the spun-off companies have 
agreed to indemnify us for substantially all contingent liabilities related 
to the respective businesses, including environmental and intellectual 
property matters.

In conjunction with the sale of our Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric 
motors and motor repair services businesses, we agreed to indemnify Baldor 
Electric Company for costs and damages related to certain legal, legacy 
environmental and asbestos matters of these businesses arising before 
January 31, 2007, for which the maximum exposure would be capped at 
the amount received for the sale. We estimate the potential future payments 
we could incur under these indemnifi cations may approximate $13.5 million, 
of which $1.6 million has been accrued in other current liabilities and 
$8.8 million has been accrued in other liabilities at September 30, 2012. We 
recorded $1.6 million and $10.1 million in other current liabilities and other 
liabilities, respectively, at September 30, 2011 for these indemnifi cations.

In many countries we provide a limited intellectual property indemnity as 
part of our terms and conditions of sale. We also at times provide limited 
intellectual property indemnities in other contracts with third parties, such as 
contracts concerning the development and manufacture of our products, 
the divestiture of businesses and the licensing of intellectual property. Due 
to the number of agreements containing such provisions, we are unable 
to estimate the maximum potential future payments.

NOTE 17  Business Segment Information

Rockwell Automation is a leading global provider of industrial automation 
power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve 
a competitive advantage for their businesses. We determine our operating 
segments based on the information used by our chief operating decision 
maker, our Chief Executive Offi cer, to allocate resources and assess 
performance. Based upon these criteria, we organized our products 
and services into two operating segments: Architecture & Software and 
Control Products & Solutions.

Architecture & Software

The Architecture & Software segment contains all of the hardware, software 
and communication components of our integrated control and information 
architecture capable of controlling the customer’s industrial processes and 
connecting with their manufacturing enterprise. Architecture & Software 
has a broad portfolio of products including:

 • Control platforms that perform multiple control disciplines and monitoring 
of applications, including discrete, batch, continuous process, drives 
control, motion control and machine safety control. Our platform products 
include controllers, electronic operator interface devices, electronic input/
output devices, communication and networking products and industrial 
computers. The information-enabled Logix controllers provide integrated 
multi-discipline control that is modular and scalable.

 • Software products that include confi guration and visualization software 
used to operate and supervise control platforms, advanced process 
control software and manufacturing execution software (MES) that 
addresses information needs between the factory fl oor and a customer’s 
enterprise business system.

 • Other Architecture & Software products, including rotary and linear motion 

control products, sensors and machine safety components.

Control Products & Solutions

The Control Products & Solutions segment combines a comprehensive 
portfolio of intelligent motor control and industrial control products, application 
expertise and project management capabilities. This comprehensive 
portfolio includes:

 • Low and medium voltage electro-mechanical and electronic motor starters, 
motor and circuit protection devices, AC/DC variable frequency drives, 
push buttons, signaling devices, termination and protection devices, 
relays and timers and condition sensors.

 • Value-added solutions ranging from packaged solutions such as confi gured 
drives and motor control centers to automation and information solutions 
where we provide design, integration and start-up services for custom-
engineered hardware and software systems primarily for manufacturing 
applications.

 • Services designed to help maximize a customer’s automation investment 
and provide total life-cycle support, including technical support and 
repair, customized safety solutions, asset management, training and 
predictive and preventative maintenance.

50

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II  

The following tables refl ect the sales and operating results of our reportable segments for the years ended September 30 (in millions):

Sales:

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions

TOTAL
Segment operating earnings:
Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions

Total
Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
General corporate-net
Interest expense
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

2012

2011

2010

$

$

$

$

2,650.4  $
3,609.0 
6,259.4

$

702.8  $
428.6 
1,131.4
(19.8)
(85.6)
(60.1)
965.9

$

2,594.3  $
3,406.1 
6,000.4

$

659.1  $
368.5 
1,027.6
(19.8)
(80.7)
(59.5)
867.6

$

2,115.0 
2,742.0 
4,857.0

475.4 
241.8 
717.2
(18.9)
(93.6)
(60.5)
544.2

Among other considerations, we evaluate performance and allocate 
resources based upon segment operating earnings before income taxes, 
interest expense, costs related to corporate offi ces, certain nonrecurring 
corporate initiatives, gains and losses from the disposition of businesses 
and incremental acquisition related expenses resulting from purchase 
accounting adjustments such as intangible asset amortization, depreciation, 

inventory and purchased research and development charges. Depending 
on the product, intersegment sales within a single legal entity are either 
at cost or cost plus a mark-up, which does not necessarily represent a 
market price. Sales between legal entities are at an appropriate transfer 
price. We allocate costs related to shared segment operating activities to 
the segments using a methodology consistent with the expected benefi t.

Redefi ning segment operating earnings for fi scal 2013

Beginning in fi scal 2013, we are changing our defi nition of segment operating 
earnings to also exclude non-operating pension costs. Non-operating 
pension costs consist of defi ned benefi t plan interest cost, expected 
return on plan assets, amortization of actuarial gains and losses and 

the impacts of any plan curtailments or settlements. We will continue to 
include service cost and amortization of prior service cost in the business 
segment that incurred the expense.

The following tables summarize the identifi able assets at September 30 and the provision for depreciation and amortization and the amount of capital 
expenditures for property for the years ended September 30 for each of the reportable segments and Corporate (in millions):

Identifi able assets:

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions
Corporate

TOTAL
Depreciation and amortization:

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions
Corporate

Total
Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
TOTAL
Capital expenditures for property:

Architecture & Software
Control Products & Solutions
Corporate

TOTAL

2012

2011

2010

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,648.4
2,270.7  
1,717.4  
5,636.5

61.6
57.1  
0.1  

118.8

19.8  

138.6

24.6
55.3  
59.7  

$

$

$

$

$

1,608.4
2,116.1  
1,560.4  
5,284.9

60.0
51.4  
0.1  

111.5

19.8  

131.3

28.1
38.2  
53.8  

139.6

$

120.1

$

1,238.8
1,897.1
1,612.4
4,748.3

54.0
54.3
0.1
108.4
18.9
127.3

33.0
26.6
39.8
99.4

Identifi able assets at Corporate consist principally of cash, net deferred 
income tax assets, prepaid pension and property. Property shared by the 
segments and used in operating activities is also reported in Corporate 
identifi able assets and Corporate capital expenditures. Corporate 
identifi able assets include shared net property balances of $318.0 million, 
$315.7 million and $293.2 million at September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010,        

respectively, for which depreciation expense has been allocated to 
segment operating earnings based on the expected benefi t to be realized 
by each segment. Corporate capital expenditures include $59.7 million, 
$53.8 million and $39.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, that 
will be shared by our operating segments.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 51

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial S tatements and S upplementary D ata

We conduct a signifi cant portion of our business activities outside the United States. The following tables present sales and property by geographic 
region (in millions):

United States
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asia-Pacifi c
Latin America
TOTAL

$

$

Sales

Property

2012
3,067.3 $
464.3  
1,280.6  
942.4  
504.8  
6,259.4 $

2011
2,917.8 $
396.2  
1,267.6  
910.6  
508.2  
6,000.4 $

2010
2,456.2 $
321.0  
987.3  
724.3  
368.2  
4,857.0 $

2012
458.8 $
8.6  
41.6  
39.4  
38.7  
587.1 $

2011
446.1 $
9.2  
42.6  
36.8  
26.7  
561.4 $

2010
424.9
9.7
40.3
34.2
27.8
536.9

We attribute sales to the geographic regions based on the country of 
destination.

In the United States, Canada and certain other countries, we sell our 
products primarily through independent distributors. In the remaining 
countries, we sell products through a combination of direct sales and sales 

through distributors. We sell large systems and service offerings principally 
through a direct sales force, though opportunities are sometimes identifi ed 
through distributors. Sales to our largest distributor in 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
which are attributable to both segments, were approximately 10 percent of 
our total sales.

NOTE 18  Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Sales
Gross profi t
Income before income taxes
Net income
Earnings per share:

Basic
Diluted

$

First
1,473.9 $
618.7  
242.9  
183.3  

2012 Quarters

Second
1,561.1 $
618.3  
223.3  
167.8  

Third
1,560.4 $
631.5  
244.8  
190.7  

Fourth
1,664.0 $
654.2  
254.9  
195.2  

1.29  
1.27  

1.18  
1.16  

1.34  
1.33  

1.39  
1.38  

$

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Sales
Gross profi t
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations (a)
Net income
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations (a)
Net income

Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations (a)
Net income

First
1,365.8 $
543.9  
186.7  
150.1  
—  
150.1  

1.06  
—  
1.06  

1.04  
—  
1.04  

2011 Quarters

Second
1,464.1 $
576.5  
203.6  
166.4  
—  
166.4  

Third
1,516.2 $
606.8  
221.2  
178.8  
0.7  
179.5  

1.16  
—  
1.16  

1.14  
—  
1.14  

1.24  
0.01  
1.25  

1.22  
0.01  
1.23  

Fourth
1,654.3 $
663.2  
256.1  
201.8  
—  
201.8  

1.41  
—  
1.41  

1.39  
—  
1.39  

Note: The sum of the quarterly per share amounts will not necessarily equal the annual per share amounts presented.
(a)  See Note 13 for more information on discontinued operations.

2012
6,259.4
2,522.7
965.9
737.0

5.20
5.13

2011
6,000.4
2,390.4
867.6
697.1
0.7
697.8

4.88
—
4.88

4.79
0.01
4.80

NOTE 19  Subsequent Event

In October 2012, we acquired certain assets of the medium voltage 
drives business of Harbin Jiuzhou Electric Co., Ltd. (Harbin), a leading 
manufacturer of medium voltage drives, direct current power supplies, switch 
gear and wind inverters, headquartered in Harbin, China. The acquisition 
strengthened our presence in the Asia-Pacifi c motor control market by 
adding signifi cant capabilities in design, engineering and manufacturing 

of medium voltage drive products. The preliminary purchase price of the 
acquisition was $84.4 million. The accounting for the Harbin acquisition was 
incomplete at the time we issued our fi nancial statements. Accordingly, it 
is impracticable for us to make certain business combination disclosures 
such as the amount of goodwill and intangibles acquired and the amount 
of goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

52

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PART II  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of 

Rockwell Automation, Inc. 

 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, 
and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareowners’ equity, cash fl ows, and comprehensive income for each of the three years in 
the period ended September 30, 2012. Our audits also included the fi nancial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). We also have 
audited the Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting as of September 30, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these 
fi nancial statements and fi nancial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over fi nancial reporting, and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over fi nancial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these fi nancial statements and fi nancial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal 
control over fi nancial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fi nancial statements are free of material misstatement 
and whether effective internal control over fi nancial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the fi nancial statements included 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the fi nancial statements, assessing the accounting principles used 
and signifi cant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall fi nancial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over fi nancial 
reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over fi nancial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing 
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal 
fi nancial offi cers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly refl ect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of fi nancial statements in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and 
directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition 
of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the fi nancial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over fi nancial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of 
controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the 
effectiveness of the internal control over fi nancial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated fi nancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the fi nancial position of Rockwell 
Automation, Inc. as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period ended 
September 30, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such fi nancial 
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated fi nancial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, 
the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over fi nancial reporting 
as of September 30, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

November 19, 2012

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 53

PART II  
ITEM 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

ITEM 9  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, 
including the Chief Executive Offi cer and Chief Financial Offi cer, we have 
evaluated the effectiveness, as of  September 30, 2012, of our disclosure 
controls and procedures, as defi ned in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) 

of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Offi cer 
and Chief Financial Offi cer have concluded that our disclosure controls 
and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control 
over fi nancial reporting, as defi ned in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange 
Act. Our internal control over fi nancial reporting is a process designed 
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our fi nancial 
reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Under the 
supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief 
Executive Offi cer and Chief Financial Offi cer, we evaluated the effectiveness 
of our internal control over fi nancial reporting based on the framework 
in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based 
upon that evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control 
over fi nancial reporting was effective as of  September 30, 2012.

The effectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial reporting as 
of September 30, 2012 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, as 
stated in their report that is included on the previous two pages.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial reporting 
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation 
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may 
become inadequate because of the changes in conditions, or that the 
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has not been any change in our internal control over fi nancial 
reporting (as such term is defi ned in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during 
the fi scal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, 
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over fi nancial 
reporting.

As previously disclosed, we are in the process of developing and 
implementing common global process standards and an enterprise-wide 
information technology system. Additional implementations will occur at 
the remaining locations of our company throughout fi scal 2013-2014.

ITEM 9B  Other Information

None.

54

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 12 Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

PART III  

PART III

ITEM 10  Directors, Executive Offi cers and Corporate Governance

Other than the information below, the information required by this 
Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Election of 
Directors, Information about Director Nominees and Continuing 
Directors, Board of Directors and Committees and Section 16(a) 
Benefi cial Ownership Reporting Compliance in the Proxy Statement.

No nominee for director was selected pursuant to any arrangement or 
understanding between the nominee and any person other than the 
Company pursuant to which such person is or was to be selected as a 
director or nominee. See also the information about executive offi cers of 
the Company under Item 4A of Part I.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our executive offi cers, 
including the principal executive offi cer, principal fi nancial offi cer and 
principal accounting offi cer. A copy of our code of ethics is posted on 
our Internet site at http://www.rockwellautomation.com. In the event 
that we amend or grant any waiver from a provision of the code of ethics 
that applies to the principal executive offi cer, principal fi nancial offi cer or 
principal accounting offi cer and that requires disclosure under applicable 
SEC rules, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver and the 
reasons therefor on our Internet site.

ITEM 11  Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Executive Compensation, Director Compensation and Compensation 
Committee Report in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12  Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners 

and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Other than the information below, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Ownership of Equity 
Securities of the Company in the Proxy Statement.

The following table provides information as of September 30, 2012 about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants 
and rights granted to employees, consultants or directors under all of our existing equity compensation plans, including our 2012 Long-Term Incentives 
Plan, 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan and 2003 Directors Stock Plan.

Number of Securities 
to be issued 
upon Exercise of 
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights
(a)

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
of Outstanding 
Options, Warrants 
and Rights
(b)
56.75
n/a
56.75

$

Number of Securities Remaining 
Available for Future Issuance 
under Equity Compensation 
Plans (excluding Securities 
refl ected in Column (a))
(c)

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by shareowners
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareowners
TOTAL
(1)  Represents outstanding options and shares issuable in payment of outstanding performance shares (at maximum payout) and restricted stock units under our 2012 Long-Term 

7,171,114(2)
—  

8,484,725(1) $

8,484,725

7,171,114

—  

Incentives Plan, 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan and 2003 Directors Stock Plan.

(2)  Represents 6,883,453 and 287,661 shares available for future issuance under our 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan and our 2003 Directors Stock Plan, respectively.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 55

 
PART III  
ITEM 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

ITEM 13  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, 

and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Board of Directors and Committees and Corporate 
Governance in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled Proposal to Approve the Selection of Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm in the Proxy Statement.

56

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

PART IV  

PART IV

ITEM 15  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedule and Exhibits

(1)  Financial Statements (all fi nancial statements listed below are those of the Company 

and its consolidated subsidiaries)

Consolidated Balance Sheet, September 30, 2012 and 2011..........................................................................................................................................................................  27  

Consolidated Statement of Operations, years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 ................................................................................... 28   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 ................................................................................. 2 9  

Consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ Equity, years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 .......................................................  3 0 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010..........................  3  0 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 1 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .............................................................................................................................................................................. 53 

(2) Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... S-1

Schedules not fi led herewith are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required 
or because the information called for is shown in the consolidated fi nancial statements or notes thereto.

(3) Exhibits

3-a

3-b

4-a-1

4-a-2

4-a-3

4-a-4

4-a-5

*10-a-1

*10-a-2

*10-a-3

Restated Certifi cate of Incorporation of the Company, fi led as Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference.
By-Laws of the Company, as amended and restated effective September 5, 2012, fi led as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K dated September 11, 2012, are hereby incorporated by reference.
Indenture dated as of December 1, 1996 between the Company and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (formerly JPMorgan 
Chase, successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank, successor to Mellon Bank, N.A.), as Trustee, fi led as Exhibit 4-a to Registration 
Statement No. 333-43071, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of certifi cate for the Company’s 6.70% Debentures due January 15, 2028, fi led as Exhibit 4-b to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K dated January 26, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of certifi cate for the Company’s 5.20% Debentures due January 15, 2098, fi led as Exhibit 4-c to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K dated January 26, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of certifi cate for the Company’s 5.65% Notes due December 31, 2017, fi led as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated December 3, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of certifi cate for the Company’s 6.25% Debentures due December 31, 2037, fi led as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K dated December 3, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted on December 4, 2002, amending the Company’s Directors 
Stock Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, is hereby 
incorporated by reference.
Copy of the Company’s 2003 Directors Stock Plan, fi led as Exhibit 4-d to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 333-101780), is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Stock Option Agreement under Sections 7(a)(i) and 7(a)(ii) of the 2003 Directors Stock Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10.3 to 
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 57

PART IV  
ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

*10-a-4 Memorandum of Amendments to the Company’s 2003 Directors Stock Plan approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of the 

*10-a-5

Company on April 25, 2003, fi led as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, 
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation and Benefi ts as of October 1, 2012, fi led as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-a-6 Memorandum of Amendments to the Company’s 2003 Directors Stock Plan approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of 

the Company on November 7, 2007, fi led as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-a-8

*10-a-7 Memorandum of Amendments to the Company’s 2003 Directors Stock Plan approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of 
the Company on September 3, 2008, fi led as Exhibit 10-b-16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
September 30, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Section 6 of the Company’s 2003 Director’s Stock Plan, as amended, fi led as 
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, is hereby incorporated by 
reference.
Copy of the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended through February 4, 2004, fi led as Exhibit 10-e-1 to 
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-b-1

*10-b-2 Memorandum of Proposed Amendments to the Rockwell International Corporation 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan approved and 

adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on June 6, 2001, in connection with the spinoff of Rockwell Collins, fi led as 
Exhibit 10-e-4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001, is hereby incorporated by 
reference.
Forms of Stock Option Agreements under the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10-e-6 to the Company’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002, are hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-b-3

*10-b-4

*10-b-5 Memorandum of Amendments to the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s 

Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 7, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-b-6 Memorandum of Amendments to the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, fi led as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 

*10-b-7

Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 4, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 4, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-b-8 Memorandum of Proposed Amendment and Restatement of the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, approved 
and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on November 7, 2007, fi led as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Forms of Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for options granted to executive 
offi cers of the Company after December 1, 2007, fi led as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended December 31, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-b-9

*10-b-10 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for shares of restricted 

stock awarded after December 1, 2007, fi led as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-1

*10-c-3

*10-c-2

*10-c-4

*10-b-11 Copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted December 5, 2007 and effective February 6, 2008, amending 
the Company’s 2000 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, fi led as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended and restated through June 4, 2010, fi led as Exhibit 99 to the 
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 10, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10-e-3 to the Company’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Forms of Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan for options granted to executive offi cers 
of the Company after December 1, 2008, fi led as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Performance Share Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan for performance shares awarded after 
December 1, 2008, fi led as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, 
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan for shares of restricted stock awarded after 
December 1, 2008, fi led as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, 
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for options granted to executive 
offi cers of the Company after December 6, 2010, fi led as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended December 31, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for shares of restricted 
stock awarded to executive offi cers of the Company after December 6, 2010, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-7

*10-c-6

*10-c-8

*10-c-5

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

58

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

PART IV  

*10-c-9

Form of Performance Share Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for performance shares 
awarded to executive offi cers of the Company after December 6, 2010, fi led as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-10 Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for options granted to executive 
offi cers of the Company after November 30, 2011, fi led as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended December 31, 2011, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-11 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for shares of restricted stock 

awarded to executive offi cers of the Company after November 30, 2011, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-12 Form of Performance Share Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, for performance shares 

awarded to executive offi cers of the Company after November 30, 2011, fi led as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-13 Copy of the Company’s 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan, fi led as Exhibit 4-c to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8

*10-d

(No. 333-180557), is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of resolutions of the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted 
February 5, 2003, regarding the Corporate Offi ce vacation plan, fi led as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated September 6, 2006, fi led as Exhibit 10-f to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006, is hereby incorporated by reference.
*10-e-2 Memorandum of Proposed Amendment and Restatement of the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan approved and adopted

*10-e-1

*10-f

*1 0-g-1

*1 0-g-2

*10-h-1

*10-h-2

*10-h-3

*10-h-4

*10-h-5

10-i-1

10-i-2

10-i-3

10-j-1 

10-j-2

10-j-3

10-k-1

10-k- 2

by the Board of Directors of the Company on November 7, 2007, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended December 31, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of the Company’s Directors Deferred Compensation Plan approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on 
November 5, 2008, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008,
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of the Company’s Annual Incentive Compensation Plan for Senior Executive Offi cers, as amended December 3, 2003, fi led as 
Exhibit 10-i-1 to the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended September 30, 2004, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Copy of the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan, fi led as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
September 7, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Change of Control Agreement dated as of September 27, 2010 between the Company and Keith D. Nosbusch, fi led as Exhibit 99.1
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 27, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Form of Change of Control Agreement dated as of September 27, 2010 between the Company and each of Theodore D. Crandall, 
Steven A. Eisenbrown, Douglas M. Hagerman, Robert A. Ruff and certain other corporate offi cers fi led as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 27, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Letter Agreement dated September 3, 2009 between the Company and Keith D. Nosbusch, fi led as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Letter Agreement dated September 3, 2009 between Registrant and Theodore D. Crandall, fi led as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Description of relocation and expatriate package for Robert A. Ruff, contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
April 8, 2011, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Agreement and Plan of Distribution dated as of December 6, 1996, among Rockwell International Corporation (renamed Boeing 
North American, Inc.), the Company (formerly named New Rockwell International Corporation), Allen-Bradley Company, Inc., Rockwell 
Collins, Inc., Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc., Rockwell Light Vehicle Systems, Inc. and Rockwell Heavy Vehicle Systems, Inc., 
fi led as Exhibit 1 0-b to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1996, is hereby incorporated 
by reference.
Post-Closing Covenants Agreement dated as of December 6, 1996, among Rockwell International Corporation (renamed Boeing North 
American, Inc.), The Boeing Company, Boeing NA, Inc. and the Company (formerly named New Rockwell International Corporation), fi led 
as Exhibit 10-c to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1996, is hereby incorporated by 
reference.
Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of December 6, 1996, among Rockwell International Corporation (renamed Boeing North 
American, Inc.), the Company (formerly named New Rockwell International Corporation) and The Boeing Company, fi led as Exhibit 10-d 
to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1996, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Distribution Agreement dated as of September 30, 1997 by and between the Company and Meritor Automotive, Inc., fi led as Exhibit 2.1 
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Employee Matters Agreement dated as of September 30, 1997 by and between the Company and Meritor Automotive, Inc., 
fi led as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of September 30, 1997 by and between the Company and Meritor Automotive, Inc., 
fi led as Exhibit 2.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Distribution Agreement dated as of December 31, 1998 by and between the Company and Conexant Systems, Inc., fi led as Exhibit 2.1 
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 12, 1999, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Amended and Restated Employee Matters Agreement dated as of December 31, 1998 by and between the Company and Conexant 
Systems, Inc., fi led as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 12, 1999, is hereby incorporated 
by reference.

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 59

PART IV  
ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

10-k-3

10-l-1

10-l-2

10-l-3

10-m

1 0-n

10-o-1

10-o-2

12
21
23
24

Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of December 31, 1998 by and between the Company and Conexant Systems, Inc., fi led 
as Exhibit 2.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 12, 1999, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Distribution Agreement dated as of June 29, 2001 by and among the Company, Rockwell Collins, Inc. and Rockwell Scientifi c Company 
LLC, fi led as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2001, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Employee Matters Agreement dated as of June 29, 2001 by and among the Company, Rockwell Collins, Inc. and Rockwell Scientifi c 
Company LLC, fi led as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2001, is hereby incorporated by 
reference.
Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of June 29, 2001 by and between the Company and Rockwell Collins, Inc., fi led as Exhibit 2.3 
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2001, is hereby incorporated by reference.
$750,000,000 Four-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 14, 2011 among the Company, the Banks listed on the signature 
pages thereof, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Citibank, 
N.A., The Bank of New York Mellon and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agents, fi led as Exhibit 99 
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2011, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 24, 2005 by and between the Company and First Industrial Acquisitions, Inc., 
including the form of Lease Agreement attached as Exhibit I thereto, together with the First Amendment to Purchase and 
Sale Agreement dated as of September 30, 2005 and the Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of 
October 31, 2005, fi led as Exhibit 10-p to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2005, 
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2006, by and among Rockwell Automation, Inc., Rockwell Automaton of Ohio, Inc., 
Rockwell Automation Canada Control Systems, Grupo Industrias Reliance S.A. de C.V., Rockwell Automation GmbH (formerly known 
as Rockwell International GmbH) and Baldor Electric Company, contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
November 9, 2006, is hereby incorporated by reference.
First Amendment to Purchase Agreement dated as of January 24, 2007 by and among Rockwell Automation, Inc., Rockwell Automation 
of Ohio, Inc., Rockwell Automation Canada Control Systems, Grupo Industrias Reliance S.A. de C.V., Rockwell Automation GmbH and 
Baldor Electric Company, fi led as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, 
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Five Years Ended September 30, 2012.
List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Powers of Attorney authorizing certain persons to sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K on behalf of certain directors and offi cers 
of the Company.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Offi cer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Offi cer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Offi cer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Offi cer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Interactive Data Files.

31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

60

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

PART IV  

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed 
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated:  November 19, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on the 19th day of November 2012 by the 
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC.
By

/s/ THEODORE D. CRANDALL
Theodore D. Crandall
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi cer

By

By

/s/ THEODORE D. CRANDALL
Theodore D. Crandall
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi cer 
 (Principal Financial Offi cer)

/s/ DAVID M. DORGAN
David M. Dorgan
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Offi cer)

Keith D. Nosbusch *
Chairman of the Board, 
President  and 
Chief Executive Offi cer
(Principal Executive Offi cer)
and Director

Betty C. Alewine*
Director

Verne G. Istock*
Director

Barry C. Johnson*
Director

Steven R. Kalmanson*
Director

James P. Keane*
Director

William T. McCormick, Jr.*
Director

Donald R. Parfet *
Director

*By

**By

/s/ DOUGLAS M. HAGERMAN
Douglas M. Hagerman, Attorney-in-fact**
authority of powers of attorney fi led herewith

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K 61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV  
ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II 

 Rockwell Automation, Inc. 
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

Additions

Balance at 
Beginning  of  Year

Charged to 
Costs and 
Expenses

Charged 
to Other 
Accounts

Balance at
End of Year

Deductions(b)

(in millions)
Description
*Year ended September 30, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts (a)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
*Year ended September 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts (a)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
*Year ended September 30, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts (a)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
(a) 
(b)  Consists of amounts written off for the allowance for doubtful accounts and adjustments resulting from our ability to utilize foreign tax credits, capital losses, or net operating 

Includes allowances for current and other long-term receivables.

28.9 $
32.8  

24.6 $
43.8  

20.7 $
26.7  

10.2 $
10.6  

4.6 $
19.4  

7.8 $
1.0  

5.9 $
2.5  

0.7 $
2.3  

2.0 $
4.5  

— $
0.5  

— $
—  

— $
—  

30.8
31.8

20.7
26.7

28.9
32.8

$

$

$

loss carryforwards for which a valuation allowance had previously been recorded.
Amounts reported relate to continuing operations in all periods presented.

* 

S-1

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Index to Exhibits *

PART IV  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

Exhibit No. Exhibit
12
21
23
24

31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
* 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Five Years Ended September 30, 2012.
List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Powers of Attorney authorizing certain persons to sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K on behalf of certain directors and offi cers 
of the Company.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Offi cer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Offi cer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Offi cer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certifi cation of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Offi cer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Interactive Data Files. 

See Part IV, Item 15(a)(3) for exhibits incorporated by reference.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K E-1

PART IV  
EXHIBIT 31 .1 

EXHIBIT 31.1  Certifi cation

I, Keith D. Nosbusch, certify that:

1. 

2 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rockwell Automation, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make 
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered 
by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the fi nancial statements, and other fi nancial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the 
fi nancial condition, results of operations and cash fl ows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying offi cer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defi ned in 
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over fi nancial reporting (as defi ned in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) 
for the registrant and have:

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within 
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  Designed such internal control over fi nancial reporting, or caused such internal control over fi nancial reporting to be designed under our 
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the 

effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent 
fi scal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fi scal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying offi cer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over fi nancial reporting, to the 
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)  All signifi cant defi ciencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over fi nancial reporting which are reasonably 

likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report fi nancial information; and

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a signifi cant role in the registrant’s internal control 

over fi nancial reporting.

Date:  November 19, 2012

/s/ KEITH D. NOSBUSCH
Keith D. Nosbusch
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Offi cer

E-2

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

PART IV  
EXHIBIT 31 .2 

EXHIBIT 31.2  Certifi cation

I, Theodore D. Crandall, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rockwell Automation, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make 
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered 
by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the fi nancial statements, and other fi nancial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the 
fi nancial condition, results of operations and cash fl ows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying offi cer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defi ned in 
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over fi nancial reporting (as defi ned in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) 
for the registrant and have:

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within 
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  Designed such internal control over fi nancial reporting, or caused such internal control over fi nancial reporting to be designed under our 
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the 

effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent 
fi scal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fi scal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying offi cer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over fi nancial reporting, to the 
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)  All signifi cant defi ciencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over fi nancial reporting which are reasonably 

likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report fi nancial information; and

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a signifi cant role in the registrant’s internal control 

over fi nancial reporting.

Date:  November 19, 2012 

/s/ THEODORE D. CRANDALL 
Theodore D. Crandall
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi cer

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K E-3

PART IV  
EXHIBIT 32.1 

EXHIBIT 32.1  Certifi cation of Periodic Report

I, Keith D. Nosbusch, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

(1) 

the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of 
Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) 

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the fi nancial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:  November 19, 2012 

/s/ KEITH D. NOSBUSCH
Keith D. Nosbusch
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Offi cer

E-4

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

PART IV  
EXHIBIT 32 .2 

EXHIBIT 32.2  Certifi cation of Periodic Report

I, Theodore D. Crandall, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Offi cer of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

(1) 

the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of 
Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) 

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the fi nancial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:  November 19, 2012 

/s/ THEODORE D. CRANDALL
Theodore D. Crandall
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi cer

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K E-5

 
 
(This page intentionally left blank)

  Rockwell Automation, Inc.
  Return On Invested Capital  
  and Comparison of Five-Year 
  Cumulative Total Return

This section does not constitute part of our Annual Report on  

Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K a

 
 
(This page intentionally left blank)

b

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

Supplemental Information
Return On Invested Capital

Our annual report contains information regarding Return On Invested Capital (ROIC), which is a non-GAAP financial measure.  We 

believe that ROIC is useful to investors as a measure of performance and of the effectiveness of the use of capital in our operations.  

We use ROIC as one measure to monitor and evaluate performance.  Our measure of ROIC may be different from that used by other 

companies.  We define ROIC as the percentage resulting from the following calculation:

(a) 

Income from continuing operations, before interest expense, income tax provision, and purchase accounting  

depreciation and amortization, divided by;

(b)  average invested capital for the year, calculated as a five quarter rolling average using the sum of short-term debt,  

long-term debt, shareowners’ equity, and accumulated amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets, minus cash  

and cash equivalents and short-term investments, multiplied by;

(c)  one minus the effective tax rate for the period.

ROIC is calculated as follows:
(in millions, except percentages) 

(a) Return

Income from continuing operations 

Interest expense 

Income tax provision 

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization 

Return 

(b) Average Invested Capital

Short-term debt 

Long-term debt 

Shareowners’ equity 

Accumulated amortization of goodwill and intangibles 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term investments 

Average invested capital 

(c) Effective Tax Rate

Income tax provision 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes 

Effective tax rate 

(a) / (b) * (1-c) Return On Invested Capital 

Twelve Months Ended
September 30,

2012 

2011

$737.0 

60.1 

228.9 

19.8 

1,045.8 

207.2 

905.0 

1,881.5 

751.0 

(878.8) 

(232.5) 

$697.1

59.5

170.5

19.8

946.9

–

904.9

1,709.7

716.7

(922.7)

–

2,633.4 

2,408.6

228.9 

$965.9 

23.7% 

30.3% 

170.5

$867.6

19.7% 

31.6%

This page does not constitute part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K c

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
Rockwell Automation, 
S&P 500 Index and S&P Electrical Components & Equipment

The following line graph compares the cumulative total shareowner return on our Common Stock against the 

cumulative total return of the S&P Composite-500 Stock Index and the S&P Electrical Components & Equipment 

Index for the period of five fiscal years from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2012, assuming in each case a fixed 

investment of $100 at the respective closing prices on September 30, 2007 and reinvestment of all dividends.

$150  

$125  

$100  

$75  

$50  

2007  

2008  

2009  

2010 

2011 

2012  

Rockwell Automation

S&P 500 Index

S&P Electrical Components & Equipment

The cumulative total returns on Rockwell Automation Common Stock and each index as of each September 30, 2007 - 2012 

plotted in the above graph are as follows: 

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Rockwell Automation*

$100.00

$54.85

$65.12

$96.54

$89.42

$113.69

S&P 500 Index

100.00

S&P Electrical Components & Equipment

100.00

78.02

74.57

72.64

80.02

80.93

105.37

79.86

106.12

89.20

119.08

Cash dividends per common share

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.22

1.475

1.745

* Includes the reinvestment of all dividends in our Common Stock.

This page does not constitute part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

d

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. - Form 10-K

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION

1201 South Second Street  Milwaukee, WI  53204 USA

+1 (414) 382-2000   |  www.rockwellautomation.com