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Rockwell Automation

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FY2018 Annual Report · Rockwell Automation
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2018
ANNUAL 
REPORT ON 
FORM 10-K

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, 2018

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:
+1 (414) 382-2000

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

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1 Par Value

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    No  

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    No  

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    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).Yes    No  

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. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, 

or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 

company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer
Non-accelerated Filer




Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company





If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with 

any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

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

The aggregate market value of registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of registrant on March 29, 2018 was approximately $21.7 billion.

120,684,079 shares of registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1 per share, were outstanding on October 31, 2018.

Certain information contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners of registrant to be held on February 5, 2019 is 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

ITEM 9.  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS  
WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING  
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION 

PART III 

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN 

BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND  
RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND  
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES  

AND SERVICES 

PART IV 

ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL  

STATEMENT SCHEDULE 

ITEM 16.   FORM 10-K SUMMARY 

SIGNATURES 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I 

BUSINESS 

ITEM 1.  
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS 
ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 
ITEM 2.  
ITEM 3.  
ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 
ITEM 4A.   EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF  
THE COMPANY 

PROPERTIES 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

PART II 

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON 

EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER  
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES  
OF EQUITY SECURITIES 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

ITEM 6.  
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND  

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION  
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE 

ITEM 8.  

DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND 
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

2

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This  Annual  Report  contains  statements  (including  certain 
projections  and  business  trends)  that  are  “forward-looking 
statements” as defined 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:

zz macroeconomic factors, including global and regional business 
conditions, the availability and cost of capital, commodity prices, 
the cyclical nature of our customers’ capital spending, sovereign 
debt concerns and currency exchange rates;

zz laws,  regulations  and  governmental  policies  affecting  our 
activities in the countries where we do business, including those 
related to tariffs, taxation, and trade controls; 

zz the successful development of advanced technologies and 
demand  for  and  market  acceptance  of  new  and  existing 
hardware and software products; 

zz the availability and price of components and materials; 

zz the successful execution of our cost productivity initiatives; 

zz the availability, effectiveness and security of our information 

technology systems; 

zz competitive hardware and software products, solutions and 
services and pricing pressures, and our ability to provide high 
quality products, solutions and services; 

zz disruptions  to  our  distribution  channels  or  the  failure  of 
distributors to develop and maintain capabilities to sell our 
products; 

zz a disruption of our business due to natural disasters, pandemics, 
acts of war, strikes, terrorism, social unrest or other causes; 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

Rockwell  Automation,  Inc.  (“Rockwell  Automation”  or  the 
“Company”), a leader in industrial automation and information, 
makes  its  customers  more  productive  and  the  world  more 
sustainable. Our hardware and software products, solutions and 
services are designed to meet our customers’ needs to reduce 
total cost of ownership, maximize asset utilization, improve time 
to market and reduce enterprise business risk.

zz our ability to manage and mitigate the risk related to security 
vulnerabilities and breaches of our products, solutions and 
services; 

zz intellectual property infringement claims by others and the 

ability to protect our intellectual property; 

zz the uncertainty of claims by taxing authorities in the various 

jurisdictions where we do business; 

zz our ability to attract, develop, and retain qualified personnel; 

zz the uncertainties of litigation, including liabilities related to the 
safety and security of the hardware and software products, 
solutions and services we sell; 

zz our ability to manage and mitigate the risks associated with our 

solutions and services businesses; 

zz the  successful  integration  and  management  of  acquired 

businesses and technologies; 

zz risks associated with our investment in common stock of PTC 
Inc., including the potential for volatility in our reported quarterly 
earnings associated with changes in the market value of such 
stock; 

zz our ability to manage costs related to employee retirement and 

health care benefits; and

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

These forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs as of the 
date of filing 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.

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.

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 

3

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS

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.

As used herein, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Rockwell Automation” 
or the “Company” 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, 2019 (the Proxy Statement), 
or to information under specific 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 fiscal year and quarters unless 
otherwise stated.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

We have two operating segments: Architecture & Software and Control Products & Solutions. Both operating segments share a common 
sales organization and supply chain and conduct business globally. Major markets served by both segments consist of consumer 
industries, including food and beverage, home and personal care and life sciences; transportation, including automotive and tire; and 
heavy industries, including oil and gas, mining, metals, and chemicals.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

We do business in more than 80 countries around the world. The largest sales outside the United States on a country-of-destination 
basis are in China, Canada, Mexico, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Brazil. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks 
associated with our global operations.

COMPETITION

Our competitors range from large diversified corporations that may also have business interests outside of industrial automation to 
smaller companies that offer a limited portfolio of industrial automation products, solutions and services. Factors that influence our 
competitive position include the breadth of our product portfolio and scope of solutions, technology differentiation, domain expertise, 
installed base, distribution network, quality of hardware and software products, solutions and services, global presence and price. 
Major competitors include Siemens AG, ABB Ltd, Schneider Electric SA, Emerson Electric Co., Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and Honeywell 
International Inc.

DISTRIBUTION

In most countries, we sell primarily through independent distributors in conjunction with our direct sales force. In other countries, we 
sell through a combination of our direct sales force and to a lesser extent, through independent distributors. Approximately 75 percent 
of our global sales are through independent distributors. Sales to our largest distributor in 2018, 2017 and 2016 were approximately 
10 percent of our total sales.

EMPLOYEES

At September 30, 2018, we had approximately 23,000 employees. Approximately 8,600 were employed in the United States.

RAW MATERIALS

We purchase a wide range of equipment, components, finished products and materials used in our business. The raw materials essential 
to the manufacture of our products generally are available at competitive prices. We have a broad base of suppliers and subcontractors. 
We depend upon the ability of our suppliers and subcontractors to meet performance and quality specifications and delivery schedules. 
See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with our reliance on third party suppliers.

4

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTBACKLOG

Our total order backlog consists of (in millions):

Architecture & Software

Control Products & Solutions

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS

September 30,

2018

215.7 $

1,196.3

1,412.0 $

2017

205.1

1,091.6

1,296.7

$

$

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 beyond 2019 were approximately $232 million as of September 30, 2018.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

Information about the effect of compliance with environmental protection requirements and resolution of environmental claims is 
contained in Note 15 in the Financial Statements. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with liabilities and costs 
related to environmental remediation.

PATENTS, LICENSES AND TRADEMARKS

We own or license numerous patents and patent applications 
related to our hardware and software products and operations. 
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 financial condition. Various claims of patent 
infringement and requests for patent indemnification have been 
made to us. We believe that none of these claims or requests will 
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. See 
Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with 
our intellectual property.

SEASONALITY

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 “PowerFlex®” 
for our AC drives, and “Rockwell Software®” and “FactoryTalk®” 
for our software offerings.

Our business segments are not subject to significant 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 https://www.rockwellautomation.com. 
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, 
current  reports  on  Form  8-K  and  any  amendments  to  such 
reports filed 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 reports to shareowners and Section 16 reports on 
Forms 3, 4 and 5, are available free of charge on this site through 
the “Investors” link as soon as reasonably practicable after we 

file or furnish these reports with the SEC. All reports we file with 
the SEC are also available free of charge via EDGAR through the 
SEC’s website at https://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.

5

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In the ordinary course of our business, we face various strategic, 
operating, compliance and financial risks. These risks could have 
an impact on our business, financial condition, operating results 
and cash flows. Our most significant 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  significant  risks.  Our  ERM  process  assesses, 
manages, and monitors risks consistent with the integrated risk 
framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued 
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (COSO). We believe that risk-taking is an inherent 
aspect of the pursuit of our strategy. Our goal is to manage risks 
prudently rather than avoid risks. We can mitigate risks and their 
impact on the Company only to a limited extent.

A team of senior executives prioritizes identified risks and assigns 
an executive to address each major identified risk area and lead 
action plans to manage risks. Our Board of Directors provides 
oversight of the ERM process and reviews significant identified 
risks. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors also reviews 
significant financial 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 adversely affect us and cause our results to 
vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future 
results.

ADVERSE CHANGES IN BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY 
CONDITIONS AND VOLATILITY AND DISRUPTION OF 
THE CAPITAL AND CREDIT MARKETS MAY RESULT IN 
DECREASES IN OUR SALES AND PROFITABILITY.

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

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

Our ability to access the credit markets and the costs of borrowing 
are 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.

6

WE SELL TO CUSTOMERS AROUND THE WORLD AND ARE 
SUBJECT TO THE RISKS OF DOING BUSINESS IN MANY 
COUNTRIES.

We do business in more than 80 countries around the world. 
Approximately 45 percent of our sales in 2018 were to customers 
outside the U.S. In addition, many of our manufacturing operations, 
suppliers and employees are located in many places around the 
world. The future success of our business depends in large part 
on growth in our sales in non-U.S. markets. Our global operations 
are subject to numerous financial, legal and operating risks, such 
as political and economic instability; prevalence of corruption in 
certain countries; enforcement of contract and intellectual property 
rights; and compliance with existing and future laws, regulations 
and policies, including those related to exports, imports, tariffs, 
embargoes and other trade restrictions, investments, taxation, 
product content and performance, employment and repatriation of 
earnings. In addition, we are affected by changes in foreign currency 
exchange rates, inflation rates and interest rates. The occurrence or 
consequences of these risks may make it more difficult to operate 
our business and increase our costs, which could decrease our 
profitability and have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

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 
hardware and software products that appeal to the changing needs 
and preferences of our customers in the various markets we serve. 
Developing new hardware and software 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 
and emerging technological and broader industry trends, demand 
for our products could decline.

WE RELY ON SUPPLIERS TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT, 
COMPONENTS AND SERVICES.

Our business requires that we buy equipment, components and 
services including finished products, electronic components and 
commodities. Our reliance on suppliers involves certain risks, 
including:

zz poor quality or an insecure supply chain, which could adversely 
affect the reliability and reputation of our hardware and software 
products;

zz changes  in  the  cost  of  these  purchases  due  to  inflation, 
exchange rate fluctuations, taxes, tariffs, embargoes and other 
trade restrictions, commodity market volatility or other factors 
that affect our suppliers;

zz intellectual property risks such as challenges to ownership of 

rights or alleged infringement by suppliers; and

zz shortages of components, commodities or other materials, which 
could adversely affect our manufacturing efficiencies and ability 
to make timely delivery of our products, solutions and services.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Any of these uncertainties could adversely affect our profitability 
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 of, or delivery delays for 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 profitable products. Even where substitute sources 
of  supply  are  available,  qualifying  alternative  suppliers  and 
establishing reliable supplies could cost more or result in delays 
and a loss of sales.

FAILURES OR SECURITY BREACHES OF OUR PRODUCTS, 
CONNECTED SERVICES, MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT, 
SUPPLY CHAIN, OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS 
COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS.

We rely heavily on information technology (IT) in our hardware 
and software products, solutions and services for customers, 
manufacturing  environment,  and  in  our  enterprise  IT 
infrastructure. Despite the implementation of security measures, 
our IT systems are vulnerable to unauthorized access by nation 
states, hackers, cyber-criminals, malicious insiders, and other 
actors who may engage in fraud, theft of confidential or proprietary 
information, or sabotage. These systems could be compromised 
by malware (including ransomware), cyber attacks, and other 
events, ranging from widespread, non-targeted, global cyber 
threats to targeted advanced persistent threats. Given that our 
hardware and software products and services are used in critical 
infrastructure, these threats could indicate increased risk for our 
products, services, manufacturing, and IT infrastructure. Recent 
global cyber attacks have been perpetuated by compromising 
software updates in widely-used software products, increasing 
the risk that vulnerabilities or malicious content could be inserted 
into our products. In some cases, malware attacks were spread 
throughout the supply chain, moving from one company to the 
next via authorized network connections.

Our hardware and software products, solutions, and services are 
used by our direct and indirect customers in applications that may 
be subject to information theft, tampering, or sabotage. Careless 
or  malicious  actors  could  cause  a  customer’s  process  to  be 
disrupted or could cause equipment to operate in an improper 
manner that could result in harm to people or property. While we 
continue to improve the security attributes of our hardware and 
software products, solutions and services, we can reduce risk, not 
eliminate it. To a significant extent, the security of our customers’ 
systems depends on how those systems are designed, installed, 
protected, configured, updated and monitored, much of which are 
typically outside our control.

Our business uses IT resources on a dispersed, global basis for 
a wide variety of functions including development, engineering, 
manufacturing, sales, accounting, and human resources. Our 
vendors, partners, employees and customers have access to, and 
share, information across multiple locations via various digital 
technologies. In addition, we rely on partners and vendors for a 
wide range of outsourced activities, including cloud providers, are 

part of our internal IT infrastructure and our commercial offerings. 
Secure connectivity is important to these ongoing operations. 
Also, our partners and vendors frequently have access to our 
confidential information as well as confidential information about 
our customers, employees, and others. We design our security 
architecture to reduce the risk that a compromise of our partners’ 
infrastructure, for example a cloud platform, could lead to a 
compromise of our internal systems or customer networks, but 
this risk cannot be eliminated and vulnerabilities at third parties 
could result in unknown risk exposure to our business.

The current cyber threat environment indicates increased risk 
for all companies, including those in industrial automation and 
information. Like other global companies, we have experienced 
cyber threats and incidents, although none have been material 
or had a material adverse effect on our business or financial 
condition. Our information security efforts, under the leadership 
of our Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Product Security 
Officer, with the support of the entire management team, include 
major programs designed to address security governance, product 
security, identification and protection of critical assets, insider risk, 
third-party risk, and cyber defense operations. We believe these 
measures reduce, but cannot eliminate, the risk of an information 
security incident. Any significant security incidents could have an 
adverse impact on sales, harm our reputation and cause us to 
incur legal liability and increased costs to address such events 
and related security concerns.

THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS IN OUR SOLUTIONS AND 
SERVICES BUSINESSES.

Risks  inherent  in  the  sale  of  solutions  and  services  include 
assuming greater responsibility for successfully delivering projects 
that meet a particular customer specification, including defining 
and controlling contract scope, efficiently executing projects, and 
managing the performance and quality of our subcontractors and 
suppliers. If we are unable to manage and mitigate these risks, we 
could incur cost overruns, liabilities and other losses that would 
adversely affect our results of operations.

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,  certification  and  labeling  laws  and  regulations.  Our 
customers may also be required to comply with such legislative 
and regulatory requirements. These requirements could increase 
our costs and could potentially have an adverse effect on our 
ability to do business in certain jurisdictions. Changes in these 
requirements could impact demand for our hardware and software 
products, solutions and services. Compliance with increasing 
privacy regulation, such as the European Union’s General Data 
Protection Regulation (GDPR), could increase our operating costs 
as part of our efforts to protect and safeguard our sensitive data 
and personal information. Failure to maintain information privacy 
could result in legal liability or reputational harm.

7

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

OUR INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE.

We face strong competition in all of our market segments in 
several significant respects. We compete based on breadth and 
scope of our hardware and software product portfolio and solution 
and service offerings, technology differentiation, the domain 
expertise of our employees and partners, product performance, 
quality of our hardware and software products, solutions 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 geographic markets and product areas that 
we serve and across our market segments. We seek to maintain 
acceptable pricing levels across and within geographic markets by 
continually developing advanced technologies for new hardware 
and software products and product enhancements and offering 
complete solutions for our customers’ business problems. In 
addition, we continue to drive productivity to reduce our cost 
structure. If we fail to achieve our objectives, to keep pace with 
technological changes, or to provide high quality hardware and 
software products, solutions and services, we may lose business 
or experience price erosion and correspondingly lower sales 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 profitability.

WE RELY ON OUR DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL FOR A 
SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF OUR SALES.

In the United States and Canada, a large percentage of our sales 
are through distributors. In certain other countries, the majority 
of our sales are also through a limited number of distributors. We 
depend on the capabilities and competencies of our distributors to 
sell our hardware and software products and services and deliver 
value to our customers. Disruptions to our existing distribution 
channel or the failure of distributors to maintain and develop 
the appropriate capabilities to sell our hardware and software 
products and services could adversely affect our sales. A disruption 
could result from the sale of a distributor to a competitor, financial 
instability of a distributor or other events.

WE FACE THE POTENTIAL HARMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS, 
PANDEMICS, ACTS OF WAR, TERRORISM, INTERNATIONAL 
CONFLICTS OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS TO OUR OPERATIONS.

Our business depends on the movement of people and goods 
around the world. Natural disasters, pandemics, acts or threats 
of war or terrorism, international conflicts, power outages, fires, 
explosions, equipment failures, sabotage, 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.  Disruptions  to  our  IT 
infrastructure from system failures, shutdowns, power outages, 
telecommunication or utility failures, and other events, including 
disruptions at third party IT and other service providers, could also 
interfere with or disrupt our operations. Although it is not possible 
to predict such events or their consequences, these events could 
decrease  demand  for  our  hardware  and  software  products, 
solutions or services, increase our costs, or make it difficult or 
impossible for us to deliver products, solutions or services.

8

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS 
OF OTHERS AND THE INABILITY TO PROTECT OUR 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS COULD HARM OUR 
BUSINESS AND OUR CUSTOMERS.

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. Indemnification payments and legal expenses 
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 significant.

CLAIMS FROM TAXING AUTHORITIES COULD HAVE AN 
ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR INCOME TAX EXPENSE AND 
FINANCIAL CONDITION.

We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to 
interpret and comply with 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 uncertainty of how underlying 
facts may be construed, our estimates of income tax liabilities may 
differ from actual payments or assessments. We must successfully 
defend any claims from taxing authorities to avoid an adverse effect 
on our operating results and financial condition.

OUR BUSINESS SUCCESS DEPENDS ON ATTRACTING, 
DEVELOPING, AND RETAINING HIGHLY QUALIFIED 
PERSONNEL.

Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our 
management team and key employees. Their skills, experience 
and  industry  knowledge  significantly  benefit  our  operations 
and performance. Difficulty attracting, developing, and retaining 
members of our management team and key employees, including 
employees with the necessary technological expertise, could have 
a negative effect on our business, operating results and financial 
condition.

POTENTIAL LIABILITIES AND COSTS FROM LITIGATION 
(INCLUDING ASBESTOS CLAIMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
REMEDIATION) COULD REDUCE OUR PROFITABILITY.

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 
hardware and software products, solutions and services 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 

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

claims) and the uncertainties related to the collection of insurance 
proceeds make it difficult to predict the ultimate resolution.

charges, and impairment and amortization expenses related to 
intangible assets.

Our operations are subject to various environmental regulations 
that are concerned with human health, the limitation and control 
of emissions and discharges into the air, ground, and water, the 
quality of air and bodies of water, and the handling, use and 
disposal of specified substances. Our financial responsibility to 
clean up 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 significant.

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 for satisfying those liabilities 
if the divested business is unable to do so.

FAILURE TO IDENTIFY, MANAGE, COMPLETE, AND 
INTEGRATE ACQUISITIONS AND TECHNOLOGY 
INVESTMENTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.

As  part  of  our  strategy,  we  may  pursue  acquisitions  of  or 
investment opportunities in businesses as well as the purchase 
of technology from third parties. In order to be successful with 
these transactions, we must identify attractive acquisition or 
investment opportunities, successfully complete the transaction, 
and manage post-closing matters, such as integration of the 
acquired business or technology. We may not be able to identify 
or complete beneficial acquisition or transaction opportunities 
given the intense competition for them. Even if we successfully 
identify and complete such transactions, we may not be able to 
successfully address risks and uncertainties inherent in such 
transactions, including:

zz difficulties in integrating the purchased operations, technologies, 
products or services, retaining the acquired business’ customers 
and achieving the expected benefits of the acquisition, such 
as sales increases, access to technologies, cost savings and 
increases in geographic or product presence, in the desired 
time frames;

zz loss of key employees of the acquired business;

zz legal and compliance issues;

zz difficulties implementing and maintaining consistent standards, 
controls, procedures, policies and information systems; and

zz diversion  of  management’s  attention  from  other  business 

concerns.

Future acquisitions and technology investments could result in 
debt, dilution, liabilities, increased interest expense, restructuring 

WE OWN COMMON STOCK IN PTC INC. AND ARE EXPOSED 
TO THE VOLATILITY, LIQUIDITY AND OTHER RISKS 
INHERENT IN HOLDING THAT STOCK.

We own common stock of PTC Inc. (PTC), a Nasdaq-listed company, 
that we acquired for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 
$1.0 billion. We present this investment on our Consolidated 
Balance Sheet at its fair value at the end of each reporting period, 
less a valuation adjustment pending registration of our shares of 
PTC common stock (Shares) under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, which, per a registration rights agreement entered into 
with PTC, must occur no later than July 19, 2019. The fair value of 
the Shares is subject to fluctuation in the future due to the volatility 
of the stock market, changes in general economic conditions, and 
the performance of PTC. We will recognize all changes in the fair 
value of the Shares (whether realized or unrealized) as gains or 
losses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Accordingly, 
changes in the fair value of the Shares can materially impact the 
earnings we report, which introduces volatility in our earnings that 
is not associated with the results of our business operations. In 
particular, significant declines in the fair value of the Shares would 
produce significant declines in our reported earnings.

While there is an established trading market for shares of PTC 
common stock, there are limitations on our ability to dispose of 
some or all of the Shares should we wish to reduce our investment. 
Until approximately July 19, 2021, we are subject to contractual 
restrictions on our ability to transfer the Shares, subject to certain 
exceptions. In addition, we are subject to certain restrictions on our 
ability to transfer the Shares under the securities laws. Further, 
the reported value of our Shares does not necessarily reflect their 
lowest current market price. If we were forced to sell some or all 
the Shares in the market, there can be no assurance that we will 
be able to sell them at prices equivalent to the value of the Shares 
that we have reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and we 
may be forced to sell them at significantly lower prices.

Finally, our equity position in PTC is a minority position which 
exposes us to further risk as we are not able to exert control 
over PTC.

INCREASING EMPLOYEE BENEFIT COSTS COULD HAVE 
A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND 
FINANCIAL CONDITION.

One  important  aspect  of  attracting  and  retaining  qualified 
personnel is continuing to offer competitive employee retirement 
and health care benefits. The expenses we record for our pension 
and other postretirement benefit plans depend on factors such as 
changes in market interest rates, the value of plan assets, mortality 
assumptions and healthcare trend rates. Significant unfavorable 
changes in these factors would increase our expenses. Expenses 
related to employer-funded healthcare benefits depend on laws 
and regulations, which could change, as well as healthcare cost 
inflation. An inability to control costs related to employee and 
retiree benefits could negatively impact our operating results and 
financial condition.

9

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

We  operate  manufacturing  facilities  in  the  United  States 
and  multiple other countries. Manufacturing space occupied 
approximately 3.3 million square feet, of which 36 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, 2018:

Location

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Mayfield Heights, Ohio, United States

Cambridge, Canada

Segment/Region

Global Headquarters and Control Products & Solutions

Architecture & Software

Canada

Capelle, Netherlands / Diegem, Belgium

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Hong Kong

Weston, Florida, United States

Asia Pacific

Latin America

The following table sets forth information regarding the manufacturing square footage of our principal locations as of September 30, 2018:

Location

Monterrey, Mexico

Aarau, Switzerland

Twinsburg, Ohio, United States

Mequon, Wisconsin, United States

Tecate, Mexico

Cambridge, Canada

Shanghai, China

Richland Center, Wisconsin, United States

Harbin, China

Katowice, Poland

Ladysmith, Wisconsin, United States

Jundiai, Brazil

Singapore

Manufacturing Square Footage

630,000

284,000

257,000

240,000

221,000

216,000

176,000

166,000

162,000

138,000

130,000

115,000

74,000

There are no major encumbrances (other than financing arrangements, which in the aggregate are not significant) 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.

10

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART I
ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this Item is contained in Note 15 in the Financial Statements within the section entitled Other Matters.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4A.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The name, age, office and position held with the Company and principal occupations and employment during the past five years of each 
of the executive officers of the Company as of November 1, 2018 are:

Name, Office and Position, and Principal Occupations and Employment

Blake D. Moret

Chairman of the Board since January 1, 2018, and President and Chief Executive Officer since July 1, 2016; 
previously Senior Vice President

Sujeet Chand 

Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

Theodore D. Crandall 

Senior Vice President since February 7, 2017; previously Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

David M. Dorgan 

Vice President and Controller

Steven W. Etzel 

Vice President and Treasurer

Elik I. Fooks 

Patrick P. Goris 

Rebecca W. House 

Senior Vice President since March 16, 2017; previously Vice President and General Manager, Sensing, 
Safety, and Connectivity Business

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 7, 2017; previously Vice President,  
Finance, Architecture and Software and (from 2013-2015) Operations and Engineering Services, and (from 
July 2015) Vice President, Investor Relations

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since January 3, 2017; previously Assistant  
General Counsel, Operations and Compliance, and Assistant Secretary at Harley-Davidson, Inc. (motorcycle 
manufacturer)

Frank C. Kulaszewicz 

Senior Vice President

Michael Laszkiewicz 

Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering Services since July 2, 2018; previously Vice President 
and General Manager, Power Control Business

John P. McDermott 

Senior Vice President

John M. Miller

Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel

Robert B. Murphy 

Senior Vice President, Connected Enterprise Consulting since July 2, 2018; previously Senior Vice 
President, Operations and Engineering Services (from May 2016 - July 2018) and Vice President, 
Manufacturing Operations

Christopher Nardecchia  Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer since November 1, 2017; previously Vice President and 

Chief Information Officer, Global Operations and Supply Chain, Amgen, Inc. (biopharmaceutical company)

Francis S. Wlodarczyk

Senior Vice President since July 2, 2018; previously Vice President, Control and Visualization Business 
(from 2014 - 2018) and Director, Product Businesses, EMEA

Age

55

60

63

54

58

67

47

45

54

58

60

51

59

56

53

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

11

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED 

STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF 
EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET INFORMATION

Our common stock, $1 par value, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “ROK.” On October 31, 2018, 
there were 16,162 shareowners of record of our common stock.

COMPANY PURCHASES

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, 2018:

Period

July 1 – 31, 2018

August 1 – 31, 2018

September 1 – 30, 2018

TOTAL

Total Number of Shares 
Purchased(1)

Average Price Paid Per 
Share(2)

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(3)

613,830

781,516

807,276

2,202,622

$

172.62

175.85

188.69

179.66

613,830

780,961

807,276

2,202,067

$

398,070,077

260,734,522

1,108,405,220

(1)  All of the shares purchased during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 were acquired pursuant to the repurchase programs described in (3) below, except for 

555 shares that were acquired in August in connection with stock swap exercises of employee stock options.

(2)  Average price paid per share includes brokerage commissions.
(3)  On January 15, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized us to expend $1.0 billion to repurchase shares of our common stock. On September 6, 2018, the Board of 
Directors authorized us to expend an additional $1.0 billion to repurchase shares of our common stock. Our repurchase programs allow us to repurchase shares 
at management’s discretion or at our broker’s discretion pursuant to a share repurchase plan subject to price and volume parameters.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following information is not deemed to be “soliciting material” 
or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange 
Act) or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and will 
not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of 
the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or 
the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically 
incorporates it by reference into such a filing.

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 (S&P Electrical C&E) Index for 
the period of five fiscal years from October 1, 2013 to September 
30, 2018, assuming in each case a fixed investment of $100 at the 
respective closing prices on September 30, 2013 and reinvestment 
of all dividends.

12

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
Rockwell Automation, S&P 500 Index & S&P Electrical Components & Equipment

$
200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20
0

$195.23

$192.10

$141.96

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Fiscal Year Ended September 30

■

Rockwell Automation

S&P 500 Index

S&P Electrical
Components & Equipment

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTThe cumulative total returns on Rockwell Automation Common Stock and each index as of each September 30, 2013 through 2018 
plotted in the above graph are as follows: 

PART II
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Rockwell Automation*

S&P 500 Index

S&P Electrical Components & Equipment

Cash dividends per common share

* Includes the reinvestment of all dividends in our Common Stock.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

$

100.00 $

104.76 $

99.00 $

122.54 $

182.04 $

100.00

100.00

1.98

119.73

99.35

2.32

119.00

82.47

2.60

137.36

102.01

2.90

162.92

122.54

3.04

2018

195.23

192.10

141.96

3.51

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of our continuing operations. The data should be read in conjunction 
with MD&A and the Financial Statements. The selected financial data below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial 
statements.

(in millions, except per share data)

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

Sales

Interest expense

Net income(1)

Earnings per share:

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

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

$

6,666.0 $

6,311.3 $

5,879.5 $

6,307.9 $

6,623.5

73.0

535.5

4.27

4.21

3.51

76.2

825.7

6.42

6.35

3.04

71.3

729.7

5.60

5.56

2.90

63.7

827.6

6.15

6.09

2.60

59.3

826.8

5.98

5.91

2.32

$

6,262.0 $

7,161.7 $

7,101.2 $

6,404.7 $

6,224.3

551.0

1,225.2

1,617.5

600.4

1,243.4

2,663.6

448.6

1,516.3

1,990.1

—

1,500.9

2,256.8

$

125.5 $

141.7 $

116.9 $

122.9 $

136.4

28.2

138.7

30.2

143.3

28.9

133.1

29.4

325.0

900.4

2,658.1

141.0

122.5

30.0

(1)  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we sold a product distribution business within our Control Products & Solutions segment. This business held no intellectual 
property and included products sold outside of our core channel and under different brands. We sold this business for approximately $94 million and recorded a 
pre-tax gain of $60.8 million, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. During fiscal 2018, we recorded a gain 
of $90 million due to a change in fair value of our investment in PTC, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 
During fiscal 2018, we recorded charges of $538.3 million associated with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). Refer to Notes 8 and 
14 in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our investment in PTC and the effect of the Tax Act, respectively on our 
financial condition and results of operations.

13

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL 

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NON-GAAP MEASURES

LONG-TERM STRATEGY

The following discussion includes organic sales, total segment 
operating  earnings  and  margin,  Adjusted  Income,  Adjusted 
EPS, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and free cash flow, 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 Results of Operations for a reconciliation of income before 
income taxes to total segment operating earnings and margin and 
a discussion of why we believe these non-GAAP measures are 
useful to investors. See Results of Operations for a reconciliation 
of income from continuing operations, diluted EPS from continuing 
operations and effective tax rate to Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS 
and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, respectively, and a discussion of 
why we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors. 
See Financial Condition for a reconciliation of cash flows from 
operating activities to free cash flow and a discussion of why we 
believe this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors.

OVERVIEW

Rockwell Automation, Inc., a leader in industrial automation and 
information, makes its customers more productive and the world 
more sustainable. Overall demand for our hardware and software 
products, solutions and services is driven by:

zz investments in manufacturing, including upgrades, modifications 
and expansions of existing facilities or production lines and new 
facilities or production lines;

Our strategy is to bring The Connected Enterprise to life. We 
integrate control and information across the enterprise to help 
industrial companies and their people be more productive. Our 
vision of being the most valued global provider of innovative 
industrial automation and information hardware and software 
products, solutions and services is supported by our growth and 
performance strategy, which seeks to:

zz achieve  organic  sales  growth  in  excess  of  the  automation 
market by expanding our served market and strengthening our 
competitive differentiation;

zz diversify our sales streams by broadening our portfolio of 
hardware  and  software  products,  solutions  and  services, 
expanding our global presence and serving a wider range of 
industries and applications;

zz grow market share by gaining new customers and by capturing 

a larger share of existing customers’ spending;

zz enhance our market access by building our channel capability 

and partner network;

zz acquire companies that serve as catalysts to organic growth 
by adding complementary technology, expanding our served 
market, or enhancing our domain expertise or market access;

zz deploy  human  and  financial  resources  to  strengthen  our 
technology leadership and our intellectual capital business 
model;

zz continuously improve quality and customer experience; and

zz investments in basic materials production capacity, which may 

zz drive annual cost productivity.

be related to commodity pricing levels;

zz our customers’ needs for faster time to market, lower total cost 
of ownership, improved asset utilization and optimization, and 
enterprise risk management;

zz our customers’ needs to continuously improve quality, safety 

and sustainability;

zz 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;

zz levels of global industrial production and capacity utilization;

zz regional factors that include local political, social, regulatory 

and economic circumstances; and

zz the spending patterns of our customers due to their annual 

budgeting processes and their working schedules.

By implementing the above strategy, we seek to achieve our 
long-term financial goals, including above-market organic sales 
growth,  EPS  growth  above  sales  growth,  return  on  invested 
capital in excess of 20 percent and free cash flow equal to about 
100 percent of Adjusted Income. We expect acquisitions to add 
a percentage point or more per year to long-term sales growth.

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 INNOVATION 
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 a long-term sustainable competitive advantage.

14

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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 power 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 it more cost effectively. Our 
software portfolio, combined with the software made available as a 
result of our strategic alliance with PTC, is the most comprehensive 
and flexible information platform in the industry. Through the 
combination of this technology and our domain expertise we 
help customers to achieve additional productivity benefits, such 
as reduced unplanned downtime, improved energy efficiency, 
higher quality and increased throughput yield.

Intelligent motor control is one of our core competencies and an 
important aspect of an automation system. These products and 
solutions enhance the availability, efficiency 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 the industry and application knowledge 
required to deliver solutions and services that support customers 
through the entire life cycle of their automation investment. The 
combination of industry-specific 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 around the world. Approximately 
60 percent of our employees and 45 percent of our sales are 
outside the U.S. We continue to expand our footprint in emerging 
markets.

As we expand in markets with considerable growth potential and 
shift our global footprint, we expect to continue to broaden the 
portfolio of hardware and software products, solutions and services 
that we provide to our customers in these regions. We have made 
significant investments to globalize our manufacturing, product 
development and customer-facing resources in order to be closer 
to our customers throughout the world. The emerging markets 
of Asia Pacific, including China and India, Latin America, Central 
and Eastern Europe and Africa are projected to be the fastest 
growing over the long term, 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 
over $90 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 process applications. We 
complement that with a growing global network of engineers and 
partners to provide solutions to process customers.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) represent another 
area of addressed market expansion and an important growth 
opportunity. To remain competitive, OEMs need to find 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 
amplifiers 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, heavy 
industries 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, flexible manufacturing and regulatory 
compliance. These customers operate in an environment where 
product innovation and time to market are critical factors.

We serve customers in heavy industries, including oil and gas, 
mining,  aggregates,  cement,  metals,  energy,  semiconductor, 
chemicals, pulp and paper and water/wastewater. Companies 
in  resource-based  industries  typically  invest  in  capacity 
expansion when commodity prices are relatively high and global 
demand for basic materials is increasing. In addition, there is 
ongoing investment in upgrades of aging automation systems 
and productivity.

In  the  transportation  industry,  factors  such  as  geographic 
expansion, investment in new model introductions, including 
electric vehicles, and more flexible manufacturing technologies 
influence  customers’  automation  investment  decisions.  Our 
sales  in  transportation  are  primarily  to  automotive  and  tire 
manufacturers.

All of these industries also generate maintenance repair order 
(MRO) and ongoing services revenue related to the installed base.

OUTSOURCING AND SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS

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

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We help our customers meet their sustainability needs pertaining 
to energy efficiency, environmental and safety goals. Customers 
across  all  industries  are  investing  in  more  energy-efficient 
manufacturing processes and technologies, such as intelligent 
motor control, and energy-efficient solutions and services. In 
addition, environmental and safety objectives often spur customers 
to  invest  to  ensure  compliance  and  implement  sustainable 
business practices.

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

Our acquisition and investment strategy focuses on hardware and 
software products, solutions and services that will be catalytic to 
the organic growth of our core offerings.

In 2018, we made several investments, including in PTC. PTC is the 
leader in the Industrial Internet of Things and augmented reality. 
Our investment in and alliance with PTC will accelerate growth 
for both companies and enable us to be the partner of choice for 
customers around the world who want to transform their physical 
operations with digital technology. The result will be an unmatched 
integrated information solution that will enable customers to 
achieve  increased  productivity,  heightened  plant  efficiency, 
reduced operational risk and better system interoperability.

In  November  2017,  we  acquired  Odos  Imaging  Limited,  a 
Scottish technology company that provides three-dimensional, 
time-of-flight sensing systems for industrial imaging applications. 
This acquisition enables us to expand our existing capabilities 
by bringing 3-D time-of-flight sensor technology to industrial 
applications.

In September 2016, we acquired Maverick Technologies, a leading 
systems integrator. This acquisition significantly enhances our 
expertise in key process and batch applications that help our 
customers  realize  greater  productivity  and  improved  global 
competitiveness  through  process  control  and  information 
management solutions.

In September 2016, we acquired Automation Control Products, a 
premier provider in centralized thin client, remote desktop and 
server management software. This acquisition strengthens our 
ability to provide our customers with visual display and software 
solutions to manage information and streamline workflows for a 
more connected manufacturing environment.

In  March  2016,  we  acquired  MagneMotion  Inc.,  a  leading 
manufacturer of intelligent conveying systems. This acquisition 
continues our strategy to build a portfolio of smart manufacturing 
technologies by expanding our existing capabilities in independent 
cart technology.

We believe these acquisitions and investments 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. Our implementation 
of common global processes and an enterprise-wide business 
system  is  nearly  complete.  These  are  intended  to  improve 
profitability that can be used to fund investments in growth and to 
offset inflation. 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 2018, sales in the U.S. accounted for approximately 55 percent 
of our total sales. The various indicators we use to gauge the 
direction and momentum of our served U.S. markets include:

zz The Industrial Production (IP) Index, published by the Federal 
Reserve, which measures the real output of manufacturing, 
mining, and electric and gas utilities. The IP Index is expressed 
as a percentage of real output in a base year, currently 2012. 
Historically there has been a meaningful correlation between the 
changes in the IP Index and the level of automation investment 
made by our U.S. customers in their manufacturing base.

zz The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published 
by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which indicates 
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.

zz Industrial Equipment Spending, compiled by the Bureau of 
Economic Analysis, which 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.

zz Capacity Utilization (Total Industry), published by the Federal 
Reserve, which measures plant operating activity. Historically 
there has been a meaningful correlation between Capacity 
Utilization and levels of U.S. IP.

The table below depicts the trends in these indicators from fiscal 
2016 to 2018. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, all indicators, 
except PMI, improved compared to the prior quarter and the same 
quarter in the prior year. PMI decreased slightly compared to the 
prior quarter and the same quarter in the prior year, but continues 
to be significantly above 50.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

IP Index

PMI

Industrial
Equipment
Spending
(in billions)

Capacity
Utilization
(percent)

108.2

107.3

105.9

105.3

103.3

103.7

102.5

102.2

102.0

101.8

102.3

103.4

59.8

60.2

59.3

59.3

60.2

56.7

56.6

54.3

51.4

52.5

51.2

48.4

250.6

243.4

243.9

238.5

234.6

230.1

222.1

218.1

215.3

214.2

212.2

224.0

78.0

77.8

77.2

77.0

75.8

76.2

75.4

75.3

75.2

75.2

75.7

76.1

Fiscal 2018 quarter ended:

September 2018

June 2018

March 2018

December 2017

Fiscal 2017 quarter ended:

September 2017

June 2017

March 2017

December 2016

Fiscal 2016 quarter ended:

September 2016

June 2016

March 2016

December 2015

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

NON-U.S. ECONOMIC TRENDS

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In  2018,  sales  outside  the  U.S.  accounted  for  approximately 
45  percent  of  our  total  sales. These  customers  include  both 
indigenous  companies  and  multinational  companies  with 
expanding  global  presence.  In  addition  to  the  global  factors 
previously mentioned in the “Overview” section, 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 the respective countries’ gross domestic 
product and IP as indicators of the growth opportunities in each 
region where we do business.

Macroeconomic indicators remain favorable in most geographies, 
although IP and gross domestic product growth rates are projected 
to slow in 2019. In China, the impact of trade tensions is expected 
to be partially offset by government stimulus, and solid domestic 
and foreign demand in India is expected to help support continued 
manufacturing growth. In Europe, the economy is affected by 
slowing export growth driven by a strong Euro against emerging 
market currencies and increasing oil prices. Latin America is 
expected to continue to benefit from a strong U.S. economy. Growth 
rates in Canada are expected to be lower in 2019.

In 2018, sales were $6,666.0 million, an increase of 5.6 percent 
year over year. Organic sales increased 5.5 percent. Currency 
translation increased sales by 1.4 percentage points, and the 
prior year divestiture reduced sales growth by 1.3 percentage 
points. Growth was broad-based across industries, led by food 
and beverage, mining, life sciences, and semiconductor.

The following is a summary of our results related to key growth 
initiatives:

zz Logix reported sales increased 8 percent year over year in 2018 
compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 7 percent year over 
year, and currency translation increased sales by 1 percentage 
point.

zz Process initiative reported sales and organic sales increased 

10 percent year over year in 2018 compared to 2017.

zz Sales  in  emerging  countries  increased  8  percent  in  2018 
compared  to  2017.  Organic  sales  in  emerging  countries 
increased 9 percent year over year. The prior year divestiture 
reduced sales in emerging countries by 1 percent.

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The following table reflects our sales and operating results (in millions, except per share amounts):

Sales

Architecture & Software

Control Products & Solutions

TOTAL SALES (a)

Segment operating earnings(1)

Architecture & Software

Control Products & Solutions

Total segment operating earnings(2) (b)

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization

General corporate — net

Non-operating pension costs

Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals

Gain on investments

Valuation adjustment pending registration of PTC Shares

Gain on sale of business(3)

Interest expense

Income before income taxes (c)

Income tax provision(4)

NET INCOME

DILUTED EPS

ADJUSTED EPS(5)

DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE OUTSTANDING SHARES

Total segment operating margin(2) (b/a)

Pre-tax margin (c/a)

$

$

$

$

$

$

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,098.2

3,567.8

6,666.0

901.3

541.3

1,442.6

(17.4)

(75.6)

(24.6)

(11.2)

123.7

(33.7)

—

(73.0)

1,330.8

(795.3)

535.5

4.21

8.11

126.9

21.6%

20.0%

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,899.3

3,412.0

6,311.3

781.5

451.6

1,233.1

(21.4)

(76.3)

(82.6)

—

—

—

60.8

(76.2)

1,037.4

(211.7)

825.7

6.35

6.76

129.9

19.5%

16.4%

2,635.2

3,244.3

5,879.5

695.0

493.7

1,188.7

(18.4)

(79.7)

(76.2)

—

—

—

—

(71.3)

943.1

(213.4)

729.7

5.56

5.93

131.1

20.2%

16.0%

(1)  See Note 16 in the 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  exclude  purchase  accounting  depreciation  and 
amortization, general corporate – net, non-operating pension costs, costs related to the unsolicited Emerson proposals in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, gains 
and losses on investments, valuation adjustment pending registration of PTC Shares, gains and losses from the disposition of businesses, interest expense and 
income tax provision because we do not consider these costs to be directly related to the operating performance of our segments. 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.

(3)  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we sold a product distribution business within our Control Products & Solutions segment. This business held no intellectual 
property and included products sold outside of our core channel and under different brands. We sold this business for approximately $94 million and recorded a 
pre-tax gain of $60.8 million, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(4)  During fiscal 2018, we recorded charges of $538.3 million associated with the enactment of the Tax Act. Refer to Note 14 in the Financial Statements for further 

information.

(5)  Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP earnings measure that excludes non-operating pension costs and their related income tax effects. See Adjusted Income, Adjusted 

EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation for more information on this non-GAAP measure.

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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization and non-operating pension costs are not allocated to our operating segments 
because these costs are excluded from our measurement of each segment’s operating performance for internal purposes. If we were 
to allocate these costs, we would attribute them to each of our segments as follows (in millions):

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization

Architecture & Software

Control Products & Solutions

Non-operating pension costs

Architecture & Software

Control Products & Solutions

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017

2016

$

6.3

$

6.4

$

10.1

7.4

11.6

14.0

29.7

46.4

3.9

13.5

26.9

42.0

The decreases in non-operating pension costs in both segments 
in fiscal 2018 were primarily due to a $200 million voluntary 
contribution in fiscal 2017 and other actuarial adjustments. The 
increases in non-operating pension costs in both segments in fiscal 
2017 were primarily due to the decrease in our U.S. discount rate 
from 4.55 percent for fiscal 2016 to 3.75 percent for fiscal 2017.

ADJUSTED INCOME, ADJUSTED EPS AND ADJUSTED 
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE RECONCILIATION

Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate 
are non-GAAP earnings measures that exclude non-operating 
pension costs, costs related to the unsolicited Emerson proposals 
in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, gains and losses on investments, 
and valuation adjustments pending registration of PTC Shares, 
including their respective tax effects, and the provisional effects 
of the Tax Act.

We believe that Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted 
Effective Tax Rate provide useful information to our investors about 
our operating performance and allow management and investors 
to  compare  our  operating  performance  period  over  period. 
Adjusted EPS is also used as a financial measure of performance 
for our annual incentive compensation. Our measures of Adjusted 
Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate may be 
different from measures used by other companies. These non-
GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for income 
from continuing operations, diluted EPS and effective tax rate.

Non-operating pension costs include defined benefit plan interest 
cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of actuarial gains 
and losses and the impact of any plan curtailments or settlements. 
These components of net periodic pension cost primarily relate to 
changes in pension assets and liabilities that are a result of market 
performance; we consider these and other excluded costs to be 
unrelated to the operating performance of our business.

The following are the components of operating and non-operating pension costs (in millions):

Service cost

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

Operating pension costs

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Special termination benefit

Settlements

Non-operating pension costs

NET PERIODIC PENSION COST

Year Ended September 30,

2018

88.9

$

2017

97.0

$

$

0.6

89.5

155.3

(244.8)

113.4

—

0.7

24.6

(3.7)

93.3

151.6

(225.2)

152.9

0.5

2.8

82.6

$

114.1

$

175.9

$

2016

88.0

(2.9)

85.1

169.5

(218.3)

124.5

0.5

—

76.2

161.3

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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following are reconciliations of income from continuing operations, diluted EPS from continuing operations and effective tax rate to 
Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages):

Income from continuing operations

Non-operating pension costs

Tax effect of non-operating pension costs

Change in fair value of investments(1)

Tax effect of change in fair value of investments(1)

Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals

Tax effect of costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals

Effect of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings due to the Tax Act(2)

Effect of net deferred tax asset revaluation due to the Tax Act(2)

Effect of withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings due 
to the Tax Act(2)

ADJUSTED INCOME

Diluted EPS from continuing operations

Non-operating pension costs

Tax effect of non-operating pension costs

Change in fair value of investments(1)

Tax effect of change in fair value of investments(1)

Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals

Tax effect of costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals

Effect of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings due to the Tax Act(2)

Effect of net deferred tax asset revaluation due to the Tax Act(2)

Effect of withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings due 
to the Tax Act(2)

ADJUSTED EPS

Effective tax rate

Tax effect of non-operating pension costs

Tax effect of costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals

Tax effect of change in fair value of investments(1)

Effect of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings due to the Tax Act(2)

Effect of net deferred tax asset revaluation due to the Tax Act(2)

Effect of withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings due 
to the Tax Act(2)

ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE TAX RATE

$

$

$

Year Ended September 30,

2017

$

825.7

$

82.6

(29.6)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

$

$

$

878.7

6.35

0.64

(0.23)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2018

535.5

24.6

(7.6)

(90.0)

21.7

11.2

(3.1)

395.8

104.4

38.1

1,030.6

4.21

0.19

(0.06)

(0.71)

0.17

0.09

(0.02)

3.12

0.82

0.30

$

8.11

$

6.76

$

59.8%

0.3%

0.1%

(0.4)%

(29.8)%

(7.9)%

(2.8)%

19.3%

20.4%

1.1%

—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

2016

729.7

76.2

(27.5)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

778.4

5.56

0.58

(0.21)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5.93

22.6%

1.0%

—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

21.5%

23.6%

Includes gain on investments and valuation adjustment pending registration of PTC Shares and the related tax effects.

(1) 
(2)  The Tax Act may require further adjustments as additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury is provided, the Company’s assumptions change, or as 

further information and interpretations become available. Refer to Note 14 in the Financial Statements for further information.

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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2018

2017

Change

$

6,666.0

$

6,311.3

$

1,330.8

4.21

8.11

1,037.4

6.35

6.76

354.7

293.4

(2.14)

1.35

2018 COMPARED TO 2017

(in millions, except per share amounts)

Sales

Income before income taxes

Diluted EPS

Adjusted EPS

SALES

Sales in fiscal 2018 increased 5.6 percent compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 5.5 percent. Currency translation increased sales 
by 1.4 percentage points, and the prior year divestiture reduced sales growth by 1.3 percentage points. Pricing contributed about half 
of one percentage point to growth.

The table below presents our sales, attributed to the geographic regions based upon country of destination, for the year ended September 
30, 2018 and the percentage change from the same period a year ago:

(in millions, except percentages)

United States

Canada

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific

Latin America

TOTAL SALES

Year Ended
September 30, 2018

Change vs. 
Year Ended
September 30, 2017

Change in Organic
Sales(1) vs. 
Year Ended
September 30, 2017

$

$

3,602.6

361.5

1,286.8

933.3

481.8

6,666.0

4.2%

5.3%

7.8%

7.7%

7.2%

5.6%

5.7%

8.9%

0.8%

5.4%

14.3%

5.5%

(1)  Organic  sales  are  sales  excluding  the  effect  of  changes  in  currency  exchange  rates,  acquisitions  and  divestitures.  See  Supplemental  Sales  Information  for 

information on this non-GAAP measure.

zz Sales in the United States increased year over year, led by 

strength in heavy industries.

zz Sales in Canada increased year over year, with growth led by 

the pulp and paper and consumer industries.

zz EMEA sales increased year over year, led by consumer industries.

zz Asia Pacific sales increased year over year, led by heavy industries.

zz Sales in Latin America increased year over year, led by the food 

and beverage and mining industries. 

GENERAL CORPORATE - NET

General corporate - net expenses were $75.6 million in fiscal 2018 
compared to $76.3 million in fiscal 2017.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

Income  before  income  taxes  increased  28  percent  from 
$1,037.4 million in 2017 to $1,330.8 million in 2018, primarily due 
to PTC adjustments, higher sales, and lower restructuring charges, 
partially offset by the absence of the gain on the 2017 divestiture. 
Total segment operating earnings increased 17 percent year over 
year from $1,233.1 million in 2017 to $1,442.6 million in 2018, 
primarily due to higher sales.

INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act 
significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering 
the statutory corporate income tax rate, implementing a modified 

territorial tax system, and imposing a one-time transition tax on 
accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were previously 
deferred from U.S. tax (“transition tax”). As a fiscal year taxpayer, 
certain provisions of the Tax Act impact us in fiscal year 2018, 
including the change in the federal statutory rate and the transition 
tax, while other provisions will be effective in fiscal year 2019, 
including the tax on global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”) of 
foreign subsidiaries, the deduction for foreign derived intangible 
income (“FDII”), and the elimination of the domestic manufacturing 
deduction.

The effective tax rate in 2018 was 59.8 percent compared to 20.4 
percent in 2017. The increase in the effective tax rate was due 
to provisional expense related to the transition tax on deemed 
repatriation of foreign earnings ($395.8 million or 29.8 percent), 
withholding  taxes  on  previously  taxed  foreign  earnings 
($38.1 million or 2.8 percent), and the revaluation of net deferred 
tax assets ($104.4 million or 7.9 percent).

The  Adjusted  Effective  Tax  Rate  in  2018  was  19.3  percent 
compared to 21.5 percent in 2017. The decrease in the Adjusted 
Effective Tax Rate was primarily due to the lower U.S. statutory 
tax rate under the Tax Act partially offset by lower discrete tax 
items in the current year.

See  Note  14  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 2018 and 2017 
affecting each year’s respective tax rates.

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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ARCHITECTURE & SOFTWARE

(in millions, except percentages)

Sales

Segment operating earnings

Segment operating margin

SALES

Architecture & Software sales increased 6.9 percent in 2018 
compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 5.2 percent, and the 
effects of currency translation increased sales by 1.7 percentage 
points. All regions experienced reported and organic sales growth. 
The United States was the strongest performing region organically. 
Logix reported sales increased 8 percent in 2018 compared to 

CONTROL PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS

(in millions, except percentages)

Sales

Segment operating earnings

Segment operating margin

SALES

Control Products & Solutions sales increased 4.6 percent in 2018 
compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 5.7 percent, the effects 
of currency translation increased sales by 1.3 percentage points, 
and the prior year divestiture reduced sales by 2.4 percentage 
points.  All  regions  experienced  reported  and  organic  sales 
growth, except for EMEA. The United States was the strongest 
performing region.

Product sales decreased 2 percent year over year. Product organic 
sales increased 2 percent, currency translation increased sales by 
approximately 1 percentage point, and the prior year divestitures 
reduced sales by approximately 5 percentage points.

2017 COMPARED TO 2016

(in millions, except per share amounts)

Sales

Income before income taxes

Diluted EPS

Adjusted EPS

2018

2017

$

3,098.2

$

2,899.3

$

901.3

29.1%

781.5

27.0%

Change

198.9

119.8

2.1 pts

2017. Logix organic sales increased 7 percent, and the effects of 
currency translation increased sales by 1 percentage point.

OPERATING MARGIN

Architecture & Software segment operating earnings increased 
15 percent. Operating margin was 29.1 percent in 2018 compared 
to 27.0 percent in 2017, primarily due to higher sales.

2018

2017

$

3,567.8

$

3,412.0

$

541.3

15.2%

451.6

13.2%

Change

155.8

89.7

2.0 pts

Sales  in  our  solutions  and  services  businesses  increased 
approximately 10 percent year over year. Organic sales in our 
solutions and services businesses increased 9 percent during 
2018, and currency translation contributed 1 percentage point to 
sales growth.

OPERATING MARGIN

Control  Products  &  Solutions  segment  operating  earnings 
increased 20 percent year over year. Segment operating margin 
was 15.2 percent in 2018 compared to 13.2 percent a year ago, 
primarily due to higher sales.

2017

2016

$

6,311.3

$

5,879.5

$

1,037.4

6.35

6.76

943.1

5.56

5.93

Change

431.8

94.3

0.79

0.83

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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES

Sales in fiscal 2017 increased 7.3 percent compared to 2016. Organic sales increased 6.1 percent. Currency translation reduced sales by 
0.3 percentage points, and acquisitions contributed 1.5 percentage points to sales growth. Pricing contributed less than one percentage 
point to growth.

The table below presents our sales, attributed to the geographic regions based upon country of destination, for the year ended September 
30, 2017 and the percentage change from the same period in the prior year:

(in millions, except percentages)

United States

Canada

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific

Latin America

TOTAL SALES

Year Ended
September 30, 2017

Change vs.
Year Ended
September 30, 2016

Change in Organic
Sales(1) vs.
Year Ended
September 30, 2016

$

$

3,458.4

343.4

1,193.7

866.4

449.4

6,311.3

7.6%

8.5%

4.1%

13.3%

2.6%

7.3%

5.2%

7.7%

3.8%

13.9%

4.1%

6.1%

(1)  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.

zz Sales in the United States increased year over year, led by 

strength in the automotive and consumer industries.

zz Sales in Canada increased year over year, led by the pulp and 

paper, consumer, and automotive industries.

zz EMEA  sales  increased  year  over  year,  with  growth  in  both 

emerging and developed countries.

zz Asia Pacific sales increased year over year, with strong growth 
across  the  region,  particularly  within  the  semiconductor 
industry. 

zz Sales growth in Latin America was mixed with growth led by 
Mexico, partially offset by declines across the rest of the region.

GENERAL CORPORATE - NET

General corporate - net expenses were $76.3 million in fiscal 2017 
compared to $79.7 million in fiscal 2016.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

Income before income taxes increased 10 percent from $943.1 
million in 2016 to $1,037.4 million in 2017, primarily due to the 

gain on sale of a business in the fourth quarter and an increase 
in segment operating earnings. Total segment operating earnings 
increased  4  percent  year  over  year  from  $1,188.7  million  in 
2016 to $1,233.1 million in 2017, primarily due to higher sales, 
partially offset by higher incentive compensation and restructuring 
charges. In fiscal 2016, we did not incur expenses related to our 
primary annual incentive compensation plans, which are based 
on  our  company’s  performance.  In  fiscal  2017,  we  recorded 
approximately $115 million related to these plans.

INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate in 2017 was 20.4 percent compared to 
22.6 percent in 2016. The Adjusted Effective Tax Rate in 2017 was 
21.5 percent compared to 23.6 percent in 2016. The decreases 
in the effective tax rate and the Adjusted Effective Tax Rate were 
primarily due to larger favorable discrete tax items in 2017.

See  Note  14  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 2017 and 2016 
affecting each year’s respective tax rates.

ARCHITECTURE & SOFTWARE

(in millions, except percentages)

Sales

Segment operating earnings

Segment operating margin

SALES

2017

2016

$

2,899.3

$

2,635.2

$

781.5

27.0%

695.0

26.4%

Change

264.1

86.5

0.6 pts

Architecture & Software sales increased 10.0 percent in 2017 
compared  to  2016.  Organic  sales  increased  9.4  percent,  the 
effects of currency translation reduced sales by 0.3 percentage 
points, and acquisitions contributed 0.9 percentage points to sales 
growth. Pricing contributed approximately one percentage point 

to sales growth during the year. All regions experienced reported 
and organic sales growth. The United States was the strongest 
performing region. Logix reported and organic sales increased 
10 percent in 2017 compared to 2016.

23

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OPERATING MARGIN

Architecture & Software segment operating earnings increased 12 percent. Operating margin was 27.0 percent in 2017 compared to 
26.4 percent in 2016, primarily due to higher sales, partially offset by higher incentive compensation and restructuring charges.

CONTROL PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS

(in millions, except percentages)

Sales

Segment operating earnings

Segment operating margin

SALES

Control Products & Solutions sales increased 5.2 percent in 2017 
compared to 2016. Organic sales increased 3.4 percent, the effect 
of currency translation reduced sales by 0.2 percentage points, 
and acquisitions contributed 2.0 percentage points to sales growth. 
Pricing did not have a significant impact on sales growth during 
the year. All regions experienced reported and organic sales 
growth. The United States and Asia Pacific were the strongest 
performing regions.

Sales in our solutions and services businesses increased 4 percent 
year  over  year.  Organic  sales  in  our  solutions  and  services 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

2017

2016

$

3,412.0

$

3,244.3

$

451.6

13.2%

493.7

15.2%

Change

167.7

(42.1)

(2.0) pts

businesses increased 1 percent during 2017, and acquisitions 
contributed 3 percentage points to sales growth.

Product sales increased 6 percent year over year. Product organic 
sales increased 7 percent year over year in 2017, and currency 
translation reduced sales by approximately 1 percentage point.

OPERATING MARGIN

Control  Products  &  Solutions  segment  operating  earnings 
decreased 9 percent year over year. Segment operating margin 
was 13.2 percent in 2017 compared to 15.2 percent a year ago, 
primarily due to higher incentive compensation and restructuring 
charges, partially offset by higher sales.

The following is a summary of our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statement 
of Cash Flows (in millions):

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017

2016

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

$

$

1,300.0

$

1,034.0

$

(170.4)

(1,888.9)

(32.8)

(516.7)

(649.6)

16.8

(792.1)

$

(115.5)

$

The following table summarizes free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure (in millions):

Cash provided by continuing operating activities

Capital expenditures

Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation

FREE CASH FLOW

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017

1,300.0

$

1,034.0

$

(125.5)

—

(141.7)

—

1,174.5

$

892.3

$

$

$

947.3

(440.0)

(397.7)

(10.5)

99.1

2016

947.3

(116.9)

3.3

833.7

Our definition of free cash flow takes into consideration capital 
investments required to maintain our businesses’ operations 
and execute our strategy. Cash provided by continuing operating 
activities adds back non-cash depreciation expense to earnings but 
does not reflect a charge for necessary capital expenditures. Our 

definition of free cash flow excludes the operating cash flows and 
capital expenditures related to our discontinued operations, if any. 
Operating, investing and financing cash flows of our discontinued 
operations, if any, are presented separately in our statement of 
cash flows. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, we adopted a 

24

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

new share-based compensation accounting standard that requires 
the excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation to 
be classified as an operating, rather than as a financing, cash flow. 
In previous periods, we added this benefit back to our calculation 
of free cash flow in order to generally classify cash flows arising 
from income taxes as operating cash flows. Beginning in the 
first quarter of fiscal year 2017, no adjustment is necessary as 
this benefit is already included in operating cash flows. In our 
opinion, free cash flow 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 flow, as defined, as one measure to monitor and evaluate 
our performance, including as a financial measure for our annual 
incentive compensation. Our definition of free cash flow may differ 
from definitions used by other companies.

Cash provided by operating activities was $1,300.0 million for the 
year ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,034.0 million 
for the year ended September 30, 2017. Free cash flow was 
$1,174.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2018 compared 
to $892.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. The 
year-over-year increases in cash provided by operating activities 
and free cash flow were primarily due to a voluntary contribution 
of $200.0 million to our U.S. qualified pension plan in 2017.

We repurchased approximately 8.3 million shares of our common 
stock under our share repurchase program in 2018 at a total cost 
of $1.5 billion. In 2017, we repurchased approximately 2.3 million 
shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program 
at a total cost of $336.6 million. At September 30, 2018, there were 
$18.3 million of outstanding common stock share repurchases 
recorded in accounts payable that did not settle until 2019. At 
September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding common stock 
share repurchases recorded in accounts payable that did not 
settle until 2018. Our decision to repurchase shares in 2019 will 
depend on business conditions, free cash flow generation, other 
cash requirements and stock price. On both January 15, 2018 
and September 6, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized us to 
expend an additional $1.0 billion to repurchase shares of our 
common stock. At September 30, 2018, we had approximately 
$1,108.4 million remaining for share repurchases under our 
existing board authorizations. 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.

During fiscal 2018, we repatriated approximately $2.3 billion 
to the U.S. from our foreign subsidiaries. The repatriated funds 
were primarily used to repurchase shares of our common stock 
and fund the investment in PTC. The source of these funds was 
cash and cash equivalents and from the liquidation of short and 
long-term investments.

At  September  30,  2018,  substantially  all  of  our  cash,  cash 
equivalents  and  investments  (funds)  were  held  by  non-US 
subsidiaries. Due to the enactment of the Tax Act in the first quarter 
of fiscal 2018, our previously undistributed foreign earnings 
were subject to a transition tax of approximately $389.4 million. 

Accordingly, these funds will not be subject to further U.S. tax 
if repatriated. Refer to Note 14 in the Financial Statements for 
further information regarding the effect of the enactment of the 
Tax Act on our financial condition and results of operations.

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  2019  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.

In addition to cash generated by operating activities, we have 
access to existing financing sources, including the public debt 
markets  and  unsecured  credit  facilities  with  various  banks. 
Our  short-term  debt  obligations  are  primarily  comprised  of 
commercial paper borrowings. Commercial paper borrowings 
outstanding were $550.0 million at September 30, 2018, with 
a weighted average interest rate of 2.27 percent and weighted 
average maturity period of 26 days. Commercial paper borrowings 
outstanding were $350.0 million at September 30, 2017, with a 
weighted average interest rate of 1.26 percent and weighted 
average maturity period of 10 days.

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, our total current borrowing 
capacity under our unsecured revolving credit facility expiring 
in March 2020 was $1.0 billion. We can increase the aggregate 
amount of this credit facility by up to $350.0 million, subject to the 
consent of the banks in the credit facility. We have not borrowed 
against this credit facility during the years ended September 30, 
2018  or  2017.  In  December  2016,  we  amended  the  financial 
covenant under this credit facility. The previous financial covenant, 
which limited our debt-to-total-capital ratio to 60 percent, was 
replaced with a minimum EBITDA-to-interest ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. 
The EBITDA-to-interest ratio is defined in the amendment as the 
ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the amendment) for 
the preceding four quarters to consolidated interest expense 
for the same period. We believe the new covenant provides us 
greater financial flexibility. Separate short-term unsecured credit 
facilities of approximately $156.0 million at September 30, 2018 
were available to non-U.S. subsidiaries. Borrowings under our non-
U.S. credit facilities at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 
2017  were  not  significant.  We  were  in  compliance  with  all 
covenants under our credit facilities at September 30, 2018 and 
September 30, 2017. Additional information related to our credit 
facilities is included in Note 5 in the Financial Statements.

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.

25

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a summary of our credit ratings as of September 30, 2018:

Credit Rating Agency

Standard & Poor’s

Moody’s

Fitch Ratings

Short Term Rating

Long Term Rating

Outlook

A-1

P-2

F1

A

A3

A

Stable

Stable

Stable

Our ability to access the commercial paper market, and the related 
costs of these borrowings, is affected by the strength of our credit 
ratings  and  market  conditions. We  have  not  experienced  any 
difficulty 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 and short-term investments. We 
diversify our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments 
among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these 
entities. Our emphasis is primarily on safety and liquidity of principal 
and secondarily on maximizing yield on those funds.

We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage 
certain foreign currency risks. We enter into these contracts to 
hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate variability in 
the expected future cash flows associated with certain third-party 

and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies 
forecasted to occur within the next two years. We also use these 
contracts to hedge portions of our net investments in certain non-
U.S. subsidiaries against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. In 
addition, we use foreign currency forward exchange contracts that 
are not designated as hedges to offset transaction gains or losses 
associated with some of our assets and liabilities resulting from 
intercompany loans or other transactions with third parties that 
are denominated in currencies other than our entities’ functional 
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  $440.8  million  in  2018 
($3.51 per common share), $390.7 million in 2017 ($3.04 per 
common share) and $378.2 million in 2016 ($2.90 per common 
share). Our quarterly dividend rate as of September 30, 2018 is 
$0.92 per common share ($3.68 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, 2018 is as follows (in millions):

Total

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Payments by Period

Long-term debt and interest(a)

$

2,654.7 $

57.6 $

354.0 $

51.4 $

51.4 $

51.4 $

2,088.9

Minimum operating lease payments

Postretirement benefits(b)

Pension funding contribution(c)

Purchase obligations(d)

Other long-term liabilities(e)

Transition tax(f)

Unrecognized tax benefits(g)

341.1

62.4

32.0

151.4

93.0

389.4

22.6

78.1

10.3

32.0

61.6

10.0

31.1

—

68.9

6.8

—

46.2

—

31.1

—

54.6

5.5

—

38.7

—

31.2

—

40.9

30.2

5.1

—

1.2

—

31.2

—

4.8

—

1.0

—

31.2

—

68.4

29.9

—

2.7

—

233.6

—

TOTAL

$ 3,746.6 $

280.7 $

507.0 $

181.4 $

129.8 $

118.6 $

2,423.5

(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 the amounts to be paid or received under interest rate swap contracts, including the $24.0 million fair value adjustment recorded for the 
interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2018 and the unamortized discount of $44.6 million at September 30, 2018. See Note 5 in the Financial Statements 
for more information regarding our long-term debt.

(b)  Our postretirement benefit 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  2019  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  2019  are  excluded  from  the  summary  above,  as  we  are  unable  to  make  a  reasonably  reliable  estimate  of  these  amounts. 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 contractual commitments for capital expenditures, certain materials purchases and long-term obligations under agreements with various 

service providers.

(e)  Other long-term liabilities include environmental remediation costs, conditional asset retirement obligations and indemnification liabilities. Amounts subsequent 

to 2019 are excluded from the summary above, as we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when the liabilities will be paid.

(f)  Under the Tax Act, the Company may elect to pay the transition tax interest-free over eight years, with 8% due in each of the first five years, 15% in year six, 20% in 

year seven, and 25% in year eight. See Note 14 in the Financial Statements for further discussion of the transition tax. 

(g)  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.

26

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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 exchange rates affect our reported 
sales. Sales by acquired businesses also affect our reported sales. 
We believe that organic sales, defined as sales excluding the effects 
of changes in currency exchange rates and acquisitions, which 
is a non-GAAP financial measure, provides useful information 
to investors because it reflects regional and operating segment 
performance from the activities of our businesses without the 
effect of changes in currency exchange rates and 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 same currency exchange 
rates that were in effect during the prior year. When we acquire 
businesses, we exclude sales in the current period for which there 
are no comparable sales in the prior period. When we divest a 
business, we exclude sales in the prior period for which there are 
no comparable sales in the current period. Organic sales growth 
is calculated by comparing organic sales to reported sales in 
the prior year, excluding divestitures. We attribute sales to the 
geographic regions based on the country of destination.

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

Year Ended September 30, 2018

Year Ended September 30, 2017

Effect of
Changes in
Currency

Sales

Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency

Effect of
Acquisitions

Organic
Sales

Sales

Effect of 
Divestitures

Sales 
Excluding 
Divestitures

$ 3,602.6 $

(1.4) $

3,601.2 $

— $ 3,601.2

$ 3,458.4 $

(50.8) $

3,407.6

(8.2)

(83.7)

(19.8)

22.9

353.3

1,203.1

913.5

504.7

—

—

—

—

353.3

1,203.1

913.5

504.7

343.4

1,193.7

866.4

449.4

(19.0)

—

—

(8.0)

324.4

1,193.7

866.4

441.4

United States

Canada

361.5

Europe, Middle East and Africa

1,286.8

Asia Pacific

Latin America

933.3

481.8

TOTAL COMPANY SALES

$ 6,666.0 $

(90.2) $

6,575.8 $

— $ 6,575.8

$ 6,311.3 $

(77.8) $

6,233.5

Year Ended September 30, 2017

Year Ended September 30, 2016

Effect of
Changes in
Currency

Sales

Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency

Effect of
Acquisitions

Organic
Sales

Sales

Effect of 
Divestitures

Sales 
Excluding 
Divestitures

$ 3,458.4 $

0.5 $

3,458.9 $

(77.9) $ 3,381.0

$ 3,213.4 $

— $

3,213.4

(2.5)

3.7

6.5

6.9

340.9

1,197.4

872.9

456.3

(0.1)

(6.8)

(2.4)

(0.2)

340.8

1,190.6

870.5

456.1

316.4

1,147.2

764.4

438.1

—

—

—

—

316.4

1,147.2

764.4

438.1

United States

Canada

343.4

Europe, Middle East and Africa

1,193.7

Asia Pacific

Latin America

866.4

449.4

TOTAL COMPANY SALES

$ 6,311.3 $

15.1 $

6,326.4 $

(87.4) $ 6,239.0

$ 5,879.5 $

— $

5,879.5

27

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT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 by operating segment to organic sales (in millions):

Year Ended September 30, 2018

Year Ended September 30, 2017

Effect of
Changes in
Currency

Sales

Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency

Effect of
Acquisitions

Organic
Sales

Sales

Effect of 
Divestitures

Sales 
Excluding 
Divestitures

Architecture & Software

$ 3,098.2 $

(47.5) $

3,050.7 $

— $ 3,050.7

$ 2,899.3 $

— $

2,899.3

Control Products & Solutions

3,567.8

(42.7)

3,525.1

—

3,525.1

3,412.0

(77.8)

3,334.2

TOTAL COMPANY SALES

$ 6,666.0 $

(90.2) $

6,575.8 $

— $ 6,575.8

$ 6,311.3 $

(77.8) $

6,233.5

Year Ended September 30, 2017

Year Ended September 30, 2016

Effect of
Changes in
Currency

Sales

Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency

Effect of
Acquisitions

Organic
Sales

Sales

Effect of 
Divestitures

Sales 
Excluding 
Divestitures

Architecture & Software

$ 2,899.3 $

7.1 $

2,906.4 $

(22.5) $ 2,883.9

$ 2,635.2 $

— $

2,635.2

Control Products & Solutions

3,412.0

8.0

3,420.0

(64.9)

3,355.1

3,244.3

—

3,244.3

TOTAL COMPANY SALES

$ 6,311.3 $

15.1 $

6,326.4 $

(87.4) $ 6,239.0

$ 5,879.5 $

— $

5,879.5

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We believe the following accounting estimates are the most critical 
to the understanding of our financial statements as they could 
have the most significant effect on our reported results and require 
subjective or complex judgments by management. Accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States require us to 
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial 
statements  and  revenues  and  expenses  during  the  periods 
reported. These estimates are based on our best judgment about 
current and future conditions, but actual results could differ from 
those estimates. Refer to Note 1 in the Financial Statements for 
information regarding our significant accounting policies.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS — PENSION

Pension costs and obligations are actuarially determined and 
are influenced by assumptions used to estimate these amounts, 
including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan 
assets. Changes in any of the assumptions and the amortization of 
differences between the assumptions and actual experience will 
affect the amount of pension expense in future periods.

Our global pension expense in 2018 was $114.1 million compared 
to $175.9 million in 2017. Approximately 79 percent of our 2018 
global pension expense relates to our U.S. pension plan. The 

actuarial assumptions used to determine our 2018 U.S. pension 
expense included the following: discount rate of 3.90 percent 
(compared to 3.75 percent for 2017) and expected rate of return 
on plan assets of 7.50 percent (consistent with 2017).

For 2019 our U.S. discount rate will increase to 4.35 percent 
from  3.90  percent  in  2018.  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 flow 
of our benefit plans.

For 2019 our expected rate of return on U.S. plan assets will remain 
7.50 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 inflation, 
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. The 
financial markets produced positive returns in 2018. The plan’s 
debt securities return was positive. The plan’s equity securities 
return was above the expected return range in 2018, as U.S. and 
international equity returns were positive for the year. The actual 
return for our portfolio of U.S. plan assets was approximately 
7.88 percent annualized for the 15 years ended September 30, 
2018, and was approximately 7.46 percent annualized for the 
20 years ended September 30, 2018.

The target allocations and ranges of long-term expected return for our major categories of U.S. plan assets are as follows:

Asset Category

Equity securities

Debt securities

Other

28

Target  
Allocations

55%

40%

5%

Expected Return

9% 

 –  10%

4% 

 – 

  6%

6% 

 –  11%

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The changes in our discount rate and return on plan assets have an inverse relationship with our net periodic benefit cost. The change 
in our discount rate also has an inverse relationship with our projected benefit obligation.

The following chart illustrates the estimated change in projected benefit obligation and annual net periodic benefit 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

(1)   Change includes both operating and non-operating pension costs.

Pension Benefits

Change in 
Projected 
Benefit
Obligation

$

112.9

$

—

Change in Net  
Periodic  
Benefit Cost(1)

11.9

6.6

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

returns, rebates and incentives in our Consolidated Balance Sheet 
or, where a right of setoff exists, as a reduction of Receivables.

REVENUE RECOGNITION — CUSTOMER INCENTIVES

We offer various incentive programs that provide distributors 
and direct sale customers with cash rebates, account credits or 
additional hardware and software products, solutions and services 
based on meeting specified program criteria. Customer incentives 
are recognized as a reduction of sales if distributed in cash or 
customer account credits. Customer incentives are recognized 
in cost of sales for additional hardware and software products, 
solutions and services to be provided. We record accruals at the 
time of revenue recognition as a current liability within Customer 

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. A critical assumption used in estimating the 
accrual for this program is the time period from when revenue 
is recognized to when the rebate is processed. Our estimate is 
based primarily on historical experience. If the time period were 
to change by 10 percent, the effect would be an adjustment to the 
accrual of approximately $12.0 million.

More information regarding our revenue recognition and returns, 
rebates and incentives policies are contained in Note 1 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 financing activities as well as derivative financial 
instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. We sometimes use interest rate swap contracts to manage 
the balance of fixed and floating 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 
$22.0 million and a liability of $7.2 million at September 30, 2018. 
We enter into these contracts with major financial institutions that 
we believe to be creditworthy.

We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative 
purposes. In 2018, the relative weakening of the U.S. dollar against 
foreign currencies had a favorable impact on our sales and results 
of operations. In 2017, the relative strengthening of the U.S. dollar 

29

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

against foreign currencies had an unfavorable impact on our sales 
and results of operations. While future changes in foreign currency 
exchange rates are difficult to predict, our sales and profitability 
may be adversely affected if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative 
to 2018 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 $21.0 million.

We  record  all  derivatives  on  the  balance  sheet  at  fair  value 
regardless of the purpose for holding them. The use of foreign 
currency  forward  exchange  contracts  allows  us  to  manage 

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 finance operations. We are exposed to interest 
rate risk on certain of these debt obligations.

Our  short-term  debt  obligations  are  primarily  comprised  of 
commercial paper borrowings. Commercial paper borrowings 
outstanding were $550.0 million at September 30, 2018, with 
a weighted average interest rate of 2.27 percent and weighted 
average maturity period of 26 days. Commercial paper borrowings 
outstanding were $350.0 million at September 30, 2017, with a 
weighted average interest rate of 1.26 percent and weighted 
average maturity period of 10 days. We have issued, and anticipate 
continuing to issue, additional short-term commercial paper 
obligations  as  needed.  Changes  in  market  interest  rates  on 
commercial paper borrowings affect our results of operations. A 
hypothetical 50 basis point increase in average market interest 
rates related to our short-term debt would not be significant to 
our results of operations or financial condition.

We had outstanding fixed rate long-term debt obligations with 
a carrying value of $1,225.2 million at September 30, 2018 and 
$1,243.4 million at September 30, 2017. The fair value of this debt 
was $1,391.3 million at September 30, 2018 and $1,452.6 million 

transactional  exposure  to  exchange  rate  fluctuations  as  the 
gains or losses incurred on these 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 firm 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. There was no impact on earnings due to ineffective 
hedges in 2018 or 2017. A hypothetical 10 percent adverse change 
in underlying foreign currency exchange rates associated with the 
hedged exposures and related contracts would not be significant 
to our financial condition or results of operations.

at September 30, 2017. The potential reduction in fair value on 
such fixed-rate debt obligations from a hypothetical 50 basis point 
increase in market interest rates would not be significant to our 
results of operations or financial condition. We currently have 
no plans to repurchase our outstanding fixed-rate instruments 
before their maturity and, therefore, fluctuations in market interest 
rates would not have an effect on our results of operations or 
shareowners’ equity.

In February 2015, we entered into interest rate swap contracts, 
which we designated as fair value hedges. These interest rate 
swaps effectively converted the $600.0 million aggregate principal 
amount of our 2.050 percent notes payable in March 2020 (2020 
Notes) and 2.875 percent notes payable in March 2025 (2025 
Notes) to floating rate debt, each at a rate based on three-month 
LIBOR plus a fixed spread. The effective floating interest rates were 
2.759 percent for the 2020 Notes and 3.169 percent for the 2025 
Notes at September 30, 2018. The fair value of our interest rate 
swap contracts at September 30, 2018 was a net unrealized loss 
of $24.0 million. A hypothetical 50 basis point increase in average 
market interest rates related to our interest rate swaps would not 
be significant to our results of operations or financial condition.

30

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments

Receivables

Inventories

Other current assets

Total current assets

Property, net

Goodwill

Other intangible assets, net

Deferred income taxes

Long-term investments

Other assets

TOTAL

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Compensation and benefits

Advance payments from customers and deferred revenue

Customer returns, rebates and incentives

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Retirement benefits

Other liabilities

Shareowners’ equity:

Common stock ($1.00 par value, shares issued: 181.4)

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Common stock in treasury, at cost (shares held: 2018, 60.3; 2017, 53.0)

Total shareowners’ equity

TOTAL

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

September 30,

2018

2017 

$

618.8

$

1,410.9

290.9

1,190.1

581.6

149.3

2,830.7

576.8

1,075.5

215.2

179.6

1,288.0

96.2

1,124.6

1,135.5

558.7

191.0

4,420.7

583.9

1,077.7

238.0

443.6

325.7

72.1

$

6,262.0

$

7,161.7

$

551.0

$

—

713.4

289.4

249.9

206.6

226.6

2,236.9

1,225.2

605.1

577.3

181.4

1,681.4

6,198.1

(941.9)

(5,501.5)

1,617.5

350.4

250.0

623.2

272.6

240.6

188.8

220.2

2,145.8

1,243.4

892.5

216.4

181.4

1,638.0

6,103.4

(1,179.2)

(4,080.0)

2,663.6

$

6,262.0

$

7,161.7

31

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT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 profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Other income (expense) (Note 13)

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision (Note 14)

NET INCOME

Earnings per share:

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average outstanding shares:

Basic

Diluted

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017 

2016

$

5,930.5

$

5,628.9

$

5,239.3

735.5

6,666.0

(3,338.6)

(455.2)

(3,793.8)

2,872.2

(1,599.0)

130.6

(73.0)

1,330.8

(795.3)

535.5

4.27

4.21

125.4

126.9

$

$

$

682.4

6,311.3

(3,254.3)

(432.8)

(3,687.1)

2,624.2

(1,591.5)

80.9

(76.2)

1,037.4

(211.7)

825.7

6.42

6.35

128.4

129.9

$

$

$

640.2

5,879.5

(2,982.1)

(421.9)

(3,404.0)

2,475.5

(1,467.4)

6.3

(71.3)

943.1

(213.4)

729.7

5.60

5.56

130.2

131.1

$

$

$

32

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN MILLIONS)

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments  
(net of tax expense (benefit) of $87.2, $159.3, and ($73.7))

Currency translation adjustments

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges  
(net of tax expense (benefit) of $6.6, ($2.8), and ($6.7))

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments

Other comprehensive income (loss)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PART II
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017 

$

535.5

$

825.7

$

2016

729.7

268.9

312.8

(142.7)

(48.3)

18.8

(2.1)

237.3

57.2

(10.3)

(0.1)

359.6

$

772.8

$

1,185.3

$

(42.5)

(19.0)

—

(204.2)

525.5

33

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS)

Operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to arrive at cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation

Amortization of intangible assets

Change in fair value of investments

Share-based compensation expense

Retirement benefit expense

Pension contributions

Deferred income taxes

Gain on sale of business

Net loss on disposition of property

Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions and foreign 
currency adjustments:

Receivables

Inventories

Accounts payable

Advance payments from customers and deferred revenue

Compensation and benefits

Income taxes

Other assets and liabilities

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017 

2016

$

535.5

$

825.7

$

729.7

136.4

28.2

(90.0)

38.5

114.0

(50.3)

170.5

—

2.5

—

(91.7)

(37.4)

67.2

12.9

22.4

426.7

14.6

138.7

30.2

—

38.5

176.0

(254.9)

33.8

(60.8)

0.1

—

(53.0)

(30.4)

81.1

21.3

124.7

(22.2)

(14.8)

143.3

28.9

—

40.5

157.1

(44.3)

(70.5)

—

1.7

(3.3)

(18.9)

4.6

32.3

11.7

(81.1)

(8.9)

24.5

947.3

Cash provided by operating activities

1,300.0

1,034.0

Investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

Purchases of investments

Proceeds from maturities of investments

Proceeds from sale of investments

Proceeds from sale of business

Proceeds from sale of property

Cash used for investing activities

Financing activities:

Net issuance (repayment) of short-term debt

Repayment of long-term debt

Cash dividends

Purchases of treasury stock

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation

Other financing activities

Cash used for financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(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.

34

(125.5)

(9.9)

(1,296.9)

1,106.1

155.3

—

0.5

(141.7)

(1.1)

(1,444.2)

912.6

62.6

94.0

1.1

(116.9)

(139.1)

(1,070.7)

886.3

—

—

0.4

(170.4)

(516.7)

(440.0)

200.6

(250.0)

(440.8)

(1,482.3)

81.8

—

1.8

(1,888.9)

(32.8)

(792.1)

1,410.9

(98.2)

—

(390.7)

(342.6)

181.9

—

—

(649.6)

16.8

(115.5)

1,526.4

448.6

—

(378.2)

(507.6)

36.2

3.3

—

(397.7)

(10.5)

99.1

1,427.3

$

618.8

$

1,410.9

$

1,526.4

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT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 benefit from share-based compensation

Share-based compensation expense

Shares delivered under incentive plans

Ending balance

Retained earnings

Beginning balance

Net income

Cash dividends (2018, $3.51 per share; 2017, $3.04 per share; 2016, $2.90 per share)

Ending balance

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Beginning balance

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Ending balance

Common stock in treasury, at cost

Beginning balance

Purchases

Shares delivered under incentive plans

Ending balance

TOTAL SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PART II
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017 

$

181.4

$

181.4

$

2016

181.4

1,638.0

1,588.2

1,552.1

—

37.3

6.1

—

37.4

12.4

3.3

39.5

(6.7)

1,681.4

1,638.0

1,588.2

6,103.4

535.5

(440.8)

6,198.1

(1,179.2)

237.3

(941.9)

(4,080.0)

(1,500.5)

79.0

5,668.4

825.7

(390.7)

6,103.4

(1,538.8)

359.6

(1,179.2)

5,316.9

729.7

(378.2)

5,668.4

(1,334.6)

(204.2)

(1,538.8)

(3,909.1)

(3,459.0)

(337.3)

166.4

(500.4)

50.3

(5,501.5)

(4,080.0)

(3,909.1)

$

1,617.5

$

2,663.6

$

1,990.1

35

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTpart II 

Part II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

ItEM 8.  FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

nOteS tO cOnSOlIdated FInancIal StatementS

NOtE 1.  BaSIS OF preSentatIOn and accOuntInG pOlIcIeS

rockwell  automation,  Inc.  (“rockwell  automation”  or  “the 
company”), a leader in industrial automation and information, 
makes  its  customers  more  productive  and  the  world  more 
sustainable.

BaSIS OF PrESENtatION

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the united States 
(u.S. Gaap).

PrINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDatION

the accompanying consolidated financial 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 
affiliates over which we do not have control but exercise significant 
influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. 
these affiliated companies are not material individually or in the 
aggregate to our financial position, results of operations or cash 
flows.

USE OF EStIMatES

the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with u.S. Gaap requires us to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the 
date  of  the  consolidated  financial  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; 
discount valuation of ptc Inc. (“ptc”) common stock; share-
based compensation; acquisitions; product warranty obligations; 
retirement benefits; litigation, claims and contingencies, including 
environmental matters, conditional asset retirement obligations 
and contractual indemnifications; and income taxes. We account 
for changes to estimates and assumptions prospectively when 
warranted by factually-based experience.

rEVENUE rECOGNItION

We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. 
product and solution sales consist of industrial automation and 
information solutions; hardware and software products; and 
custom-engineered systems. Service sales include multi-vendor 
customer technical support and repair, asset management and 
optimization consulting and training. all service sales recorded 
in the consolidated Statement of Operations are associated with 
our control products & Solutions segment.

For approximately 85 percent of our consolidated sales, we record 
sales when all of the following have occurred: persuasive evidence 
of a sales agreement exists; pricing is fixed or determinable; 
collection is reasonably assured; and hardware and software 
products have 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 hardware and 
software 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-
specific objective evidence, which is based on our 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 profit 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 
profit for revisions of estimated total contract costs or revenue 
in the period the change is identified. We record estimated losses 
on contracts when they are identified.

We use contracts and customer purchase orders to determine 
the existence of a sales agreement. We use shipping documents 
and customer acceptance, when applicable, to verify delivery. We 
assess whether the fee is fixed 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.

36

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

rEtUrNS, rEBatES aND INCENtIVES

PrOPErtY

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 hardware and software 
products, solutions and services based on meeting specified 
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 revenue recognition 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 hardware and software products, solutions and services 
to be provided. accruals are reported as a current liability in our 
consolidated Balance Sheet or, where a right of setoff 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, certificates of 
deposit, and other fixed income securities with original maturities 
of three months or less at the time of purchase.

rECEIVaBLES

We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based on customer-
specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments 
of past due balances and economic conditions. receivables are 
recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $17.1 million 
at September 30, 2018 and $24.9 million at September 30, 2017. 
In addition, receivables are recorded net of an allowance for 
certain customer returns, rebates and incentives of $8.7 million 
at September 30, 2018 and $11.9 million at September 30, 2017.

INVENtOrIES

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

INVEStMENtS

Investments include time deposits, certificates of deposit, other 
fixed income securities and equity securities. Investments with 
original  maturities  longer  than  three  months  at  the  time  of 
purchase and less than one year from period end are classified 
as short-term. all other investments are classified as long-term. 
Fixed income securities meeting the definition of a security are 
accounted for as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. 
equity securities are recorded at fair value. all other investments 
are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

property, including internal-use software, is recorded at cost. We 
calculate depreciation of property using the straight-line method 
over 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 20 years for 
machinery and equipment and 3 to 10 years for computer hardware 
and internal-use software. We capitalize significant renewals 
and  enhancements  and  write  off  replaced  units. We  expense 
maintenance and repairs, as well as renewals of minor amounts. 
property acquired during the year that is accrued within accounts 
payable or other current liabilities at year end is considered to be 
a non-cash investing activity and is excluded from cash used for 
capital expenditures in the consolidated Statement of cash Flows. 
capital expenditures of $43.2 million, $29.6 million and $29.9 million 
were accrued within accounts payable and other current liabilities 
at September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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 indefinite 
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 our annual impairment test during the 
second quarter of our fiscal year.

We amortize certain customer relationships on an accelerated 
basis over the period of which we expect the intangible asset to 
generate future cash flows. We amortize all other intangible assets 
with finite useful lives on a straight-line basis over their estimated 
useful lives. useful lives assigned range from 3 to 15 years for 
trademarks, 8 to 20 years for customer relationships, 5 to 17 years 
for technology and 5 to 30 years for other intangible assets.

Intangible assets also include costs of software developed or 
purchased by our software business to be sold, leased or otherwise 
marketed. amortization of these 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 or 
(b) the straight-line amortization over the remaining estimated 
economic life of the product.

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 when the undiscounted expected future 
cash flows 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 flow analysis.

37

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

DErIVatIVE FINaNCIaL INStrUMENtS

We use derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign 
currency forward exchange contracts to manage certain foreign 
currency  risks.  We  enter  into  these  contracts  to  hedge  our 
exposure to foreign currency exchange rate variability in the 
expected future cash flows associated with certain third-party 
and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies 
forecasted to occur within the next two years. We also use these 
contracts to hedge portions of our net investments in certain non-
u.S. subsidiaries against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
on the translation of foreign currency balances to the u.S. dollar. 
additionally, we use derivative financial instruments in the form 
of interest rate swap contracts to manage our borrowing costs 
of certain long-term debt. We designate and account for these 
derivative financial instruments as hedges under u.S. Gaap.

Furthermore, we use foreign currency forward exchange contracts 
that are not designated as hedges to offset transaction gains 
or  losses  associated  with  some  of  our  assets  and  liabilities 
resulting from intercompany loans or other transactions with 
third parties that are denominated in currencies other than our 
entities’ functional currencies. It is our policy to execute such 
instruments with global financial institutions that we believe 
to  be  creditworthy  and  not  to  enter  into  derivative  financial 
instruments for speculative purposes. Foreign currency forward 
exchange contracts are usually denominated in currencies of 
major industrial countries. 

FaIr VaLUE OF FINaNCIaL INStrUMENtS

We record various financial instruments recorded at fair value. u.S. 
Gaap defines 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 classifies the inputs 
used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

level 1:

level 2:

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets 
or liabilities.

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.

We hold financial instruments consisting of cash and short-term 
debt. the fair values of our cash 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 also hold financial instruments consisting of long-term debt, 
investments and derivatives. the valuation methodologies for 
these financial instruments are described in notes 5, 8, 9, and 12 
in the Financial Statements. the methods described in these notes 
may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of 
net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, 
while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and 
consistent with other market participants, the use of different 

38

methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of 
certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value 
measurement at the reporting date.

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 income (loss). currency transaction gains and 
losses are included in results of operations in the period incurred.

rESEarCH aND DEVELOPMENt EXPENSES

We expense research and development (r&d) costs as incurred; 
these costs were $371.8 million in 2018, $348.2 million in 2017 
and $319.3 million in 2016. 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 benefit to recognize in 
the consolidated financial 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 the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of 
the award and the amount of unearned share-based compensation 
costs attributed to future services. 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 an antidilutive effect on epS, and accordingly, we 
exclude  them  from  the  calculation.  antidilutive  share-based 
compensation awards for the years ended September 30, 2018 
(0.9 million shares), 2017 (0.7 million shares) and 2016 (2.2 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.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

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

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

Earnings per share:

Basic

diluted

$

$

2018

535.5

(0.5)

535.0

125.4

1.3

0.2

126.9

$

$

2017

825.7

(0.9)

824.8

128.4

1.2

0.3

129.9

4.27

4.21

$

$

6.42

6.35

$

$

2016

729.7

(0.7)

729.0

130.2

0.9

—

131.1

5.60

5.56

$

$

$

$

SHarE-BaSED COMPENSatION

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 specified dollar amount. claims exceeding this amount up to 
specified limits are covered by insurance 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 liabilities for environmental matters in the period 
in which our responsibility is probable and the costs can be 
reasonably estimated. We make changes to the liabilities in the 
periods in which the estimated costs of remediation change. at 
third-party environmental sites where more than one potentially 
responsible party has been identified, 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 unidentified parties. If 
we determine that recovery from insurers or other third parties 
is probable and a right of setoff exists, we record the liability net 
of the estimated recovery. If we determine that recovery from 
insurers or other third parties is probable but a right of setoff 
does not exist, we record a liability for the total estimated costs 
of remediation and a receivable for the estimated recovery. at 
environmental sites where we are the sole responsible party, 
we record a liability for the total estimated costs of remediation. 
Ongoing operating and maintenance expenditures included in our 
environmental remediation obligations are discounted to present 

value over the probable future remediation period. Our remaining 
environmental remediation obligations are undiscounted due to 
subjectivity of timing and/or amount of future cash payments.

CONDItIONaL aSSEt rEtIrEMENt OBLIGatIONS

We record liabilities for costs related to legal obligations 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.

rECENtLY ISSUED aCCOUNtING 
PrONOUNCEMENtS

In march 2017, the FaSB issued a new standard regarding the 
presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit 
costs. this standard requires the service cost component to be 
reported in the income statement in the same line item as other 
compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related 
employees during the period. the other components of net periodic 
benefit cost are required to be presented separately from the 
service cost component in either a separate line item or within 
another appropriate line item with disclosure of where those costs 
are recorded. this standard also requires that only the service 
cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. 
this standard is effective for us for reporting periods starting 
October 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. the non-
service components of net periodic pension and postretirement 
benefit cost, which are to be reclassified to other income (expense) 
in the consolidated Statement of Operations upon adoption of the 
new standard, are expense of $23.8 million, $77.6 million and 
$67.8 million for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively.

In February 2016, the FaSB issued a new standard on accounting 
for leases that requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities for most leases, among other changes to 
existing  lease  accounting  guidance.  the  new  standard  also 

39

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about 
leasing activities. this standard is effective for us for reporting 
periods beginning October 1, 2019.  We are currently evaluating the 
impact the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated 
financial statements and related disclosures.

In  may  2014,  the  FaSB  issued  a  new  standard  on  revenue 
recognition related to contracts with customers. this standard 
supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance and 
involves a five-step principles-based approach to recognizing 
revenue. the underlying principle is to recognize revenue when 
promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be 
received for those goods or services. the new standard will also 
require additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about 
contracts with customers, significant judgments made in applying 
the revenue-guidance, and assets recognized from the costs to 

obtain or fulfill a contract. We adopted the new revenue standard, 
using the modified retrospective transition method, which results 
in an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as 
of October 1, 2018, our adoption date. the estimated cumulative 
impact of adopting the new standard is an increase in the opening 
balance sheet retained earnings of less than $10 million. the 
primary drivers of the impact were changes from the capitalization 
and deferral of certain contract costs and the timing of revenue, net 
of costs, for software licenses bundled with services and projects 
previously accounted for on a completed contract basis.  these 
were partially offset by a deferral of revenue, net of costs, related 
to the allocation of revenue to hardware and software products and 
services provided to our customers free of charge as incentives. 
We do not expect the adoption will have a material impact to our 
consolidated financial statements, including the presentation of 
revenues in our consolidated Statement of Operations.

NOtE 2.   GOOdWIll and OtHer IntanGIBle aSSetS

changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were (in millions):

Balance as of September 30, 2016

acquisition of businesses

divestiture of business (note 13)

translation

BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

acquisition of business

translation

Architecture &
Software

Control
Products &
Solutions

Total

$

414.5

$

659.4

$

1,073.9

—

—

2.7

417.2

6.8

(1.7)

0.8

(10.3)

10.6

660.5

—

(7.3)

0.8

(10.3)

13.3

1,077.7

6.8

(9.0)

BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

$

422.3

$

653.2

$

1,075.5

during  the  year  ended  September  30,  2018,  we  recognized 
goodwill of $6.8 million and other intangible assets of $3.0 million 
resulting from one acquisition. In november 2017, we acquired 
Odos Imaging limited (Odos), a Scottish technology company 
that provides three-dimensional, time-of-flight sensing systems 

for industrial imaging applications. this acquisition enables us 
to expand our existing capabilities by bringing 3-d time-of-flight 
sensor technology to industrial applications. We assigned the full 
amount of goodwill related to Odos to our architecture & Software 
segment.

Other intangible assets consist of (in millions):

amortized intangible assets:

computer software products

customer relationships

technology

trademarks

Other

total amortized intangible assets

allen-Bradley® trademark not subject to amortization

TOTAL

40

September 30, 2018

Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

$

190.9

$

118.1

$

112.9

106.8

32.0

11.2

453.8

43.7

66.2

64.0

24.0

10.0

282.3

—

$

497.5

$

282.3

$

Net

72.8

46.7

42.8

8.0

1.2

171.5

43.7

215.2

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

amortized intangible assets:

computer software products

customer relationships

technology

trademarks

Other

total amortized intangible assets

allen-Bradley® trademark not subject to amortization

September 30, 2017

Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

$

194.8

$

113.2

$

114.5

104.8

32.3

11.4

457.8

43.7

61.5

57.9

21.1

9.8

263.5

—

TOTAL

$

501.5 $

263.5 $

Net

81.6

53.0

46.9

11.2

1.6

194.3

43.7

238.0

computer  software  products  represent  costs  of  computer 
software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed. computer 
software products amortization expense was $11.8 million in 2018, 
$9.8  million in 2017 and $11.5 million in 2016.

We performed our annual evaluation of goodwill and indefinite life 
intangible assets for impairment as required by u.S. Gaap during 
the second quarter of 2018 and concluded that these assets are 
not impaired.

estimated  amortization  expense  is  $25.4  million  in  2019, 
$22.6 million in 2020, $21.6 million in 2021, $18.9 million in 2022 
and $17.7 million in 2023.

NOtE 3.  

InVentOrIeS

Inventories consist of (in millions):

Finished goods

Work in process

raw materials

INVENTORIES

NOtE 4.  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

September 30,

2018

224.3

$

180.0

177.3

581.6

$

2017

218.7

168.0

172.0

558.7

$

$

September 30,

2018

$

5.3

$

359.6

1,164.2

497.8

111.3

2,138.2

(1,561.4)

2017

5.2

351.6

1,145.8

461.5

131.7

2,095.8

(1,511.9)

$

576.8 $

583.9

41

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

NOtE 5.  lOnG-term and SHOrt-term deBt

long-term debt consists of (in millions):

5.65% notes, repaid in december 2017

2.050% notes, payable in march 2020

2.875% notes, payable in march 2025

6.70% debentures, payable in January 2028

6.25% debentures, payable in december 2037

5.20% debentures, payable in January 2098

unamortized discount and other

total

less current portion

LONG-TERM DEBT

In February 2015, upon issuance of our notes payable in march 
2020 (2020 notes) and march 2025 (2025 notes), we entered into 
fixed-to-floating interest rate swap contracts with multiple banks 
that effectively converted the $600.0 million aggregate principal 
amount to floating rate debt, each at a rate based on three-month 
lIBOr plus a fixed spread. the effective floating interest rates 
were 2.759 percent for the 2020 notes and 3.169 percent for the 
2025 notes at September 30, 2018. the aggregate fair value of 
the interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2018 was a net 
unrealized loss of $24.0 million. We have designated these swaps 
as fair value hedges. the individual contracts are recorded in Other 
liabilities in the consolidated Balance Sheet with corresponding 
adjustments to the carrying value of the underlying debt. additional 
information related to our interest rate swap contracts is included 
in note 9.

at September 30, 2018 and 2017, our total borrowing capacity 
under our unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in march 
2020 was $1.0 billion. We can increase the aggregate amount of 
this credit facility by up to $350.0 million, subject to the consent 
of the banks in the credit facility. We have not borrowed against 
this credit facility during the years ended September 30, 2018 or 
2017. Borrowings under this credit facility bear interest based 
on short-term money market rates in effect during the period 

September 30,

2018

$

— $

294.6

281.4

250.0

250.0

200.0

(50.8)

1,225.2

—

2017

250.0

298.7

296.7

250.0

250.0

200.0

(52.0)

1,493.4

(250.0)

$

1,225.2 $

1,243.4

the borrowings are outstanding. In december 2016, we amended 
the financial covenant under this credit facility. the previous 
financial covenant, which limited our debt-to-total-capital ratio 
to 60 percent, was replaced with a minimum eBItda-to-interest 
ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. the eBItda-to-interest ratio is defined in the 
amendment as the ratio of consolidated eBItda (as defined in 
the amendment) for the preceding four quarters to consolidated 
interest  expense  for  the  same  period.  We  believe  the  new 
covenant provides us greater financial flexibility. Separate short-
term unsecured credit facilities of approximately $156.0 million 
at September 30, 2018 were available to non-u.S. subsidiaries. 
Borrowings under our non-u.S. credit facilities at September 30, 
2018 and 2017 were not significant. there are no significant 
commitment fees or compensating balance requirements under 
any of our credit facilities.

Our  short-term  debt  obligations  are  primarily  comprised  of 
commercial paper borrowings. commercial paper borrowings 
outstanding were $550.0 million at September 30, 2018 and 
$350.0 million at September 30, 2017. the weighted average 
interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding was 2.27 percent 
at September 30, 2018 and 1.26 percent at September 30, 2017.

Interest payments were $75.5 million during 2018, $74.2 million 
during 2017 and $69.2 million during 2016.

long-term debt is not measured at fair value. the following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term 
debt not measured at fair value in the consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):

September 30, 2018

September 30, 2017

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

current portion of long-term debt

$

— $

— $

250.0 $

long-term debt

1,225.2

1,391.3

1,243.4

251.6

1,452.6

We base the fair value of long-term debt upon quoted market 
prices for the same or similar issues and therefore consider this 
a level 2 fair value measurement. the fair value of long-term 
debt considers the terms of the debt excluding the impact of 
derivative and hedging activity. the carrying amount of a portion 

of our long-term debt is impacted by fixed-to-floating interest rate 
swap contracts that are designated as fair value hedges. refer to 
note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair value 
hierarchy.

42

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTNOtE 6.  OtHer current lIaBIlItIeS

Other current liabilities consist of (in millions):

unrealized losses on foreign exchange contracts (note 9)

product warranty obligations (note 7)

taxes other than income taxes

accrued interest

Income taxes payable

Other

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Part II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

September 30,

2018

$

6.2

$

27.9

40.9

12.3

74.4

64.9

2017

31.3

28.5

42.7

16.9

32.6

68.2

$

226.6

$

220.2

NOtE 7.  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 specific warranty matters when they become known and reasonably estimable.

changes in product warranty obligations were (in millions):

Beginning balance

Warranties recorded at time of sale

adjustments to pre-existing warranties

Settlements of warranty claims

ENDING BALANCE

NOtE 8. 

InVeStmentS

Our investments consist of (in millions):

Fixed income securities

equity securities

Other

total investments

less short-term investments

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

September 30,

$

2018

28.5

25.5

(2.6)

(23.5)

27.9

$

2017

28.0

25.8

(0.2)

(25.1)

28.5

$

$

September 30,

2018

2017

$

419.0

$

1,387.6

1,090.0

69.9

1,578.9

(290.9)

—

62.7

1,450.3

(1,124.6)

$

1,288.0

$

325.7

We record investments in fixed income and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale investments or trading investments, at 
fair value.

43

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

aVaILaBLE-FOr-SaLE INVEStMENtS

We invest in certificates of deposit, time deposits, commercial paper and other fixed income securities which are classified as 
available-for-sale. unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are included in our consolidated Balance Sheet as a 
component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of any deferred taxes. realized gains and losses are included in net income.

Our available-for-sale investments consist of (in millions):

certificates of deposit and time deposits

commercial paper

corporate debt securities

Government securities

asset-backed securities

TOTAL

September 30,

2018

2017

$

169.6

$

1,005.3

—

158.4

65.8

25.2

20.3

199.4

116.8

45.8

$

419.0

$

1,387.6

pre-tax gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments 
were $2.7 million as of September 30, 2018. pre-tax gross realized 
gains and losses on available-for-sale investments were not 
material for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. at 
September 30, 2018, there were no outstanding purchases of 
available-for-sale investments recorded in accounts payable.

We evaluated all available-for-sale investments for which the 
fair value was less than amortized cost for impairment on an 
individual security basis at September 30, 2018. this assessment 

included consideration of our intent and ability to hold the security 
and the credit risks specific to each security. We determined that 
the declines in fair value of these investments were not other than 
temporary as of September 30, 2018, and accordingly we did not 
recognize any impairment charges in net income.

the table below summarizes the contractual maturities of our 
investments  as  of  September  30,  2018  (in  millions).  actual 
maturities may differ from the contractual maturities below as 
borrowers may have the right to prepay certain obligations.

less than one year

due in one to five years

TOTAL

Fair Value

290.9

128.1

419.0

$

$

classification of our available-for-sale investments as current or noncurrent is based on the nature of the investment and when the 
investment is reasonably expected to be realized. these investments were included in the following line items within the consolidated 
Balance Sheet (in millions):

Short-term investments

long-term investments

TOTAL

traDING INVEStMENtS

On July 19, 2018, we purchased 10,582,010 shares of ptc common 
stock (the “ptc Shares”) in a private placement at a purchase 
price of $94.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of 
approximately  $1.0  billion  (“the  purchase”).  the  ptc  Shares 
are considered equity securities. For a period of approximately 
3  years  after  the  purchase  we  are  subject  to  entity-specific 
transfer restrictions subject to certain exceptions. Following the 
first anniversary of the purchase, the company will be allowed to 
transfer, in the aggregate in any 90-day period, a number of Shares 
equal to up to 1.0% of ptc’s total outstanding shares of common 
stock as of the first day in such 90-day period, but no more than 

September 30,

2018

2017

290.9

$

1,124.6

128.1

263.0

419.0

$

1,387.6

$

$

2.0% of ptc’s total outstanding shares of common stock in each 
of the second year and the third year after the purchase.

the ptc Shares were recorded at fair value and classified as 
trading securities. at September 30, 2018, the fair value of the 
ptc Shares was $1,090.0 million, which was recorded in long-term 
investments in the consolidated Balance Sheet. For the year 
ended September 30, 2018, a gain of $90.0 million related to 
the ptc Shares was recorded in other income (expense) in the 
consolidated Statement of Operations. at September 30, 2018, 
the ptc Shares were valued using the most recent closing price 
of ptc common stock quoted on nasdaq, resulting in a gain of 
$123.7 million, less a temporary discount for lack of marketability 

44

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

calculated  using  a  put-option  model,  resulting  in  a  loss  of 
$33.7 million. the marketability discount is due to an instrument-
specific restriction as the ptc Shares were issued to the company 
in a private placement and are not currently registered for resale 
under the Securities act of 1933, as amended. However, the ptc 
Shares are contractually required to be registered by ptc under 
the Securities act of 1933, as amended, within one year, at which 
time the discount will be reversed.

FaIr VaLUE OF INVEStMENtS

We  recognize  all  available-for-sale  and  trading  investments 
at fair value in the consolidated Balance Sheet. the valuation 
methodologies used for our investments measured at fair value 
are described below.

Certificates of deposit and time deposits — these investments are 
recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

Commercial paper — these investments are recorded at amortized 
cost, which approximates fair value.

Corporate debt securities — Valued at either the yields currently 
available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit 
ratings or valued under a discounted cash flow approach that 

Fair values of our investments were (in millions):

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 
on the active market on which the individual securities are traded 
or, absent an active market, utilizing observable inputs such as 
closing prices in less frequently traded markets.

Asset-backed securities — Valued using a discounted cash flow 
approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields 
of benchmark instruments, but includes adjustments for certain 
risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.

Equity securities — Valued using the most recent closing price of 
ptc common stock quoted on nasdaq, less a temporary discount 
for lack of marketability. the discount for lack of marketability, 
which  will  reverse  upon  registration  of  the  ptc  Shares,  is 
calculated using a put-option model which includes observable 
and unobservable inputs and is categorized as level 3 in the fair 
value hierarchy. the primary inputs include historical and implied 
ptc common stock volatility and the transfer restriction term.

refer to note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair 
value hierarchy. We did not have any transfers between levels of 
fair value measurements during the periods presented.

certificates of deposit and time deposits

corporate debt securities

Government securities

asset-backed securities

equity securities

TOTAL

certificates of deposit and time deposits

commercial paper

corporate debt securities

Government securities

asset-backed securities

TOTAL

September 30, 2018

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

— $

169.6 $

— $

—

55.7

—

—

158.4

10.1

25.2

—

Total

169.6

158.4

65.8

25.2

—

—

—

1,090.0

1,090.0

$

55.7 $

363.3 $

1,090.0 $

1,509.0

September 30, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$

— $

1,005.3 $

— $

1,005.3

—

—

98.9

—

20.3

199.4

17.9

45.8

—

—

—

—

20.3

199.4

116.8

45.8

$

98.9 $

1,288.7 $

— $

1,387.6

the table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our level 3 investments (in millions):

ptc Share purchase July 19, 2018

unrealized gain

BALANCE SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

Equity 
Securities

954.9

135.1

1,090.0

$

$

45

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

upon purchase of the ptc Shares, we recorded our investment 
of $954.9 million. the investment consisted of the purchase price 
of approximately $1.0 billion less a loss of $45.1 million, which 
includes a $71.9 million valuation adjustment pending registration 
of the ptc  Shares, partially offset by a gain of $26.8 million, 
resulting from the difference between the purchase price of 
$94.50 per share and the most recent closing price of ptc common 
stock quoted on nasdaq on the purchase date. the unrealized 

gain of $135.1 million includes a gain of $96.9 million, resulting 
from appreciation of the ptc Shares between the purchase date 
and the end of the fiscal year, and a $38.2 million decrease in the 
valuation adjustment associated with a reduction in the expected 
term of the transfer restriction.

the investment of $1,090.0 million at September 30, 2018 includes 
a gain of $123.7 million on investment and a $33.7 million valuation 
adjustment.

NOtE 9.   derIVatIVe InStrumentS

We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign 
currency  denominated  debt  obligations  to  manage  certain 
foreign currency risks. We also use interest rate swap contracts 
to manage risks associated with interest rate fluctuations. the 
following information explains how we use and value these types 
of derivative instruments and how they impact our consolidated 
financial statements.

additional information related to the impacts of cash flow hedges 
on other comprehensive income (loss) is included in note 10.

tYPES OF DErIVatIVE INStrUMENtS aND 
HEDGING aCtIVItIES

CaSH FLOW HEDGES

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to 
hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate variability 
in  the  expected  future  cash  flows  associated  with  certain 

Forward exchange contracts

third-party and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign 
currencies forecasted to occur within the next two years (cash 
flow hedges). We report in other comprehensive income (loss) 
the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative financial 
instruments that we designate and that qualify as cash flow 
hedges. We reclassify these gains or losses into earnings in the 
same periods when the hedged transactions affect earnings. to 
the extent forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow 
hedges are ineffective, changes in value are recorded in earnings 
through the maturity date. there was no impact on earnings due 
to ineffective cash flow hedges. at September 30, 2018, we had 
a u.S. dollar-equivalent gross notional amount of $754.7 million 
of foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as 
cash flow hedges.

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

2018

11.8

$

2017

$

(16.1) $

2016

(6.6)

the pre-tax amount of gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into the consolidated Statement of 
Operations related to derivative forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, which offset the related gains and losses 
on the hedged items during the periods presented, was (in millions):

Sales

cost of sales

Selling, general and administrative expenses

TOTAL

2018

2017

2.4

$

0.3

$

(17.2)

1.2

(2.8)

(0.5)

(13.6)

$

(3.0)

$

$

$

2016

(5.5)

25.5

(0.9)

19.1

approximately $5.7 million of pre-tax net unrealized gains on 
cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2018 will be reclassified 
into earnings during the next 12 months. We expect that these 
net unrealized gains will be offset when the hedged items are 
recognized in earnings.

NEt INVEStMENt HEDGES

We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign 
currency  denominated  debt  obligations  to  hedge  portions  of 
our net investments in non-u.S. subsidiaries (net investment 
hedges) against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the 
translation of foreign currency balances to the u.S. dollar. For all 

instruments that are designated as net investment hedges and 
meet effectiveness requirements, the net changes in value of the 
designated hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated 
other comprehensive loss within shareowners’ equity where they 
offset gains and losses recorded on our net investments globally. 
to the extent forward exchange contracts or foreign currency 
denominated  debt  designated  as  net  investment  hedges  are 
ineffective, changes in value are recorded in earnings through the 
maturity date. there was no impact on earnings due to ineffective 
net investment hedges. at September 30, 2018, we had a gross 
notional amount of $81.0 million of foreign currency forward 
exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges.

46

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

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

Forward exchange contracts

Foreign currency denominated debt

TOTAL

FaIr VaLUE HEDGES

We use interest rate swap contracts to manage the borrowing 
costs of certain long-term debt. In February 2015, we issued 
$600.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes. 
upon issuance of these notes, we entered into fixed-to-floating 
interest rate swap contracts that effectively convert these notes 
from fixed rate debt to floating rate debt. We designate these 
contracts as fair value hedges because they hedge the changes 
in fair value of the fixed rate notes resulting from changes in 
interest rates. the changes in value of these fair value hedges 

Interest (expense) income

2018

1.1

—

1.1

$

$

2017

(16.3)

$

—

(16.3)

$

2016

2.3

0.8

3.1

$

$

are recorded as gains or losses in interest expense and are offset 
by the losses or gains on the underlying debt instruments, which 
are also recorded in interest expense. there was no impact on 
earnings due to ineffective fair value hedges. at September 30, 
2018, the aggregate notional value of our interest rate swaps 
designated as fair value hedges was $600.0 million.

the  pre-tax  amount  of  net  (losses)  gains  recognized  within 
the consolidated Statement of Operations related to derivative 
instruments designated as fair value hedges, which fully offset 
the related net gains and losses on the hedged debt instruments 
during the periods presented, was (in millions):

2018

2017

$

(19.3)

$

(24.1)

$

2016

14.1

DErIVatIVES NOt DESIGNatED aS HEDGING 
INStrUMENtS

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 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. Gains and 
losses  on  derivative  financial  instruments  for  which  we  do 
not elect hedge accounting are recognized in the consolidated 
Statement of Operations in each period, based on the change in the 
fair value of the derivative financial instruments. at September 30, 
2018, we had a u.S. dollar-equivalent gross notional amount of 
$194.7 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts 
not designated as hedging instruments.

the pre-tax amount of gains (losses) from forward exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the 
consolidated Statement of Operations was (in millions):

cost of sales

Other income (expense)

TOTAL

2018

1.0

(0.1)

0.9

$

$

2017

(1.8)

$

(8.6)

(10.4)

$

2016

0.9

(11.1)

(10.2)

$

$

FaIr VaLUE OF DErIVatIVE INStrUMENtS

We recognize all derivative financial 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 fiscal 2018, 2017 or 2016. 
It is our policy to execute such instruments with major financial 
institutions that we believe to be creditworthy and not to enter 
into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. 
We diversify our foreign currency forward exchange contracts 
among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these 

entities. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are 
usually denominated in currencies of major industrial countries. 
the u.S. dollar-equivalent gross notional amount of our forward 
exchange contracts totaled $1,030.4 million at September 30, 
2018. currency pairs (buy/sell) comprising the most significant 
contract notional values were united States dollar (uSd)/euro, 
uSd/canadian dollar, uSd/Singapore dollar, uSd/Swiss franc, 
euro/British pound and uSd/mexican peso. refer to note 1 for 
further information regarding levels in the fair value hierarchy.

We value interest rate swap contracts using a market approach 
based on observable market inputs including publicized swap 
curves.

47

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

the fair value of our derivatives and their location in our consolidated Balance Sheet were (in millions):

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Balance Sheet Location

September 30, 2018

September 30, 2017

Fair Value (Level 2)

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

TOTAL

Other current assets

Other assets

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Balance Sheet Location

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

TOTAL

Other current assets

Other assets

Other current liabilities

$

$

$

$

15.8

$

1.9

(5.1)

(0.7)

(24.0)

(12.1)

$

12.4

0.3

(19.1)

(5.1)

(4.6)

(16.1)

Fair Value (Level 2)

September 30, 2018

September 30, 2017

$

3.4

0.6

(1.1)

2.9

$

0.8

—

(12.2)

(11.4)

NOtE 10.  SHareOWnerS’ eQuIty

COMMON StOCK

at September 30, 2018, 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, 2018, 9.6 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

2018

128.4

(8.3)

0.9

121.0

2017

128.5

(2.3)

2.2

128.4

2016

132.4

(4.6)

0.7

128.5

at September 30, 2018, there were $18.3 million of outstanding common stock share repurchases recorded in accounts payable. at 
September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding common stock share repurchases recorded in accounts payable.

48

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTpart II 

ItEM 8.  FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

Part II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

aCCUMULatED OtHEr COMPrEHENSIVE LOSS

changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were  
(in millions):

Pension and other 
postretirement 
benefit plan 
adjustments, net 
of tax (Note 12)

Accumulated 
currency 
translation 
adjustments, 
net of tax

Net unrealized 
gains (losses) 
on cash flow 
hedges, net 
of tax

Net unrealized 
gains (losses) on 
available-for-sale 
investments,  
net of tax

Total 
accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss, net of tax

Balance as of September 30, 2015

$

(1,097.1) $

(252.4)

$

14.9

$

— $

(1,334.6)

Other comprehensive loss before 
reclassifications

amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other comprehensive 
loss

(216.5)

(42.5)

73.8

—

(3.6)

(15.4)

Other comprehensive loss

(142.7)

(42.5)

(19.0)

—

—

—

(262.6)

58.4

(204.2)

BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 $

(1,239.8) $

(294.9)

$

(4.1)

$

— $

(1,538.8)

Other comprehensive income (loss) 
before reclassifications

amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other comprehensive 
loss

215.2

97.6

57.2

—

(12.3)

2.0

(0.1)

—

260.0

99.6

Other comprehensive income (loss)

312.8

57.2

(10.3)

(0.1)

359.6

BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 $

(927.0) $

(237.7)

$

(14.4)

$

(0.1)

$

(1,179.2)

Other comprehensive income (loss) 
before reclassifications

amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other comprehensive loss

Other comprehensive income (loss)

188.4

80.5

268.9

(48.3)

—

(48.3)

8.7

10.1

18.8

(2.1)

—

(2.1)

BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 $

(658.1) $

(286.0)

$

4.4

$

(2.2)

$

146.7

90.6

237.3

(941.9)

49

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended 
September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were (in millions):

Year Ended September 30,

2018

2017

2016

Affected Line in the Consolidated 
Statement of Operations

pension and other postretirement benefit plan 
adjustments:

amortization of prior service credit

$

(4.9)

$

(9.8)

$

amortization of net actuarial loss

Settlements

115.1

0.7

110.9

(30.4)

155.2

2.8

148.2

(50.6)

(14.0)

126.8

(a)

(a)

— (a)

112.8

Income before income taxes

(39.0)

Income tax provision

net unrealized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges:

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

Forward exchange contracts

TOTAL RECLASSIFICATIONS

$

$

$

$

80.5

$

97.6

$

73.8

net income

(2.4)

$

(0.3)

$

5.5

Sales

17.2

(1.2)

13.6

(3.5)

10.1

90.6

$

$

2.8

0.5

3.0

(1.0)

2.0

99.6

(25.5) cost of sales

0.9

Selling, general and 
administrative expenses

(19.1)

Income before income taxes

3.7

Income tax provision

$

$

(15.4) net income

58.4

net income

(a)  Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. These components are included in 

the computation of net periodic benefit costs. See Note 12 for further information.

NOtE 11.  SHare-BaSed cOmpenSatIOn

during  2018,  2017  and  2016,  we  recognized  $38.5  million, 
$38.5  million  and  $40.5  million  of  pre-tax  share-based 
compensation expense, respectively. the total income tax benefit 
related to share-based compensation expense was $9.6 million, 
$12.3 million and $12.9 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively. 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, 
2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-
based compensation awards was $41.1 million, net of estimated 
forfeitures, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average 
period of approximately 1.8 years.

Our 2012 long-term Incentives plan, as amended (2012 plan), 
authorizes us to deliver up to 11.8 million shares of our common 
stock upon exercise of stock options, upon grant, or in payment 
of stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance 
units, restricted stock units or 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, upon 
grant, or in payment of restricted stock units. Shares relating to 

awards under our 2012 plan, or 2008 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 
4.5 million shares under our 2012 plan and 0.2 million shares 
under our 2003 directors Stock plan remain available for future 
grant or payment at September 30, 2018. 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.

StOCK OPtIONS

We have granted non-qualified 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, already-owned shares of common stock or 
a combination of cash and such shares. Stock options expire ten 
years after the grant date and vest ratably over three years.

50

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

the per-share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 
$35.29, $25.70 and $21.28, respectively. the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $71.0 million, $141.1 million and  
$21.9 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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)

2018

2.14%

1.75%

22%

5.0

2017

1.85%

2.21%

24%

5.1

2016

1.76%

2.78%

29%

5.1

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. 

a summary of stock option activity for the year ended September 30, 2018 is:

Outstanding at October 1, 2017

Granted

exercised

Forfeited

canceled

OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018

exercisable at September 30, 2018

Shares
(in thousands)

3,889

$

894

(798)

(68)

(3)

3,914

2,796

2,053

Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price

108.10

191.87

102.54

158.18

94.85

127.50

100.84

101.20

Wtd. Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)

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

$

6.9

5.6

5.5

234.9

242.4

177.2

PErFOrMaNCE SHarE aWarDS

certain officers 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 companies in the S&p 500 
Index over a three-year period. the awards actually earned will 
range from zero percent to 200 percent of the targeted number of 
performance shares for the three-year performance periods and 
will be paid, to the extent earned, in the fiscal quarter following the 
end of the applicable three-year performance period.

a summary of performance share activity for the year ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

Outstanding at October 1, 2017

Granted(1)

adjustment for performance results achieved(2)

Vested and issued

Forfeited

OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

Performance
Shares  
(in thousands)

Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Share Fair Value

190

$

40

64

(139)

(5)

150

112.64

219.04

190.46

144.07

152.93

143.94

(1)  Performance shares granted assuming achievement of performance goals at target.
(2)  Adjustments were due to the number of shares vested under the fiscal 2015 awards at the end of the three-year performance period ended September 30, 2017 

being higher than the target number of shares.

51

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

the following table summarizes information about performance shares vested during the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 
2016:

percent payout

Shares vested (in thousands)

total fair value of shares vested (in millions)

$

2018

187%

139

26.5

$

2017

10%

6

0.9

$

2016

93%

67

7.1

For the three-year performance period ending September 30, 2018, the payout will be 200 percent of the target number of shares, with 
a maximum of 145,000 shares to be delivered in payment under the awards in december 2018.

the per-share fair value of performance share awards granted during the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $219.04, 
$174.37 and $87.64, respectively, which we determined using a monte carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

average risk-free interest rate

expected dividend yield

expected volatility

2018

1.88%

1.72%

22%

2017

1.35%

2.20%

23%

2016

1.21%

2.75%

22 %

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 and restricted stock units to certain 
employees, and non-employee directors may elect to receive a 

portion of their compensation in restricted stock units. restrictions 
on  employee restricted  stock  and  employee restricted stock 
units  generally  lapse  over  periods  ranging  from  one  to  five 
years. director restricted stock units generally are payable upon 
retirement. 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $188.41, $138.32 
and $105.38, respectively. the total fair value of shares vested 
during the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was 
$7.2 million, $7.6 million, and $7.0 million, respectively.

a summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

Outstanding at October 1, 2017

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Restricted
Stock and
Restricted
Stock Units
(in thousands)

$

141

47

(38)

(4)

Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Share
Fair Value

118.87

188.41

115.19

142.33

OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

146

$

141.35

We also granted approximately 7,000 shares of unrestricted common stock to non-employee directors during the year ended September 30, 
2018. the weighted average grant date fair value of the unrestricted stock awards granted during the years ended September 30, 2018, 
2017, and 2016 was $183.76, $129.68 and $98.79, respectively.

52

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

NOtE 12.  retIrement BeneFItS

We  sponsor  funded  and  unfunded  pension  plans  and  other 
postretirement benefit plans for our employees. the pension plans 
provide for monthly pension payments to eligible employees after 
retirement. pension benefits for salaried employees generally are 
based on years of credited service and average earnings. pension 
benefits for hourly employees are primarily based on specified 
benefit 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 defined contribution 
plans. effective October 1, 2010, we also closed participation in our 
u.K. pension plan to employees hired after September 30, 2010 
and these employees are now eligible for a defined contribution 
plan. Benefits 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 at a minimum the amount required by applicable laws 
and governmental regulations. We were not required to make 
contributions to satisfy minimum funding requirements in our u.S. 

pension plans in 2018, 2017 or 2016. We did not make voluntary 
contributions to our u.S. qualified pension plan in 2018. We made 
a voluntary contribution of $200.0 million to our u.S. qualified 
pension plan in 2017. We did not make voluntary contributions to 
our u.S. qualified pension plan in 2016.

We  sponsor  various  defined  contribution  savings  plans  that 
allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their income 
in accordance with plan specific guidelines. We contribute to 
savings plans and/or will match a percentage of the employee 
contributions up to certain limits. the company contributions to 
defined contribution plans are based on age and years of service 
and range from 3% to 7% of eligible compensation. expense 
related to these plans was $47.0 million in 2018, $41.5 million in 
2017 and $38.6 million in 2016.

Other  postretirement  benefits  are  primarily  in  the  form  of 
retirement medical plans that cover most of our employees in the 
u.S. and canada and provide for the payment of certain medical 
costs of eligible employees and dependents after retirement.

NEt PErIODIC BENEFIt COSt

the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are (in millions):

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

Service cost

Interest cost

$

2018

88.9

155.3

$

2017

97.0

151.6

$

2016

88.0

169.5

$

expected return on plan assets

(244.8)

(225.2)

(218.3)

amortization:

prior service cost (credit)

net actuarial loss

Special termination benefit

Settlements

0.6

113.4

—

0.7

(3.7)

152.9

0.5

2.8

(2.9)

124.5

0.5

—

$

2018

1.3

2.4

—

(5.5)

1.7

—

—

$

2017

1.4

2.5

—

(6.1)

2.3

—

—

2016

1.3

3.3

—

(11.1)

2.3

—

—

NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST (INCOME)

$

114.1

$

175.9

$

161.3

$

(0.1)

$

0.1

$

(4.2)

Significant assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost (income) 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 Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

3.90%

7.50%

3.50%

2.30%

5.19%

2.99%

3.75%

7.50%

3.50%

1.77%

5.12%

2.86%

4.55%

7.50%

3.75%

2.67%

5.21%

3.11%

3.40%

3.10%

3.85%

—

—

—

—

—

—

3.20%

2.80%

3.60%

—

—

—

—

—

—

53

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT 
Part II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

NEt BENEFIt OBLIGatION

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

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

$

4,585.0

$

4,785.9

$

77.8

$

2018

2017

2018

Service cost

Interest cost

actuarial gains

plan amendments

plan participant contributions

Benefits paid

Special termination benefit

Settlements

curtailments

currency translation and other

Benefit obligation at end of year

plan assets at beginning of year

actual return on plan assets

company contributions

plan participant contributions

Benefits paid

Settlements

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 benefits

retirement benefits

NET AMOUNT ON BALANCE SHEET

$

$

$

88.9

155.3

(257.1)

(0.3)

3.7

(277.7)

—

(10.4)

(3.5)

(24.4)

4,259.5

3,788.3

220.6

50.3

3.7

(277.7)

(10.4)

(20.0)

3,754.8

(504.7)

$

30.6

$

(12.3)

(523.0)

97.0

151.6

(221.9)

(6.9)

3.9

(251.9)

0.5

(13.8)

(1.0)

41.6

4,585.0

3,447.9

315.5

254.9

3.9

(251.9)

(13.8)

31.8

3,788.3

(796.7)

10.6

(11.7)

(795.6)

$

$

2017

86.9

1.4

2.5

(3.8)

—

3.4

1.3

2.4

(8.5)

—

3.4

(13.5)

(13.4)

—

—

—

(0.5)

62.4

—

—

10.1

3.4

(13.5)

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.8

77.8

—

—

10.0

3.4

(13.4)

—

—

—

(62.4)

$

(77.8)

— $

(10.1)

(52.3)

—

(9.5)

(68.3)

(77.8)

(504.7)

$

(796.7)

$

(62.4)

$

the actuarial gains recorded in 2018 were primarily the result of an increase in the discount rate for u.S. plans, which increased from 
3.90% in 2017 to 4.35% in 2018. the actuarial gains recorded in 2017 were primarily the result of an increase in the discount rate for 
u.S. plans, which increased from 3.75% in 2016 to 3.90% in 2017.

amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at September 30, 2018 and 2017 which have not yet been 
recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in millions):

prior service cost (credit)

net actuarial loss

TOTAL

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

2018

4.3

657.6

661.9

$

$

2017

5.3

921.9

927.2

$

$

$

$

2018

(8.2)

$

4.4

(3.8)

$

2017

(12.2)

12.0

(0.2)

during 2018, we recognized prior service credits of $4.9 million ($3.8 million net of tax) and net actuarial losses of $115.1 million ($84.3 
million net of tax) in pension and other postretirement net periodic benefit cost, which were included in accumulated other comprehensive 
loss at September 30, 2017.

the accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $3,962.3 million and $4,252.2 million at September 30, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively.

54

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

Information regarding our pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets (underfunded plans) 
at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in millions):

projected benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

2018

$

3,755.5

$

3,220.2

2017

4,280.9

3,473.6

Information regarding our pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets (underfunded 
plans) at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in millions):

accumulated benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Significant assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations are (in weighted averages):

2018

$

679.7

$

392.9

2017

3,956.8

3,473.6

U.S. PLANS

discount rate

compensation increase rate

Health care cost trend rate(1)

NON-U.S. PLANS

discount rate

compensation increase rate

Health care cost trend rate(1)

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

2018

2017

2018

2017

4.35%

3.50%

—

2.48%

3.02%

—

3.90%

3.50%

—

2.30%

2.99%

—

4.15%

—

6.50%

3.30%

—

4.50%

3.40%

—

6.50%

3.20%

—

4.50%

(1)  The health care 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 health care cost trend rate will decrease to 5.50% in 2020 for U.S. Plans and will not change in 2019 for Non-U.S. Plans.

EStIMatED FUtUrE PaYMENtS

We expect to contribute $32.0 million related to our global pension plans and $10.3 million to our postretirement benefit plans in 2019.

the following benefit payments, which include employees’ expected future service, as applicable, are expected to be paid (in millions):

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024 – 2028

Pension Benefits

$

288.9 $

268.5

282.1

301.7

278.4

1,417.0

Other
Postretirement 
Benefits

10.3

6.8

5.5

5.1

4.8

19.8

55

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

PLaN aSSEtS

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 inflation, 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

the investment objective for pension funds related to our defined 
benefit plans is to meet the plan’s benefit 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 diversification within asset categories. 
target  allocation  ranges  are  guidelines  that  are  adjusted 
periodically based on ongoing monitoring by plan fiduciaries. 
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, 2018 and 2017, our pension plans do not 
directly own our common stock.

In  certain  countries  where  we  operate,  there  are  no  legal 
requirements or financial incentives provided to companies to pre-
fund pension obligations. In these instances, we typically make 
benefit 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, 2018 and 2017.

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

Allocation
Range

Target 
Allocations

40% – 65%

30% – 50%

0% – 15%

55%

39%

6%

September 30,

2018

2017

53%

39%

8%

50%

42%

8%

Common collective trusts — Valued at the 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 naV of the investment units held at year end, which is subject 
to judgment.

Real estate funds  —  consists  of  the  real  estate  funds,  which 
provide an indirect investment into a diversified and multi-sector 
portfolio of property assets. publicly-traded real estate funds are 
valued at the most recent closing price reported on the SIX Swiss 
exchange. the remainder is valued at the estimated fair value, as 
determined by the respective fund manager, based on the naV of 
the investment units held at year end, which is subject to judgment.

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

Other — consists of other fixed income investments and common 
collective trusts with a mix of equity and fixed income underlying 
assets. Other fixed income investments are valued at the most 
recent closing price reported in the markets in which the individual 
securities are traded, which may be infrequently.

Mutual funds — Valued at the net asset value (naV) reported by 
the fund.

refer to note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair 
value hierarchy.

Corporate debt — Valued at either the yields currently available 
on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or 
valued under a discounted cash flow 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 
on the active market on which the individual securities are traded 
or, absent an active market, utilizing observable inputs such as 
closing prices in less frequently traded markets.

In accordance with aSc Subtopic 820-10, certain investments 
that are measured at fair value using the naV (or its equivalent) 
practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value 
hierarchy. the fair value amounts presented in this table are 
intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to 
the line items presented in the consolidated financial statements. 
the guidance under this subtopic was effective for us beginning 
in fiscal 2017.

56

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT 
the following table presents our pension plans’ investments measured at fair value as of September 30, 2018:

Part II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$

2.0

$

— $

— $

2.0

U.S. PLANS

cash and cash equivalents

equity securities:

mutual funds

common stock

common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

corporate debt

Government securities

common collective trusts

Other types of investments:

Insurance contracts

222.1

964.7

—

—

242.9

—

—

—

—

422.2

627.7

105.8

141.4

—

total u.S. plans investments in fair value hierarchy

$

1,431.7

$

1,297.1

$

u.S. plans investments measured at naV:

private equity

alternative equity

TOTAL U.S. PLANS INVESTMENTS

NON-U.S. PLANS

cash and cash equivalents

equity securities:

common stock

common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

corporate debt

Government securities

common collective trusts

Other types of investments:

real estate funds

Insurance contracts

Other

$

12.8

$

— $

59.2

—

—

1.1

—

—

—

—

—

320.7

33.8

15.5

310.4

80.5

—

—

total non-u.S. plans investments in fair value hierarchy

$

73.1

$

760.9

$

non-u.S. plans investments measured at naV: 

real estate funds

TOTAL NON-U.S. PLANS INVESTMENTS

TOTAL INVESTMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.9

0.9

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

79.1

4.6

83.7

222.1

964.7

422.2

627.7

348.7

141.4

0.9

2,729.7

36.5

61.1

2,827.3

12.8

59.2

320.7

33.8

16.6

310.4

80.5

79.1

4.6

917.7

9.8

927.5

$

3,754.8

57

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT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, 2017:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$

1.1

$

— $

— $

1.1

U.S. PLANS

cash and cash equivalents

equity securities:

mutual funds

common stock

common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

corporate debt

Government securities

common collective trusts

Other types of investments:

Insurance contracts

230.1

911.7

—

—

247.0

—

—

—

—

411.2

663.7

109.4

204.1

—

total u.S. plans investments in fair value hierarchy

$

1,389.9

$

1,388.4

$

u.S. plans investments measured at naV:

private equity

alternative equity

TOTAL U.S. PLANS INVESTMENTS

NON-U.S. PLANS

cash and cash equivalents

equity securities:

common stock

common collective trusts

Fixed income securities:

corporate debt

Government securities

common collective trusts

Other types of investments:

real estate funds

Insurance contracts

Other

$

3.3

$

— $

57.3

—

—

1.2

—

—

—

—

—

311.1

37.0

14.8

301.1

86.6

—

—

total non-u.S. plans investments in fair value hierarchy

$

61.8

$

750.6

$

non-u.S. plans investments measured at naV:

real estate funds

TOTAL NON-U.S. PLANS INVESTMENTS

TOTAL INVESTMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

58

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.9

0.9

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

71.5

4.8

76.3

230.1

911.7

411.2

663.7

356.4

204.1

0.9

2,779.2

49.9

61.0

2,890.1

3.3

57.3

311.1

37.0

16.0

301.1

86.6

71.5

4.8

888.7

9.5

898.2

$

3,788.3

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

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, 2018:

U.S. PLANS

Insurance contracts

NON-U.S. PLANS

Insurance contracts

Other

Balance
October 1, 2017

Realized Gains 
(Losses)

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses)

Purchases, Sales, 
Issuances, and 
Settlements, Net

Balance  
September 30, 
2018

$

$

0.9

$

— $

— $

— $

0.9

71.5

4.8

—

—

(0.4)

(0.2)

77.2

$

— $

(0.6)

$

8.0

—

8.0

$

79.1

4.6

84.6

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, 2017:

U.S. PLANS

Insurance contracts

NON-U.S. PLANS

Insurance contracts

Other

Balance
October 1, 2016

Realized Gains 
(Losses)

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses)

Purchases, Sales, 
Issuances, and 
Settlements, Net

Balance  
September 30, 
2017

$

$

0.9

$

— $

— $

— $

0.9

79.7

4.8

—

—

(13.4)

—

85.4

$

— $

(13.4)

$

5.2

—

5.2

$

71.5

4.8

77.2

In august 2018, the FaSB issued a new standard which adds, 
removes and modifies various disclosures for defined benefit and 
other postretirement benefit plans. this standard is effective for 
us for reporting periods beginning October 1, 2020; however, we 

elected to adopt this standard early as of September 30, 2018 
and applied the changes retrospectively to all periods presented 
herein. the adoption of this standard did not have a material 
impact on our disclosures.

NOtE 13.  OtHer IncOme (eXpenSe)

the components of other income (expense) are (in millions):

Gain on sale of business

change in fair value of investments

Interest income

royalty income

legacy product liability and environmental benefit (charges)

Other

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

2018

2017

$

— $

60.8

$

90.0

24.4

9.7

2.6

3.9

—

19.6

8.9

(8.3)

(0.1)

$

130.6

$

80.9

$

2016

—

—

12.7

2.9

(12.7)

3.4

6.3

In  September  2017,  we  sold  W  Interconnections,  Inc.  and 
subsidiaries, which was included within our control products & 
Solutions segment, for approximately $94.0 million. We recorded 
a pre-tax gain of $60.8 million as a result of this divestiture, which 
is included within Other income (expense) in the consolidated 

Statement of Operations. the change in fair value of investments 
includes  the  gain  on  investments  and  valuation  adjustment 
pending registration of ptc Shares. additional information related 
to our investments is included in note 8.

59

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

NOtE 14.  IncOme taXeS

SELECtED INCOME taX Data (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

PrOVISIONaL aMOUNtS

On  december  22,  2017,  the  tax  act  was  enacted.  the  tax  act 
significantly changes u.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering 
the statutory corporate income tax rate, implementing a modified 
territorial tax system, and imposing a one-time transition tax on 
accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were previously 
deferred from u.S. tax (“transition tax”). as a fiscal year taxpayer, 
certain provisions of the tax act impact us in fiscal year 2018, including 
the change in the federal statutory rate and the one-time transition tax, 
while other provisions will be effective in fiscal year 2019, including the 
tax on global intangible low-tax income (“GIltI”) of foreign subsidiaries, 
the deduction for foreign derived intangible income (“FdII”), and the 
elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction.

Our base rate reflects a change in the u.S. federal statutory rate 
from 35 percent to 21 percent resulting from the enactment of the 
tax act. the rate change was effective for us at the beginning of our 
fiscal year, using a blended rate for the annual period. as a result, 
the blended statutory rate for our fiscal year 2018 is 24.53 percent.

In december 2017, the Sec issued Staff accounting Bulletin no. 118 
(“SaB 118”), which provides guidance on how a company may 
recognize provisional estimates related to the effects of the tax 
act. the final impact of the tax act may differ from provisional 
estimates as a result of additional analysis of provisions of the 
tax act, and interpretation of any additional guidance issued by 
standard-setting and regulatory bodies such as the u.S. treasury 
department and FaSB. the company will complete its accounting 
related to the tax act within the one-year measurement period 
allowed under SaB 118.

60

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

$

721.6

609.2

1,330.8

$

$

547.2

490.2

1,037.4

$

$

475.3

$

67.3

$

131.4

18.1

624.8

118.6

48.0

3.9

170.5

795.3

222.9

109.9

0.7

177.9

44.6

(14.1)

3.3

33.8

$

$

211.7

211.9

$

$

512.1

431.0

943.1

175.9

91.7

16.3

283.9

(53.7)

(8.8)

(8.0)

(70.5)

213.4

299.8

as a result of the tax act, we revalued our u.S. deferred tax assets 
and liabilities based on the rate at which they are expected to 
reverse in the future, which is either 24.53 percent for reversals 
in 2018 or 21 percent for reversals in 2019 and subsequent years. 
We have recorded a provisional amount of $104.4 million in the 
year ended September 30, 2018.

the tax act requires the transition tax to be computed based on 
our total post-1986 earnings and profits (“e&p”) at december 31, 
2017, that were previously deferred from u.S. income tax. as a 
result, we are required to make reasonable estimates given our 
September 30 fiscal year. We have recorded a provisional expense 
of $395.8 million for the transition tax liability for all of our foreign 
subsidiaries in 2018. the transition tax is applied to the balance of 
post-1986 e&p at rates of 15.5 percent of cash assets (as defined 
in the tax act) and 8 percent for non-cash assets measured at the 
higher of the balance at September 30, 2018, or the average of the 
ending balances at September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2017. 
Our estimates will change as a result of adjustments impacting 
e&p, and distributions and other transactions impacting cash. 
under the tax act, the company will elect to pay the transition tax 
interest-free over eight years, with 8% due in each of the first five 
years, 15% in year six, 20% in year seven, and 25% in year eight. 
We have recorded income taxes payable of $389.4 million in the 
consolidated Balance Sheet, of which $31.1 million is recorded 
within other current liabilities and $358.3 million is recorded within 
other liabilities because that portion is payable greater than twelve 
months after September 30, 2018.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

the tax act includes a provision to tax GIltI of foreign subsidiaries. 
the FaSB allows companies to adopt an accounting policy to either 
recognize deferred taxes for GIltI or treat it as a tax cost in the 
year incurred. due to the complexity of the new GIltI tax rules, the 
company is continuing to evaluate this provision of the tax act and 
the application of u.S. Gaap. the GIltI provisions will be effective 
for us beginning October 1, 2018.

the company has historically accounted for the earnings of its 
foreign subsidiaries as being indefinitely reinvested under aSc 
740-30. as a result of the broad changes to the u.S. international 
tax system under the tax act, the company will begin to account for 
substantially all of its non-u.S. subsidiaries as being immediately 

subject to tax, while still concluding that earnings are indefinitely 
reinvested for a limited number of subsidiaries. For non-u.S. 
subsidiaries that are accounted for as being immediately subject 
to tax, we have recorded deferred tax liabilities of $34.8 million 
related to foreign withholding taxes on future distributions of 
historic earnings and deferred tax assets of $9.9 million related 
to u.S. foreign tax credits attributable to the foreign withholding 
taxes. the company continues to treat as permanently invested 
the earnings of a limited number of its subsidiaries due mainly to 
local country repatriation restrictions. We have not provided for 
deferred taxes on the undistributed earnings of these subsidiaries 
as they are not material.

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

tax effect of foreign dividends

Impact of the tax act

Foreign currency transaction loss

Share-based compensation

research and development tax credit

Other

EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

2018

24.5%

1.0

(4.4)

4.2

36.6

—

(1.3)

(1.3)

0.5

2017

35.0%

0.7

(9.3)

0.5

—

(1.9)

(2.8)

(0.6)

(1.2)

2016

35.0%

0.6

(8.6)

0.1

—

(0.8)

—

(2.0)

(1.7)

59.8%

20.4%

22.6%

We operate in certain non-u.S. tax jurisdictions under government-sponsored tax incentive programs, which may be extended if certain 
additional requirements are met. the program which generates the primary benefit will expire in 2022. the tax benefit attributable to 
these programs was $52.3 million ($0.41 per diluted share) in 2018, $43.4 million ($0.33 per diluted share) in 2017 and $33.9 million 
($0.26 per diluted share) in 2016.

61

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

DEFErrED taXES

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

2018

2017

deferred income tax assets:

compensation and benefits

Inventory

returns, rebates and incentives

retirement benefits

environmental remediation and other site-related costs

Share-based compensation

Other accruals and reserves

net operating loss carryforwards

tax credit carryforwards

capital loss carryforwards

Other

Subtotal

Valuation allowance

net deferred income tax assets

deferred income tax liabilities:

property

Intangible assets

Investments

unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries

Other

deferred income tax liabilities

$

6.5

$

11.5

34.0

141.5

20.7

19.6

49.7

19.6

17.9

10.0

4.6

335.6

(27.0)

308.6

(54.7)

(25.3)

(21.7)

(22.7)

(4.6)

(129.0)

TOTAL NET DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS

$

179.6

$

18.8

20.2

45.9

305.5

33.4

32.4

71.3

20.4

15.3

10.3

11.1

584.6

(18.6)

566.0

(74.0)

(45.9)

—

—

(2.5)

(122.4)

443.6

We believe it is more likely than not that we will realize our deferred tax assets through the reduction of future taxable income, other 
than for the deferred tax assets reflected below.

tax attributes and related valuation allowances at September 30, 2018 were (in millions):

Tax attributes and related valuation allowances

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

Other deferred tax assets

TOTAL

62

Tax Benefit 
Amount

Valuation 
Allowance

Carryforward 
Period Ends

$

7.0 $

3.3

10.0

0.6

0.8

8.7

17.1

47.5

4.6

$

52.1 $

7.0

3.3

10.0

2019 - 2024

Indefinite

Indefinite

— 2019 - 2033

— 2019 - 2037

2019 - 2037

2019 - 2033

Indefinite

1.4

0.7

22.4

4.6

27.0

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

UNrECOGNIZED taX BENEFItS

a reconciliation of our gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows (in millions):

Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year

$

31.1

$

2018

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

—

3.0

(1.1)

(11.3)

(1.6)

—

$

2017

32.4

1.9

10.8

(0.1)

(7.7)

(6.3)

0.1

GROSS UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS BALANCE AT END OF YEAR

$

20.1

$

31.1

$

2016

43.9

2.3

14.9

—

(27.1)

(1.6)

—

32.4

the  amount  of  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits  that  would 
reduce our effective tax rate if recognized was $20.1 million, 
$31.1 million and $32.4 million at September 30, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively.

accrued  interest  and  penalties  related  to  unrecognized  tax 
benefits were $2.5 million and $4.0 million at September 30, 
2018 and 2017, respectively. We recognize interest and penalties 
related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. 
Benefits (expense) recognized were $1.5 million, $1.2 million and 
$(0.1) million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

We believe it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross 
unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by up to $6.0 million 

in the next 12 months as a result of the resolution of tax matters in 
various global jurisdictions and the lapses of statutes of limitations. 
If all of the unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, the net 
reduction to our income tax provision, including the recognition 
of interest and penalties and offsetting tax assets, could be up to 
$5.5 million.

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 
2016 and are no longer subject to state, local and non-u.S. income 
tax examinations for years before 2009.

NOtE 15.  cOmmItmentS and cOntInGent lIaBIlItIeS

Obligations and expected recoveries related to environmental remediation costs, conditional asset retirement obligations and other 
recorded indemnification matters are as follows:

environmental remediation costs

conditional asset retirement obligations

Indemnification liabilities

total recorded liabilities

recorded probable expected recoveries

NET RECORDED LIABILITIES

$

$

2018

61.6

21.9

9.5

93.0

(14.1)

$

78.9

$

2017

67.6

21.2

12.0

100.8

(17.8)

83.0

as of September 30, 2018, we have estimated the total reasonably possible costs we could incur from these environmental remediation 
and indemnification liabilities to be $108.0 million ($90.5 million, net of related receivables).

ENVIrONMENtaL MattErS

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 business, financial 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 finally 
determined and assumed by third parties. In addition, various other 
lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been asserted against 
us seeking remediation of alleged environmental impairments, 
principally at previously owned properties.

63

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

environmental remediation cost liabilities and related expected recoveries are as follows (in millions):

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

total recorded environmental remediation costs(1)

receivables

Other assets

total recorded probable expected recoveries

NET ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS

2018

7.8

53.8

61.6

(1.4 )

(8.0 )

(9.4 )

52.2

$

$

(1) 

Includes $45.7 million related to discounted ongoing operating and maintenance expenditures.

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 business, financial 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. Identified 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-specific 
knowledge and historical industry expertise.

conditional asset retirement obligations and related expected 
recoveries are as follows (in millions):

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

total recorded conditional asset retirement obligations

receivables

Other assets

total recorded probable expected recoveries

2018

$

0.6

$

21.3

21.9

—

(0.3)

(0.3)

NET CONDITIONAL ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

$

21.6

$

2017

0.7

20.5

21.2

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.3)

20.9

there have been no significant changes in liabilities incurred, liabilities settled, accretion expense or revisions in estimated cash flows 
for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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, financial 
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 indemnified 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 
flow 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.

64

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT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.

We also have rights to historic insurance policies that provide 
indemnity  and  defense  costs,  over  and  above  self-insured 
retentions, for claims arising out of certain asbestos liabilities 
relating to the divested measurement and flow control business. 
Following litigation against several insurers to pursue coverage 
for these claims, we entered into separate agreements with the 
insurers that resulted in both lump sum payments and coverage-
in-place agreements. We believe these arrangements will provide 
substantial coverage for future defense and indemnity costs for 
these asbestos claims throughout the remaining life of asbestos 
liability.

the uncertainties of asbestos claim litigation make it difficult 
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 business, financial 
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 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.

Indemnification liabilities and related expected recoveries are as follows (in millions):

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

total recorded indemnification liabilities

receivables

Other assets

total recorded probable expected recoveries

NET INDEMNIFICATION LIABILITIES

$

$

2018

1.6

7.9

9.5

(0.8)

(3.6)

(4.4)

$

5.1

$

2017

2.5

9.5

12.0

(1.6)

(4.6)

(6.2)

5.8

Included in the above are certain environmental indemnification 
liabilities  that  are  substantially  indemnified  by  exxonmobil 
corporation for which we have recorded a liability of $4.7 million 
and $6.6 million, and a related receivable of $4.5 million and 
$6.2 million, as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 hardware and software 
products. as of September 30, 2018, we were not aware of any 
material indemnification claims that were probable or reasonably 
possible of an unfavorable outcome. Historically, claims that have 
been made under the indemnification agreements have not had a 
material impact on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations; however, to the extent that valid indemnification claims 
arise in the future, future payments by us could be significant and 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition or results of operations in a particular period.

65

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPart II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

LEaSE COMMItMENtS

rental expense was $120.3 million in 2018, $115.1 million in 2017 and $115.5 million in 2016. as of September 30, 2018, minimum future 
rental commitments under operating leases having noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are payable as follows (in millions):

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Beyond 2023

TOTAL

$

78.1

68.9

54.6

40.9

30.2

68.4

$

341.1

commitments from third parties under sublease agreements having noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year were not significant 
as of September 30, 2018. most leases contain renewal options for varying periods, and certain leases include options to purchase the 
leased property.

NOtE 16.  BuSIneSS SeGment InFOrmatIOn

rockwell  automation,  a  leader  in  industrial  automation  and 
information, makes its customers more productive and the world 
more sustainable. We determine our operating segments based 
on the information used by our chief operating decision maker, 
our chief executive Officer, to allocate resources and assess 
performance.  Based  upon  this  information,  we  organize  our 
hardware and software products, solutions 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 which are capable of controlling 
the customer’s industrial processes and connecting with their 
business enterprise. architecture & Software has a broad portfolio 
of hardware and software products including:

zz 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.  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.

zz Software products that include configuration and visualization 
software used to operate and supervise control platforms, 

advanced process control software, manufacturing execution 
systems (meS) and information solutions software that enables 
customers  to  improve  operational  productivity  and  meet 
regulatory requirements.

zz Other products, including sensors, machine safety components 

and linear motion control products.

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:

zz 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.

zz Value-added solutions ranging from packaged solutions such 
as configured 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.

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

66

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTpart II

ITEM 8.  FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

the following tables reflect the sales and operating results of our reportable segments (in millions):

PART II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

Sales:

architecture & Software

control products & Solutions

TOTAL

Segment operating earnings:

architecture & Software

control products & Solutions

total

purchase accounting depreciation and amortization

General corporate-net

non-operating pension costs

Gain on sale of business

costs related to unsolicited emerson proposals

Gain on investments

Valuation adjustment pending registration of ptc Shares

Interest expense

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

3,098.2

$

2,899.3

$

3,567.8

3,412.0

6,666.0 $

6,311.3 $

901.3

$

781.5

$

541.3

1,442.6

(17.4)

(75.6)

(24.6)

—

(11.2)

123.7

(33.7)

(73.0)

451.6

1,233.1

(21.4)

(76.3)

(82.6)

60.8

—

—

—

(76.2)

$

1,330.8 $

1,037.4 $

2,635.2

3,244.3

5,879.5

695.0

493.7

1,188.7

(18.4)

(79.7)

(76.2)

—

—

—

—

(71.3)

943.1

among other considerations, we evaluate performance and allocate 
resources based upon segment operating earnings before income 
taxes, costs related to the unsolicited emerson proposals in the 
first quarter of fiscal 2018, interest expense, costs related to 
corporate offices, non-operating pension costs, certain corporate 
initiatives, gains and losses on investments, valuation adjustment 
pending registration of ptc Shares, gains and losses from the 

disposition of businesses and purchase accounting depreciation 
and amortization. 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 benefit.

the following tables summarize the identifiable assets at September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and the provision for depreciation and 
amortization and the amount of capital expenditures for property for the years then ended for each of the reportable segments and 
corporate (in millions):

Identifiable 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

$

$

$

$

$

$

2018

2017

2016

1,788.9 $

2,482.8 $

2,094.9

2,378.2

2,078.2

2,600.7

2,054.3

2,034.6

3,012.3

6,262.0 $

7,161.7 $

7,101.2

72.5 $

69.3 $

72.4

2.3

147.2

17.4

75.0

3.2

147.5

21.4

164.6 $

168.9 $

29.4 $

30.0 $

38.5

57.6

42.1

69.6

75.0

77.3

1.5

153.8

18.4

172.2

24.7

41.5

50.7

125.5 $

141.7 $

116.9

67

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

Identifiable  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 identifiable assets and corporate 
capital  expenditures.  corporate  identifiable  assets  include 
shared net property balances of $234.4 million, $259.3 million 

and  $264.8  million  at  September  30,  2018,  2017  and  2016, 
respectively, for which depreciation expense has been allocated 
to segment operating earnings based on the expected benefit to be 
realized by each segment. corporate capital expenditures include 
$57.6 million, $69.6 million and $50.7 million in 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively, that will be shared by our operating segments.

We conduct a significant 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 pacific

latin america

TOTAL

Sales

Property

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

$

3,602.6

$

3,458.4

$

3,213.4

$

437.6

$

443.4

$

361.5

1,286.8

933.3

481.8

343.4

1,193.7

866.4

449.4

316.4

1,147.2

764.4

438.1

12.6

53.3

42.9

30.4

8.8

52.5

40.0

39.2

2016

445.4

7.3

49.9

37.4

38.3

$

6,666.0 $

6,311.3 $

5,879.5

$

576.8 $

583.9 $

578.3

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

In  most  countries,  we  sell  primarily  through  independent 
distributors in conjunction with our direct sales force. In other 
countries, we sell through a combination of our direct sales force 

and to a lesser extent, through independent distributors. We sell 
large systems and service offerings principally through our direct 
sales force, though opportunities are sometimes identified through 
distributors. Sales to our largest distributor in 2018, 2017 and 
2016, which are attributable to both segments, were approximately 
10 percent of our total sales.

NOTE 17.  Quarterly FInancIal InFOrmatIOn (unaudIted)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

First

Second

Third

Fourth

2018 Quarters

Sales

Gross profit

Income before income taxes

net (loss) income

(loss) earnings per share:

Basic

diluted

$

1,586.6

$

1,651.2 $

1,698.7 $

1,729.5 $

697.1

297.8

(236.4)

(1.84)

(1.84)

741.7

251.7

198.6

1.60

1.58

700.8

299.6

227.4

1.79

1.77

2017 Quarters

732.6

481.7

345.9

2.84

2.80

(in millions, except per share amounts)

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Sales

Gross profit

Income before income taxes

net income

earnings per share:

Basic

diluted

$

1,490.3

$

1,554.3 $

1,599.2 $

1,667.5 $

642.3

257.6

214.7

1.67

1.65

656.5

230.3

189.5

1.47

1.45

677.7

276.0

216.9

1.69

1.67

647.7

273.5

204.6

1.59

1.57

Note: The sum of the quarterly per share amounts will not necessarily equal the annual per share amounts presented.

2018

6,666.0

2,872.2

1,330.8

535.5

4.27

4.21

2017

6,311.3

2,624.2

1,037.4

825.7

6.42

6.35

68

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
Item 8. FInancIal StatementS and Supplementary data

NOTE 18.  rOcKy FlatS Settlement

From 1975 to 1989,  rockwell International  corporation (rIc) 
operated  the  rocky  Flats  facility  in  colorado  for  the  u.S. 
department of energy (doe). In 1990, a class of landowners near 
rocky Flats sued rIc and dow chemical, another former operator 
of the facility. In may 2016, the parties agreed to settle this case 
and the doe authorized the settlement. under the court approved 
settlement agreement, we and dow chemical agreed to pay $375.0 
million in the aggregate to resolve the claims. under rIc’s contract 
with the doe and federal law, rIc was entitled to indemnification 
by the doe for its portion of the settlement amount, which was 
$243.75 million. When rIc was acquired by Boeing in 1996, we 

agreed to indemnify Boeing for rIc’s liabilities related to rocky 
Flats and received the benefits of rIc’s corresponding indemnity 
rights against the doe. pursuant to the settlement agreement, 
in fiscal 2016, rIc paid an initial amount of $1.25 million to the 
plaintiff class escrow fund. In January 2017, the doe fulfilled its 
indemnification obligation by paying $243.75 million, and the 
full amount of rIc’s obligation under the settlement agreement 
has now been transferred to the plaintiff class escrow fund.  as 
a result, we were not required to make any payment under the 
settlement agreement.

69

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
Item 8. repOrt OF Independent reGIStered puBlIc accOuntInG FIrm

repOrt OF Independent reGIStered puBlIc accOuntInG FIrm

to the Board of directors and Shareowners of 
rockwell automation, Inc. 
milwaukee, Wisconsin

OpInIOnS On tHe FInancIal StatementS and Internal cOntrOl OVer 
FInancIal repOrtInG

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of 
rockwell automation, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “company”) as of 
September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements 
of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareowners’ 
equity for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 
2018, and the related notes and schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 
(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also 
have audited the company’s internal control over financial reporting 
as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the treadway commission (cOSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred 
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of the company as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the 
three years in the period ended September 30, 2018, in conformity 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the united States 
of america. also, in our opinion, the company maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by cOSO.

BaSIS FOr OpInIOnS

the company’s management is responsible for these financial 
statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining 
effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting, included in the accompanying management’s report 
on Internal control over Financial reporting. Our responsibility is 
to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial 
statement schedule and an opinion on the company’s internal 
control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public 
accounting firm registered with the public company accounting 
Oversight Board (united States) (pcaOB) and are required to be 
independent with respect to the company in accordance with the 
u.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations 
of the Securities and exchange commission and the pcaOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the 
pcaOB. those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to 

error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our  audits  of  the  financial  statements  included  performing 
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing 
procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts 
and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  Our  audits  also 
included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant 
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over 
financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness  exists,  and  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.

deFInItIOn and lImItatIOnS OF Internal cOntrOl OVer FInancIal repOrtInG

a  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a 
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. a company’s internal control over 
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of 
the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that 
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial 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 financial statements.

Because  of  the  inherent  limitations  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. also, 
projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness 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.

/s/ delOItte & tOucHe llp

milwaukee, Wisconsin 
november 9, 2018 
We have served as the company’s auditor since 1967.

70

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART II
Item 9B. OtHer InFOrmatIOn

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 Officer and chief 
Financial  Officer,  we  have  evaluated  the  effectiveness,  as  of 
September 30, 2018, of our disclosure controls and procedures, as 

defined in rule 13a-15(e) and rule 15d-15(e) under the exchange 
act. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive Officer and 
chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls 
and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018.

manaGement’S repOrt On Internal cOntrOl OVer FInancIal repOrtInG

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  as  defined  in 
rule 13a-15(f) under the exchange act. Our internal control over 
financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial 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 Officer and chief Financial Officer, we 
evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial 
reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated 
Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the treadway commission (cOSO). Based on that 

evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control 
over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2018.

the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, 
as of September 30, 2018, has been audited by deloitte & touche 
llp, as stated in their report that is included on the previous page.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial 
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 
financial reporting (as such term is defined in rule 13a-15(f)) 
under the exchange act during the fiscal quarter to which this 
report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely 
to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 
the company adopted the new revenue recognition standard on 
October 1, 2018. the adoption of this guidance required additional 

functionality within our enterprise-wide information technology 
system in addition to new accounting processes, policies and 
procedures. the company also implemented new internal controls 
for revenue recognition, including the adjustments to retained 
earnings required under the modified retrospective method of 
adoption and the related disclosures required under the new 
guidance.

ITEM 9B.  OtHer InFOrmatIOn

none.

71

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTpart III

ITEM 10.   dIrectOrS, eXecutIVe OFFIcerS 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 and Stock Ownership Information 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 officers of the company under Item 4a of part I.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our executive 
officers,  including  the  principal  executive  officer,  principal 
financial  officer  and  principal  accounting  officer.  a  copy 
of  our  code  of  conduct  is  posted  on  our  Internet  site  at 
https://www.rockwellautomation.com under the “Investors” link. 
In the event that we amend or grant any waiver from a provision 
of the code of ethics that applies to the principal executive officer, 
principal financial officer or principal accounting officer 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, Election of Directors, 
and Compensation Committee Report in the proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.   SecurIty OWnerSHIp OF certaIn BeneFIcIal OWnerS 

and manaGement and related StOcKHOlder matterS

Other than the information below, the information required by this 
Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled Stock 
Ownership Information in the proxy Statement.

the following table provides information, as of September 30, 2018, 
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, and 2003 directors Stock plan.

Plan Category

Number of Securities 
to be issued 
upon Exercise of 
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights 
(a)

equity compensation plans approved by shareowners

4,240,621(1)

equity compensation plans not approved by 
shareowners

TOTAL

—

4,240,621

Weighted Average  
Exercise Price of 
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights  
(b)

$

$

127.50(2)

n/a

127.50

Number of Securities 
Remaining Available for 
Future Issuance under 
Equity Compensation Plans 
(excluding Securities reflected 
in Column (a))  
(c)

4,761,910(3)

—

4,761,910

(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 Incentives Plan, 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, and 2003 Directors Stock Plan.

(2)  Represents the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options and does not take into account the performance shares and restricted units.
(3)  Represents  4,540,354  and  221,556  shares  available  for  future  issuance  under  our  2012  Long-Term  Incentives  Plan  and  our  2003  Directors  Stock  Plan, 

respectively.

72

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART III
Item 14.  prIncIpal accOuntant FeeS and SerVIceS

ITEM 13.   certaIn relatIOnSHIpS and related tranSactIOnS, 

and dIrectOr Independence

the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled Election of Directors 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 Audit Matters in the proxy Statement.

73

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTpart IV

ITEM 15.   eXHIBItS and FInancIal Statement ScHedule

(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedule and exhibits

(1) Financial Statements (all financial statements listed below are those of the company and its consolidated subsidiaries)

consolidated Balance Sheet, September 30, 2018 and 2017

consolidated Statement of Operations, years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

consolidated Statement of comprehensive Income, years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

consolidated Statement of cash Flows, years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ equity, years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

notes to consolidated Financial Statements

report of Independent registered public accounting Firm

(2) Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying accounts

 Schedules not filed 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 financial statements or notes thereto.

Page

31

32

33

34

35

36

70

Page

79

(3) exhibits

3-a

3-b

4-a-1

4-a-2

4-a-3

4-a-4

4-a-5

4-a-6

restated certificate of Incorporation of the company, filed 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 June 8, 2016, filed as exhibit 3.2 to the company’s current 
report on Form 8-K dated June 10, 2016, 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, filed as exhibit 4-a to 
registration Statement no. 333-43071, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of certificate for the company’s 6.70% debentures due January 15, 2028, filed 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 certificate for the company’s 5.20% debentures due January 15, 2098, filed 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 certificate for the company’s 6.25% debentures due december 31, 2037, filed as exhibit 4.2 to the company’s current 
report on Form 8-K dated december 3, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of certificate for the company’s 2.050% notes due march 1, 2020, filed as exhibit 4.1 to the company’s current report 
on Form 8-K dated February 17, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of certificate for the company’s 2.875% notes due march 1, 2025, filed as exhibit 4.2 to the company’s current report 
on Form 8-K dated February 17, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-a-1

copy of the company’s 2003 directors Stock plan, filed as exhibit 4-d to the company’s registration Statement on Form S-8 
(no. 333-101780), is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-a-2 memorandum of amendments to the company’s 2003 directors Stock plan approved and adopted by the Board of directors 

of the company on april 25, 2003, filed 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.

74

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
Item 15.  eXHIBItS and FInancIal Statement ScHedule

*10-a-3 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, filed 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-4 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, filed 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.

*10-a-5

*10-a-6

*10-a-7

*10-b-1

*10-b-2

*10-b-3

*10-b-4

*10-b-5

*10-b-6

*10-b-7

*10-b-8

*10-b-9

Form of restricted Stock unit agreement under Section 6 of the company’s 2003 director’s Stock plan, as amended, filed 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 directors deferred compensation plan approved and adopted by the Board of directors of the 
company on november 5, 2008, filed 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.

Summary of non-employee director compensation and Benefits as of October 1, 2018, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the company’s 
Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference.

copy of the company’s 2008 long-term Incentives plan, as amended and restated through June 4, 2010, filed 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, filed 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.

Forms of Stock Option agreement under the company’s 2008 long-term Incentives plan for options granted to executive 
officers of the company after december 1, 2008, filed 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 Stock Option agreement under the company’s 2008 long-term Incentives plan, as amended, for options granted to 
executive officers of the company after december 6, 2010, filed 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 Stock Option agreement under the company’s 2008 long-term Incentives plan, as amended, for options granted to 
executive officers of the company after november 30, 2011, filed 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.

copy of the company’s 2012 long-term Incentives plan, as amended and restated through February 2, 2016, filed as exhibit 
4-c to the company’s registration Statement on Form S-8 (no. 333-209706), is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of Stock Option agreement under the company’s 2012 long-term Incentives plan for options granted to executive 
officers of the company after december 5, 2012, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the company’s Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended december 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of restricted Stock agreement under the company’s 2012 long-term Incentives plan for shares of restricted stock 
awarded to executive officers of the company after december 5, 2012, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the company’s Quarterly report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended december 31, 2012 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of performance Share agreement under the company’s 2012 long-term Incentives plan for performance shares 
awarded to executive officers of the company after december 5, 2012, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the company’s Quarterly report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended december 31, 2012 is hereby incorporated by reference.

*10-c-1

copy of the company’s deferred compensation plan, as amended and restated September 6, 2006, filed 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-c-2 memorandum of proposed amendment and restatement of the company’s deferred compensation plan approved and 

adopted by the Board of directors of the company on november 7, 2007, filed 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.

*10-d-1

*10-d-2

*10-e-1

*10-e-2

copy of the company’s annual Incentive compensation plan for Senior executive Officers, as amended december 3, 2003, 
filed 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, filed 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 30, 2016 between the company and Blake d. moret, filed as exhibit 99.1 
to the company’s current report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 2016, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Form of change of control agreement between the company and each of patrick p. Goris, theodore d. crandall, Frank c. 
Kulaszewicz, John p. mcdermott and Sujeet chand and certain other corporate officers filed as exhibit 99.2 to the company’s 
current report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 2016, is hereby incorporated by reference.

75

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
Item 15.  eXHIBItS and FInancIal Statement ScHedule

*10-e-3

*10-e-4

*10-e-5

*10-e-6

10-f-1

10-f-2

10-f-3

10-g-1

10-g-2

10-g-3

10-h-1

10-h-2

10-h-3

10-i-1

10-i-2

10-i-3

10-j-1

letter agreement dated September 3, 2009 between the company and Keith d. nosbusch, filed 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, filed as exhibit 99.2 to the 
company’s current report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference.

letter agreement dated July 1, 2016 between registrant and Blake d. moret, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the company’s Quarterly 
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, is hereby incorporated by reference.

letter agreement dated February 7, 2017 between registrant and patrick p. Goris, filed as exhibit 10 to the company’s 
Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended march 31, 2017, 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., filed as exhibit l0-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), filed 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, 
filed 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., filed 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., 
filed 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., filed 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., filed 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., filed as exhibit 2.2 to the company’s current report on Form 8-K dated January 12, 1999, is hereby 
incorporated by reference.

tax allocation agreement dated as of december 31, 1998 by and between the company and conexant Systems, Inc., filed 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 Scientific 
company llc, filed 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 
Scientific company llc, filed 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., filed as 
exhibit 2.3 to the company’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2001, is hereby incorporated by reference.

$1,000,000,000 Five-year credit agreement dated as of march 24, 2015 among the company, the Banks listed on the signature 
pages thereof, Jpmorgan chase Bank, n.a., as administrative agent, Bank of america, n.a. and Goldman Sachs Bank uSa, as 
Syndication agents, and the Bank of new york mellon, BmO Harris Bank n.a., citibank, n.a., deutsche Bank Securities Inc., 
the northern trust company, pnc Bank national association, u.S. Bank national association, and Wells Fargo Bank, national 
association, as documentation agents, filed as exhibit 99 to the company’s current report on Form 8-K dated march 27, 2015, 
is hereby incorporated by reference.

10-j-2

First amendment to Five-year credit agreement dated as of december 12, 2016 among the company, the Banks signatory 
thereto and Jpmorgan chase Bank, as administrative agent, filed as exhibit 10 to the company’s Quarterly report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended december 31, 2016, is hereby incorporated by reference.

76

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
Item 16. FOrm 10-K Summary

10-k

10-l-1

10-l-2

10-m-1

10-m-2

21

23

24

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

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, filed 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 automation 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, filed 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.

Securities purchase agreement, dated June 11, 2018, between the company and ptc Inc., filed as exhibit 10.1 to the 
company’s current report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference.

registration rights agreement dated July 19, 2018, between the company and ptc Inc., filed as exhibit 10.1 to the company’s 
current report on Form 8-K dated as July 20, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference.

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 
officers of the company.

certification of periodic report by the chief executive Officer pursuant to rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities exchange act 
of 1934.

certification of periodic report by the chief Financial Officer pursuant to rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities exchange act 
of 1934.

certification of periodic report by the chief executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002.

certification of periodic report by the chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002.

101

Interactive data Files.

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

ITEM 16.  FOrm 10-K Summary

none.

77

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
SIGnatureS

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.

rOcKWell autOmatIOn, Inc.
By

/s/ patrIcK p. GOrIS
patrick p. Goris
Senior Vice president and
chief Financial Officer

dated: november 9, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on the 9th day of November 
2018 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

By

By

/s/ patrIcK p. GOrIS
Patrick P. Goris
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ daVId m. dOrGan
David M. Dorgan
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Blake d. moret*
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
and Director
Keith d. nosbusch*
Director
J. phillip Holloman*
Director
Steven r. Kalmanson*
Director
James p. Keane*
Director
lawrence d. Kingsley*
Director
William t. mccormick, Jr.*
Director
donald r. parfet *
Director
lisa a. payne*
Director
thomas W. rosamilia*
Director
patricia a. Watson*
Director

*By

**By

/s/ reBecca W. HOuSe
Rebecca W. House, Attorney-in-fact**
authority of powers of attorney filed herewith

78

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

PART IV
SCHEDULE II

SCHEDULE II

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018, 2017 AND 2016

(in millions)

Description

*Year ended September 30, 2018

Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

*Year ended September 30, 2017

Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

*Year ended September 30, 2016

Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)

Additions

Balance at 
Beginning  
of Year

Charged to 
Costs and 
Expenses

Charged 
to Other 
Accounts

Deductions(b)

Balance at 
End of Year

$

$

$

24.9 $

18.6

24.5 $

17.3

0.1 $

8.9

5.0 $

1.5

— $

—

— $

0.4

7.9 $

0.5

4.6 $

0.6

24.8 $

10.9 $

— $

11.2 $

17.1

27.0

24.9

18.6

24.5

17.3

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

22.2

1.0

0.6

6.5

Includes allowances for current and other long-term receivables.

(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 loss carryforwards for which a valuation allowance had previously been recorded.
Amounts reported relate to continuing operations in all periods presented.

* 

79

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
INDEX TO EXHIBITS*

INDEX TO EXHIBITS*

Exhibit No.

Exhibit

21

23

24

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

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 
officers of the Company.

Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange  
Act of 1934.

Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange  
Act of 1934.

Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101

Interactive Data Files.

* See Part IV, Item 15(a)(3) for exhibits incorporated by reference.

80

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTEXHIBIT 21

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC.

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

Name

Maverick Technologies, LLC

Nuad Corporation

Rockwell Automation N.V.

Rockwell Automation (China) Company Limited

Rockwell Automation Switzerland G.m.b.H

Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Center PTE. Ltd.

Rockwell Automation Australia Ltd.

Rockwell Automation B.V.

Rockwell Automation Canada Holdings Inc.

Rockwell Automation Canada Ltd.

Rockwell Automation Chile S. A.

Rockwell Automation Control Solutions (Harbin) Co., Ltd.

Rockwell Automation Control Solutions (Shanghai) Limited

Rockwell Automation de Mexico S.A. de C.V.

Rockwell Automation do Brasil Ltda.

Rockwell Automation G.m.b.H.

Rockwell Automation Germany G.m.b.H. & Co. KG

Rockwell Automation India Private Limited

Rockwell Automation International Holdings LLC

Rockwell Automation Korea Ltd.

Rockwell Automation Limited

Rockwell Automation Limited

Rockwell Automation L.L.C.

Rockwell Automation Manufacturing (Shanghai) Limited

Rockwell Automation Monterrey Manufacturing S de RL de CV

Rockwell Automation of Ohio, Inc.

Rockwell Automation Proprietary Limited

Rockwell Automation S.r.l.

Rockwell Automation Safety AG

Rockwell Automation Solutions G.m.b.H.

Rockwell Automation Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd.

Rockwell Automation Sp. z.o.o.

Rockwell Automation Taiwan Co., Ltd.

Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.

Rockwell European Holdings Ltd.

Jurisdiction

Missouri

Delaware

Belgium

China

Switzerland

Singapore

Australia

Netherlands

Canada

Canada

Chile

China

China

Mexico

Brazil

Germany

Germany

India

Delaware

Korea

United Kingdom

Ireland

United Arab Emirates

China

Mexico

Ohio

South Africa

Italy

Switzerland

Germany

Singapore

Poland

Taiwan

Ohio

England

PART IV
EXHIBIT 21

Percentage of Voting Securities Owned By

Registrant

Subsidiary

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

49%

100%

100%

100%

74.99999%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Listed above are certain subsidiaries included in our consolidated financial statements. Unlisted subsidiaries, considered in the aggregate 
as a single subsidiary, do not constitute a significant subsidiary.

81

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
EXHIBIT 23

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-101780, 333-149581, 333-150019, 333-157203, 333-
165727, 333-180557, 333-184400, 333-205022, and 333-209706 on Form S-8 of our report dated November 9, 2018, relating to the 
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Rockwell Automation, Inc. and the effectiveness of Rockwell 
Automation Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rockwell Automation, Inc. 
for the year ended September 30, 2018.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 9, 2018

82

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
EXHIBIT 24

EXHIBIT 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, the undersigned Director or Officer of Rockwell Automation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), hereby appoint REBECCA W. 
HOUSE and PATRICK P. GORIS, and each of them singly, my true and lawful attorneys with full power to them and each of them to sign 
for me, and in my name and in the capacity or capacities indicated below,

1.  the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and any amendments thereto;

2.  any and all amendments (including supplements and post-effective amendments) to

a)  the Registration Statements on Form S-8 registering securities to be sold under the Company’s 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan 

(Registration Nos. 333-180557 and 333-209706);

b)  the Registration Statements on Form S-8 registering securities to be sold under the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan 

(Registration Nos. 333-150019 and 333-165727);

c)  the Registration Statements on Form S-8 registering securities to be sold under the Company’s 1165(e) Plan (Registration Nos. 

333-157203 and 333-205022);

d)  the Registration Statements on Form S-8 registering securities to be sold under the Company’s Retirement Savings Plan 

(Registration Nos. 333-184400 and 333-149581); and

e)  the Registration Statement on Form S-8 registering securities to be sold pursuant to the Company’s 2003 Directors Stock Plan 

(Registration No. 333-101780).

83

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTTitle

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 
Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

Date

November 1, 2018

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer (principal financial officer)

November 1, 2018

Senior Vice President, General Counsel  
and Secretary

November 1, 2018

Vice President and Controller (principal 
accounting officer)

November 1, 2018

PART IV
EXHIBIT 24

Signature

/s/ Blake D. Moret

Blake D. Moret

/s/ J. Phillip Holloman
J. Phillip Holloman

/s/ Steven R. Kalmanson
Steven R. Kalmanson

/s/ James P. Keane
James P. Keane

/s/ Lawrence D. Kingsley
Lawrence D. Kingsley

/s/ Willam T. McCormick, Jr.
William T. McCormick, Jr.

/s/ Keith D. Nosbusch
Keith D. Nosbusch

/s/ Donald R. Parfet
Donald R. Parfet

/s/ Lisa A. Payne
Lisa A. Payne

/s/ Thomas W. Rosamilia
Thomas W. Rosamilia

/s/ Patricia A. Watson
Patricia A. Watson

/s/ Patrick P. Goris
Patrick P. Goris

/s/ Rebecca W. House
Rebecca W. House

/s/ David M. Dorgan
David M. Dorgan

84

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
EXHIBIT 31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Blake D. Moret, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rockwell Automation, Inc.;

2  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;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material 
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this 
report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 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 financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed 
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of 
financial 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 financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s 
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal 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 financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial 
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 significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which 
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; 
and

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s 

internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 9, 2018

/s/ BLAKE D. MORET

Blake D. Moret
President and Chief
Executive Officer

85

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT 
PART IV
EXHIBIT 31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Patrick P. Goris, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rockwell Automation, Inc.;

2.  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;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material 
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this 
report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 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 financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed 
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of 
financial 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 financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s 
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal 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 financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial 
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 significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which 
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; 
and

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s 

internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 9, 2018

/s/ PATRICK P. GORIS

Patrick P. Goris
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

86

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORT 
PART IV
EXHIBIT 32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT

I, Blake D. Moret, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the “Company”) 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, 2018 (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 financial condition and results of operations 

of the Company.

Date: November 9, 2018

/s/ BLAKE D. MORET

Blake D. Moret
President and Chief
Executive Officer

87

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTPART IV
EXHIBIT 32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT

I, Patrick P. Goris, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (the “Company”) 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, 2018 (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 financial condition and results of operations 

of the Company.

Date: November 9, 2018

/s/ PATRICK P. GORIS

Patrick P. Goris
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

88

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION  ❘  2018 ANNUAL REPORTDesigned & published by

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