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ROK vs ROP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Rockwell Automation (ROK) vs. Roper Technologies (ROP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Rockwell Automation (ROK) has posted a robust year-to-date gain of approximately 19%, driven by strong industrial automation demand and strategic wins in emerging sectors such as advanced nuclear energy.
- Roper Technologies (ROP) has declined roughly 18% year-to-date, reflecting a significant valuation reset despite continued revenue growth and a disciplined acquisition strategy.
- ROK trades at a trailing P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio near 48x, while ROP trades at approximately 23x, highlighting a wide valuation gap between the two industrial-technology peers.
- ROK exhibits higher market sensitivity with a beta of 1.54, whereas ROP carries a beta of 0.75, making it considerably less volatile relative to the broader market.
- Both companies generate annual revenues exceeding $8 billion, but their business models differ sharply — ROK is a pure-play industrial automation leader, while ROP operates as a diversified software and technology conglomerate.
- Recent analyst sentiment leans moderately positive on ROK with a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating, while ROP's sharp price decline has created a notably lower entry point for value-oriented investors.
Introduction
When evaluating industrial technology stocks, few comparisons are as instructive as ROK (Rockwell Automation) versus ROP (Roper Technologies). Both are well-established names with multibillion-dollar market capitalizations and deep roots in serving enterprise and industrial customers. Yet their recent stock performance, valuation profiles, and underlying business models have diverged dramatically. This comparison is particularly relevant for investors seeking to understand how two seemingly adjacent companies — one focused on industrial automation hardware and software, the other on a diversified portfolio of niche technology businesses — are navigating the current macroeconomic landscape. Whether you lean toward cyclical growth or steady compounders, the contrast between ROK and ROP offers valuable perspective on risk, reward, and market positioning.
ROK Overview and Recent Performance
Rockwell Automation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world's largest pure-play industrial automation and digital transformation company. Its portfolio includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives, sensors, safety components, and industrial software — much of it marketed under the iconic Allen-Bradley brand. The company serves manufacturers across discrete and process industries in more than 100 countries.
In recent months, ROK shares have demonstrated considerable strength, rising approximately 19% year-to-date and over 31% on a trailing 12-month basis. The stock reached a 52-week high near $497 in recent trading before settling in the $460–$470 range. Several catalysts have supported this momentum. Rockwell reported better-than-expected quarterly results, with earnings per share (EPS) of $3.30 surpassing consensus estimates of $2.88, alongside revenue of $2.24 billion — an 11.9% year-over-year increase. The company reaffirmed upbeat full-year fiscal 2026 guidance in the range of $12.50–$13.10 per share. Adding to investor confidence, Rockwell's board authorized a $1.0 billion share repurchase program and declared a quarterly dividend of $1.38 per share.
On the strategic front, Rockwell was selected by Aalo Atomics to provide control systems for the Aalo-X test reactor, positioning the company as an enabler of next-generation modular nuclear technology — a move that underscores its relevance in emerging energy infrastructure. The company also published an industry report highlighting the growing adoption of manufacturing execution systems (MES), reinforcing its thought leadership in smart manufacturing. With a market capitalization of approximately $51 billion and a trailing P/E near 48x, ROK commands a premium valuation that reflects strong growth expectations — but also embeds a higher degree of execution risk.
ROP Overview and Recent Performance
Roper Technologies operates under a distinctly different model. Rather than focusing on a single industrial niche, ROP functions as a diversified consolidator of technology and software businesses serving specialized vertical markets. Its three reportable segments — Application Software, Network Software, and Technology-Enabled Products — span industries including healthcare, legal services, freight matching, water management, and industrial testing. Roper's strategy centers on acquiring high-margin, mission-critical software companies with strong recurring revenue streams, then operating them in a decentralized structure that preserves entrepreneurial agility.
Despite this durable business model, ROP shares have faced significant headwinds. The stock is down approximately 18% year-to-date and roughly 33% over the trailing 12 months, with shares trading near $363 as of mid-July 2026 — well below the 52-week high above $566. The sell-off reflects a broader compression in valuations for software and technology-enabled conglomerates, as well as investor concerns about the pace of organic growth and integration costs from acquisitions. However, Roper's underlying performance tells a more constructive story: total revenue grew 13% in the most recent reported quarter, including 7% organic growth, while adjusted free cash flow continued to expand at a double-digit pace. The company also announced the acquisition of Subsplash, a software platform serving faith-based and nonprofit organizations, further diversifying its application software portfolio. With a trailing P/E of approximately 23x and a forward P/E near 17x, ROP trades at a substantial discount to both its own historical multiples and to ROK — a valuation gap that may attract contrarian and value-conscious investors.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The contrast between ROK and ROP comes into sharp relief across several dimensions. In terms of business model, ROK is a concentrated bet on industrial automation — its fortunes are closely tied to capital spending cycles in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. ROP, by contrast, spreads risk across dozens of niche software and technology businesses, many of which generate subscription-like recurring revenue with high customer switching costs. This structural difference explains much of the risk profile divergence: ROK's beta of 1.54 signals above-market sensitivity to economic shifts, while ROP's beta of 0.75 implies more defensive characteristics.
On growth drivers, ROK is benefiting from secular tailwinds including factory digitization, AI-driven smart manufacturing, and emerging opportunities in advanced nuclear energy. ROP's growth engine relies more heavily on acquisitions — it must continually identify, acquire, and integrate new software businesses to sustain its compounding trajectory. Both models have merit, but they appeal to different investor temperaments.
The valuation gap is perhaps the most striking element of this comparison. ROK's premium P/E reflects market enthusiasm for its cyclical upswing and strategic catalysts, while ROP's compressed multiple suggests the market is pricing in slower organic growth and acquisition integration risk. For momentum-oriented investors, ROK's trend strength and positive earnings revisions are compelling; for value-oriented investors, ROP's discount to historical valuations and strong free cash flow generation may represent an opportunity.
Finally, sector exposure differs meaningfully. ROK is heavily levered to industrial production and manufacturing capex (capital expenditure), making it sensitive to PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) trends and tariff developments. ROP's software-heavy portfolio has greater exposure to healthcare IT, legal tech, and government-related spending — areas with different cyclical rhythms.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable market data and trend analysis, Tickeron's AI-driven framework would likely favor ROK in the current environment. The stock's sustained upward price trend, positive earnings momentum, above-average relative strength versus the S&P 500, and a series of tangible business catalysts — including the Aalo Atomics partnership and strong quarterly results — collectively suggest a more favorable near-term technical and fundamental alignment. ROK's higher beta, while introducing greater volatility risk, also amplifies upside capture during risk-on periods. ROP, by contrast, has experienced persistent technical weakness and remains below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which trend-following AI models typically interpret as a cautious signal. That said, ROP's compressed valuation and robust free cash flow profile could attract AI bots designed around mean-reversion or value-based strategies. The AI verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive — it reflects a reading of current trend consistency and catalyst density, not a guarantee of future performance. Both stocks warrant monitoring as market conditions evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ROK is a Hold and ROP is a StrongBuy.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ROK’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileROP’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ROK’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- ROP’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ROK’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ROP’s TA Score has 7 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ROK’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- ROP’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
ROK (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +0.07% price change this week, while ROP (@Packaged Software) price change was +1.16% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was -1.66%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.08%, and the average quarterly price growth was -7.38%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was -4.81%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.32%, and the average quarterly price growth was -13.41%.
Reported Earning Dates
ROK is expected to report earnings on Aug 04, 2026.
ROP is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (-1.66% weekly)The industry makes and maintains machines for consumers, the industry, and most other companies. While it has traditionally been categorized as heavy industry, some smaller companies are also branching into the light category. The industry is pivotal in providing the equipment for production in businesses like agriculture, mining, industry and construction, gas, electricity and water utilities. It also supplies supporting equipment for almost all sectors of the economy, such as equipment for heating, and air conditioning of buildings. Illinois Tool Works Inc., Parker-Hannifin Corporation and Rockwell Automation Inc are some of the major U.S. companies operating in this industry.
@Packaged Software (-4.81% weekly)Packaged software comprises multiple software programs bundled together and sold as a group. For example, Microsoft Office includes multiple applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In some cases, buying a bundled product is cheaper than purchasing each item individually[s20] . Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corp. and Adobe are some major American packaged software makers.
| ROK | ROP | ROK / ROP | |
| Capitalization | 51.4B | 36.3B | 142% |
| EBITDA | 1.66B | 3.43B | 48% |
| Gain YTD | 19.566 | -16.888 | -116% |
| P/E Ratio | 47.99 | 15.31 | 314% |
| Revenue | 8.8B | 8.12B | 108% |
| Total Cash | 423M | 256M | 165% |
| Total Debt | 4.05B | 10.5B | 39% |
ROK | ROP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 62 | 91 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 61 Fair valued | 15 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 32 | 75 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 24 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 41 | 96 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ROP's Valuation (15) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROK (61) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that ROP’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROK’s over the last 12 months.
ROK's Profit vs Risk Rating (37) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (100) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ROK’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
ROK's SMR Rating (32) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (75) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ROK’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
ROK's Price Growth Rating (24) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (58) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ROK’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
ROK's P/E Growth Rating (41) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (96) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that ROK’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
| ROK | ROP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 42% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 45% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 31% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 47% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 39% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 33% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 39% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 52% | 4 days ago 44% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 31% |
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ROK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ROK has been closely correlated with EMR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ROK jumps, then EMR could also see price increases.
ROP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ROP has been closely correlated with AME. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ROP jumps, then AME could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ROP | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 100% | +3.44% | ||
| AME - ROP | 75% Closely correlated | +0.34% | ||
| GGG - ROP | 71% Closely correlated | +2.25% | ||
| IEX - ROP | 69% Closely correlated | +0.47% | ||
| OTIS - ROP | 69% Closely correlated | +1.64% | ||
| NDSN - ROP | 68% Closely correlated | +1.26% | ||
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