Rockwell Automation Inc. reported consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2017. For the quarter, the company reported total sales of $1,586.6 million compared to $1,490.3 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was of $297.8 million compared to $257.6 million a year ago. Net loss was $236.4 million or $1.84 per diluted share compared to income of $214.7 million or $1.65 per diluted share a year ago. Cash provided by operating activities was of $212.7 million compared to $310.8 million a year ago. Capital expenditures were of $34.1 million compared to $39.4 million a year ago. Adjusted income was $255.5 million or $1.96 per share compared to $227.3 million or $1.75 per share a year ago. The increase in Adjusted EPS was primarily due to higher sales, partially offset by higher investment spending. Pre-tax margin was 18.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to 17.3% in the same period last year.

The company provided earnings guidance for the fiscal 2018. For the year, the company expects diluted EPS of $3.67 to $3.97, adjusted EPS of $7.60 to $7.90. The Company expects an effective tax rate of approximately 59% and an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 21%. The company expects sales growth of 4.5% to 7.5%. The company still expect fiscal 2018 organic sales to be up 5% year-over-year at the midpoint of guidance and expect full year reported sales to be about $6.7 billion, including the impact of currency. Compared to expectations back in November, the company see slightly better growth in heavy industries and a weaker transportation vertical.