In the rapidly evolving industrial machinery sector, Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) stand out as key players. Both companies are committed to innovation, focusing on distinct yet overlapping markets—Rockwell in automation solutions and JBT in food processing technology. This article aims to dissect their strategies, performance, and market presence, helping you determine which company might be the more appealing investment opportunity. Let’s dive in and explore the potential of these two intriguing firms.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Rockwell Automation, Inc. Overview
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a leader in industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, operating primarily in the machinery sector. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company serves a diverse range of end markets, including automotive, life sciences, and food and beverage. Rockwell’s offerings are organized into three main segments: Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. This comprehensive approach allows Rockwell to provide both hardware and software solutions, from motion control to cybersecurity infrastructure. With a market cap of approximately $44.4B, Rockwell continues to innovate in automation technology, positioning itself as a key player in enhancing operational efficiency for businesses worldwide.
JBT Marel Corporation Overview
JBT Marel Corporation specializes in providing technology solutions to the food and beverage industry across a global footprint. Formerly known as John Bean Technologies Corporation, this Chicago-based company was rebranded in January 2025. JBT Marel focuses on value-added processing solutions, such as freezing, cooking, and packaging, catering to various sectors, including poultry, meat, and pharmaceuticals. With a market cap of around $7.3B, the company markets its products through both direct sales and independent distributors, emphasizing innovation in automation and efficiency in food production processes.
Key similarities and differences
Both Rockwell Automation and JBT Marel operate within the industrial machinery sector, focusing on automation solutions. However, their core markets diverge significantly: Rockwell targets a broader range of industries, while JBT Marel specializes specifically in food and beverage processing. Additionally, Rockwell offers a wider array of services, including lifecycle and consulting services, compared to JBT Marel’s concentrated focus on food technology solutions.
Income Statement Comparison
Below is a comparative income statement for Rockwell Automation, Inc. and JBT Marel Corporation, showcasing key financial metrics from their most recent fiscal year.
| Metric | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | JBT Marel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 44.45B | 7.30B |
| Revenue | 8.34B | 1.72B |
| EBITDA | 1.40B | 0.20B |
| EBIT | 1.07B | 0.11B |
| Net Income | 0.87B | 0.08B |
| EPS | 7.69 | 2.67 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2024 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In analyzing the income statements, Rockwell Automation has demonstrated a slight revenue increase to 8.34B in 2025, up from 8.26B in 2024. However, its net income has decreased to 0.87B, indicating potential margin pressures or increased expenses. In contrast, JBT Marel exhibited strong growth with revenue reaching 1.72B in 2024, coupled with a robust net income of 0.08B, highlighting effective cost management and operational efficiency. Overall, Rockwell’s performance reflects challenges, while JBT Marel appears to be capitalizing on market opportunities with solid earnings growth.
Financial Ratios Comparison
In this section, I present a comparative analysis of the financial ratios for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) based on the most recent fiscal year data.
| Metric | ROK | JBTM |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 38.79% | 5.53% |
| ROIC | 16.56% | 3.65% |
| P/E | 33.05 | 5.46 |
| P/B | 8.75 | 2.14 |
| Current Ratio | 2.37 | 3.48 |
| Quick Ratio | 1.56 | 3.04 |
| D/E | 0.97 | 0.81 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 31.67% | 36.68% |
| Interest Coverage | 8.37 | 6.10 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.80 | 0.61 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 8.76 | 6.71 |
| Payout Ratio | 59.95% | 2.20% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 0.32% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
When analyzing the ratios, ROK demonstrates stronger performance metrics, particularly in return metrics (ROE and ROIC), indicating effective utilization of equity and capital. The P/E ratio suggests that ROK is valued at a higher premium compared to JBTM, which may imply higher growth expectations. JBTM, however, shows an impressive current and quick ratio, indicating robust liquidity. Despite this, its lower ROE and payout ratios suggest potential concerns about profitability and dividend sustainability. Caution is advised when considering investments in either company, focusing on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Rockwell Automation (ROK) pays dividends with a current yield of 1.87% and a payout ratio of approximately 60%. This indicates a commitment to shareholder returns, but potential risks include unsustainable distributions in a challenging market. JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), on the other hand, does not pay dividends, focusing instead on reinvestment for growth, demonstrated by its minimal payout ratio of around 2% and share buyback activity. While ROK’s approach supports income generation, JBTM’s strategy aims for long-term value creation through growth investments. Each method has its merits, depending on the investor’s preference for immediate returns versus growth potential.
Strategic Positioning
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) holds a significant market share in the industrial automation sector, leveraging its diverse product portfolio across intelligent devices and software solutions. With a market cap of $44.4B, it faces competitive pressure from JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), which specializes in food and beverage technology solutions and commands a market cap of $7.3B. Both companies are navigating technological disruptions, emphasizing innovation to meet evolving industry demands while managing risks associated with market fluctuations.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will analyze the stock performance of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) over the past year, focusing on key price movements and trading dynamics that have characterized their market behavior.
Trend Analysis
For Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK), the overall price change over the past year is +29.77%, indicating a bullish trend. The stock has seen notable highs at 395.86 and lows at 227.11, with the trend currently showing acceleration. The standard deviation of 36.69 suggests moderate volatility in the stock price.
In the recent analysis period from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, ROK registered a price change of +14.77% with a standard deviation of 17.78, further confirming the bullish momentum.
On the other hand, JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) has experienced a price change of +52.67% over the past year, also reflecting a bullish trend. The stock’s highest price was 147.7, while the lowest was 87.85. However, the acceleration status indicates deceleration, with a standard deviation of 17.43 pointing to lower volatility compared to ROK.
In the recent timeframe from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, JBTM’s price change was a modest +2.24%, suggesting a neutral trend in the short term, with a standard deviation of 4.97 indicating reduced volatility.
In summary, while both stocks are in a bullish position over the longer term, ROK exhibits strong acceleration, whereas JBTM is showing signs of deceleration despite its substantial yearly gains.
Analyst Opinions
Recent analyst recommendations for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) indicate a cautious sentiment, with a rating of C- from various analysts due to concerns over low scores in return on equity and assets. Conversely, JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) holds a slightly better rating of C, driven by a stronger price-to-book score. Analysts suggest a hold position on both stocks, with no clear consensus emerging for a buy in 2025. I advise monitoring these stocks closely, especially given their current ratings and performance indicators.
Stock Grades
In the current market environment, stock grades provide valuable insights into the performance outlook of companies. Here’s a look at the latest grades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. and JBT Marel Corporation.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baird | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-21 |
| B of A Securities | Maintain | Buy | 2025-11-20 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-11 |
| Morgan Stanley | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-10 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-11-07 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-07 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-10-15 |
| Oppenheimer | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-10-14 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-10-06 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-08-14 |
JBT Marel Corporation Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Blair | Upgrade | Outperform | 2025-08-06 |
Overall, Rockwell Automation maintains a consistent outlook with multiple firms endorsing its performance stability, while JBT Marel Corporation has recently received an upgrade, signaling improved investor sentiment. This indicates a generally positive trend for investors considering these stocks.
Target Prices
The consensus target prices for the following companies provide insight into analyst expectations.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 402 | 345 | 377.6 |
| JBT Marel Corporation | 169 | 169 | 169 |
For Rockwell Automation, the consensus price of 377.6 is slightly below its current price of 395.86, suggesting analysts expect a minor correction. In contrast, JBT Marel’s target is aligned with its current price of 140.53, indicating stability in expectations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Below is a comparison table highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM):
| Criterion | Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) | JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Strong across multiple industries | Focused primarily on food sector |
| Profitability | High net profit margin (15.3%) | Lower net profit margin (4.9%) |
| Innovation | High investment in R&D | Moderate innovation efforts |
| Global presence | Operates in multiple countries | Strong presence in food industry globally |
| Market Share | Significant in automation sector | Smaller niche market share |
| Debt level | Moderate debt (0.97 debt/equity) | Lower debt (0.81 debt/equity) |
Key takeaways from this analysis indicate that while Rockwell Automation excels in profitability and diversification, JBT Marel shows strength in maintaining lower debt levels and a focused market presence. Investors should weigh these factors based on their investment strategies and risk tolerance.
Risk Analysis
Below is a summary of potential risks associated with Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM):
| Metric | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | JBT Marel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | High | Moderate |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate | High |
| Operational Risk | Moderate | Moderate |
| Environmental Risk | Low | Moderate |
| Geopolitical Risk | Moderate | High |
In synthesizing the risks, both companies face significant market and regulatory pressures. Rockwell’s recent rating of C- indicates potential vulnerabilities, while JBTM’s C rating reflects its own challenges, particularly in navigating regulatory environments.
Which one to choose?
When comparing Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), several key metrics stand out. ROK has shown solid revenue growth, with a recent revenue of 8.34B and a net income of 869M. In contrast, JBTM reported revenue of 1.72B and a net income of 85M. However, JBTM has a significantly lower price-to-earnings ratio (5.46) compared to ROK’s (47.63), indicating potentially better valuation.
Both companies exhibit bullish stock trends, but ROK’s recent price change of 29.77% suggests stronger momentum than JBTM’s 52.67%, which is in deceleration. Analysts rate ROK as “C-” while JBTM holds a “C” rating, reflecting a slightly better overall evaluation for JBTM.
For growth-focused investors, JBTM may present a more appealing option due to its valuation and improving profitability metrics. Conversely, investors looking for stability may favor ROK given its larger revenue base and established market presence.
It’s important to note that both companies face risks related to market competition and supply chain dynamics.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Rockwell Automation, Inc. and JBT Marel Corporation to enhance your investment decisions:
