Core Insights - The consulting industry is facing a complex landscape despite expectations of growth due to AI and analytics, as highlighted in the 2025 Management Consulting Industry Report [2] Hiring Trends - Industry hiring increased by 22% over the past year, with growth concentrated in specific regions such as Atlanta, Boston, and Denver [4] - Professionals with AI expertise can earn 10% more than their counterparts, but seasoned professionals making lateral moves often receive lower compensation than entry-level MBA hires [4] Compensation and Bonuses - Consulting firms are increasing performance bonuses, but these are targeted at the highest performance levels, making them harder to achieve [5] - New hires are being offered extra sign-on bonuses despite base salary freezes at many top firms [5] Skills Demand - Consulting firms are seeking hires for roles such as technology lead, corporate strategist, information security manager, project manager, and transformation specialist [7] - In-demand technical skills include cloud architecture, advanced analytics, and generative AI consulting frameworks, while critical soft skills include executive presence and client relationship management [7][8] Survey Methodology - The report was produced by Management Consulted, which surveyed over 100 professionals across more than 10 firms to gather insights on pay and industry trends [6]

Core Insights - Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) is a leading provider of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, with a market capitalization of $38.8 billion [1][2] Company Overview - ROK specializes in hardware, software, and services that enhance the design, operation, and maintenance of production systems, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability [1] - The company is classified as a large-cap stock, indicating its significant size and influence in the specialty industrial machinery sector [2] Financial Performance - In Q3, ROK reported a revenue increase of 4.5% year-over-year to $2.1 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by 3.4% [5] - The adjusted EPS for the quarter was $2.82, reflecting a 4.1% improvement from the previous year and exceeding analyst expectations by 4.8% [5] - Despite positive revenue and EPS growth, ROK's shares fell by 5% post-earnings release due to weaknesses in certain segments, particularly in Lifecycle Services and Intelligent Devices [5] Stock Performance - ROK's stock has decreased by 4.4% from its 52-week high of $360.92, reached on July 24 [3] - Over the past three months, ROK shares have gained 6.1%, underperforming compared to the Nasdaq Composite's 12.6% return [3] - In the last 52 weeks, ROK's stock has surged by 33.7%, outperforming the Nasdaq's 26% increase [4] - Year-to-date, ROK shares are up 20.7%, compared to the Nasdaq's 14.7% rise [4] - ROK has been trading below its 50-day moving average since early September but has remained above its 200-day moving average since early May [4] Competitive Position - ROK has outperformed its competitor Emerson Electric Co. (EMR), which saw a 33.1% increase over the past 52 weeks and a 9% rise year-to-date [6]