Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Emerson reported underlying orders growth of 4%, exceeding expectations, with all regions showing positive results, including China [6][12] - Underlying sales were up 2%, with Process and Hybrid businesses growing mid-single digits, while adjusted earnings per share increased by 9% year over year to $1.48 [12][24] - Free cash flow was $738 million, reflecting a 14% increase year over year, with a free cash flow margin of 17% [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Process and Hybrid markets grew by 6%, while Discrete businesses turned positive with Test and Measurement orders up 8% [6][14] - Software and Control segment grew by 7%, driven by higher software sales, while Intelligent Devices remained flat due to safety and productivity issues [22] - The Industrial Software business saw an 11% year-over-year increase in annual contract value (ACV), supported by strong demand for AspenTech's offerings [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for Process and Hybrid businesses remained strong, particularly in energy and LNG projects, with significant capital investment noted in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and India [14][18] - The Americas experienced mid-single-digit growth, while Europe saw low single-digit growth, with continued momentum in Energy Transition and Life Sciences [18][19] - The company expects mid-single-digit growth in Process and Hybrid sales in the second half, with a more muted recovery anticipated in factory automation and automotive sectors [20][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Emerson is focused on integrating AspenTech as a key priority for 2025, targeting $100 million in cost synergies by 2028 [10] - The company has completed its portfolio transformation, retaining the Safety and Productivity business due to its strong profitability and cash generation potential [11] - Emerson aims to maintain disciplined capital allocation, prioritizing reinvestment in the business, dividends, and share repurchases while targeting bolt-on acquisitions under $1 billion [39][96] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's plans for the year, guiding for underlying sales growth of approximately 4% and raising the midpoint of adjusted EPS guidance to between $5.90 and $6.05 [9][34] - The management noted that while there are signs of tariff-induced impacts, they have not seen widespread indications affecting demand [16][32] - The company anticipates a favorable spending environment in LNG and power sectors, driven by energy security and self-reliance commitments [16][36] Other Important Information - Emerson's gross exposure to tariffs is estimated at $245 million for 2025, which the company expects to fully mitigate through pricing actions and operational adjustments [7][31] - The company reported a backlog of $7.5 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.04, indicating a healthy order flow [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is improving in discrete automation? - Management highlighted recovery in Test and Measurement driven by Aerospace and Defense, while noting continued weakness in automotive sectors, particularly in China and Germany [42][44] Question: How real is the pharmaceutical spending? - Management confirmed that the commitments from pharmaceutical companies are genuine, with early projects emerging in the life sciences sector [46][48] Question: What can be done with AspenTech now that the deal is closed? - Management expressed excitement about the growth opportunities with AspenTech, emphasizing the potential for double-digit ACV growth and enhanced collaboration with existing Emerson platforms [53][55] Question: Will tariff impacts be offset by the end of the fiscal year? - Management confirmed that they expect to completely cover the tariff impacts by the end of fiscal 2025 [57][59] Question: Why retain the Safety and Productivity business? - Management concluded that retaining the business would provide the best value for shareholders, given its strong profitability and alignment with U.S. manufacturing trends [66][68] Question: What data points indicate softness in China? - Management noted that softness is primarily in the chemical sector, with some positive signs in power generation and marine business [70][72] Question: What is the outlook for Test and Measurement? - Management indicated strong growth in Aerospace and Defense and a recovery in semiconductors, while automotive remains a concern [92][94]