Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Keysight reported revenue of $1.3 billion and earnings per share of $1.7, exceeding the high end of guidance, marking the second consecutive quarter of revenue growth [6][19] - Orders grew 8% year over year and 4% sequentially to $1.3 billion, indicating a solid demand environment [6][19] - Gross margin was reported at 65%, with operating margin at 25%, an increase of 100 basis points year over year [19] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Communications Solutions Group (CSG) generated revenue of $913 million, up 9% on both reported and core basis, driven by strong demand in wireline and wireless sectors [21] - The Electronics Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) reported revenue of $393 million, a 5% increase, with growth in semiconductor and general electronics offsetting declines in automotive [21] - Software and services accounted for approximately 36% of total revenue, with annual recurring revenue at 28% [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders in the aerospace, defense, and government sector grew, driven by strength in the U.S. and Europe, with notable contracts awarded [12][61] - The demand environment in China was mixed, with overall orders flat but strengths in certain sectors [96] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term investments aligned with technology trends, particularly in AI and digital infrastructure [17][32] - Keysight is maintaining a diversified global supply chain with minimal exposure to China, actively working to mitigate tariff impacts [8][24] - The company is pursuing a balanced return of capital while investing for long-term growth, having returned over $1.7 billion to investors via repurchases over the past twelve quarters [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the market leadership and operating model, noting no material adverse effects on demand from tariffs [8][25] - The company raised its full-year growth expectations, now anticipating revenue growth at the midpoint of the 5% to 7% long-term target [25] - Management highlighted a healthy pipeline of opportunities and strong customer engagements entering the second half of the fiscal year [6][25] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $3.12 billion in cash and cash equivalents, generating $484 million in cash flow from operations [22] - Keysight is progressing through regulatory reviews for pending acquisitions, including Spirent and Optical Solutions Group [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on AI traction and its significance for the business - Management views AI as a long-term secular trend with a multiyear roadmap, contributing to growth in wireline business [32][33] Question: Incremental view on top-line outlook - The company raised top-line expectations based on strong performance in the first half and a solid pipeline of opportunities [40][42] Question: Clarification on tariff impact - The estimated annual exposure to tariffs is approximately $75 million to $100 million, with efforts underway to mitigate this impact [47][48] Question: Insights on aerospace and defense orders - Orders grew in the aerospace and defense sector, with strong bookings from prime contractors in the U.S. and Europe [61][62] Question: Wireless business performance - The wireless business remains stable, with strength in network infrastructure and ongoing investments in new technologies [71] Question: Growth in Software and Services - The company is focused on growing software and services, which have shown resilience during downturns [73][74] Question: Demand for wireline testing - The wireline business is heavily R&D oriented, benefiting from increased manufacturing activity as the industry ramps up for digital infrastructure [103][104] Question: Competitive landscape for semiconductor testing - The company is well-positioned to address the complexities of semiconductor testing, with ongoing investments in optical and electrical capabilities [108][116]