Emerson reported first-quarter net sales of $4.346 billion, a 4% increase from $4.175 billion a year earlier, driven by a 9% rise in underlying orders. GAAP earnings per share came in at $1.07, while adjusted EPS was $1.46, up 6% from $1.38 in Q1 last year. Operating cash flow totaled $699 million, and free cash flow reached $602 million, reflecting continued strong cash generation.

Sales in the Intelligent Devices segment rose 4% to $2.390 billion, with strength in final control products and sensors contributing 2% underlying growth. The Software & Systems group delivered $1.453 billion in sales, a 5% year-over-year gain supported by robust demand for automation software in North America, India and the Middle East & Africa. Test & Measurement revenues increased 14% to $409 million.

Pretax earnings held steady at $775 million, but pretax margin contracted 80 basis points to 17.8% due to inflationary cost pressures and higher operating expenses. Adjusted segment EBITA margin declined 30 basis points to 27.7%, reflecting investments in product development and supply chain resilience. Interest expense rose to $90 million from $8 million a year ago, driven by higher short- and long-term debt financing costs.

Emerson raised the bottom end of its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $6.40–$6.55, reflecting sustained automation demand. The company forecasts Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.50–$1.55 and net sales growth of roughly 5.5% on an underlying basis. Capital allocation plans include approximately $1 billion in share repurchases and $1.2 billion in dividends, highlighted by the declared quarterly cash dividend of $0.555 per share payable March 10, 2026.