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Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A), with a market cap of $42.1 billion, is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. Based in Santa Clara, California, the company provides advanced instruments, software, and services for industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food safety. It is anticipated to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings for 2024 after the market closes on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Ahead of the event, analysts expect A to report a profit of $1.27 per share on a diluted basis, down 1.6% from $1.29 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street’s EPS estimates in all of its last four quarterly reports.
For the fiscal year 2025, analysts expect A to report EPS of $5.56, up 5.1% from $5.29 in fiscal 2023. Moreover, its EPS is expected to rise 10.3% year over year to $6.13 in fiscal 2026.
Shares of A have soared 15% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500’s ($SPX) 26.5% gains. However, it has outperformed the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLV) marginal gain over the same time frame.
On Nov. 25, Agilent’s shares increased marginally after reporting its Q4 earnings. Both its revenues of $1.7 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.46 per share surpassed the consensus estimates thanks to a 5% revenue growth in the company’s Agilent CrossLab Group.
Analysts’ consensus opinion on A stock is reasonably hopeful, with a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Out of 16 analysts covering the stock, eight advise a “Strong Buy” rating, seven give a “Hold” rating, and one recommends a “Strong Sell.”
A’s average analyst price target is $150.07, indicating a potential upside of 1.8% from the current levels.
