Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A) Reaches New 12-Month High on Strong Earnings

Posted by Francis Steltz on Aug 27th, 2026

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A – Get Free Report)’s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The company traded as high as $163.75 and last traded at $158.9040, with a volume of 410110 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $155.08.

The medical research company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.13. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 19.55% and a return on equity of 24.33%. The business had revenue of $1.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.84 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.37 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Agilent Technologies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.710-1.740 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 6.180-6.210 EPS.

Agilent Technologies News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Agilent Technologies this week:

Positive Sentiment: Agilent reported third-quarter revenue of $1.88 billion, up 8.1% year over year and above the $1.84 billion consensus estimate. Adjusted EPS was $1.62, ahead of the $1.49 analyst expectation and up from $1.37 a year earlier. GAAP net income increased to $362 million, or $1.28 per share. Agilent Reports Third-Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Results
Positive Sentiment: Management raised fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.18-$6.21, above the $6.06 consensus, and expects approximately $7.5 billion in revenue. The improved outlook reflects better demand for tools used in laboratory research, drug development and related applications. Agilent raises annual profit forecast on improving lab tools demand
Positive Sentiment: Results pointed to operating leverage, with operating profit reportedly rising faster than revenue and margins expanding. Cash flow was also strong, supporting Agilent’s financial flexibility and reinforcing the earnings-quality case. Agilent Technologies: Q3 Growth, Expanding Margins, And Raised Guidance
Neutral Sentiment: Fourth-quarter adjusted EPS guidance of $1.71-$1.74 is centered around the analyst consensus, while expected revenue of approximately $2.0 billion is broadly in line. This suggests the main upside catalyst came from the third-quarter beat and full-year upgrade rather than a major near-term forecast increase. Agilent Boosts FY View on Higher 3Q Profit, Revenue
Neutral Sentiment: Institutional ownership changes were mixed, and the shares’ elevated valuation—about 31 times earnings—leaves less room for disappointment despite the stronger outlook.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on A shares. Royal Bank Of Canada initiated coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $153.00 target price for the company. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Agilent Technologies from $147.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, May 28th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Agilent Technologies from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, May 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on Agilent Technologies in a report on Friday, June 26th. They set an “outperform” rating and a $155.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded Agilent Technologies from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Agilent Technologies has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $160.24.

View Our Latest Research Report on Agilent Technologies

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agilent Technologies

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. SHP Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Core Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Agilent Technologies during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Navalign LLC purchased a new stake in Agilent Technologies during the fourth quarter valued at about $27,000. Markowski Investments purchased a new stake in Agilent Technologies during the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, MV Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Agilent Technologies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. 87.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Agilent Technologies Trading Up 2.0%

The company has a quick ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $139.16 and a 200 day moving average price of $126.65. The firm has a market cap of $44.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.86, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.25.

Agilent Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Agilent Technologies is a global provider of scientific instrumentation, consumables, software and services for laboratories across the life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. The company’s product portfolio includes analytical instruments such as liquid and gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectroscopy systems, and laboratory automation solutions, together with reagents, supplies and informatics tools that support measurement, testing and data analysis workflows. Agilent also offers instrument maintenance, qualification and laboratory services designed to help customers improve productivity and comply with regulatory requirements.

Founded as a corporate spin-off from Hewlett‑Packard in 1999, Agilent has evolved through a combination of strategic restructuring and acquisitions to concentrate on life sciences, diagnostics and applied laboratories.