Agilent Technologies Inc (NYSE:A) Posts Mixed Q4 Results, Beats on Earnings but Misses on Revenue

Agilent Technologies Inc (NYSE:A) reported financial results for its fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, delivering a performance that presented a mixed picture for investors. The company surpassed earnings expectations but fell slightly short on revenue, leading to a nuanced market reaction in after-hours trading.

Quarterly Performance Versus Expectations

The company's fourth-quarter results revealed a notable divergence between its top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability relative to analyst forecasts. While Agilent demonstrated strong earnings power, its revenue generation came in just below what market watchers had anticipated.

• Revenue: $1.86 billion reported versus $1.87 billion estimated
• Non-GAAP EPS: $1.59 per share reported versus $1.62 per share estimated

This earnings beat was underpinned by significant year-over-year growth. Revenue grew 9.4% on a reported basis, or 7.2% on a core basis which excludes currency impacts and recent acquisitions. Profitability saw an even stronger upswing, with GAAP net income climbing to $434 million, or $1.53 per share, compared to $351 million, or $1.22 per share, in the same quarter last year.

Segment Performance and Operational Highlights

Agilent's performance was driven by strength across its reorganized business segments, each of which posted growth during the quarter. The company implemented a new segment reporting structure in the first quarter of 2025, with prior-period information recast for comparability.

• Life Sciences and Diagnostics Markets Group (LDG): Revenue of $755 million, increasing 15% reported (11% core) year-over-year, with an operating margin of 22.7%
• Agilent CrossLab Group (ACG): Revenue of $755 million, growing 7% reported (6% core) year-over-year, achieving a 32.5% operating margin
• Applied Markets Group (AMG): Revenue of $351 million, rising 4% reported (3% core) year-over-year, with a 24.7% operating margin

CEO Padraig McDonnell expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, stating, "We enter FY26 with confidence and momentum. Agilent is uniquely positioned to lead in life-sciences and diagnostics for years to come."

Forward-Looking Guidance and Market Reaction

Perhaps the most critical element for investors was the company's outlook for the upcoming fiscal year. Agilent provided guidance that appears ambitious when measured against current analyst expectations.

• Q1 2026 Revenue Outlook: $1.79 billion to $1.82 billion versus analyst estimate of $1.81 billion
• Q1 2026 Non-GAAP EPS Outlook: $1.35 to $1.38 per share versus analyst estimate of $1.44
• Full Year 2026 Revenue Outlook: $7.3 billion to $7.4 billion versus analyst estimate of $7.44 billion
• Full Year 2026 Non-GAAP EPS Outlook: $5.86 to $6.00 per share versus analyst estimate of $6.14

The market's immediate reaction reflected this complex interplay of beating quarterly earnings estimates while providing forward guidance that fell short of expectations. Shares declined approximately 1.37% in after-hours trading following the release, suggesting investors are weighing the strong quarterly execution against what appears to be a more cautious outlook for the coming year.

For a detailed look at historical earnings performance and future estimates for Agilent Technologies, visit the earnings and estimates page.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The information presented should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.