Earnings Preview: Agilent Technologies' EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Agilent Technologies A announces its next round of earnings this Monday, August 15, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Agilent Technologies' third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 73 cents/share and revenues of $1.66 billion. Agilent Technologies' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 54 cents/share on revenues of $1.4 billion. We'll have to wait for Monday to see if Agilent Technologies falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$0.65	$0.57	$0.60	$0.48
EPS Actual	$0.74	$0.60	$0.65	$0.54

Stock Performance:

Shares of Agilent Technologies were trading at $34.21 as of August 9, 2011. Shares are down 17.4% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 25.2%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Agilent Technologies is a Strong Buy. The strength of this rating has stayed consistent over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Agilent Technologies closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the information technology sector.

• Danaher DHR: Moderate Buy with a $0.69 recent quarter EPS
• JDS Uniphase JDSU: Moderate Buy with a $0.17 recent quarter EPS
• Aeroflex (ARX): Hold with a $0.26 recent quarter EPS
• LeCroy (LCRY): Moderate Buy with a $0.05 recent quarter EPS

The electrical test equipment company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Agilent Technologies is a company focused on the design and manufacturing of core bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions. It serves customers in sectors such as communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Agilent Technologies' upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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