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

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) releases its next round of earnings this Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Agilent Technologies' fourth quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Wall Street expects an EPS of 81 cents/share and revenues of $1.75 billion. Agilent Technologies' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 65 cents/share on revenues of $1.58 billion. Can the company manage the estimated 24.6% rise in EPS and 10.8% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Tuesday to find out.

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

(Estimates Source: Zacks)

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Agilent Technologies were trading at $36.07. Shares are down 12.9% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 21.4%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts is a Moderate Buy.

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.

• Aeroflex (NYSE: ARX): Hold with a $0.35 recent quarter EPS
• Danaher (NYSE: DHR): Moderate Buy with a $0.73 recent quarter EPS
• JDS Uniphase (NASDAQ: JDSU): Moderate Buy with a $0.10 recent quarter EPS
• LeCroy (NASDAQ: LCRY): Moderate Buy with a $0.46 recent quarter EPS

Agilent Technologies is in the electrical test equipment industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.2%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Agilent Technologies is 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:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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