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

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) unveils its next round of earnings this Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Agilent Technologies' fourth quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading 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. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if the company 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:

(Estimates Source: Zacks)

Stock Performance:

Shares of Agilent Technologies were trading at $37.46 as of November 11, 2011. Since January 1st, shares have declined 9.6%. 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:

Wondering how some of the other information technology companies are doing? Here are a few of Agilent Technologies' peers in that sector.

• Aeroflex (NYSE: ARX): Hold with a $0.07 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

The electrical test equipment company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.2% during the current fiscal year.

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.

• To see up-to-date news on Agilent Technologies, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here