Agilent Technologies Sees Profit Slip

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) announced its results for the fourth quarter on November 15, 2011. Let's take a closer look at the company's industry, financials, and commentary and see what steps you can take next.

Earnings and Revenue:
Agilent Technologies' EPS outpaced analyst estimates while the company's revenues came in below predictions. The company reported adjusted net income of 84 cents/share versus the 81 cents/share estimate and revenues of $1.73 billion versus the $1.75 billion estimate. Revenue climbed 9.6% from the same period last year.
With last quarter's falling profit, the company ends a run of four consecutive quarters of year-over-year profit increases. Agilent Technologies' revenue has grown during each of the past four quarters on a year-over-year basis.

Income:
Over the past year, Agilent Technologies reported net income of $2.95/share. The company trumped analyst projections of $2.80 by 5.4%. According to the reported number, the company's income fell 1% from last year's levels.

Conference Call:
The conference call for fourth quarter earnings can be accessed here.

Official Comment:
Bill Sullivan, Agilent president and CEO, said, "Our fourth quarter wrapped up a solid fiscal year 2011 as we delivered the best operating performance in our history."

Industry:
The electrical test equipment company's industry is currently enjoying price/earnings growth of 1.2%.

What to Do Next:
Now you're all set to decide what to do with those Agilent Technologies shares until the next earnings announcement. Whether you buy, sell, or hold, check back with us before the company's next earnings release for a full preview.

• 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

• 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

(Estimates Source: Zacks)