Agilent Technologies, Inc.

New York Stock Exchange
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Somewhat Bearish -25

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A) Price Target Cut to $155 at Baird

📉 Analyst Baird lowered the price target on Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) to $155 from $165 while maintaining an Outperform rating following modest Q4 results.

❄️ TD Cowen also cut its price target to $157 from $170 but kept a Buy rating after first-quarter earnings were impacted by East Coast snowstorms disrupting shipping.

💰 Agilent estimates that approximately $10 million in lost revenue due to weather disruptions has largely been recovered in the second quarter, suggesting the issue was temporary.

📊 Q1 2026 revenue came in at $1.8 billion with core revenue growth of 4.4% year-over-year and reported growth of 7.0%.

💵 Operating cash flow totaled $268 million while capital expenditures were recorded at $93 million during the period.

🔁 The company returned $224 million to shareholders through a combination of $152 million in share repurchases and $72 million in dividends.

⚖️ Agilent maintained a net leverage ratio of 0.8x, preserving financial flexibility for future shareholder returns and potential acquisitions.

🎯 The company reaffirmed full-year FY26 core revenue growth guidance ranging from 4% to 6%.

📈 EPS guidance was increased to a range of $5.90–$6.04, incorporating a modest foreign exchange benefit.

🌱 Q2 guidance calls for continued core growth and approximately 7% EPS growth at the midpoint.

🔬 Agilent is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and serves life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets with instruments and software.

⚠️ The report notes that while Agilent has potential, other AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk compared to A.

Bullish Signals
  • Agilent Technologies, Inc. reported Q1 2026 core revenue growth of 4.4% year-over-year and total reported growth of 7.0%, demonstrating resilient demand across end markets.
  • The company reaffirmed full-year FY26 core revenue growth guidance of 4%–6% and increased its EPS range to $5.90–$6.04, signaling confidence in continued earnings expansion.
  • Approximately $10 million in lost revenue due to temporary East Coast snowstorm disruptions was largely recovered in Q2, indicating the weakness was transient rather than structural.
  • Agilent returned capital to shareholders through $152 million in share repurchases and $72 million in dividends during the quarter while maintaining a net leverage ratio of 0.8x.
  • Management forecasts continued core growth and approximately 7% EPS growth at the midpoint for Q2, reinforcing expectations for steady margin expansion and financial flexibility.
Risk Factors
  • Baird lowered its price target on Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) to $155 from $165 following Q4 results that were modestly below expectations.
  • TD Cowen also reduced its price target to $157 from $170, citing first-quarter revenue impacted by East Coast snowstorms that disrupted shipping during the final three days of the quarter.
  • The company's Q1 2026 revenue of $1.8 billion shows only core revenue growth of 4.4% year-over-year, which may lag behind higher-performing peers in the sector.
Full Analysis
Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) has seen its stock price target reduced by two major analysts following the release of Q4 2026 financial results that slightly missed expectations. On February 26, Baird lowered its price target for Agilent from $165 to $155 while maintaining an Outperform rating, and TD Cowen simultaneously cut its target to $157 from $170 but kept a Buy rating. TD Cowen noted that first-quarter results were impacted by East Coast snowstorms which disrupted shipping during the final three days of the quarter. The firm indicated that approximately $10 million in lost revenue has largely been recovered in Q2, suggesting the weakness was temporary rather than structural. Agilent reported Q1 2026 revenue of $1.8 billion, with core revenue growth of 4.4% year-over-year and reported growth of 7.0%, benefiting from a 2.6% currency tailwind. Operating cash flow totaled $268 million, while capital expenditures were $93 million. The company returned capital to shareholders through $152 million in share repurchases and $72 million in dividends during the quarter, maintaining a net leverage ratio of 0.8x to preserve financial flexibility for continued shareholder returns and potential acquisitions. The company reaffirmed its full-year FY26 core revenue growth guidance of 4%–6% and increased its EPS range to $5.90–$6.04, incorporating a modest foreign exchange benefit. Q2 guidance calls for continued core growth and approximately 7% EPS growth at the midpoint. The reaffirmed outlook and improved earnings guidance reinforce confidence in steady margin expansion and resilient demand across end markets. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Agilent is a leading provider of instruments, software, services, and consumables serving life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. While analysts have cut price targets, the company maintains a strong financial position and growth trajectory despite minor revenue impacts from weather-related disruptions.