Agilent shares rise as strong Q3 results and improving demand support guidance upgrade

Agilent Technologies Inc (NYSE:A) delivered third-quarter earnings and revenue ahead of analyst forecasts and raised its fiscal 2026 guidance, supported by improving end markets and healthy demand for its laboratory technologies. Shares gained more than 3% in premarket trading on Thursday following the update.

For the quarter ended July 31, 2026, the analytical and clinical laboratory technology group reported adjusted earnings of $1.62 per share, beating the analyst consensus of $1.49 by $0.13. Adjusted EPS included a $0.06 benefit from tariff refunds.

Revenue increased 8.1% year on year to $1.88 billion, exceeding expectations of $1.84 billion and reflecting growth across each of Agilent’s three operating segments.

Agilent raises fiscal 2026 forecasts

Following the strong quarter, Agilent increased its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to between $6.18 and $6.21 per share. The midpoint of $6.195 stands above the analyst consensus of $6.06.

Full-year revenue guidance was also lifted to between $7.49 billion and $7.51 billion, representing expected growth of 7.8% to 8.1%. At the midpoint, the updated forecast is 65 basis points higher than the company’s previous guidance.

Bank of America analysts highlighted several factors that could support momentum heading into the next financial year.

“In our view, the set-up into FY27 continues to improve with China trends, healthy Pharma demand and additional growth drivers from ATD and reshoring. The key question is how much of the current momentum carries forward,” the analysts commented.

Fourth-quarter outlook points to continued growth

For the fourth quarter, Agilent expects revenue of between $1.98 billion and $2.0 billion, alongside adjusted earnings of $1.71 to $1.74 per share.

The midpoint of the revenue range, at $1.99 billion, would represent reported year-on-year growth of approximately 6.9%, indicating continued positive momentum into the end of the financial year.

“Agilent’s exceptional third-quarter performance reflects the sustained momentum created by our strategy, our execution discipline, and the compounding impact of the Ignite Operating System,” said CEO Padraig McDonnell. “We are seeing improving end markets, stronger demand in key regions, and excellent customer response to our innovative product launches.”

Margins strengthen as all three divisions grow

Profitability also improved during the quarter, with Agilent’s adjusted operating margin expanding by 320 basis points year on year to 28.3%. This included a 110-basis-point benefit from tariff refunds.

All three of the company’s business segments recorded revenue growth, highlighting broad-based demand across the portfolio.

The Life Sciences and Diagnostics Markets Group led the performance, generating revenue of $746 million, an increase of 11% on a reported basis.

With stronger margins, growing demand across its businesses and upgraded full-year forecasts, Agilent enters the final quarter of fiscal 2026 with positive momentum and an improving backdrop heading towards FY27.

Agilent Technologies