Agilent Technologies, Inc. reports 7% revenue growth to $1.80 billion, highlighting strong core performance and operational momentum in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) reported a solid start to fiscal 2026, delivering first-quarter revenue of $1.80 billion for the period ended Jan. 31, 2026. The results reflect reported growth of 7.0% and core growth of 4.4% compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2025, underscoring the company’s ability to execute effectively in a dynamic market environment.
The company’s leadership emphasized that the quarter’s performance demonstrates the resilience of its operating model and customer-centric strategy. Powered by Ignite, Agilent’s enterprise-wide operating system designed to drive execution excellence and operational rigor, the organization continues to focus on delivering sustainable growth and long-term value for customers and shareholders alike.
Strong Earnings Performance Despite External Challenges
Agilent reported first-quarter GAAP net income of $305 million, or $1.07 per share, compared with $318 million, or $1.11 per share, in the prior-year period. While GAAP earnings were slightly lower year over year, non-GAAP results reflected improvement. Non-GAAP net income for the quarter rose to $386 million, or $1.36 per share, compared with $377 million, or $1.31 per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
According to President and CEO Padraig McDonnell, the company’s performance was particularly noteworthy given the operational headwinds faced late in the quarter, including a major U.S. snowstorm that affected customer sites and logistics during the final week. On a normalized basis—excluding weather-related disruptions—first-quarter results would have exceeded the midpoint of management’s guidance range.
McDonnell highlighted that Agilent’s ability to navigate such disruptions while maintaining momentum reflects the strength of its execution framework. The Ignite operating model continues to streamline decision-making, improve productivity, and enhance responsiveness across global operations. This foundation enables Agilent to adapt quickly to changing market conditions while maintaining financial discipline.
Momentum Across Key Growth Drivers
Management pointed to continued strength in the instrument-replacement cycle as laboratories and research institutions upgrade aging equipment to newer, more efficient platforms. This replacement activity remains a key growth catalyst, particularly as customers prioritize productivity, compliance, and digital integration.
Enterprise Services engagement also showed robust expansion during the quarter. Agilent’s service offerings, including instrument maintenance, compliance support, and workflow optimization, are increasingly embedded within customer operations. These services not only generate recurring revenue but also deepen long-term customer relationships.
Innovation remains another cornerstone of Agilent’s strategy. The company continues to expand and enhance its portfolio across life sciences, diagnostics, applied markets, and cross-lab solutions. Management believes these innovations, combined with disciplined capital allocation and operational rigor, position the company for sustained growth through fiscal 2026 and beyond.
Segment Performance Highlights
Agilent’s diversified business model is reflected in the performance of its three reporting segments, each contributing to overall growth.
Life Sciences and Diagnostics Markets Group (LDG)
The Life Sciences and Diagnostics Markets Group reported first-quarter revenue of $679 million, representing 5% reported growth and 3% core growth year over year. The segment posted an operating margin of 16.0% for the quarter.
LDG’s performance was driven by ongoing demand for analytical instruments, consumables, and workflow solutions used in pharmaceutical research, biopharma development, and clinical diagnostics. While certain geographies experienced variable demand patterns, the overall environment remained constructive, supported by steady investment in life sciences innovation.
Agilent CrossLab Group (ACG)
The Agilent CrossLab Group delivered particularly strong results, reporting revenue of $758 million in the first quarter. This represented 9% reported growth and 6% core growth compared with the prior-year period. The segment achieved an operating margin of 31.6%, highlighting the profitability and scalability of its services and consumables model.
ACG’s performance underscores the increasing strategic importance of laboratory services and consumables within Agilent’s portfolio. As customers seek to optimize total cost of ownership and ensure regulatory compliance, demand for cross-platform service solutions continues to grow. The segment’s margin strength also reflects operational efficiencies driven by Ignite and disciplined cost management.
Applied Markets Group (AMG)
The Applied Markets Group generated $361 million in first-quarter revenue, reflecting 7% reported growth and 4% core growth year over year. The segment delivered an operating margin of 25.8%.
AMG serves customers in environmental testing, food safety, energy, and chemicals markets. Growth during the quarter was supported by regulatory-driven testing requirements and increased investment in quality and safety standards across industries. The segment continues to benefit from Agilent’s technology leadership and broad geographic footprint.
Outlook for Fiscal 2026
Building on first-quarter momentum, Agilent reaffirmed its core growth and margin-expansion outlook for the full fiscal year. For fiscal 2026, the company expects revenue in the range of $7.3 billion to $7.5 billion. This represents reported growth of 5.5% to 7.5% and core growth of 4% to 6% compared with fiscal 2025.
Non-GAAP earnings per share for the full year are projected to be between $5.90 and $6.04. Management modestly increased its non-GAAP EPS range to reflect favorable currency assumptions, while maintaining disciplined expense management and operational focus.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, revenue is expected to range from $1.79 billion to $1.82 billion. This outlook implies reported growth of approximately 7% to 9% and core growth of 4% to 5.5%. Non-GAAP EPS for the quarter is projected between $1.39 and $1.42 per share.
The company noted that its guidance assumes forecasted currency exchange rates and does not account for potential unforeseen macroeconomic disruptions.
Positioned for Resilient, Long-Term Growth
Agilent’s first-quarter results reflect a combination of operational discipline, diversified end markets, and continued customer engagement. While external factors such as severe weather temporarily affected performance, underlying demand trends remain healthy.
The Ignite enterprise-wide operating system continues to serve as a unifying framework, aligning strategy with execution and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Through this structure, Agilent aims to balance innovation with efficiency, supporting both revenue growth and margin expansion.
With a strong services portfolio, recurring revenue streams, and ongoing instrument-replacement momentum, Agilent appears well positioned to navigate market fluctuations. Management’s reaffirmed outlook signals confidence in the company’s ability to sustain growth throughout fiscal 2026.
As laboratories and research institutions worldwide continue to invest in analytical precision, regulatory compliance, and digital integration, Agilent remains committed to enabling scientific discovery and improving laboratory productivity. The company’s diversified portfolio and disciplined operating model provide a stable platform for long-term value creation for customers, employees, and shareholders alike.
