Agilent’s Strong Q2 Performance Balanced by Tariff Risks and Market Uncertainties: Hold Rating Maintained

Bernstein analyst Eve Burstein has maintained their neutral stance on A stock, giving a Hold rating today.

Eve Burstein has given her Hold rating due to a combination of factors that reflect both positive performance and potential risks for Agilent. The company reported strong second-quarter results, surpassing both its own guidance and consensus expectations in terms of core organic revenue growth and earnings per share. This performance was driven by robust growth across various markets and regions, particularly in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics sectors, with notable contributions from China and India.
Despite these positive developments, there are concerns that justify a Hold rating. Tariff risks continue to pose a challenge, with significant potential impacts on margins, although Agilent is taking steps to mitigate these effects by 2026. Additionally, while the stock saw an increase following the earnings report, uncertainties around tariffs and funding, as well as the potential pull-forward in consumables demand in China, suggest caution. As a result, Eve Burstein maintains a Market-Perform rating with a price target of $125.

In another report released today, Bank of America Securities also reiterated a Hold rating on the stock with a $128.00 price target.

Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 68 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is negative on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders selling their shares of A in relation to earlier this year.