Is A Underperforming the Healthcare Sector?

With a market cap of $35.2 billion, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A) is a leading global provider of application-focused solutions for the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. The company operates through three core segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets; Diagnostics and Genomics; and Agilent CrossLab, offering a diverse portfolio of instruments, consumables, software, and services.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as “large-cap” stocks, and Agilent Technologies fits this criterion perfectly. Agilent distributes its products primarily through a direct sales model, complemented by distributors, resellers, representatives, and e-commerce channels.

However, shares of the Santa Clara, California-based company have fallen over 18% from its 52-week high of $153.84. Shares of Agilent Technologies have risen 5.3% over the past three months, underperforming The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLV) 2.8% gain over the same time frame.

Longer term, Agilent stock is down 6.1% on a YTD basis, lagging behind XLV’s 1.4% return. Moreover, shares of the scientific instrument maker have declined 9.1% over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLV’s 10.1% decrease over the same time frame.

Despite a few fluctuations, the stock has moved above its 50-day moving average since late May.

Shares of Agilent Technologies climbed 5.3% following its Q3 2025 results on Aug. 27, with adjusted EPS of $1.37 and revenue of $1.74 billion, exceeding estimates. Strength was driven by outperformance in its Life Sciences and Diagnostics segment, which posted $670 million in sales, and its CrossLab unit, which delivered $744 million. Boosting sentiment further, Agilent raised its full-year revenue guidance to $6.91 billion – $6.93 billion and tightened its EPS outlook to $5.56 – $5.59, signaling confidence in improving demand for its lab research and drug development tools.

In contrast, rival Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) has outpaced Agilent stock on a YTD basis, declining 1.8%. LLY stock has decreased 17.7% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind Agilent’s performance during the same time period.