Agilent Technologies Inc. (A - Free Report) , a broad-based OEM of test and measurement equipment, recently raised the quarterly dividend to 13.2 cents per share from 11.5 cents, representing approximately 14.8% hike.
The new dividend will be paid on Jan 25, 2017 to shareholders of record as of Jan 3.
The strength of Agilent’s business model is reflected in its strong cash generation capabilities and commitment to return value to shareholders. We believe that consistent increase in dividends will inspire investors’ loyalty.
Agilent’s strong balance sheet and cash flows provide the financial flexibility required for dividend hikes, share repurchases and strategic acquisitions. During full fiscal 2016, the company distributed $150 million in cash dividend and repurchased $434 million of shares. At the end of the fourth quarter, cash and short-term investments balance was $2.29 billion compared with $2.20 billion in the prior quarter. Also, the company generated $234 million in operating cash flow.
We are encouraged by the company’s strong cash position and ability to service its long-term debts.
Agilent delivered strong fourth-quarter results with both the bottom and top line surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company’s decision to divest or wind up underperforming businesses has enhanced focus on the new Agilent, while enabling management to expand the solid recurring revenue base and diversify geographic and industrial operations to achieve growth. Also, the company’s focus on aligning investment toward more attractive growth avenues and innovative product launches is a positive.
However, uncertain macro conditions, particularly in the U.S. and Europe remain as major concerns. Nevertheless, the company seems prepared to counter the impact of foreign currency headwinds on revenues and profits.
Currently, Agilent has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the industry include Cognex Corporation (CGNX - Free Report) , Itron, Inc. (ITRI - Free Report) and Teradyne Inc. (TER - Free Report) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Cognex Corporation delivered a positive earnings surprise of 24.92% in the trailing four quarters.
Itron, Inc. delivered a positive earnings surprise of 30.55%, on average, in the trailing four quarters.
Teradyne Inc. delivered a positive earnings surprise of 19.26% in the trailing four quarters.
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Agilent Technologies Inc. (A - Free Report) , a broad-based OEM of test and measurement equipment, recently raised the quarterly dividend to 13.2 cents per share from 11.5 cents, representing approximately 14.8% hike.
The new dividend will be paid on Jan 25, 2017 to shareholders of record as of Jan 3.
The strength of Agilent’s business model is reflected in its strong cash generation capabilities and commitment to return value to shareholders. We believe that consistent increase in dividends will inspire investors’ loyalty.
Agilent’s strong balance sheet and cash flows provide the financial flexibility required for dividend hikes, share repurchases and strategic acquisitions. During full fiscal 2016, the company distributed $150 million in cash dividend and repurchased $434 million of shares. At the end of the fourth quarter, cash and short-term investments balance was $2.29 billion compared with $2.20 billion in the prior quarter. Also, the company generated $234 million in operating cash flow.
We are encouraged by the company’s strong cash position and ability to service its long-term debts.
Agilent delivered strong fourth-quarter results with both the bottom and top line surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company’s decision to divest or wind up underperforming businesses has enhanced focus on the new Agilent, while enabling management to expand the solid recurring revenue base and diversify geographic and industrial operations to achieve growth. Also, the company’s focus on aligning investment toward more attractive growth avenues and innovative product launches is a positive.
However, uncertain macro conditions, particularly in the U.S. and Europe remain as major concerns. Nevertheless, the company seems prepared to counter the impact of foreign currency headwinds on revenues and profits.
Currently, Agilent has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the industry include Cognex Corporation (CGNX - Free Report) , Itron, Inc. (ITRI - Free Report) and Teradyne Inc. (TER - Free Report) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Cognex Corporation delivered a positive earnings surprise of 24.92% in the trailing four quarters.
Itron, Inc. delivered a positive earnings surprise of 30.55%, on average, in the trailing four quarters.
Teradyne Inc. delivered a positive earnings surprise of 19.26% in the trailing four quarters.
Zacks’ Best Private Investment Ideas
In addition to the recommendations that are available to the public on our website, how would you like to follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time?
Our experts cover all kinds of trades… from value to momentum . . . from stocks under $10 to ETF and option moves . . . from stocks that corporate insiders are buying up to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises. You can even look inside exclusive portfolios that are normally closed to new investors. Starting today, for the next month, you can have unrestricted access. Click here for Zacks' private trades >>
Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>
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