10-KPeriod: FY2006

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Oct 31, 2006

Filed December 22, 2006For Securities:A

Summary

Agilent Technologies, Inc. reported significant strategic progress in fiscal year 2006, marked by the successful divestiture of its semiconductor products and semiconductor test solutions businesses. This strategic shift positions the company with a more focused portfolio on its core bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions. Revenue from continuing operations saw a 6% increase year-over-year, reaching $4.97 billion, driven by growth in both the bio-analytical (9%) and electronic measurement (5%) segments. The company's financial performance in 2006 was significantly bolstered by substantial gains from these divestitures, including the sale of its semiconductor products business for approximately $2.6 billion and the distribution of its semiconductor test solutions business, which had an aggregate market value of $840 million. These events, along with a gain from the sale of its Lumileds investment, contributed to a net income of $3.31 billion for the year. Agilent also actively returned capital to shareholders, completing a $4.466 billion stock repurchase program and initiating another for up to $2 billion. Looking ahead, Agilent aims to leverage its more stable, less cyclical operating model for higher sustainable growth through market share gains and complementary acquisitions, while navigating economic uncertainties.

Key Highlights

  • 1Agilent completed the divestiture of its semiconductor products business for approximately $2.6 billion and spun off its semiconductor test solutions business (Verigy), thereby focusing its operations on bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions.
  • 2Net revenue from continuing operations increased by 6% to $4.97 billion in fiscal year 2006, with the bio-analytical measurement segment growing 9% and the electronic measurement segment growing 5%.
  • 3Net income for fiscal year 2006 was $3.31 billion, significantly boosted by gains from the sale of discontinued operations and investments, including $1.82 billion from the semiconductor products business sale and $901 million from the Lumileds investment sale.
  • 4The company repurchased approximately $4.466 billion of its common stock during fiscal year 2006 and initiated a new $2 billion repurchase program.
  • 5Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $431 million, and the company ended the year with a strong cash and cash equivalents balance of $2.26 billion.
  • 6Agilent's focus is on driving growth through increased market share and strategic acquisitions, leveraging a reduced cost structure and a less cyclical operating model post-divestiture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agilent's most significant strategic move in fiscal year 2006 was the completion of the divestiture of its semiconductor products business and the spin-off of its semiconductor test solutions business. This has streamlined the company's operations, allowing it to focus on its core bio-analytical and electronic measurement businesses.

The divestitures had a substantial positive impact on Agilent's financial results for fiscal year 2006. The sale of the semiconductor products business generated approximately $2.6 billion in cash proceeds, and the spin-off of the semiconductor test solutions business had an aggregate market value of $840 million distributed to stockholders. These events, along with a gain from the sale of its Lumileds investment, contributed significantly to the reported net income of $3.31 billion.

Following the divestitures, Agilent anticipates a less cyclical operating model and aims for higher sustainable growth. The company plans to achieve this by increasing market share in its core segments and pursuing complementary acquisitions. Agilent also continues to manage its cost structure effectively while navigating economic uncertainties.

Yes, Agilent was active in returning capital to shareholders. It completed a $4.466 billion stock repurchase program and subsequently authorized and began a new $2 billion repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns.