10-KPeriod: FY2009

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Oct 31, 2009

Filed December 21, 2009For Securities:A

Summary

Agilent Technologies, Inc. filed its 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, reporting a challenging year marked by a significant revenue decline of 22% to $4.48 billion, primarily due to the global economic downturn. This resulted in a net loss of $31 million, a reversal from the $693 million net income in the prior year. The company implemented substantial restructuring activities, including workforce reductions, aiming for annual savings of approximately $525 million. Despite the weak financial performance, Agilent continued its strategic initiatives, notably the planned $1.5 billion acquisition of Varian, Inc., which was approved by Varian shareholders and awaited regulatory approvals. The company's liquidity remained solid, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $2.48 billion by year-end. Agilent operates across three main segments: Electronic Measurement, Bio-analytical Measurement, and Semiconductor and Board Test. All segments experienced revenue declines in fiscal year 2009. The Electronic Measurement segment saw a 30% revenue drop, Bio-analytical Measurement decreased by 6%, and Semiconductor and Board Test declined by a significant 54%. Management noted signs of market stabilization towards the end of the fiscal year but anticipated a gradual recovery. The company also announced changes to its reporting segments for fiscal year 2010, consolidating electronic measurement and semiconductor and board test into a single segment, and splitting the bio-analytical measurement segment into Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$4.48B
Cost of Revenue$2.19B
Gross Profit$2.29B
R&D Expenses$642.00M
SG&A Expenses$1.60B
Operating Expenses$4.43B
Operating Income$47.00M
Interest Expense$88.00M
Net Income-$31.00M
EPS (Basic)$-0.09
EPS (Diluted)$-0.09
Shares Outstanding (Basic)346.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)346.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue decreased by 22% to $4.48 billion in fiscal year 2009, impacted by the global economic downturn.
  • 2Agilent reported a net loss of $31 million for fiscal year 2009, compared to a net income of $693 million in fiscal year 2008.
  • 3The company initiated significant restructuring programs, leading to workforce reductions and expected annual savings of approximately $525 million.
  • 4Agilent announced plans to acquire Varian, Inc. for an estimated $1.5 billion, a transaction subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents increased to $2.48 billion as of October 31, 2009, indicating a strong liquidity position.
  • 6All three business segments—Electronic Measurement, Bio-analytical Measurement, and Semiconductor and Board Test—experienced revenue declines in fiscal year 2009.
  • 7The company plans to reorganize its reporting segments starting in fiscal year 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agilent experienced a challenging fiscal year 2009. Revenue decreased by 22% to $4.48 billion compared to $5.77 billion in 2008. This decline led to a net loss of $31 million for the year, a significant decrease from the $693 million net income reported in fiscal year 2008. The downturn was attributed to the broad global economic recession impacting all of Agilent's business segments.

Agilent undertook significant restructuring activities to reduce costs and improve efficiency, including workforce reductions and facility consolidations, with expected annual savings of $525 million. Strategically, Agilent announced its intention to acquire Varian, Inc. for approximately $1.5 billion, a move aimed at strengthening its position in the life sciences and applied markets. The company also planned to reorganize its reporting segments starting in fiscal year 2010.

All segments faced headwinds in fiscal year 2009. The Electronic Measurement segment's revenue dropped by 30%, the Bio-analytical Measurement segment saw a 6% decline, and the Semiconductor and Board Test segment experienced a sharp 54% decrease in revenue. Management noted some signs of market stabilization towards the end of the year but anticipated a gradual recovery.

Agilent maintained a strong liquidity position. Cash and cash equivalents, including short-term investments, increased to $2.48 billion as of October 31, 2009, up from $1.43 billion in the prior year. This increase, combined with existing cash reserves, provided the company with substantial financial flexibility, including resources to fund the planned Varian acquisition.