Evaluating Tech & Lab Equipment Giants Ahead of November Earnings: Keysight vs. Agilent

As November 2025 approaches, investors in the tech and lab equipment sector face a critical decision: whether to back Keysight Technologies (KEYS) or Agilent Technologies (A) ahead of their Q4 earnings reports. Both companies operate in high-growth markets, but their recent momentum and analyst estimate revisions tell divergent stories. This analysis contrasts their performance to identify the stronger near-term investment opportunity.

Keysight: Consistent Outperformance and Favorable Revisions

Keysight Technologies has demonstrated robust momentum, with analysts . While these estimates have seen a modest 1.2% downward revision over the past 30 days, the underlying fundamentals remain compelling. The Communications Solutions Group and Commercial Communications segments are expected to drive growth, , respectively. Profitability metrics also show strength, with operating income in these segments projected to exceed prior-year levels.

, , . Institutional confidence is evident, as Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. , . Notably, Keysight , both exceeding expectations. These results underscore the company's ability to deliver consistent performance despite a cautious analyst outlook.

Agilent: Mixed Signals and Segment Divergence

Agilent Technologies, meanwhile, presents a more fragmented picture. . However, the consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the past 30 days, suggesting a lack of upward revision momentum. , .

Institutional activity reflects this duality. While Vanguard and UBS increased stakes in Q2, SG Americas Securities LLC reduced its position by 36.2%. Agilent's CEO, , also , . These actions raise questions about near-term confidence. Although Agilent met its Q3 EPS estimate and exceeded revenue expectations, the mixed segment outlook and executive selling could signal caution.

Strategic Implications: Keysight as the Stronger Play

The contrast between KEYS and A is stark. Keysight's consistent outperformance-both in stock price and segment-level execution-positions it as a more reliable near-term bet. Despite a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) designation, the company's recent earnings beat and institutional buying suggest short-term resilience. Agilent, on the other hand, faces headwinds from declining segments and mixed institutional signals. Its stable EPS forecast lacks the upward revision momentum seen in Keysight, and CEO selling adds a layer of uncertainty.

For investors seeking to capitalize on Q4 2025 earnings catalysts, Keysight's stronger momentum and favorable revisions make it the more compelling choice. Agilent's mixed signals, while not disqualifying, warrant closer scrutiny of its segment-specific risks.

Conclusion

In a market where earnings surprises can drive significant price swings, Keysight Technologies emerges as the stronger near-term play. Its outperformance relative to the broader market, coupled with resilient segment growth and institutional support, positions it to capitalize on Q4 momentum. Agilent's mixed signals, including declining diagnostics revenue and executive selling, suggest a more cautious approach. As November earnings reports approach, investors would be wise to tilt their allocations toward Keysight.