Is Agilent Technologies a Better Buy Than Danaher?
Danaher fell -5.4% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Agilent Technologies gives you more. Agilent Technologies (A) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Danaher (DHR) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in A
- A’s quarterly revenue growth was 7.0%, vs. DHR’s 3.7%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 8.1%, ahead of DHR’s 4.0%.
- A leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 20.6% and 3-year average of 20.9%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how DHR’s fundamentals stack up against those of A on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| DHR | A | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 27.4 | 23.4 | A |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 3.7% | 7.0% | A |
| Last 12 Months | 4.0% | 8.1% | A |
| Last 3 Year Average | -0.1% | 0.8% | A |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 19.2% | 20.6% | A |
| Last 3 Year Average | 20.2% | 20.9% | A |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | -16.7% | -11.0% | A |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: DHR Revenue Comparison | A Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: DHR Operating Income Comparison | A Operating Income Comparison
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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell A Stock and Buy or Sell DHR Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| DHR Return | 49% | -19% | -1% | -0% | 0% | -15% | 1% | ||
| A Return | 36% | -6% | -6% | -3% | 2% | -10% | 7% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 3% | 88% | <=== | |
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| DHR Win Rate | 83% | 33% | 50% | 42% | 42% | 25% | 46% | ||
| A Win Rate | 83% | 42% | 42% | 50% | 58% | 25% | 50% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| DHR Max Drawdown | -4% | -28% | -21% | -3% | -24% | -21% | -17% | ||
| A Max Drawdown | -3% | -29% | -32% | -9% | -26% | -19% | -20% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -7% | -9% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 4/22/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read A Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about DHR or A? Consider portfolio approach.
The Best Investors Think In Portfolios
Individual stocks are unpredictable. A smart portfolio helps you invest, limits downside shocks, and provides upside exposure.
Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse group of 30 stocks that have collectively delivered stronger upside with reduced volatility compared to the broader indices. Discover the methodology behind these smoother, higher returns by checking the HQ Portfolio performance data.