Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced that on Jan.
17, 2012, its board of directors approved the initiation of quarterly cash
dividends to its shareholders and declared the first cash dividend in the
company's history.
A quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share of common stock will be
paid on April 25 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on
April 3. The timing and amounts of future dividends are subject to
determination and approval by Agilent's board.
"The actions taken yesterday by our board of directors are a
reflection of Agilent's financial strength and continuing growth
opportunities," said Bill Sullivan, Agilent president and CEO. "We
are very pleased to have initiated a quarterly cash dividend, which, combined
with our ongoing stock repurchase program, underscores our commitment to
enhance shareholder value and return."
About
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier
measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life
sciences, electronics and communications. The company's 18,700 employees serve
customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $6.6 billion
in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined
in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbors
created therein. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but
are not limited to, information regarding the company's liquidity position,
ability to generate cash from operations, and stock repurchase program. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause
Agilent's results to differ materially from management's current expectations.
Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to
execute successfully through business cycles; ongoing competitive, pricing and
gross-margin pressures; the risk that our expense management initiatives will
impair our ability to develop products and remain competitive and to operate
effectively; the impact of geopolitical uncertainties and global economic
conditions on our operations, our markets and our ability to conduct business;
and other risks detailed in Agilent's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
Oct. 31, 2011. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and
assumptions of Agilent's management and on currently available information.
Agilent undertakes no responsibility to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statement.