Agilent Posts Profit After 7 Losses

EARNINGS

Agilent Technologies Inc., the world’s biggest maker of scientific testing gear, had a fourth-quarter profit of $13 million after losses for seven straight periods.

Net income equaled 3 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $236 million, or 51 cents, a year earlier. Sales fell 3.5% to $1.68 billion, the Palo Alto, Calif., company said.

Agilent benefited from cost cuts and an improving market for semiconductors, Chief Executive Ned Barnholt said.

Shares of Agilent added $1.80, or 6.7%, to $28.55 in extended trading after the report. In earlier trading on the NYSE, they rose 14 cents to $26.75.