Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript

Page 6 of 13

Mike McMullen: Maybe just a couple of additional comments here, Bob, maybe Jacob, you have thoughts as well. But we continue to see improving market share. So the latest industry stats from — showed us all green across all platforms. So that should bring to — and any kind of debate on whether or not we’re picking up share. But I also think it’s kind of also recognize we’ve been in kind of an unprecedented environment here for a number of quarters in a row where we’ve seen instrument growth rates in 20s plus, 30 plus. A lot of it — and we’ve been very transparent about this in all our calls that an element of that it’s tied to an accelerated replacement cycle in some end markets, in some technologies. So we’re thinking though, as we set up the guide for ’23, we should assume some return to more normalized replacement rates in certain end markets but there’s going to be growth there, but perhaps not at the same rate we’ve seen.

And I don’t know if you have any additional thoughts there, Jacob.

Jacob Thaysen : No, I think we’re good, Mike.

Mike McMullen: Okay. Cool. I got it right. I’m 2 for 2 today.

Daniel Brennan : And then maybe just a follow-up. I know you’ve already discussed in the Chemical & Advanced Materials, a really strong quarter. And then on the outlook. I’m just wondering for the mid-single-digit guide obviously, the Advanced Material portion is like 1/3 of that business. It sounds like that’s expected to grow really strong. Maybe just give us a flavor for how you’re thinking about the three subcomponents in the ’23. And like is there anything baked in on the chemical side of the energy side that would reflect some kind of impact from a selling economy? Or just kind of how should we think about that mid-single digit.

Mike McMullen: I’m going to invite Padraig on this too because he’s working with his team very closely on this. But we’re taking a cautious outlook as it relates to the chemical industry in Europe, particularly — and I want to separate that from what maybe happened relative to the HPI and renewable energies. But in the base chemical business, our large customers are having to work through higher input costs to their production. So we’re assuming a cautious outlook from that particular segment in Europe. And Padraig I know you are from that part of the world, and I know that you’ve been talking to our team about this as well. Anything you’d add?

Padraig McDonnell : Yes. No, I think it’s cautious, Mike. And I think what we’re seeing is that there’s additional scrutiny being played on converting quotes to orders that we’re seeing across, particularly in Europe. And of course, there’s quite a lot of macroeconomic pressures there as well. So I think you’re spot-on on that one.

Robert McMahon : The only thing I would say, Dan, this is Bob, to add is this is an area — sometimes people ask us, this would be an area of potential upside? If things continue the way that they are, there would be an opportunity for upside in this end market, given the strength that we’re seeing.

Mike McMullen: Absolutely, Bob.

Operator: And we’ll go next now to Rachel Vatnsdal at JPMorgan.

Page 6 of 13