** Shares of life sciences firm Agilent Technologies A.N rise 10.50% to $128 premarket

** Co late on Wednesday raised its 2026 profit forecast and beat Q2 profit estimates on strong demand for its medical tools and lab equipment as it deals with rising cost pressures linked to the Middle East conflict

** At least three brokerages raised PT on the company

ATTRACTIVE SETUP

** Jefferies says Agilent's Q2 results and raised 2026 outlook were "welcomed" after "several fits and starts" over the last few quarters

** Leerink Partners ("outperform," PT: $170) sees an "attractive setup" for Agilent, driven by pharma, semiconductors and demand for lab testing tools, and likes its position across multiple end-markets

** Barclays ("overweight," PT: $145) says the setup is favorable for Agilent even "in a relatively tough Tools tape" as "growth drivers remain intact​/​coming in better than expected, plus seeing some upside surprises in other markets"

** TD Cowen ("buy," PT: $155) says the strong Q2 performance stands out, highlighting resilient demand even as concerns over risks to A's more "cyclical customer base" weighed on sentiment heading into the results