AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
DEF 14A, 2001-01-17
INSTRUMENTS FOR MEAS & TESTING OF ELECTRICITY & ELEC SIGNALS
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<PAGE>   1

                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14a-101)

                     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

                  Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]

Check the appropriate box:

[ ]     Preliminary Proxy Statement

[ ]     Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
        14a-6(e)(2))

[X]     Definitive Proxy Statement

[ ]     Definitive Additional Materials

[ ]     Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12

                           AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
                      ------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[X]     No fee required.

[ ]     Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

        (1)     Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

        (2)     Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

        (3)     Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
                pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on
                which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
                determined):

        (4)     Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

        (5)     Total fee paid:

[ ]     Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

[ ]     Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
        Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
        paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
        number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

        (1)     Amount Previously Paid:

        (2)     Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

        (3)     Filing Party:

        (4)     Date Filed:
<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
                                                             Agilent Technologies, Inc.
                                                             395 Page Mill Road
                                                             Palo Alto, California 94306
[Agilent Logo]
                                                             Edward W. Barnholt
                                                             President and
                                                             Chief Executive Officer
</TABLE>

To our Stockholders:

     I am pleased to invite you to attend the annual meeting of stockholders of
Agilent Technologies, Inc. ("Agilent") to be held on Friday, February 23, 2001,
at 2 p.m. at the Hotel Sofitel located at 223 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City,
California (U.S.A.). Details regarding admission to the annual meeting and the
business to be conducted are more fully described in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.

     Also enclosed in this mailing are four other documents: our 2000 Annual
Report, which contains information about Agilent's businesses, our 2000
Financial Report, which contains financial information about Agilent including
our 2000 audited financial statements, a proxy card for you to record your vote
and a return envelope for your proxy card.

     If you are unable to attend the annual meeting in person, you may listen to
audio highlights, which will be posted a few days after the annual meeting on
our Web site located at http://www.investor.agilent.com. You cannot record your
vote on this website.

     Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual
meeting, I hope that you will vote as soon as possible. You may vote on the
Internet, by telephone or by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card.
Voting over the Internet, by phone or by written proxy will ensure your
representation at the annual meeting, if you do not attend in person. Please
review the instructions on the proxy card regarding each of these voting
options.

     Thank you for your ongoing support of, and continued interest in, Agilent.

Sincerely,

/s/ NED BARNHOLT
<PAGE>   3

                      2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

                  NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS....................    1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE
  ANNUAL MEETING............................................    2
  Why am I receiving these materials?.......................    2
  What information is contained in these materials?.........    2
  What proposals will be voted on at the annual meeting?....    2
  What is Agilent's voting recommendation?..................    2
  What shares owned by me can be voted?.....................    2
  What is the difference between holding shares as a
     stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?.......    2
  How can I vote my shares in person at the annual
     meeting?...............................................    2
  How can I vote my shares without attending the annual
     meeting?...............................................    3
  Can I change my vote?.....................................    3
  How are votes counted?....................................    3
  What is the voting requirement to approve each of the
     proposals?.............................................    3
  What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy or
     voting instruction card?...............................    3
  How can I obtain an admission ticket for the annual
     meeting?...............................................    3
  Where can I find the voting results of the annual
     meeting?...............................................    3
BOARD STRUCTURE AND COMPENSATION............................    4
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP
  GUIDELINES................................................    5
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON....................................    6
  PROPOSAL NO. 1--Election of Class I Directors.............    6
  PROPOSAL NO. 2--Ratification of Independent Accountants...    8
  PROPOSAL NO. 3--Approval of the Agilent Technologies, Inc.
     1999 Stock Plan and the Increase in the Share Reserve
     of 45,000,000 Shares Thereunder........................    8
  NEW PLAN BENEFITS TABLE...................................   13
COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
  MANAGEMENT................................................   14
  Beneficial Ownership Table................................   14
  Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance...   16
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION......................................   17
  Summary Compensation Table................................   17
  Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year Table...................   18
  Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal
     Year-End Option Values.................................   19
  Pension Plans.............................................   19
  Estimated Annual Retirement Benefits......................   19
  Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board on
     Executive Compensation.................................   20
  Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
     Participation..........................................   22
  Audit and Finance Committee Report........................   23
  Stock Price Performance Graph.............................   24
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE ANNUAL
  MEETING AND STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.........................   25
  What happens if additional proposals are presented at the
     annual meeting?........................................   25
  What class of shares is entitled to be voted?.............   25
  What is the quorum requirement for the annual meeting?....   25
  Who will count the vote?..................................   25
  Is my vote confidential?..................................   25
  Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the annual
     meeting?...............................................   25
  May I propose actions for consideration at next year's
     annual meeting of stockholders or nominate individuals
     to serve as directors?.................................   26
APPENDIX A--AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1999 STOCK PLAN......  A-1
APPENDIX B--AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER.............  B-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                               395 PAGE MILL ROAD
                          PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94306
                                 (650) 752-5000

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
TIME                                           2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2001

PLACE                                          Hotel Sofitel
                                               223 Twin Dolphin Drive
                                               Redwood City, California (U.S.A.)

ITEMS OF BUSINESS                              (1)  To elect Class I directors to a 3 year term.

                                               (2)  To ratify the appointment of
                                               PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Agilent's
                                               independent accountants.

                                               (3)  To approve the Agilent Technologies, Inc.
                                               1999 Stock Plan and the increase in the share
                                               reserve of 45,000,000 shares thereunder.

                                               (4)  To consider such other business as may
                                               properly come before the annual meeting.

RECORD DATE                                    You are entitled to vote if you were a
                                               stockholder at the close of business on Tuesday,
                                               December 26, 2000.

ANNUAL MEETING ADMISSION                       Two cut-out admission tickets are included on the
                                               back cover of this proxy statement. Please
                                               contact Agilent's Corporate Secretary at
                                               Agilent's corporate headquarters if you need
                                               additional tickets. The annual meeting will begin
                                               promptly at 2 p.m.

VOTING BY PROXY                                Please submit a proxy as soon as possible so that
                                               your shares can be voted at the annual meeting in
                                               accordance with your instructions. For specific
                                               instructions on voting, please refer to the
                                               instructions on the proxy card.
</TABLE>

                                         By Order of the Board

                                         /s/ D. Craig Nordlund
                                         D. CRAIG NORDLUND
                                         Senior Vice President, General Counsel
                                         and Secretary

  This proxy statement and accompanying proxy card are being distributed on or
                            about January 19, 2001.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                        1
<PAGE>   5

                QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
                             AND THE ANNUAL MEETING

Q: WHY AM I RECEIVING THESE MATERIALS?

A: Agilent's Board of Directors (the "Board") is providing these proxy materials
   for you in connection with Agilent's annual meeting of stockholders, which
   will take place on February 23, 2001. Stockholders are invited to attend the
   annual meeting and are requested to vote on the proposals described in this
   proxy statement.

Q: WHAT INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THESE MATERIALS?

A: The information included in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to
   be voted on at the annual meeting, the voting process, the compensation of
   directors and our most highly paid officers, and certain other required
   information. Agilent's 2000 Annual Report, 2000 Financial Report, Proxy Card
   and return envelope are also enclosed.

Q: WHAT PROPOSALS WILL BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A: There are three proposals scheduled to be voted on at the annual meeting:

   - the election of Class I directors for a 3 year term;

   - the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Agilent's independent
     accountants; and

   - the approval of Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan and the
     increase in the share reserve of 45,000,000 shares thereunder.

Q: WHAT IS AGILENT'S VOTING RECOMMENDATION?

A: Agilent's Board recommends that you vote your shares "FOR" each of the
   nominees to the Board and "FOR" each of the other proposals.

Q: WHAT SHARES OWNED BY ME CAN BE VOTED?

A: All shares owned by you as of the close of business on December 26, 2000 (the
   "Record Date") may be voted by you. These shares include shares that are: (1)
   held directly in your name as the stockholder of record, including shares
   purchased through Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan, and (2) held
   for you as the beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee
   or shares purchased through Agilent Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan, which is
   called the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Savings Accumulation Plan.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLDING SHARES AS A STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD AND
    AS A BENEFICIAL OWNER?

A: Most stockholders of Agilent hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank or
   other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below,
   there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned
   beneficially.

    STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD

   If your shares are registered directly in your name with Agilent's transfer
   agent, Computershare Investor Services, you are considered, with respect to
   those shares, the stockholder of record, and these proxy materials are being
   sent directly to you by Agilent. As the stockholder of record, you have the
   right to grant your voting proxy directly to Agilent or to vote in person at
   the annual meeting. Agilent has enclosed a proxy card for you to use.

    BENEFICIAL OWNER

   If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other
   nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street
   name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or
   nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of
   record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on
   how to vote and are also invited to attend the annual meeting. However, since
   you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in
   person at the annual meeting. Your broker or nominee has enclosed a voting
   instruction card for you to use in directing the broker or nominee regarding
   how to vote your shares.

Q: HOW CAN I VOTE MY SHARES IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A: Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted
   in person at the annual meeting. If you choose to do so, please

                                        2
<PAGE>   6

   bring the enclosed proxy card or proof of identification.

    Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, Agilent recommends that you
    also submit your proxy as described below so that your vote will be counted
    if you later decide not to attend the annual meeting. Shares held in street
    name may be voted in person by you only if you obtain a signed proxy from
    the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares.

Q:  HOW CAN I VOTE MY SHARES WITHOUT ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:  Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or
    beneficially in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the
    annual meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares held in
    street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee.

Q:  CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE?

A:  You may change your proxy instructions at any time prior to the vote at the
    annual meeting. For shares held directly in your name, you may accomplish
    this by granting a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically
    revokes the earlier proxy) or by attending the annual meeting and voting in
    person. Attendance at the annual meeting will not cause your previously
    granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares
    held beneficially by you, you may accomplish this by submitting new voting
    instructions to your broker or nominee.

Q:  HOW ARE VOTES COUNTED?

A:  In the election of directors, you may vote "FOR" all of the nominees or your
    vote may be "WITHHELD" with respect to one or more of the nominees. For the
    other proposals, you may vote "FOR", "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN". If you
    "ABSTAIN", it has the same effect as a vote "AGAINST". If you sign your
    proxy card or broker voting instruction card with no further instructions,
    your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the
    Board.

Q:  WHAT IS THE VOTING REQUIREMENT TO APPROVE EACH OF THE PROPOSALS?

A:  In the election for Class I directors, the 3 persons receiving the highest
    number of "FOR" votes will be elected. All other proposals require the
    affirmative "FOR" vote of a majority of those shares present and entitled to
    vote. If you are a beneficial owner and do not provide the stockholder of
    record with voting instructions, your shares may constitute broker non-
    votes, as described in "What is the quorum requirement for the annual
    meeting?" in the section entitled "Additional Questions and Information
    Regarding the Annual Meeting and Stockholder Proposals" herein. In
    tabulating the voting result for any particular proposal, shares which
    constitute broker non-votes are not considered entitled to vote.

Q:  WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTION
    CARD?

A:  It means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one
    account. Please provide voting instructions for all proxy and voting
    instruction cards you receive.

Q:  HOW CAN I OBTAIN AN ADMISSION TICKET FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:  Two cut-out admission tickets are included on the back of this proxy
    statement. A limited number of tickets are available for additional joint
    owners. To request additional tickets, please contact Agilent's Corporate
    Secretary at Agilent's corporate headquarters. If you forget to bring an
    admission ticket, you will be admitted to the annual meeting only if you are
    listed as a stockholder of record as of December 26, 2000, and bring proof
    of identification. If you hold your shares through a stock broker or other
    nominee and fail to bring an admission ticket, you will need to provide
    proof of ownership by bringing either a copy of the voting instruction card
    provided by your broker or a copy of a brokerage statement showing your
    share ownership as of December 26, 2000.

Q:  WHERE CAN I FIND THE VOTING RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:  Agilent will announce preliminary voting results at the annual meeting and
    publish final results in Agilent's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
    second quarter of fiscal 2001.

                                        3
<PAGE>   7

                        BOARD STRUCTURE AND COMPENSATION

     The Board is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms.
The Board has 10 directors and the following 4 committees: (1) Audit and
Finance, (2) Compensation, (3) Nominating and (4) Executive. The membership
during the 2000 fiscal year and the function of each committee are described
below. During the 2000 fiscal year, the Board held 8 meetings. The Audit and
Finance, Nominating, Compensation and Executive Committees held 4, 0, 6 and 5
meetings, respectively, during the 2000 fiscal year. Each director attended at
least 75% of all Board and applicable committee meetings.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     NAME OF DIRECTOR                        AUDIT AND FINANCE   COMPENSATION   NOMINATING   EXECUTIVE
<S>                                                          <C>                 <C>            <C>          <C>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Gerald Grinstein(1)                                                                  X             X*           X*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 James G. Cullen(2)                                                                   X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Thomas E. Everhart(3)                                               X                X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Robert J. Herbold(4)                                                X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Walter B. Hewlett(3)                                                X                              X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Heidi Kunz(5)                                                       X*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 David M. Lawrence, M.D.(3)                                                           X*            X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 A. Barry Rand(6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Randall L. Tobias(7)                                                X                X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Edward W. Barnholt(8)                                                                              X            X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

X = Committee member; * = Chairperson

(1) Mr. Grinstein has served as a director and Chairman of the Board since
    August 1999.

(2) Mr. Cullen has served as a director since April 2000.

(3) Dr. Everhart, Mr. Hewlett and Dr. Lawrence have served as directors since
    July 1999.

(4) Mr. Herbold has served as a director since June 2000.

(5) Ms. Kunz has served as a director since February 2000.

(6) Mr. Rand has served as a director since November 2000.

(7) Mr. Tobias has served as a director since October 1999.

(8) Mr. Barnholt has served as a director since May 1999.

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Audit and Finance Committee is responsible for review of Agilent's auditing,
accounting, financial reporting and internal control functions and for the
selection of independent accountants. In addition, the committee is expected to
monitor the quality of Agilent's accounting principles and financial reporting,
Agilent's compliance with foreign trade regulations, as well as the independence
of, and the non-audit services provided by, Agilent's independent accountants.
In discharging its duties, the Audit and Finance Committee is expected to:

     - review and approve the scope of the annual audit and the independent
       accountants' fees;

     - meet independently with Agilent's internal auditing staff, independent
       accountants and senior management;

     - review the general scope of Agilent's accounting, financial reporting,
       annual audit and internal audit programs, matters relating to internal
       control systems and results of the annual audit;

     - review funding and investment policies, implementation of funding
       policies and investment performance of Agilent's benefit plans; and

     - review disclosures from Agilent's independent accountants regarding
       Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1.

                                        4
<PAGE>   8

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee determines, approves and reports to the Board on all
elements of compensation for Agilent's elected officers including total cash
compensation and long-term equity based incentives.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The charter of the Nominating Committee is to propose a slate of directors for
appointment by Agilent's stockholders at each annual meeting and candidates to
fill any vacancies on the Board. It is also responsible for approving management
succession plans and addressing the Board's organizational and governance
issues. During fiscal year 2000, the full Board has fulfilled these roles and
has indicated that it intends to continue this practice. Accordingly, effective
this year, Agilent will no longer have a separate Nominating Committee.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee meets or takes written action when the Board is not
otherwise meeting. The Committee has full authority to act on behalf of the
Board, except that it cannot amend Agilent's Bylaws, recommend any action that
requires the approval of the stockholders or take any other action not permitted
under Delaware law to be delegated to a committee.

       DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

     The following table provides information on Agilent's compensation and
reimbursement practices during the 2000 fiscal year for non-employee directors.
Directors who are employed by Agilent do not receive any compensation for their
Board activities.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
                            FOR THE 2000 FISCAL YEAR
<S>                                                           <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Annual Director Retainer(1)                                             $100,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Annual Retainer for Board Chairman                                      $400,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Minimum Percentage of Annual Retainer to be Paid in
   Agilent's Stock Options(2)                                                 75%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 One Time Initial Grant to be Paid in Agilent's Stock
   Options                                                               $250,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 One Time Initial Grant to be Paid in Agilent's Stock
   Options for Board Chairman                                            $500,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Additional Retainer for Committee Chair                                   $5,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) All directors served the entire 2000 fiscal year, except for Heidi Kunz,
    James G. Cullen, Robert J. Herbold and A. Barry Rand, who joined Agilent's
    Board on February 16, 2000, April 13, 2000, June 19, 2000, and November 27,
    2000, respectively.

(2) Stock options will be valued using a Black-Scholes model. The initial grants
    will be made at the time of election and will cover the period extending
    through February 28, 2001. Future grants will then be made on an annual
    cycle on March 1st of each year following Agilent's annual stockholders
    meeting.

                                        5
<PAGE>   9

                            PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON

                                 PROPOSAL NO. 1

                         ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS

     Agilent's Board is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year
terms. Directors for each class are elected at the annual meeting of
stockholders held in the year in which the term for their class expires.

     The term for three directors will expire at this 2001 annual meeting.
Directors elected at the 2001 annual meeting will hold office for a three-year
term expiring at the annual meeting in 2004 (or until their respective
successors are elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation
or removal). All of the nominees are currently directors of Agilent. There are
no family relationships among Agilent's executive officers and directors.

NOMINEES FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE IN 2004

JAMES G. CULLEN
Age 58                       Mr. Cullen has served as a director since April
                             2000. Mr. Cullen was President and Chief Operations
                             Officer of Bell Atlantic from 1997 to June 2000 and
                             a member of the office of chairman since 1993.
                             Prior to this appointment, Mr. Cullen was a
                             President and Chief Executive Officer of the
                             Telecom Group of Bell Atlantic from 1995 to 1997.
                             Prior to joining Bell Atlantic, Mr. Cullen held
                             management positions with New Jersey Bell from 1966
                             to 1981, AT&T from 1981 to 1983 and Bell Atlantic
                             Enterprises. Mr. Cullen is a member of the board of
                             directors of Johnson & Johnson, Prudential
                             Insurance Company and Quantum Bridge
                             Communications.

WALTER B. HEWLETT
Age 56                       Mr. Hewlett has served as a director since July
                             1999. Mr. Hewlett is an independent software
                             developer involved with computer applications in
                             the humanities. He participated in the formation of
                             Vermont Telephone Company of Springfield, Vermont
                             in 1994 and currently serves as its Chairman. Mr.
                             Hewlett founded the Center for Computer Assisted
                             Research in the Humanities in 1984, for which he
                             serves as a director. He has been a trustee of The
                             William and Flora Hewlett Foundation since its
                             founding in 1966 and currently serves as its
                             Chairman. In 1997, Mr. Hewlett was elected to the
                             Board of Overseers of Harvard University and has
                             served as a director of Hewlett-Packard Company
                             since 1987. He is the son of Hewlett-Packard
                             Company co-founder, William R. Hewlett.

RANDALL L. TOBIAS
Age 58                       Mr. Tobias has served as a director since October
                             1999. From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Tobias served as
                             Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
                             Executive Officer of Eli Lilly and Company and was
                             named as Chairman Emeritus of the company in
                             January 1999. Prior to joining Eli Lilly, Mr.
                             Tobias served as Vice Chairman of the Board of AT&T
                             from 1986 until 1993, and had been employed by AT&T
                             since 1964. Mr. Tobias is a director of Phillips
                             Petroleum Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and
                             Knight-Ridder, Inc.

 AGILENT'S BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF EACH OF THE
                              FOREGOING NOMINEES.

                                        6
<PAGE>   10

     Agilent's directors listed below are not up for election this year and will
continue in office for the remainder of their terms or earlier in accordance
with Agilent's Bylaws. Information regarding the business experience of each of
such directors is provided below.

DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS WILL EXPIRE IN 2002

THOMAS E. EVERHART
Age 68                       Dr. Everhart has served as a director since July
                             1999. From February to July 1998, Dr. Everhart
                             acted as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University
                             of Cambridge. Prior to assuming that position, Dr.
                             Everhart served as President of the California
                             Institute of Technology from September 1987 until
                             his retirement in October 1997, when he became
                             President Emeritus. Since December 1997, Dr.
                             Everhart has acted as the Senior Scientific Advisor
                             to the W. M. Keck Foundation. He is a director of
                             General Motors Corporation, Raytheon Company,
                             Hughes Electronics Corporation, Reveo, Inc. and
                             Saint-Gobain Company. He is also a director of the
                             Corporation for National Research Initiatives, the
                             Electric Power Research Institute and a member of
                             the Board of Trustees of the California Institute
                             of Technology and of the Board of Overseers of
                             Harvard University.

HEIDI KUNZ
Age 46                       Ms. Kunz has been a director of Agilent since
                             February 2000. Ms. Kunz has served as an Executive
                             Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of
                             Gap, Inc. since 1999. Prior to assuming her current
                             position, Ms. Kunz served as the Chief Financial
                             Officer of ITT Industries, Inc. from 1995 to 1999.
                             From 1979 to 1995, Ms. Kunz held senior financial-
                             management positions at General Motors Corporation,
                             including Vice President and Treasurer.

DAVID M. LAWRENCE, M.D.
Age 60                       Dr. Lawrence has been a director of Agilent since
                             July 1999. He has served as Chairman of the Board
                             since 1992 and Chief Executive Officer since 1991
                             of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser
                             Foundation Hospitals. He held a number of
                             management positions with those organizations prior
                             to assuming his current positions, including Vice
                             Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer.
                             Dr. Lawrence is a director of Pacific Gas and
                             Electric Company and Raffles Medical Group, Inc.

A. BARRY RAND
Age 56                       Mr. Rand has been a director of Agilent since
                             November 2000. He has served as the Chairman and
                             Chief Executive Officer of Avis Group Holdings,
                             Inc. since November 1999. Prior to joining Avis
                             Group, Mr. Rand was Executive Vice President for
                             Worldwide Operations at Xerox Corporation from 1995
                             to 1999. Mr. Rand is a director of Abbott
                             Laboratories.

DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS WILL EXPIRE IN 2003

EDWARD W. BARNHOLT
Age 57                       Mr. Barnholt has served as Agilent's President and
                             Chief Executive Officer and as a director since May
                             1999. Before being named Agilent's Chief Executive
                             Officer, Mr. Barnholt served as Executive Vice
                             President and General Manager of Hewlett-Packard
                             Company's Measurement Organization from 1998 to
                             1999, which included the business organizations
                             that have become Agilent. From 1990 to 1998, he
                             served as General Manager of Hewlett-Packard
                             Company's Test and Measurement Organization. He was
                             elected a Senior Vice President of Hewlett-

                                        7
<PAGE>   11

                             Packard Company in 1993 and an Executive Vice
                             President in 1996. He is a director of KLA-Tencor
                             Corporation.

GERALD GRINSTEIN
Age 68                       Mr. Grinstein has served as Chairman of the Board
                             since August 1999. From 1985 to 1995, he held a
                             number of positions at Burlington Northern, Inc. He
                             was named its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                             in July 1991 and retired from his position as
                             chairman of Burlington Northern Santa Fe
                             Corporation (the successor to Burlington Northern,
                             Inc.) in September 1995. Mr. Grinstein served as
                             Chairman of the Board of Delta Air Lines, Inc. from
                             August 1997 to October 1999 and has served as a
                             principal of Madrona Investment Group, L.L.C., a
                             Seattle based investment company, since October
                             1996. He is a director of Delta Air Lines, Inc.,
                             PACCAR Inc., Vans, Inc., the Pittston Company,
                             Expedia.com and Imperial Sugar Corporation. Mr.
                             Grinstein is also a director of the following
                             privately held corporations: Space Needle
                             Corporation, Grove Worldwide and Stellar One
                             Corporation.

ROBERT J. HERBOLD
Age 58                       Mr. Herbold has been a director of Agilent since
                             June 2000. He has served as an Executive Vice
                             President and Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft
                             Corporation since 1994. Prior to joining Microsoft,
                             Mr. Herbold was a Senior Vice President at The
                             Procter & Gamble Company from 1990 to 1994. Mr.
                             Herbold is a director of Weyerhaeuser Corp.

                                 PROPOSAL NO. 2

                    RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     The Audit and Finance Committee of the Board has appointed
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Agilent's independent accountants to audit its
consolidated financial statements for the 2001 fiscal year. During the 2000
fiscal year, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as Agilent's independent
accountants and also provided certain tax and other consulting services.
Although Agilent is not required to seek stockholder approval of this
appointment, the Board believes it to be sound corporate practice to do so. If
the appointment is not ratified, the Audit and Finance Committee will
investigate the reasons for stockholder rejection and the Board will reconsider
the appointment.

     Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to attend the
annual meeting where they will be available to respond to questions and, if they
desire, to make a statement.

     AGILENT'S BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT
OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS AGILENT'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.

                                 PROPOSAL NO. 3

 APPROVAL OF THE AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1999 STOCK PLAN AND THE INCREASE IN
               THE SHARE RESERVE OF 45,000,000 SHARES THEREUNDER

     On September 17, 1999, the Board adopted the Agilent Technologies, Inc.
1999 Stock Plan (the "Stock Plan") and authorized 75,000,000 shares of common
stock for issuance thereunder, subject to stockholder approval. On September 16,
1999, Hewlett-Packard Company, acting in its capacity as sole stockholder of
Agilent, approved the adoption of the Stock Plan. Pursuant to the adjustment in
the initial capitalization of Agilent, 67,800,000 shares were reserved for
issuance under the Stock Plan. As of December 26, 2000, options to purchase
40,220,329 shares of Agilent common stock have been granted pursuant to the
Stock Plan. On
                                        8
<PAGE>   12

December 14, 2000, the Compensation Committee of the Board authorized the
addition of 45,000,000 shares to the share reserve subject to stockholder
approval. Such increase is expected to cover all stock option grants through
fiscal year 2003. On December 14, 2000, as more fully described in the paragraph
entitled "Limitations" below, the Compensation Committee of the Board also
adopted an amendment and restatement of the Stock Plan.

     Agilent has a policy of emphasizing equity grants for key employees. By
making a significant portion of key employees' compensation contingent upon
long-term positive share price performance, the interests of key employees are
aligned with those of stockholders. The Compensation Committee believes the
addition of 45 million shares to the reserve under the Stock Plan is necessary
for Agilent to continue its policy of emphasizing equity compensation and to
remain competitive with industry equity grant practice. At the same time, the
Compensation Committee has amended and restated the Stock Plan to provide
limitations on the Compensation Committee's ability to grant stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock and discounted options and to prohibit the repricing of
options and grants of discounted options to executive officers. The amended and
restated Stock Plan also provides Code section 162(m) individual annual stock
option and SAR grant limitations and optional performance-based conditions for
limited grants of restricted stock. These limitations and conditions are
designed to help Agilent preserve the tax deductibility of awards granted under
the Stock Plan.

     AGILENT'S BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE STOCK PLAN AND
THE RESERVATION OF SHARES FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER.

VOTE REQUIRED

Approval of the Stock Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of common stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at
the meeting.

SUMMARY OF THE STOCK PLAN

General. The purpose of the Stock Plan is to encourage ownership in Agilent by
key personnel whose long-term employment is essential to Agilent's continued
progress. Stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and cash awards
may be granted under the Stock Plan. Options granted under the Stock Plan may be
either "incentive stock options," as defined in Section 422 of the Code, or
non-statutory stock options.

Administration. The Stock Plan may generally be administered by the Board or a
Committee appointed by the Board including the Executive Committee (as
applicable, the "Administrator").

Eligibility. Non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock
awards and cash awards may be granted under the Stock Plan to employees,
directors and consultants of Agilent, its affiliates and subsidiaries. Incentive
stock options may be granted only to employees of Agilent or its subsidiaries.
The Administrator, in its discretion, approves options, stock awards and cash
awards to be granted under the Stock Plan. Agilent intends the Stock Plan to be
a broad-based employee plan, and as part of its first year incentive program, on
May 17, 2000, an option to purchase 100 shares was granted to every employee of
Agilent where permitted by local law.

Limitations. Section 162(m) of the Code places limits on the deductibility for
federal income tax purposes of compensation paid to certain executive officers
of Agilent. In order to preserve Agilent's ability to deduct the compensation
income associated with options granted to such persons, the Stock Plan provides
that no employee, director or consultant may be granted, in any fiscal year of
Agilent, SARs or options to purchase more than 1,000,000 shares of common stock.
Notwithstanding this limit, however, an individual may be granted SARs or
options to purchase up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of common stock in
connection with his or her initial employment with Agilent. In addition, the
aggregate number of shares underlying stock awards granted in any fiscal year to
an individual under the Stock Plan may not exceed 2,000,000. Pursuant to
amendments to the Stock Plan adopted on December 14, 2000, awards granted under
the Stock Plan on or after December 14, 2000, are subject to the following new
limitations: (1) the aggregate number of shares underlying discounted
non-statutory stock options that may be granted under this Stock Plan generally
shall not exceed 20% of the share reserve; (2) discounted stock options shall
not be granted to executive officers; (3) the aggregate number of shares of
restricted stock that may be granted under the Stock Plan generally shall not
exceed 10% of the share reserve; and (4) stock appreciation rights that may be
                                        9
<PAGE>   13

granted under the Stock Plan generally shall not exceed 5% of the share reserve
and will only be granted in countries where it is not legal, feasible or
practical (as determined by the Compensation Committee) to grant stock options.

Terms and Conditions of Options. Each option is evidenced by a stock option
agreement between Agilent and the optionee and is subject to the following
additional terms and conditions:

Exercise Price. The Administrator determines the exercise price of options at
the time the options are granted. The exercise price of an incentive stock
option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on
the date such option is granted. The exercise price of a non-statutory stock
option may not be less than 75% of the fair market value of the common stock on
the date such option is granted. Certain replacement options with lower exercise
prices may be granted to employees of entities acquired by Agilent to replace
that employee's existing options. The fair market value of the common stock is
generally the average of the highest and lowest quoted sales prices for the
common stock on the date the option is granted (or if no sales were reported
that day, the last preceding day a sale occurred). On December 26, 2000, the
average of the highest and lowest quoted sales prices of Agilent common stock on
the New York Stock Exchange was $54.09 per share. In addition, no option may be
repriced, replaced or regranted through cancellation or modification without
stockholder approval if the effect would be to reduce the exercise price of such
option (except in connection with a change in Agilent's capitalization or an
acquisition).

Exercise of Option; Form of Consideration. The Administrator determines when
options become exercisable and in its discretion may accelerate the vesting of
any outstanding option. The means of payment for shares issued on exercise of an
option are specified in each option agreement. The Stock Plan permits payment to
be made by cash, check, wire transfer, other shares of common stock of Agilent
(with some restrictions), broker assisted same day sales, any other form of
consideration permitted by applicable law, or any combination thereof, as
provided in the individual stock option agreement.

Term of Option. The term of an option may be no more than ten years from the
date of grant, or 10 1/2 years in certain jurisdictions outside of the United
States. No option may be exercised after the expiration of its term.

Termination of Employment. Generally, if an optionee's employment terminates for
any reason (other than as described below), vested and unvested options held by
the optionee under the Stock Plan will be forfeited on the optionee's
termination. Notwithstanding the above, for vested options granted between
January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2000, and all options granted on or after December
14, 2000, optionees whose employment terminates for any reason (other than those
reasons described below) shall have 3 months from the date of termination to
exercise vested options, or if earlier, the term of the option, and all unvested
options shall be forfeited on termination.

Death, Disability or Retirement Due to Age. If an optionee's employment
terminates as a result of the optionee's death, then all unvested options will
immediately vest and all options may be exercised for one year following the
optionee's death. If an optionee's employment terminates as a result of the
optionee's disability or retirement due to age in accordance with the retirement
policies of Agilent or its subsidiaries, then all unvested options will
immediately vest and the optionee may exercise the option within three years of
the date of such disability or retirement for a non-statutory stock option, and
within three months of the date of such disability or retirement for an
incentive stock option, provided that no option may be exercised after the
expiration of its term.

Voluntary Severance Incentive Program or Divestiture. If an optionee ceases to
be an employee as a result of participation in a voluntary severance incentive
program of Agilent or a subsidiary, all unvested options will immediately vest
and all outstanding options will be exercisable for three months following the
optionee's termination. If an employee ceases to be a participant because of a
divestiture by Agilent, as determined by the Administrator, the Administrator
will have the sole discretion to accelerate the vesting of outstanding options
and determine the time period for exercise.

                                       10
<PAGE>   14

Nontransferability of Options. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator,
options granted under the Stock Plan are not transferable other than by will or
the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the optionee's
lifetime only by the optionee.

Other Provisions. The stock option agreement may contain other terms, provisions
and conditions not inconsistent with the Stock Plan, as may be determined by the
Administrator.

Stock Awards. The Administrator may grant stock awards in its discretion. The
terms and conditions of a stock award will be found in a restricted stock
agreement. The grant or vesting of a stock award may be made contingent on
achievement of performance conditions, including net order dollars, net profit
dollars, net profit growth, net revenue dollars, revenue growth, individual
performance, earnings per share, return on assets, return on equity, and other
financial objectives, customer satisfaction indicators and guaranteed efficiency
measures, each with respect to Agilent and/or an individual business unit. In
the case of stock awards, unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the
restricted stock agreement will provide that the unvested stock reverts to
Agilent on the awardee's termination of employment for any reason (except death,
disability, retirement, or participation in a voluntary severance incentive
program). On disability or retirement due to age in accordance with the
retirement policies of Agilent or its subsidiaries, the time-based forfeiture
provisions of the restricted stock continue to lapse as long as the awardee does
not compete or disclose any confidential information and, if retiring due to
age, the awardee performs reasonably requested consulting services. The time-
based forfeiture provisions for the restricted stock will generally lapse at a
rate determined by the Administrator. On the death of an awardee, or if an
awardee's employment is terminated due to a voluntary severance incentive
program of Agilent or a subsidiary, then the stock award shall immediately vest
and all time-based forfeiture provisions and repurchase rights shall lapse as to
a prorated number of shares determined by dividing the number of whole years
since the grant date by the number of whole years between the grant date and the
date that the stock award would have fully vested.

Cash Awards. The Administrator may grant cash awards, which entitle the
recipient to a cash payment. The Administrator determines the terms, conditions
and restrictions related to cash awards.

Adjustments on Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Sale of Assets. In the event
that Agilent's stock changes by reason of any stock split, dividend,
combination, reclassification or other similar change in Agilent's capital
structure effected without the receipt of consideration, appropriate adjustments
shall be made in the number and class of shares of stock subject to the Stock
Plan, the number and class of shares of stock subject to any option or stock
award outstanding under the Stock Plan, and the exercise price of any such
outstanding option or stock award.

In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of Agilent, any unexercised options
or stock awards will terminate. The Administrator, in its discretion, may
provide that each optionee shall have the right to exercise all of the
optionee's options, including those not otherwise exercisable, and be fully
vested in any stock awards until the date ten days prior to the consummation of
the liquidation or dissolution.

In the event of a change of control of Agilent, the Board, in its discretion,
may provide for the assumption, substitution or adjustment of each outstanding
award, accelerate the vesting of options and terminate any restrictions on stock
awards or cash awards, or cancel awards for a cash payment to the awardee.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Board may amend, alter, suspend or
terminate the Stock Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason.
However, Agilent shall obtain stockholder approval for any amendment to the
Stock Plan to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with applicable laws.
No such action by the Board or stockholders may alter or impair any option or
award previously granted under the Stock Plan without the written consent of the
awardees. Unless terminated earlier, the Stock Plan shall terminate ten years
from the date of its adoption by the Board.

New Plan Benefits. Because benefits under the Stock Plan will depend on the
Administrator's actions and the fair market value of common stock at various
future dates, it is not possible to determine the benefits that will be received
by directors, executive officers and other employees if the Stock Plan is
approved by the stockholders. Notwithstanding the above, discounted stock
options shall not be granted to executive officers.

                                       11
<PAGE>   15

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

Incentive Stock Options. An optionee who is granted an incentive stock option
does not recognize taxable income at the time the option is granted or on its
exercise, although the difference between the exercise price and the market
value on exercise is an adjustment item for alternative minimum tax purposes and
may subject the optionee to the alternative minimum tax. On a disposition of the
shares more than two years after grant of the option and one year after exercise
of the option, any gain or loss is treated as long-term capital gain or loss.
Net capital gains on shares held more than 12 months are generally taxed at a
maximum federal rate of 20%. Capital losses are generally allowed in full
against capital gains and up to $3,000 against other income. If the above
holding periods are not satisfied, the optionee recognizes ordinary income at
the time of disposition equal to the difference between the exercise price and
the lower of (i) the fair market value of the shares at the date of the option
exercise or (ii) the sale price of the shares. Any gain or loss recognized on
such a premature disposition of the shares in excess of the amount treated as
ordinary income is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss,
depending on the holding period. Unless limited by Section 162(m) of the Code,
Agilent is entitled to a deduction in the same amount as and at the time the
optionee recognizes ordinary income.

Non-statutory Stock Options. An optionee does not recognize any taxable income
at the time he or she is granted a non-statutory stock option. On exercise, the
optionee recognizes taxable income generally measured by the excess of the then
fair market value of the shares over the exercise price. Any taxable income
recognized in connection with an option exercise by an employee of Agilent is
subject to tax withholding by Agilent. On a disposition of such shares by the
optionee, any difference between the sale price and the optionee's exercise
price, to the extent not recognized as taxable income as provided above, is
treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the
holding period. Net capital gains on shares held more than 12 months may be
taxed at a maximum federal rate of 20% (lower rates may apply depending on when
the stock is acquired and the applicable income tax bracket of the taxpayer).
Capital losses are generally allowed in full against capital gains and up to
$3,000 against other income. Unless limited by Section 162(m) of the Code,
Agilent is entitled to a deduction in the same amount as and at the time the
optionee recognizes ordinary income.

Stock Awards. Stock awards will generally be taxed in the same manner as
non-statutory stock options. However, a stock award is subject to a "substantial
risk of forfeiture" within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code to the extent
the award will be forfeited in the event that the service provider ceases to
provide services to Agilent. As a result of this substantial risk of forfeiture,
the service provider will not recognize ordinary income at the time of award.
Instead, the service provider will recognize ordinary income on the dates when
the stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, or when the
stock becomes transferable, if earlier. The service provider's ordinary income
is measured as the difference between the amount paid for the stock, if any, and
the fair market value of the stock on the date the stock is no longer subject to
forfeiture.

The service provider may accelerate to the date of award his or her recognition
of ordinary income, if any, and begin his or her capital gains holding period by
timely filing (i.e., within thirty days of the award) an election pursuant to
Section 83(b) of the Code. In such event, the ordinary income recognized, if
any, is measured as the difference between the amount paid for the stock, if
any, and the fair market value of the stock on the date of award, and the
capital gain holding period commences on such date. The ordinary income
recognized by a service provider who is an employee will be subject to tax
withholding by Agilent. Unless limited by Section 162(m) of the Code, Agilent is
entitled to a deduction in the same amount as and at the time the service
provider recognizes ordinary income.

Cash Awards. On receipt of cash, the recipient will have taxable ordinary
income, in the year of receipt, equal to the cash received. In the case of a
recipient who is also an employee, any cash received will be subject to tax
withholding by Agilent. Unless limited by section 162(m) of the Code, Agilent
will be entitled to a tax deduction in the amount and at the time the recipient
recognizes compensation income.

The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation on
optionees and Agilent with respect to the grant and/or exercise of options and
awards under the Stock Plan. It does not purport to be complete and does not
discuss the tax consequences arising in the context of the employee's or
consultant's death or the income tax
                                       12
<PAGE>   16

laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which the employee's or
consultant's income or gain may be taxable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The foregoing is only a summary of the Stock Plan and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to its full text, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Appendix A.

AWARDS UNDER STOCK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001

     Awards under the Stock Plan will be made at the discretion of the
Administrator. The following table sets forth information concerning awards made
in November and December 2000, for fiscal year 2001 under the Stock Plan to
individuals listed in the New Plan Benefits Table. This information may not be
indicative of the total awards that will be made under the Stock Plan in fiscal
year 2001, because the Administrator may make decisions on additional awards
over the course of fiscal year 2001.

                            NEW PLAN BENEFITS TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DOLLAR VALUE OF        NUMBER OF SHARES       NUMBER OF
            NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION               RESTRICTED STOCK   SUBJECT TO OPTIONS(1, 2)     SARS
            ---------------------------               ----------------   ------------------------   ---------
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>                        <C>
Edward W. Barnholt..................................      $0                       500,000             0
President and Chief Executive Officer
John E. Scruggs.....................................      $0                        85,000             0
Senior Vice President, Automated Test
Byron Anderson......................................      $0                        75,000             0
Senior Vice President, Electronic Products and
  Solutions
William P. Sullivan.................................      $0                       200,000             0
Senior Vice President, Semiconductor Products
Robert R. Walker....................................      $0                       150,000             0
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
All Executive Officers as a Group...................      $0                     1,585,000             0
All Directors as a Group, Excluding Executive
  Officers..........................................    N/A(2)                      N/A(2)          N/A(2)
All Employees as a Group, Excluding Executive
  Officers and Directors............................      $0                    14,150,120           8,175
</TABLE>

-------------------------
(1) Options were granted at an exercise price of 100% of the market price of the
    underlying shares of Agilent's common stock on the date of grant. Options
    generally become exercisable over four years at the rate of twenty-five
    percent each year and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant.
    On December 14, 2000, the grant date of the options listed in the table
    above, the average of the highest and lowest quoted sales prices of Agilent
    common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $58.85 per share.

(2) Non-employee directors do not participate in the Stock Plan.

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE STOCK PLAN

     The Board may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Stock Plan at any time
and for any reason.

                                       13
<PAGE>   17

       COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The following table sets forth information, as of December 26, 2000,
concerning:

     - beneficial ownership of Agilent's common stock by the William R. Hewlett
       Trust; FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d and Abigail P. Johnson, as a
       group; and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the only beneficial
       owners of 5% or more of Agilent's common stock;

     - beneficial ownership of Agilent's common stock by all directors and
       executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table herein; and

     - beneficial ownership of Agilent's common stock by all directors and
       executive officers as a group.

     The number of shares beneficially owned by each entity, person, director or
executive officer is determined under the rules of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, and the information is not necessarily indicative of
beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial
ownership includes any shares as to which the individual has the sole or shared
voting power or investment power and also any shares which the individual has
the right to acquire as of February 24, 2001, 60 days after the record date of
December 26, 2000, through the exercise of any stock option or other right.
Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power, or
shares such powers with his or her spouse, with respect to the shares set forth
in the following table.

                           BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SHARES OF AGILENT
                                                                           BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                  NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                      NUMBER          NATURE(1)        PERCENTAGE
                  ------------------------                    ----------    -----------------    ----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>                  <C>
Byron Anderson..............................................      10,879    Direct
                                                                 105,652    Vested Options
                                                                     472    Indirect(2)
                                                              ----------
                                                                 117,003                            *

Edward W. Barnholt..........................................      50,797    Direct
                                                                 705,814    Vested Options
                                                                   1,979    Indirect(3)
                                                              ----------
                                                                 758,590                            *

James G. Cullen.............................................           0    Direct
                                                                       0    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                       0                            *

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation(4)..................  38,927,525                          8.6%
300 Second Street, Suite 200
Los Altos, CA 94022

Thomas E. Everhart..........................................       4,365    Direct
                                                                  33,297    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                  37,662                            *

FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d, Abigail P. Johnson, as a
group(5)....................................................  45,584,152                          10.1%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109

Gerald Grinstein............................................       2,097    Direct
                                                                  70,175    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                  72,272                            *

Robert J. Herbold...........................................           0    Direct
                                                                       0    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                       0                            *
</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>   18

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SHARES OF AGILENT
                                                                           BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                  NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                      NUMBER          NATURE(1)        PERCENTAGE
                  ------------------------                    ----------    -----------------    ----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>                  <C>
Hewlett Direct and Indirect Accounts
  Walter B. Hewlett.........................................      39,139    Direct
                                                                  30,702    Vested Options
                                                                  12,857    Indirect(6)
                                                              ----------
                                                                  82,698                            *
  William R. Hewlett Revocable Trust........................  22,900,284(7)                       5.0%
  1505 Page Mill Road
  Palo Alto, CA 94304

  The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation..................     511,477(7)                         *

  Packard Humanities Institute..............................   4,910,828(7)                         *

  Flora L. Hewlett Trust....................................     413,056(7)                         *

  William R. Hewlett and Rosemary Hewlett Community
    Property................................................     669,964(7)                         *

  Flora Family Foundation...................................     491,128(7)                         *

Heidi Kunz..................................................           0    Direct
                                                                   8,160    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                   8,160                            *

David M. Lawrence, M.D. ....................................       1,577    Direct
                                                                  45,497    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                  47,074                            *

A. Barry Rand...............................................         350    Direct

John E. Scruggs.............................................      21,392    Direct
                                                                  99,174    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                 120,566                            *

William P. Sullivan.........................................         379    Direct
                                                                  68,228    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                  68,607                            *

Randall L. Tobias...........................................       2,381    Direct
                                                                  30,702    Vested Options
                                                                     666(8) Indirect
                                                              ----------
                                                                  33,749                            *

Robert R. Walker............................................       9,544    Direct
                                                                 170,706    Vested Options
                                                              ----------
                                                                 180,250                            *

All directors and executive officers as a group.............   2,213,216                            *
</TABLE>

------------------------------
 *  Represents holdings of less than one percent.

(1) "Vested Options" are options which may be exercised as of February 24, 2001.
    "Direct Shares" include among other things, shares of stock owned by the
    stockholder that are subject to vesting schedule, forfeiture risk and other
    restrictions.

(2) Includes 236 shares held for the benefit of Mr. Anderson's daughter and 236
    shares held in trust for Mr. Anderson's son, for which trust Mr. Anderson is
    a trustee.

(3) Includes 1,979 shares held by Mr. Barnholt as a custodian for his children.

(4) The number of shares of Agilent common stock beneficially owned by The David
    and Lucile Packard Foundation is based on the Schedule 13G filed by the
    Foundation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2000.

                                       15
<PAGE>   19

(5) The number of shares of Agilent common stock beneficially owned by FMR
    Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d, and Abigail P. Johnson is based on the Schedule
    13G filed by this group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on
    September 11, 2000.

(6) Includes 12,369 shares held by Mr. Hewlett for the benefit of his children
    and 488 shares held by Mr. Hewlett's spouse.

(7) Mr. Hewlett shares voting and investment power over the shares held by the
    William R. Hewlett Revocable Trust, The William and Flora Hewlett
    Foundation, the William R. Hewlett and Rosemary Hewlett Community Property,
    the Packard Humanities Institute, and the Flora L. Hewlett Trust. Mr.
    Hewlett shares investment power in the Flora Family Foundation. Mr. Hewlett
    disclaims any beneficial interest in these shares, because he has no
    pecuniary interest in the shares.

(8) Includes 381 shares of Agilent common stock held by the Marianne W. Tobias
    Revocable Trust, a trust in the name of Mr. Tobias' spouse; 152 shares of
    Agilent common stock held by the Trust for the Benefit of James R. Ullyot, a
    trust in which Mr. Tobias' spouse has voting and investment power; and 133
    shares of Agilent common stock held by the Marianne W. Tobias Individual
    Retirement Account.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Agilent's
directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of Agilent common
stock to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reports regarding
their ownership and changes in ownership of Agilent stock. Agilent believes that
during the 2000 fiscal year, its officers, directors and 10% stockholders
complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except for Dr. Thomas E.
Everhart who exercised an option to purchase 1,811 shares of Agilent common
stock on August 14, 2000, and due to employee transitions at Agilent, Agilent
did not file the Form 4 reporting the transaction on Dr. Everhart's behalf until
October 10, 2000, one month after the deadline. In making this statement,
Agilent has relied on the written representations of its directors and officers.

                                       16
<PAGE>   20

                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The following table sets forth certain compensation information for the
chief executive officer and the four other executive officers of Agilent who,
based on their salary and bonus compensation, were the most highly compensated
for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2000 (the "Named Executive Officers"). All
information set forth in this table reflects compensation earned by these
individuals for services with Agilent for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2000.

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         LONG-TERM
                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                              -------------------------------
                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION       RESTRICTED       SECURITIES      ALL OTHER
                                     ----------------------   STOCK AWARD(S)     UNDERLYING     COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION   YEAR   SALARY ($)   BONUS ($)       ($)(1)       OPTIONS (#)(2)      ($)(3)
---------------------------   ----   ----------   ---------   --------------   --------------   ------------
<S>                           <C>    <C>          <C>         <C>              <C>              <C>
Edward W. Barnholt..........  2000   $1,000,000   $660,000       $ 46,908         750,000         $  6,800
  President and Chief         1999      920,635    474,684        409,141         121,458          313,892
  Executive Officer
John E. Scruggs.............  2000      470,000    243,930         19,778         100,000            6,800
  Senior Vice President,      1999      415,167    193,350         21,166          38,172           80,110
  Automated Test
Byron Anderson..............  2000      500,000    173,684         21,311         100,000            6,800
  Senior Vice President,      1999      425,000    135,690         22,932          34,702          109,474
  Electronic Products and
  Solutions
William P. Sullivan.........  2000      440,000    205,260              0         150,000            7,300
  Senior Vice President,      1999      408,438    174,331        177,570          26,026           30,678
  Semiconductor Products
Robert R. Walker............  2000      450,000    148,500         17,823         200,000            6,800
  Executive Vice President,   1999      439,583     37,910         19,572          32,099           62,392
  Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

------------------------------
(1) For fiscal year 2000, the amounts disclosed reflect the dollar values of
    Hewlett-Packard Company's and Agilent's common stock, which were contributed
    under the Hewlett-Packard Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the
    Agilent Technologies, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, respectively. Under
    such plans, eligible employees (including Executive Officers) receive one
    share as a match ("Matching Shares") for every two shares purchased. In
    February 2000, eligible Agilent employees stopped participating in the
    Hewlett-Packard Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan and commenced
    participating in a similar Agilent Technologies, Inc. Employee Stock
    Purchase Plan. As of June 2, 2000, Hewlett-Packard Company Matching Shares
    held by Agilent employees were forfeited and replaced with Agilent Matching
    Shares. The Matching Shares vest two years after the date of purchase.
    Vesting occurs on a rolling fiscal quarter basis, and is subject to
    forfeiture during the two-year period in the event of termination or certain
    other events.

     For fiscal year 1999, the amounts disclosed in this column reflect both the
     Hewlett-Packard Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan Matching Shares and
     Hewlett-Packard Company compensatory restricted stock awards. The amounts
     shown for 1999 restricted stock awards represent the dollar value of the
     awards on the dates originally granted.

     In fiscal year 1999, Hewlett-Packard Company granted 6,000 shares of
     performance-based restricted stock to Mr. Barnholt valued at $355,140 based
     on the grant date closing price of $59.19 per share. The value of this
     award as of the original grant date is reflected in the table. This award
     was replaced on November 18, 1999 with an Agilent stock option exercisable
     for 40,756 shares of Agilent common stock, which replacement was intended
     to preserve the fair value of the award at the time of distribution. This
     replacement grant contained no further performance criteria.

                                       17
<PAGE>   21

     In fiscal year 1999, Hewlett-Packard Company granted 3,000 shares of
     time-based restricted stock valued at $177, 570 to Mr. Sullivan. This award
     was replaced on November 18, 1999 with an award of an Agilent stock option
     exercisable for 20,278 shares of Agilent common stock, which replacement
     was intended to preserve the fair value of the award at the time of
     distribution.

     No new compensatory restricted stock awards were granted to Agilent
     executives in fiscal year 2000. On October 31, 2000, each of the Named
     Executive Officers held the following number of shares of restricted stock
     with a value based on the October 31, 2000, closing price of $46.31 per
     share: Mr. Barnholt held 2,146 shares of restricted stock valued at
     $99,381; Mr. Scruggs held 13,857 shares of restricted stock valued at
     $641,718; Mr. Anderson held 892 shares of restricted stock valued at
     $41,309; Mr. Sullivan held no shares of restricted stock; and Mr. Walker
     held 759 shares of restricted stock valued at $35,149.

(2) Awards granted prior to fiscal year 2000 were granted with respect to
    Hewlett-Packard Company common stock. The amounts shown for 1999 stock
    options represent the equivalent number of shares of Agilent common stock
    resulting from the conversion of Hewlett-Packard Company awards to Agilent
    awards. This conversion maintained the intrinsic value of the options held
    by Agilent employees as of June 2, 2000, the date of the distribution of the
    Agilent stock dividend to Hewlett-Packard Company stockholders. The number
    of shares of common stock covered by the conversion option was calculated by
    multiplying the number of shares of Hewlett-Packard Company common stock
    under the original award by a factor of 1.73511, and the exercise price of
    the options was decreased by dividing the original exercise price by the
    same factor.

(3) The amounts disclosed in this column include payment of Agilent's
    contributions under the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan, which is
    also referred to as the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Savings Accumulation
    Plan, in fiscal year 2000 of $6,800 on behalf of each of Messrs. Barnholt,
    Scruggs, Anderson, and Walker and of $7,300 on behalf of Mr. Sullivan.

                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

     The following table shows all grants of options to acquire shares of
Agilent common stock granted to the Named Executive Officers listed in the
Summary Compensation Table for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                                 NUMBER OF       % OF TOTAL                                     ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                                SECURITIES     OPTIONS GRANTED                               STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                                UNDERLYING       TO AGILENT      EXERCISE OR                          OPTION TERM
                                  OPTIONS       EMPLOYEES IN      BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION   -----------------------------
         NAME           YEAR   GRANTED(#)(1)     FISCAL YEAR     ($/SHARE)(2)      DATE           5%              10%
         ----           ----   -------------   ---------------   ------------   ----------   -------------   -------------
<S>                     <C>    <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>
Edward W. Barnholt....  2000      750,000            2.5%           $30.00      Nov. 2009     $14,150,129     $35,859,205
John E. Scruggs.......  2000      100,000            0.3%           $30.00      Nov. 2009       1,886,684       4,781,227
Byron Anderson........  2000      100,000            0.3%           $30.00      Nov. 2009       1,886,684       4,781,227
William P. Sullivan...  2000      150,000            0.5%           $30.00      Nov. 2009       2,830,026       7,171,841
Robert R. Walker......  2000      200,000            0.7%           $30.00      Nov. 2009       3,773,368       9,562,455
</TABLE>

------------------------------
(1) The options granted are exercisable 25% after the first year, 50% after the
    second year, 75% after the third year, and 100% after the fourth year.

(2) The exercise price equals the initial public offering price of Agilent's
    common stock. The exercise price may be paid by delivery of cash in an
    amount equal to the exercise price or delivery of already-owned shares, and
    tax-withholding obligations related to exercise may be paid by offset of the
    underlying shares, subject to certain conditions.

                                       18
<PAGE>   22

              AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
                         FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

     The following table shows aggregate exercises of options to purchase
Agilent's common stock in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2000, by the Named
Executive Officers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                                           UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED      VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-
                                                         OPTIONS AS FISCAL YEAR-END       MONEY OPTIONS AT FISCAL
                                  SHARES                             (#)                      YEAR-END ($)(1)
                                ACQUIRED ON    VALUE     ---------------------------   -----------------------------
         NAME            YEAR    EXERCISE     REALIZED   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
         ----            ----   -----------   --------   -----------   -------------   ------------   --------------
<S>                      <C>    <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
Edward W. Barnholt.....  2000        0           $0        347,020       1,048,807      $8,581,675     $16,772,904
John E Scruggs.........  2000        0           $0         53,787         145,980      $  853,459     $ 2,236,112
Byron Anderson.........  2000        0           $0              0         204,510      $        0     $ 3,220,164
William P. Sullivan....  2000        0           $0              0         217,156      $        0     $ 3,496,571
Robert R. Walker.......  2000        0           $0         47,930         294,033      $  758,476     $ 4,731,270
</TABLE>

------------------------------
(1) The value of unexercised Agilent options is based on the difference between
    the exercise price and the average of the high and low market prices of
    Agilent common stock on October 31, 2000 of $46.63.

                                 PENSION PLANS

     The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable on
retirement to Agilent's eligible employees in the United States under Agilent's
Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (the "Deferred Plan"), Agilent's Retirement Plan
(the "Retirement Plan") and Agilent's Excess Benefit Retirement Plan (the
"Excess Benefit Plan"). To calculate the number of years of an eligible
employee's service, the pension plans will bridge each eligible employee's
service with Hewlett-Packard Company to that eligible employee's service with
Agilent.

                      ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 HIGHEST FIVE-YEAR      15 YEARS     20 YEARS     25 YEARS     30 YEARS
AVERAGE COMPENSATION   OF SERVICE   OF SERVICE   OF SERVICE   OF SERVICE
--------------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
400,0$00........        $ 86,851     $115,801     $144,751     $173,701
600,000........          131,851      175,801      219,751      263,701
800,000........          176,851      235,801      294,751      353,701
1,000,000......          221,851      295,801      369,751      443,701
1,200,000......          266,851      355,801      444,751      533,701
1,400,000......          311,851      415,801      519,751      623,701
1,600,000......          356,851      475,801      594,751      713,701
1,800,000......          401,851      535,801      669,751      803,701
</TABLE>

     For fiscal year 2000, benefits exceeding $135,000 will be paid pursuant to
the Excess Benefit Plan. No more than $170,000 (as adjusted from time to time by
the U.S. Internal Revenue Service) of eligible compensation may be taken into
account in calculating benefits payable under the Retirement Plan or the
Deferred Plan. Benefits attributable to annual earnings over $170,000 are
payable under the Excess Benefit Plan. Benefits payable under the Excess Benefit
Plan are available in a lump sum or up to 15 annual installments.

     The compensation used to determine the benefits summarized in the table
above equals base pay. The covered compensation for each of the Named Executive
Officers is the highest five-year average of such base pay for such Executive
Officer.

     Agilent's employees received credit under Hewlett-Packard Company's plans
for their years of service with Hewlett-Packard Company. Named Executive
Officers have been credited with the following years of service as of December
26, 2000: Mr. Barnholt, 30 years; Mr. Scruggs, 27.8 years; Mr. Anderson, 30
years; Mr. Sullivan, 23.8 years; and Mr. Walker, 25 years. Retirement benefits
shown are expressed as a single life annuity at age 65 and reflect the maximum
offset currently in effect under Section 401(l) of the Code, to

                                       19
<PAGE>   23

compute the offset for such benefits under the pension plan. For purposes of
calculating the benefit, an employee cannot be credited with more than 30 years
of service. Benefits under the Retirement Plan are payable in the form of a
single life annuity, a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a lump sum.

     Prior to November 1, 1999, Hewlett-Packard Company maintained the
Hewlett-Packard Company Officers Early Retirement Plan (the "Officers Plan").
The Officers Plan provided early retirement benefits to certain elected officers
of Hewlett-Packard Company. Effective October 31, 1999, the Officers Plan was
terminated, and officers covered by the Officers Plan received a present value
single lump-sum settlement of benefits accrued under the Officers Plan. Such
amounts were credited directly to such officers' deferral accounts under the
Agilent Technologies, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan as follows: Mr.
Barnholt, $1,976,051; Mr. Scruggs, $742,074; Mr. Anderson, $757,534; and Mr.
Walker, $384,061. Any amounts credited to an officer's deferral account as
described above will be subject to forfeiture if the officer terminates his
employment with Agilent prior to April 1, 2001, unless he is a retiree who had
attained age 58 prior to April 1, 1999.

                      REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
                     OF THE BOARD ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Agilent's executive compensation program is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee"). The Compensation
Committee, which is composed of non-employee directors, is responsible for
approving and reporting to the Board on all elements of compensation for the
elected corporate officers. The Compensation Committee has furnished the
following report on executive compensation for fiscal year 2000.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

The goal of the executive compensation program is to provide a total
compensation package composed of pay, stock and benefits. The total package is
designed to inspire and reward superior performance by executives, business
organizations and Agilent, and to include executives in the success of Agilent.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PRACTICES

Each year the Compensation Committee surveys the executive compensation
practices of S&P 500 High Technology companies. The Compensation Committee's
practice is to target direct compensation levels for Agilent's executives at the
50th percentile of total direct compensation of surveyed companies. Total direct
compensation includes base pay, short-term bonus at target and long-term
incentives. Overall, individual performance is measured against the following
factors; these factors may vary as required by business conditions:

     - long-term strategic goals;

     - short-term business goals;

     - revenue and profit goals;

     - customer satisfaction;

     - new business creation;

     - total stockholder return;

     - the development of employees; and

     - the fostering of teamwork and other Agilent values.

In setting the goals and measuring an executive's performance against those
goals, Agilent considers the performance of its competitors and general economic
and market conditions. None of the factors included in Agilent's strategic and
business goals are assigned a specific weight. Instead, the Compensation
Committee recognizes that the relative importance of these factors may change in
order to adapt Agilent's operations to specific business challenges and to
reflect changing economic and marketplace conditions.

In fiscal year 2000, Agilent introduced a new short-term bonus program, the
Agilent Technologies, Inc. Pay-For-Results Plan (the "Pay for Results Plan").
The Pay for Results Plan included 756 of Agilent's top business, sales and
corporate managers. This performance-based compensation is designed to provide
executives with rewards based on individual performance and obtaining short-term
business goals. The Pay for Results Plan will continue in fiscal year 2001.

                                       20
<PAGE>   24

COMPONENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The compensation program for executive officers consists of the following four
components:

     - base pay;

     - short-term bonus;

     - long-term incentives; and

     - benefits.

BASE PAY

Base pay is baseline cash compensation and is determined by the competitive
market and individual performance. Base pay for each executive officer is
established each year based on a salary range, which corresponds to the
executive officer's job responsibilities and the executive officer's overall
individual job performance.

SHORT-TERM BONUS

Short-term bonus is cash compensation that is paid semi-annually when
performance targets are achieved. During fiscal year 2000, the executive
officers participated in the Pay for Results Plan. Actual bonuses paid to
executive officers are based on achievement of profit and revenue goals
established in advance of each performance period.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES

The long-term incentive program is designed to encourage creation of long-term
value for our stockholders and equity ownership by our executives. During fiscal
year 2000, Agilent made stock option grants to each of Agilent's executive
officers under the Stock Plan. Each grant allows the officer to acquire shares
of Agilent's common stock, subject to the completion of a four-year vesting
period, and continued employment with Agilent. These shares may be acquired at a
fixed price per share (the market price on the grant date) over a ten-year
period. Individual and business unit performance determine an executive's grant
amount.

BENEFITS

The global benefits philosophy provides employees protection from catastrophic
events and offers health and welfare benefits typical in the given country in
which Agilent operates. In addition, through the benefits survey process,
benefits offered by competitors, as well as benefits that set Agilent apart as
an employer, may be incorporated into the benefits package. Where applicable,
employees are responsible for managing benefit choices, balancing their own
level of risk and return.

POLICY REGARDING COMPENSATION IN EXCESS OF $1 MILLION A YEAR

Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public
companies for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to Agilent's Chief
Executive Officer or any of the four other most highly compensated executive
officers. Certain compensation is specifically exempt from the deduction limit
to the extent that it does not exceed $1 million during any fiscal year or is
"performance based" as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code. The Compensation
Committee considers the net cost to Agilent. Accordingly, the Stock Plan and the
Pay For Results Plan (the annual bonus plan) have been designed to qualify under
Section 162(m) of the Code.

STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Agilent's stock ownership guidelines are designed to increase an executive's
equity stake in Agilent and more closely align his or her interests with those
of our stockholders. The guidelines provide that the President and CEO should
attain an investment position in Agilent's stock equal to five times his or her
annual targeted total cash compensation under the Pay for Results Plan, and all
other executive officers should attain an investment position equal to three
times their targeted total cash compensation under the Pay for Results Plan, in
each case within five years of election to their positions.

COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Edward W. Barnholt has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since May
4, 1999. The Compensation Committee used the executive compensation practices
described above to determine Mr. Barnholt's fiscal year 2000 compensation. In
setting both the cash-based and equity-based elements of Mr. Barnholt's
compensation, the Compensation Committee made an overall assessment of Mr.
Barnholt's leadership in establishing Agilent's long-term and short-term
strategic, operational and business goals in Agilent's first year as a separate
company from Hewlett-Packard Company. Mr. Barnholt's total compensation reflects
a consideration of both competitive forces and Agilent's performance.

                                       21
<PAGE>   25

The Compensation Committee surveyed the total direct compensation for chief
executive officers of selected high technology companies. Based on this
information, the Compensation Committee determined a median around which the
Compensation Committee built a competitive range for cash-based and equity-based
elements of the compensation package. As a result of this review, the
Compensation Committee determined a mix of base salary and bonus opportunity,
along with an equity position to align Mr. Barnholt's compensation with the
growth of Agilent. The resulting total compensation package was competitive for
CEO's running companies comparable in size and complexity to Agilent.

Additionally, as part of the review process, the Compensation Committee assessed
Agilent's financial and business results compared to other companies within the
high-technology industry; Agilent's financial performance relative to its
financial performance in prior periods; Agilent's market competitiveness as
measured by customer feedback, new business creation and product generation; and
the health of the Agilent organization as measured by employee surveys and the
ability to attract and retain key talent. The fact that Mr. Barnholt was leading
Agilent's separation from Hewlett-Packard Company and establishing confidence in
the new company with investors and customers was also taken into consideration
in determining his compensation package.

The specific recommendation for Mr. Barnholt positioned his target total cash
compensation at $1,600,000: $1,000,000 in base salary, with a $600,000 bonus
opportunity under the Pay for Results Plan. The bonus opportunity could have
increased to $1,200,000 if maximum performance objectives were achieved.
Consistent with the Pay for Results Plan, the performance objectives were based
on Agilent's net profit and revenue growth. In fiscal year 2000, Mr. Barnholt
received $660,000 under the Pay for Results Plan.

In determining the stock option grant for Mr. Barnholt, the Compensation
Committee evaluated his total direct compensation compared to CEO's of
comparable companies and determined that an award of a non-qualified stock
option to purchase 750,000 shares of Agilent common stock was appropriate.

Submitted by:

Compensation Committee

    David M. Lawrence, M.D., Chairperson
    James G. Cullen
    Thomas E. Everhart
    Gerald Grinstein
    Randall L. Tobias

          COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

The members of the Compensation Committee are set forth in the preceding
section. There are no members of the Compensation Committee who were officers or
employees of Agilent or any of its subsidiaries during the fiscal year, formerly
officers of Agilent, or had any relationship otherwise requiring disclosure
hereunder.

                                       22
<PAGE>   26

                       AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit and Finance Committee of the Board reviews the financial reporting
process, the system of internal controls, the audit process and the process for
monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. Each of the Audit and Finance
Committee members satisfies the definition of independent director as
established in the New York Stock Exchange Listing Standards. The Board adopted
a written charter for the Audit and Finance Committee on May 17, 2000, which is
attached to this proxy statement as APPENDIX B. Agilent operates with a November
1 to October 31 fiscal year. The Audit and Finance Committee met four times
during the 2000 fiscal year.

The Audit and Finance Committee has reviewed Agilent's audited consolidated
financial statements and discussed such statements with management. The Audit
and Finance Committee has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Agilent's
independent accountants during the 2000 fiscal year, the matters required to be
discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit
and Finance Committees, as amended).

The Audit and Finance Committee received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the
written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and
discussed with them their independence. Based on the review and discussions
noted above, the Audit and Finance Committee recommended to the Board that
Agilent's audited consolidated financial statements be included in Agilent's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2000, and be
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

This report of the Audit and Finance Committee shall not be deemed incorporated
by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy
statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that Agilent
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise
be deemed filed under such Acts.

Submitted by:

Audit and Finance Committee

    Heidi Kunz, Chairperson
    Thomas E. Everhart
    Robert J. Herbold
    Walter B. Hewlett
    Randall L. Tobias

                                       23
<PAGE>   27

                         STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

     The graph below shows the one-year cumulative total stockholder return
assuming the investment of $100 (and the reinvestment of any dividends
thereafter) on November 18, 1999, the first trading day of Agilent's common
stock, in each of Agilent's common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and a peer
group.(1) Agilent's stock price performance shown in the following graph is not
indicative of future stock price performance.

      COMPARISON OF 1 YEAR (11/18/99 TO 11/18/00) CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
  AMONG AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, THE S&P 500 INDEX, AND THE PEER GROUP COMPOSITE

                            [PERFORMANCE GRAPH]<QC>
* $100 Invested on 11/18/99 in stock or index including reinvestment of any
  dividends granted
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DOLLAR VALUE INVESTMENTS ON
                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       11/18/99   11/30/99   12/31/99   1/31/00   2/29/00   3/31/00   4/30/00   5/31/00   6/30/00   7/31/00
                       --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
AGILENT                  100         96        176        150       236       236       201       167       168        93
S&P 500                  100         98        103         98        96       106       102       100       103       101
PEER GROUP               100         97        115        116       142       153       142       127       141       136

<CAPTION>
                             DOLLAR VALUE INVESTMENTS ON
                       ---------------------------------------
                       8/31/00   9/30/00   10/31/00   11/18/00
                       -------   -------   --------   --------
<S>                    <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
AGILENT                  139       111       105        108
S&P 500                  107       102       101         97
PEER GROUP               149       112       103         93
</TABLE>

------------------------------
(1) The peer group is composed of companies that are members of the S&P High
    Technology Index, which are in sectors related to Agilent's businesses. They
    are: Communications Equipment, Computers (Networking), Electronics
    (Instrumentation), Electronics (Semiconductors), and Equipment
    (Semiconductor). These sectors were selected by Agilent with the underlying
    companies chosen and maintained by S&P:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               ELECTRONICS
    COMMUNICATIONS          COMPUTERS       (INSTRUMENTATION),          ELECTRONICS                   EQUIPMENT
      EQUIPMENT            (NETWORKING)     EXCLUDING AGILENT        (SEMICONDUCTORS)              (SEMICONDUCTOR)
----------------------  ------------------  ------------------   -------------------------   ---------------------------
<S>                     <C>                 <C>                  <C>                         <C>
ADC Telecommunications  Avaya Inc.           PerkinElmer Inc.    Adaptec Inc.                Applied Materials
Andrew Corp.            Cabletron Systems    Tektronix Inc.      Advanced Micro Devices      Broadcom Corporation
Comverse Technology     Cisco Systems                            Altera Corp.                KLA-Tencor Corp.
Corning Inc.            Network Appliances                       Analog Devices              Novellus Systems
JDS Uniphase Corp.                                               Conexant Systems            Teradyne Inc.
Lucent Technologies                                              Intel Corp.
Motorola Inc.                                                    Linear Technology
Nortel Networks Corp.                                            LSI Logic
Qualcomm Inc.                                                    Maxim Integrated Products
Scientific-Atlanta                                               Micron Technology
Tellabs Inc.                                                     National Semiconductor
                                                                 Texas Instruments
                                                                 Xilinx Inc.
</TABLE>

                                       24
<PAGE>   28

                 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING
                  THE ANNUAL MEETING AND STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Q:  WHAT HAPPENS IF ADDITIONAL PROPOSALS ARE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A: Other than the 3 proposals described in this proxy statement, Agilent does
   not expect any matters to be presented for a vote at the annual meeting. If
   you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Edward W. Barnholt,
   Agilent's President and Chief Executive Officer, and D. Craig Nordlund,
   Agilent's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, will have the
   discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented
   for a vote at the annual meeting. If for any unforeseen reason any of
   Agilent's nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons
   named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or
   candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

Q:  WHAT CLASS OF SHARES IS ENTITLED TO BE VOTED?

A: Each share of Agilent's common stock outstanding as of the close of business
   on December 26, 2000, the Record Date, is entitled to one vote at the annual
   meeting. On the Record Date, Agilent had approximately 456,366,381 shares of
   common stock issued and outstanding.

Q:  WHAT IS THE QUORUM REQUIREMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A: The quorum requirement for holding the annual meeting and transacting
   business is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to be voted. The
   shares may be present in person or represented by proxy at the annual
   meeting. Both abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for the
   purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Broker non-votes, however,
   are not counted as shares present and entitled to be voted with respect to
   the matter on which the broker has expressly not voted. Thus, broker
   non-votes will not affect the outcome of any of the matters being voted on at
   the annual meeting. Generally, broker non-votes occur when shares held by a
   broker for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a particular
   proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting instructions from the
   beneficial owner and (2) the broker lacks discretionary voting power to vote
   such shares.

Q:  WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?

A: A representative of Computershare Investor Services, Agilent's transfer
   agent, will tabulate the votes and act as the inspector of election.

Q:  IS MY VOTE CONFIDENTIAL?

A: Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual
   stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your
   vote will not be disclosed either within Agilent or to third parties except
   (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the
   tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, or (3) to facilitate a
   successful proxy solicitation by the Board. Occasionally, stockholders
   provide written comments on their proxy card which are then forwarded to
   Agilent's management.

Q:  WHO WILL BEAR THE COST OF SOLICITING VOTES FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A: Agilent will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing
   and distributing these proxy materials. In addition to the mailing of these
   proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person,
   by telephone or by electronic communication by Agilent's directors, officers,
   and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such
   solicitation activities. Agilent has retained the services of Corporate
   Investor Communications, Inc. ("CIC") to aid in the solicitation of proxies
   from banks, brokers, nominees and intermediaries. Agilent estimates that it
   will pay CIC a fee of $16,000 for its services. In addition, Agilent may
   reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of
   shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such
   beneficial owners.

                                       25
<PAGE>   29

Q:  MAY I PROPOSE ACTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AT NEXT YEAR'S ANNUAL MEETING OF
    STOCKHOLDERS OR NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS DIRECTORS?

A: You may submit proposals for consideration at future annual stockholder
   meetings, including director nominations.

   STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS: In order for a stockholder proposal to be considered
   for inclusion in Agilent's proxy statement for next year's annual meeting,
   the written proposal must be received by Agilent no later than September 7,
   2001. Such proposals will need to comply with the U.S. Securities and
   Exchange Commission's regulations regarding the inclusion of stockholder
   proposals in Agilent-sponsored proxy materials. In order for a stockholder
   proposal to be raised from the floor during next year's annual meeting,
   written notice must be received by Agilent no later than October 26, 2001 and
   should contain such information as required under Agilent's Bylaws.

   NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: Agilent's Bylaws permit stockholders to
   nominate directors at a stockholder meeting. In order to make a director
   nomination at an annual stockholder meeting, it is necessary that you notify
   Agilent not fewer than 120 days in advance of the date of the prior year's
   annual meeting of stockholders. Thus, since this year's annual meeting is
   February 23, in order for any such nomination notice to be timely for next
   year's annual meeting, it must be received by Agilent not later than October
   26, 2001 (i.e., 120 days prior to February 23). In addition, the notice must
   meet all other requirements contained in Agilent's Bylaws and include any
   other information required pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
   Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

   COPY OF BYLAW PROVISIONS: You may contact the Agilent Corporate Secretary at
   Agilent's corporate headquarters for a copy of the relevant Bylaw provisions
   regarding the requirements for making stockholder proposals and nominating
   director candidates.

   AGILENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
   2000, IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH STOCKHOLDER, ON SUCH STOCKHOLDER'S
   WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE UNDERSIGNED AT AGILENT'S ADDRESS INDICATED ON THE
   NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THIS PROXY
   STATEMENT.

   By Order of the Board

    /s/ D. Craig Nordlund
    D. CRAIG NORDLUND
   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
    Secretary
   Dated: January 16, 2001

                                       26
<PAGE>   30

                                   APPENDIX A
                           AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

                                1999 STOCK PLAN
            (Amendment and Restatement, effective December 14, 2000)

      1. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purpose of this 1999 Stock Plan is to
encourage ownership in the Company by key personnel whose long-term employment
is considered essential to the Company's continued progress and, thereby,
encourage recipients to act in the stockholder's interest and share in the
Company's success.

      2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

        (a) "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be
           administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

        (b) "AFFILIATE" means any entity that is directly or indirectly
           controlled by the Company or any entity in which the Company has a
           significant ownership interest as determined by the Administrator.

        (c) "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the requirements relating to the
           administration of stock option plans under U.S. federal and state
           laws, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common
           Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign
           jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

        (d) "AWARD" means a Cash Award, Stock Award, SAR, or Option granted in
           accordance with the terms of the Plan.

        (e) "AWARDEE" means the holder of an outstanding Award.

        (f) "AWARD AGREEMENT" means a written or electronic agreement between
           the Company and an Awardee evidencing the terms and conditions of an
           individual Award. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and
           conditions of the Plan.

        (g) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        (h) "CASH AWARDS" means cash awards granted pursuant to Section 13 of
           the Plan.

        (i) "CODE" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
           amended.

        (j) "COMMITTEE" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board in
           accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

        (k) "COMMON STOCK" means the common stock of the Company.

        (l) "COMPANY" means Agilent Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

        (m) "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the
           Company or a Subsidiary to render services to such entity or any
           person who is an employee, advisor, director or consultant of an
           Affiliate.

        (n) "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.

        (o) "EMPLOYEE" means a regular employee of the Company or any
           Subsidiary, including Officers and Directors, who is treated as an
           employee in the personnel records of the Company or its Subsidiary
           for the relevant period, but shall exclude individuals who are
           classified by the Company or its Subsidiary as (A) leased from or
           otherwise employed by a third party, (B) independent contractors, or
           (C) intermittent or temporary, even if any such classification is
           changed retroactively as a result of an audit, litigation or
           otherwise. An Awardee shall not cease to be an Employee in the case
           of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or its

                                       A-1
<PAGE>   31

           Subsidiary or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or
           between the Company, any Subsidiary, or any successor. Neither
           service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
           shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

        (p) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
           amended.

        (q) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the average of the
           highest and lowest quoted sales prices for such Common Stock as of
           such date (or if no sales were reported on such date, the average on
           the last preceding day a sale was made) as quoted on the stock
           exchange or a national market system, with the highest trading
           volume, as reported in such source as the Administrator shall
           determine.

        (r) "GRANT DATE" means the date selected by the Administrator, from time
           to time, upon which Awards are granted to Participants pursuant to
           this Plan.

        (s) "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify as an
           incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code
           and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

        (t) "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to qualify
           as an Incentive Stock Option.

        (u) "OFFICER" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the
           meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
           regulations promulgated thereunder.

        (v) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. Options
           granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory
           Stock Options.

        (w) "PARTICIPANT" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

        (x) "PLAN" means this 1999 Stock Plan, as amended and restated effective
           December 14, 2000.

        (y) "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to
           a grant of a Stock Award under Section 12 of the Plan.

        (z) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance
           with Section 15 of the Plan.

        (aa) "SAR" means a stock appreciation right granted pursuant to Section
           11 of the Plan.

        (bb) "STOCK AWARDS" means right to purchase or receive Common Stock
           pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan.

        (cc) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
           hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

      3. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to the provisions of Section 15 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the
Plan is 112,800,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or
reacquired Common Stock. Preferred stock may be issued in lieu of Common Stock
for Awards.

     If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised
in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto, if any, shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued under
the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Award, shall not be returned to the Plan
and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except
that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at their
original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future grant
under the Plan.

                                       A-2
<PAGE>   32

      4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

        (a) Procedure.

           (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be administered by
               different Committees with respect to different groups of
               Participants.

           (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines
                it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as
                "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section
                162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a
                Committee of two or more "outside directors" within the meaning
                of Section 162(m) of the Code.

           (iii)Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions
                hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
                Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3"), the transactions contemplated
                hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for
                exemption under Rule 16b-3.

           (iv) Other Administration. The Board may delegate to the Executive
                Committee of the Board (the "Executive Committee") the power to
                approve Awards to Participants who are not (A) subject to
                Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (B) at the time of such
                approval, "covered employees" under Section 162(m) of the Code.

        (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan,
           and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties
           delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall
           have the authority, in its discretion:

           (i)   to select the Participants to whom Awards may be granted
                 hereunder;

           (ii)  to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered
                 by each Award granted hereunder;

           (iii)  to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

           (iv)  to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with
                 the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such
                 terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the
                 exercise price, the time or times when an Award may be
                 exercised (which may or may not be based on performance
                 criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture
                 restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any
                 Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on
                 such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion,
                 shall determine;

           (v)   to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards
                 granted pursuant to the Plan;

           (vi)  to adopt rules and procedures relating to the operation and
                 administration of the Plan to accommodate the specific
                 requirements of local laws and procedures. Without limiting the
                 generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically
                 authorized (A) to adopt the rules and procedures regarding the
                 conversion of local currency, withholding procedures and
                 handling of stock certificates which vary with local
                 requirements, (B) to adopt sub-plans and Plan addenda as the
                 Administrator deems desirable, to accommodate foreign tax laws,
                 regulations and practice;

           (vii)  to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating
                  to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to
                  sub-plans and Plan addenda;

           (viii) to modify or amend each Award, including the discretionary
                  authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period
                  of Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan,
                  provided, however, that any such amendment is subject to
                  Section 16(C) of the Plan and may not impair any outstanding
                  Award unless agreed to in writing by the Awardee;

                                       A-3
<PAGE>   33

           (ix)  to allow Awardees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by
                 electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
                 issued upon exercise of an Award that number of Shares having a
                 Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld.
                 The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be
                 determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is
                 to be determined. All elections by an Awardee to have Shares
                 withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under
                 such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or
                 advisable;

           (x)  to authorize conversion or substitution under the Plan of any or
                all outstanding stock options held by optionees of an entity
                acquired by the Company (the "Conversion Options"). Any
                conversion or substitution shall be effective as of the close of
                the merger or acquisition. The Conversion Options may be
                Nonstatutory Stock Options or Incentive Stock Options, as
                determined by the Administrator. Unless otherwise determined by
                the Administrator at the time of conversion or substitution, all
                Conversion Options shall have the same terms and conditions as
                Options generally granted by the Company under the Plan;

           (xi)  to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any
                 instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously
                 granted by the Administrator;

           (xii)  to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable
                  for administering the Plan and any Award granted hereunder.

        (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's decisions,
           determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
           Awardees.

      5. ELIGIBILITY. Awards may be granted to Participants, provided, however,
that Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

      6. LIMITATIONS.

        (a) Each Option shall be designated in the Award Agreement as either an
           Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
           notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate
           Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock
           Options are exercisable for the first time by the Awardee during any
           calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Subsidiary)
           exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock
           Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options
           shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted.
           The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the
           time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

        (b) For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no leave of absence may
           exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such
           leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon
           expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so
           guaranteed, on the 91st day of such leave an Awardee's employment
           with the Company shall be deemed terminated for Incentive Stock
           Option purposes and any Incentive Stock Option held by the Awardee
           shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be
           treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option three (3)
           months thereafter.

        (c) No Participant shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award
           and the grant of any Award shall not be construed as giving a
           Participant the right to continue in the employ of the Company, its
           Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

     Further, the Company, its Subsidiaries and Affiliates expressly reserve the
right, at any time, to dismiss a Participant at any time without liability or
any claim under the Plan, except as provided herein or in any Award Agreement
entered into hereunder.

                                       A-4
<PAGE>   34

        (d) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and SARs:

           (i)   No Participant shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the
                 Company, Options to purchase or SARs for more than 1,000,000
                 Shares.

           (ii)  In connection with his or her initial service, a Participant
                 may be granted Options to purchase or SARs for up to an
                 additional 1,000,000 Shares which shall not count against the
                 limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

           (iii)  The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately in
                  connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
                  described in Section 15.

           (iv)  If an Option or SAR is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the
                 Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with
                 a transaction described in Section 15), the cancelled Option or
                 SAR will be counted against the limits set forth in subsections
                 (i) and (ii) above.

           (v)   SARs to be granted under this Plan shall not exceed 5% of the
                 total shares reserved for issuance under the Plan;

           (vi)  No more than 10% of the total shares reserved for issuance
                 under the Plan will constitute Stock Awards granted under this
                 Plan;

           (vii)  No more than 20% of the total shares reserved for issuance
                  under the Plan will constitute Nonstatutory Stock Options,
                  with an exercise price less than Fair Market Value on the
                  Grant Date, granted under this Plan; and

           (viii) Nonstatutory Stock Option with an exercise price less than
                  Fair Market Value on the Grant Date shall not be granted to
                  any Officer.

      7. TERM OF PLAN. Subject to Section 21 of the Plan, the Plan shall become
effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for a term
of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 16 of the Plan.

      8. TERM OF AWARD. The term of each Award shall be determined by the
Administrator and stated in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Incentive
Stock Option, the term shall be ten (10) years from the Grant Date or such
shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.

      9. OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

        (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be
            issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
            Administrator, subject to the following:

           (i)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option the per Share exercise
                price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per
                Share on the Grant Date.

           (ii)  In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
                 exercise price shall be no less than seventy-five per cent
                 (75%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date. In
                 the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as
                 "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section
                 162(m) of the Code, the per Share exercise price shall be no
                 less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant
                 Date.

           (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Administrator's
                 discretion, Conversion Options (as defined in Section 4(b)(x))
                 may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 75%
                 of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date.

           (iv) Other than in connection with a change in the Company's
                capitalization (as described in Section 15(a), Options may not
                be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation or
                modified without shareholder approval if the effect of such
                repricing, replacement, regrant or modification would be to
                reduce the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Options or
                Nonstatutory Stock Options.
                                       A-5
<PAGE>   35

        (b) Vesting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted,
           the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
           exercised and shall determine any conditions that must be satisfied
           before the Option may be exercised.

        (c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the
           acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including
           the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
           Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at
           the Grant Date. Acceptable forms of consideration may include:

           (i)  cash;

           (ii)  check or wire transfer (denominated in U.S. Dollars);

           (iii) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
                 exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Awardee for more
                 than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair
                 Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate
                 exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be
                 exercised;

           (iv)  consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
                 program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

           (v)  any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

           (vi)  such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance
                 of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

     10. EXERCISE OF OPTION.

        (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted
           hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and
           at such times and under such conditions as determined by the
           Administrator and set forth in the respective Award Agreement. No
           Option may be exercised during any leave of absence other than an
           approved personal or medical leave with an employment guarantee upon
           return. An Option shall continue to vest during any authorized leave
           of absence and such Option may be exercised to the extent vested upon
           the Awardee's return to active employment status. An Option may not
           be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
           (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the
           Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option,
           (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the related
           Option is exercised, and (iii) with respect to Nonstatutory Stock
           Options, payment of all applicable withholding taxes due upon such
           exercise.

                Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the
           name of the Awardee or, if requested by the Awardee, in the name of
           the Awardee and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as
           evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of
           a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or
           receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
           with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the
           exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be
           issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No
           adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the
           record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
           provided in Section 15 of the Plan.

                Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of
           Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
           sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option
           is exercised.

        (b) Termination of Employment. Unless otherwise provided for by the
           Administrator in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to be an
           Employee, other than as a result of

                                       A-6
<PAGE>   36

           circumstances described in Sections 10(c), (d), (e) and (f) below,
           the Awardee's unvested Option, shall terminate immediately upon the
           Awardee's termination. On the date of the Awardee's termination of
           employment, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of his or her
           Option shall revert to the Plan.

                Unless otherwise provided for by the Administrator in the Award
           Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to be an Employee, other than as a
           result of circumstances described in Sections 10(c), (d), (e) and (f)
           below, the Awardee's vested Option, granted on or after December 14,
           2000, shall be exercisable for 3 months after the Awardee's
           termination, or if earlier, the expiration of the term of such
           Option. The Awardee's vested Option granted between January 1, 2000
           and July 31, 2000, shall be exercisable for 3 months after the
           Awardee's termination, or if earlier, the expiration of the term of
           such Option. All of the Awardee's other vested Options, shall
           terminate immediately upon the Awardee's termination. If, the Awardee
           does not exercise his or her vested Option within the appropriate
           exercise period set forth above, the Option shall automatically
           terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the
           Plan.

        (c) Disability or Retirement of Awardee. Unless otherwise provided for
           by the Administrator in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to
           be an Employee as a result of the Awardee's total and permanent
           disability or retirement due to age, in accordance with the Company's
           or its Subsidiaries' retirement policy, all unvested Options shall
           immediately vest and the Awardee may exercise his or her Option
           within three (3) years of the date of such disability or retirement
           for a Nonstatutory Stock Option, within three (3) months of the date
           of such disability or retirement for an Incentive Stock Option, or if
           earlier, the expiration of the term of such Option. If the Awardee
           does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein,
           the Option shall automatically terminate, and the Shares covered by
           such Option shall revert to the Plan.

        (d) Death of Awardee. Unless otherwise provided for by the Administrator
           in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee dies while an Employee, all
           unvested Options shall immediately vest and all Options may be
           exercised for one (1) year following the Awardee's death, or if
           earlier, the expiration of the term of such Option. The Option may be
           exercised by the beneficiary designated by the Awardee (as provided
           in Section 17), the executor or administrator of the Awardee's estate
           or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under
           the Awardee's will or the laws of descent or distribution. If the
           Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the
           Option shall automatically terminate, and the Shares covered by such
           Option shall revert to the Plan.

        (e) Voluntary Severance Incentive Program. If an Awardee ceases to be an
           Employee as a result of participation in the Company's or its
           Subsidiaries' voluntary severance incentive program approved by the
           Board or Executive Committee, all unvested Options shall immediately
           vest and all outstanding Options shall be exercisable for three (3)
           months following the Awardee's termination (or such other period of
           time as provided for by the Administrator) or if earlier, the
           expiration of the term of such Option. If, after termination, of
           Awardee's employment the Awardee does not exercise his or her Option
           within the time specified herein, the Option shall automatically
           terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the
           Plan.

        (f) Divestiture. If an Employee ceases to be a Participant because of a
           divestiture of the Company, the Administrator may, in its sole
           discretion, make such Employee's outstanding Options fully vested and
           exercisable and provide that such Options remain exercisable for a
           period of time to be determined by the Administrator. The
           determination of whether a divestiture will occur shall be made by
           the Administrator in its sole discretion. If, after the close of the
           divestiture, the Awardee does not exercise his or her Option within
           the time specified herein, the Option shall automatically terminate
           and the shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

        (g) Buyout Provisions. At any time, the Administrator may, but shall not
           be required to, offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an
           Option previously granted based on such terms and
                                       A-7
<PAGE>   37

           conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to
           the Awardee at the time that such offer is made.

     11. SARS.

        (a) General. The Administrator may grant SARs to Participants subject to
           the terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan and
           determined by the Administrator. The terms and conditions shall be
           provided for in the Award Agreement which may be delivered in writing
           or electronically. SARs shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, at
           such times as the Administrator shall specify in the Award Agreement.

        (b) Exercise. Upon the exercise of a SAR, in whole or in part, an
           Awardee shall be entitled to a cash payment in an amount equal to the
           difference between the Fair Market Value of a fixed number of shares
           of Common Stock covered by the exercised portion of the SAR on the
           date of such exercise, over the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
           covered by the exercised portion of the SAR on the Grant Date;
           provided, however, that the Administrator may place limits on the
           aggregate amount that may be paid upon the exercise of a SAR. The
           Company's obligation arising upon the exercise of a SAR will be paid
           in cash.

        (c) Method of Exercise. A SAR shall be deemed to be exercised when
           written or electronic notice of such exercise has been given to the
           Company in accordance with the terms of the SAR by the person
           entitled to exercise the SAR. The SAR shall cease to be exercisable
           to the extent it has been exercised.

        (d) Termination of Employment. Unless otherwise provided for by the
           Administrator in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to be an
           Employee, other than as a result of circumstances described in
           Sections 11(e) and (f) below, the Awardee's unvested SAR, shall
           terminate immediately upon the Awardee's termination.

                Unless otherwise provided for by the Administrator in the Award
           Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to be an Employee, other than as a
           result of circumstances described in Sections 11(e) and (f) below,
           the Awardee's vested SAR, granted on or after December 14, 2000,
           shall be exercisable for 3 months after the Awardee's termination, or
           if earlier, the expiration of the term of such SAR. The Awardee's
           vested SAR granted between January 1, 2000 and July 31, 2000, shall
           be exercisable for 3 months after the Awardee's termination, or if
           earlier, the expiration of the term of such SAR. All of the Awardee's
           other vested SARs, shall terminate immediately upon the Awardee's
           termination.

        (e) Disability or Retirement of Awardee. Unless otherwise provided for
           by the Administrator in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to
           be an Employee as a result of the Awardee's total and permanent
           disability or retirement due to age, in accordance with the Company's
           or its Subsidiaries' retirement policy, the Award shall immediately
           vest. The Awardee may exercise his or her SAR within three (3) three
           years following the Awardee's total and permanent disability or
           retirement or, if earlier, the expiration of the term of such SAR. If
           the Awardee fails to exercise his or her SAR within the specified
           time period, the SAR shall terminate.

        (f) Death of Awardee. Unless otherwise provided for by the Administrator
           in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee dies while an Employee, the SAR
           shall immediately vest and be exercisable for (1) one year following
           the Awardee's death or, if earlier, the expiration of the term of
           such SAR. The SAR may be exercised by the beneficiary designated by
           the Awardee (as provided in Section 17), the executor or
           administrator of the Awardee's estate or, if none, by the person(s)
           entitled to exercise the SAR under the Awardee's will or the laws of
           descent or distribution. If the SAR is not so exercised within the
           specified time period, the SAR shall terminate.

        (g) Buyout Provisions. At any time, the Administrator may, but shall not
           be required to, offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, SAR
           previously granted based on such terms and

                                       A-8
<PAGE>   38

           conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to
           the Awardee at the time that such offer is made.

     12. STOCK AWARDS.

        (a) General. Stock Awards may be issued either alone, in addition to, or
           in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan. After the
           Administrator determines that it will offer a Stock Award under the
           Plan, it shall advise the Awardee in writing or electronically, by
           means of an Award Agreement, of the terms, conditions and
           restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares
           that the Awardee shall be entitled to receive or purchase, the price
           to be paid, if any, and, if applicable, the time within which the
           Awardee must accept such offer. The offer shall be accepted by
           execution of an Award Agreement in the form determined by the
           Administrator. The Administrator will require that all shares subject
           to a right of repurchase or forfeiture be held in escrow until such
           repurchase right or risk of forfeiture lapses. The grant or vesting
           of a stock award may be made contingent on achievement of performance
           conditions, including net order dollars, net profit dollars, net
           profit growth, net revenue dollars, revenue growth, individual
           performance, earnings per share, return on assets, return on equity,
           and other financial objectives, customer satisfaction indicators and
           guaranteed efficiency measures, each with respect to Agilent and/or
           an individual business unit.

        (b) Forfeiture. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Award
           Agreement shall provide for the forfeiture of the unvested Restricted
           Stock upon the Awardee ceasing to be an Employee except as provided
           below in Sections 12(c), (d) and (e). To the extent that the Awardee
           purchased the Restricted Stock, the Company shall have a right to
           repurchase the unvested Restricted Stock at the original price paid
           by the Awardee upon Awardee ceasing to be a Participant for any
           reason, except as provided below in Sections 12(c), (d) and (e).

        (c) Disability or Retirement of Awardee. Unless otherwise provided for
           by the Administrator in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee ceases to
           be an Employee as a result of the Awardee's total and permanent
           disability or retirement due to age, in accordance with the Company's
           or its Subsidiaries' retirement policy, the Award shall continue to
           vest, provided the following conditions are met:

           (i)  The Awardee shall not render services for any organization or
                engage directly or indirectly in any business which, in the
                opinion of the Administrator, competes with, or is in conflict
                with the interest of, the Company. The Awardee shall be free,
                however, to purchase as an investment or otherwise stock or
                other securities of such organizations as long as they are
                listed upon a recognized securities exchange or traded
                over-the-counter, or as long as such investment does not
                represent a substantial investment to the Awardee or a
                significant (greater than 10%) interest in the particular
                organization. For the purposes of this subsection, a company
                (other than a Subsidiary) which is engaged in the business of
                producing, leasing or selling products or providing services of
                the type now or at any time hereafter made or provided by the
                Company shall be deemed to compete with the Company;

           (ii)  The Awardee shall not, without prior written authorization from
                 the Company, use in other than the Company's business, any
                 confidential information or material relating to the business
                 of the Company, either during or after employment with the
                 Company;

           (iii) The Awardee shall disclose promptly and assign to the Company
                 all right, title and interest in any invention or idea,
                 patentable or not, made or conceived by the Awardee during
                 employment by the Company, relating in any manner to the actual
                 or anticipated business, research or development work of the
                 Company and shall do anything reasonably necessary to enable
                 the Company to secure a patent where appropriate in the United
                 States and in foreign countries; and

                                       A-9
<PAGE>   39

           (iv)  An Awardee retiring due to age shall render, as a Consultant
                 and not as an Employee, such advisory or consultative services
                 to the Company as shall be reasonably requested by the Board or
                 the Executive Committee in writing from time to time,
                 consistent with the state of the retired Awardee's health and
                 any employment or other activities in which such Awardee may be
                 engaged. For purposes of this Plan, the Awardee shall not be
                 required to devote a major portion of time to such services and
                 shall be entitled to reimbursement for any reasonable
                 out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
                 performance of such services.

        (d) Death of Awardee. Unless otherwise provided for by the Administrator
           in the Award Agreement, if an Awardee dies while an Employee, the
           Stock Award shall immediately vest and all forfeiture provisions and
           repurchase rights shall lapse as to a prorated number of shares
           determined by dividing the number of whole years since the Grant Date
           by the number of whole years between the Grant Date and the date that
           the Stock Award would have fully vested (as provided for in the Award
           Agreement). The vested portion of the Stock Award shall be delivered
           to the beneficiary designated by the Awardee (as provided in Section
           17), the executor or administrator of the Awardee's estate or, if
           none, by the person(s) entitled to receive the vested Stock Award
           under the Awardee's will or the laws of descent or distribution.

        (e) Voluntary Severance Incentive Program. If an Awardee ceases to be an
           Employee as a result of participation in the Company's or its
           Subsidiaries' voluntary severance incentive program approved by the
           Board or Executive Committee, the Stock Award shall immediately vest
           and all forfeiture provisions and repurchase rights shall lapse as to
           a prorated number of shares determined by dividing the number of
           whole years since the Grant Date by the number of whole years between
           the Grant Date and the date that the Stock Award would have fully
           vested (as provided for in the Award Agreement).

        (f) Rights as a Shareholder. Unless otherwise provided for by the
           Administrator, once the Stock Award is accepted, the Awardee shall
           have the rights equivalent to those of a shareholder, and shall be a
           shareholder when his or her acceptance of the Stock Award is entered
           upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the
           Company.

     13. CASH AWARDS. Cash Awards may be granted either alone, in addition to,
or in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan. After the Administrator
determines that it will offer a Cash Award, it shall advise the Awardee in
writing or electronically, by means of an Award Agreement, of the terms,
conditions and restrictions related to the Cash Award.

     14. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF AWARDS. Unless determined otherwise by the
Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by the beneficiary
designation, will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Awardee, only by the Awardee. If the
Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award shall contain such
additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

     15. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION, MERGER OR
ASSET SALE.

        (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
           shareholders of the Company, the number and kind of shares of Common
           Stock covered by each outstanding Award, and the number and kind of
           shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under
           the Plan but as to which no Awards have yet been granted or which
           have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an
           Award, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
           such outstanding Award, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
           increase or decrease in the number or kind of issued shares of Common
           Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
           dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any
           other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
           Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company;
           provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of
           the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without

                                      A-10
<PAGE>   40

           receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the
           Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding
           and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by
           the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
           convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no
           adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the
           number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award.

        (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution
           or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
           Awardee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such
           proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide
           for an Option or SAR to be fully vested and exercisable until ten
           (10) days prior to such transaction. In addition, the Administrator
           may provide that any restrictions on any Award shall lapse prior to
           the transaction, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation
           takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent
           it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate
           immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed transaction.

        (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event there is a change of control of
           the Company, as determined by the Board, the Board may, in its
           discretion, (A) provide for the assumption or substitution of, or
           adjustment to, each outstanding Award (B) accelerate the vesting of
           Options and SARs and terminate any restrictions on Cash Awards or
           Stock Awards and (C) provide for the cancellation of Awards for a
           cash payment to the Awardee.

     16. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

        (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter,
           suspend or terminate the Plan.

        (b) Shareholder Approval. The Company shall obtain shareholder approval
           of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
           with Applicable Laws.

        (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
           suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any
           Award, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Awardee and the
           Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the
           Awardee and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the
           Administrator's ability to exercise the powers granted to it
           hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the
           date of such termination.

     17. DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY.

        (a) An Awardee may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to
           receive the Awardee's rights pursuant to Awardee's Award or the
           Awardee may include his or her Awards in an omnibus beneficiary
           designation for all benefits under the Plan. To the extent that
           Awardee has completed a designation of beneficiary while employed
           with Hewlett-Packard Company, such beneficiary designation shall
           remain in effect with respect to any Award hereunder until changed by
           the Awardee.

        (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Awardee at any
           time by written notice. In the event of the death of an Awardee and
           in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who
           is living at the time of such Awardee's death, the Company shall
           allow the executor or administrator of the estate of the Awardee to
           exercise the Award, or if no such executor or administrator has been
           appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its
           discretion, may allow the spouse or one or more dependents or
           relatives of the Awardee to exercise the Award.

     18. LEGAL COMPLIANCE. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise
of an Option or Stock Award unless the exercise of such Option or Stock Award
and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws
and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
respect to such compliance.

                                      A-11
<PAGE>   41

     19. INABILITY TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY. To the extent the Company is unable to
or the Administrator deems it infeasible to obtain authority from any regulatory
body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to
be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the
Company shall be relieved of any liability with respect to the failure to issue
or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been
obtained.

     20. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will
at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

     21. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months of the date the Plan is
adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the
degree required under Applicable Laws.

     22. NOTICE. Any written notice to the Company required by any provisions of
this Plan shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Company and shall be
effective when received.

     23. GOVERNING LAW. This Plan and all determinations made and actions taken
pursuant hereto shall be governed by the substantive laws, but not the choice of
law rules, of the state of Delaware.

     24. UNFUNDED PLAN. Insofar as it provides for Awards, the Plan shall be
unfunded. Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to
Participants who are granted Awards of Shares under this Plan, any such accounts
will be used merely as a bookkeeping convenience. Except for the holding of
Restricted Stock in escrow pursuant to Section 12, the Company shall not be
required to segregate any assets which may at any time be represented by Awards,
nor shall this Plan be construed as providing for such segregation, nor shall
the Company nor the Administrator be deemed to be a trustee of stock or cash to
be awarded under the Plan. Any liability of the Company to any Awardee with
respect to an Award shall be based solely upon any contractual obligations which
may be created by the Plan; no such obligation of the Company shall be deemed to
be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Company.
Neither the Company nor the Administrator shall be required to give any security
or bond for the performance of any obligation which may be created by this Plan.

                                      A-12
<PAGE>   42

           ADDENDUM TO THE AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1999 STOCK PLAN

     Pursuant to Section 4(b)(vi) of the Plan the following modifications to the
Plan will apply in the countries as set forth below:

AUSTRALIA

     Pursuant to Section 4(b)(vi) of the Plan the following modifications to the
Plan will apply in Australia:

     A. Purpose. This Addendum (the "Australian Addendum") to the 1999 Stock
        Plan is hereby adopted to set out certain rules which, together with the
        provisions of the Plan which are not modified hereby, will govern the
        operation of the Plan with respect to Australian-resident employees of
        the Company.

     B. Definitions. Except as set forth below, capitalized terms used herein
        shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Plan. In the event of any
        conflict between these provisions and the Plan, these provisions shall
        prevail.

        For the purposes of this Australian Addendum:

        "Agilent" means Agilent Technologies, Inc. or its duly authorized
        subsidiary;

        "Australian Participants" means all persons to whom an offer or
        invitation of options over shares of common stock in Agilent is made in
        Australia under the Plan;

        "Plan" means collectively the 1999 Stock Plan and the Australian
        Addendum; and

     C. Form of Awards. Non-statutory Stock Options to acquire common stock in
        Agilent are the only Awards that will be granted to Australian
        Participants.

AUSTRIA

     Notwithstanding Section 3 herein, only newly issued shares will be issued
to employees in Austria pursuant to the Plan.

BRAZIL

     All stock options granted in Brazil will only be exercisable using the
cashless exercise method. Both full cashless exercise (proceeds remitted in
cash) and partial cashless exercise (proceeds remitted in stock) may be
permitted. Cash exercises are prohibited.

CHINA

     All stock options granted in China will only be exercisable using the
cashless exercise method. Only full cashless exercise (proceeds remitted in
cash) will be permitted. Cash exercises are prohibited.

FRANCE

     All options granted in France shall be subject to the additional terms and
conditions of the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Sub-Plan for French Employees.

INDIA

     All options granted in India shall be subject to the additional terms and
conditions of the Agilent Technologies, Inc. India Cashless Stock Option
Sub-Plan.

ITALY

     Notwithstanding Section 3 herein, only newly issued shares will be issued
to employees in Italy pursuant to the Plan.

SWITZERLAND

     Notwithstanding Section 8 herein, options granted in Switzerland shall have
a term of ten (10) years and six (6) months.

                                      A-13
<PAGE>   43

                                                                      APPENDIX B

                      AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER

I. MEMBERSHIP

     The Audit and Finance Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors
(the "Board") shall consist of at least three directors whose qualifications
include financial literacy, independence, and accounting or related financial
management expertise.

II. PURPOSE

     The Committee serves as the representative of the Board for the general
oversight of Company affairs in the area of financial accounting and reporting
and the underlying internal control environment. Through its activities, the
Committee facilitates open communication among directors, outside auditors, the
internal auditor and management by meeting in private session regularly with
these parties.

     The Committee also provides oversight regarding significant financial
matters, including borrowings, currency exposures, dividends, share issuance and
repurchases, and the financial aspects of the Company's benefit plans.

III. MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES

     The Committee shall convene at least four times each year. It shall
endeavor to determine that auditing procedures and controls are adequate to
safeguard Company assets and to assess compliance with Company policies and
legal requirements. The Committee shall be given full access to the Company's
internal auditors, Board Chairman, Company executives and outside auditors.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

     The Committee shall:

     1. Review and reassess at least annually the adequacy of this charter and
        submit the charter for approval of the full board.

     2. Select, evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the outside auditor,
        who is ultimately accountable to the Committee and the Board.

     3. Annually review and approve the proposed scope of each fiscal year's
        internal and outside audit and the proposed audit fee of the outside
        auditor at the beginning of each new fiscal year.

     4. Review non-audit services and fees for such services provided by the
        Company's outside auditor.

     5. At, or shortly after the end of each fiscal year, review with the
        outside auditors, the internal auditor and Company management, the
        audited financial statements and related opinion and costs of the audit
        of that year. In conferring with the outside auditor, the internal
        auditors and Company management, the Committee shall consider the
        following:

        a. Periodic written statements from the outside auditors delineating all
           services between the auditors and the Company or any other
           relationships that may adversely affect the independence and
           objectivity of the auditors, as well as recommending appropriate
           action to satisfy the Committee of the outside auditors'
           independence.

        b. The effectiveness of the audit and assurances that no restrictions
           were placed on the scope or performance of the examination.

        c. The effectiveness and adequacy of the Company's internal auditing
           plan and procedures, and quality of the control environment.

                                       B-1
<PAGE>   44

        d. Conducting open and frank discussions regarding the quality of
           accounting principles and the consistency of their application to the
           Company's financial statements.

     6. Review funding and investment policies, implementation of funding
        policies and investment performance of the Company's benefit plans.

     7. Provide any recommendations, certifications and reports that may be
        required by the NYSE or the SEC.

     8. Review and discuss, as needed, interim financial reports with management
        and the Company's outside auditors.

                                       B-2
<PAGE>   45

-----------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIRECTIONS TO
THE SOFITEL

FROM SOUTH

Take 101 North.

Exit Holly Street, follow sign for
Redwood Shores Parkway.

At second traffic signal turn left
on Twin Dolphin Drive.

Hotel is 1/2 mile on right side.

FROM NORTH

Take 101 South.

Exit Ralston/Belmont, follow sign
for Marine World Parkway.
At second traffic signal turn right
on Twin Dolphin Drive.

Hotel is 1/2 mile on left side.

FROM EAST BAY VIA HIGHWAY 92

Take Highway 92 West to 101 South.

Exit Ralston Belmont, follow sign for Marine World Parkway.

At second traffic signal, turn right on Twin Dolphin Drive.

Hotel is 1/2 mile on left side.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 [Agilent Logo]
                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 Hotel Sofitel
                             223 Twin Dolphin Drive
                             Redwood City, CA 94054
                          February 23, 2001 at 2 p.m.

                                   ADMIT ONE

                                 [AGILENT LOGO]
                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 Hotel Sofitel
                             223 Twin Dolphin Drive
                             Redwood City, CA 94054
                          February 23, 2001 at 2 p.m.

                                   ADMIT ONE

[5988-1685 ENUS]
                                LOGO
<PAGE>   46

                               FORM OF PROXY CARD

                           AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

  PLEASE MARK VOTE IN BRACKETS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY.[X]


THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR 1-3.

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>    <C>       <C>      <C>                               <C>   <C>      <C>
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS -- 01-James G. Cullen,          Withhold  For All  3. Proposal to approve Agilent    For  Against  Abstain
   02-Walter B. Hewlett, 03-Randall L. Tobias     For      All      Except     Technologies, Inc. 1999 Stock  [ ]    [ ]      [ ]
                                                  [ ]      [ ]       [ ]       Plan and the increase in the
                                                                               share reserve of 45,000,000
   ------------------------------------------                                  shares thereunder
   (Except nominee(s) written above)
2. Proposal to ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers      For    Against    Abstain
   LLP as Agilent's independent accountants       [ ]      [ ]        [ ]
</TABLE>


                                In their discretion the Proxies are authorized
                                to vote on such other business as may properly
                                come before the annual meeting.


                                THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED
                                IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED
                                STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
                                WILL BE VOTED FOR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 3.

---------------------        -------------------------
Signature                    Signature                    Dated:           ,2001
                                                                -----------

Please sign exactly as your name or names appear above. For joint accounts, each
owner should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or
guardian, etc., please give your full title.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           - DETACH PROXY CARD HERE -


[AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES LOGO]


                                      PROXY

                           AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
               ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - FEBRUARY 23, 2001
                 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

        The undersigned hereby appoints Edward W. Barnholt and D. Craig Nordlund
        and each of them as proxies for the undersigned, with full power of
        substitution, to act and to vote all the shares of Common Stock of
        Agilent Technologies, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on December
        26, 2000, at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Friday,
        February 23, 2001, or any adjournment thereof.


      IMPORTANT - THIS PROXY MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.



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