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Quest Diagnostics (DGX)
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Quest Diagnostics (DGX) AI Stock Analysis

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DGX

Quest Diagnostics

(NYSE:DGX)

Rating:70Neutral
Price Target:
$188.00
▲(9.02% Upside)
Quest Diagnostics receives a strong overall score driven by solid financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment. The company exhibits healthy profitability and cash flow, boosted by successful acquisitions and operational improvements. However, mixed revenue growth and moderate technical indicators slightly temper the outlook.
Positive Factors
Earnings
Quest Diagnostics reported strong second-quarter results with sales and adjusted earnings per share exceeding expectations, driven by significant revenue growth through healthcare provider channels and expanded payer access.
Growth
Quest Diagnostics is experiencing increased volume and utilization from expanded payer access and new client growth.
Market Confidence
Analysts remain constructive on Quest Diagnostics shares, highlighting robust core business results that can counteract potential headwinds.
Negative Factors
Legislation Impacts
The outlook over the near- and long-term remains intact despite potential headwinds from legislative impacts.
Regulatory Challenges
Potential macro changes tied to eroding Medicaid/HIX volumes are seen as potential headwinds for DGX.

Quest Diagnostics (DGX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Quest Diagnostics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionQuest Diagnostics (DGX) is a leading provider of diagnostic information services in the United States. The company operates in the healthcare sector, focusing on offering a wide range of diagnostic testing services, including routine testing, non-routine and specialized testing, and esoteric testing. Quest Diagnostics serves various clients, including patients, physicians, hospitals, employers, and health insurance companies, playing a crucial role in enhancing patient care and improving healthcare outcomes.
How the Company Makes MoneyQuest Diagnostics generates revenue primarily through the provision of diagnostic testing services. The company's revenue model is based on performing laboratory tests on specimens sent by healthcare providers, employers, and patients. Key revenue streams include routine clinical testing, which encompasses a wide variety of tests that are commonly prescribed by physicians. Additionally, Quest Diagnostics offers esoteric testing, which involves more complex and specialized tests that require advanced technologies. Another significant source of revenue is anatomic pathology services, which include the examination of tissue samples. The company also partners with hospitals and clinics to manage their laboratory operations, providing both in-house testing services and access to Quest's extensive network. Moreover, Quest Diagnostics benefits from strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations, which help expand its service offerings and market reach.

Quest Diagnostics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 22, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 3.60%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 28, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a positive outlook for Quest Diagnostics, highlighting robust revenue and EPS growth, successful acquisitions, and operational improvements. While there are concerns regarding tariffs and potential healthcare policy impacts, the overall performance and future guidance are strong.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Quest Diagnostics reported a 15.2% increase in consolidated revenues, with a 5.2% organic revenue growth and diagnostic information services revenues up by 15.7%.
Increased Earnings Per Share
Adjusted EPS grew by 11.5% to $2.62, compared to $2.35 the prior year, reflecting strong top-line growth and productivity gains.
Successful Acquisitions
Acquisitions contributed significantly to growth, with a notable 20% revenue growth in the physician channel and an 8% contribution to M&A growth from LifeLabs.
Operational Improvements
Quest continues to target 3% annual cost savings through its Invigorate program, with automation and AI technologies being deployed to improve quality and productivity.
Increased Cash Flow
Cash from operations increased by 67.1% year-over-year to $858 million, driven by higher operating income and a one-time CARES Act tax credit.
Raised Full-Year Guidance
Quest Diagnostics raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to between $10.8 billion and $10.92 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to be in a range of $9.63 to $9.83.
Negative Updates
Impact of Tariffs
Quest is absorbing the impact of tariffs from China and Europe within its guidance, though specifics on the financial impact were not disclosed.
Revenue Per Requisition Decline
Total revenue per requisition decreased by 0.4% versus the prior year, primarily due to the impact of the LifeLabs acquisition.
Potential Impact from Healthcare Policy Changes
Concerns over the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill and PAMA legislative changes were discussed, though Quest estimates minimal impact on 2026 volumes.
Company Guidance
In the second quarter of 2025, Quest Diagnostics reported robust financial performance, leading to an upward revision of their full-year guidance. The company achieved a 15.2% top-line growth, driven by 5.2% organic revenue growth and significant contributions from recent acquisitions. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 11.5%, supported by productivity gains from automation and advanced technologies. Consolidated revenues for the quarter reached $2.76 billion, with diagnostic information services revenues up by 15.7%. The reported EPS stood at $2.47, while adjusted EPS was $2.62. Quest raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $10.8 billion and $10.92 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $9.63 to $9.83. The updated guidance assumes 3.5% to 4% organic revenue growth and includes contributions from acquisitions completed in 2024. Operational improvements and strong demand for innovative clinical solutions were highlighted as key growth enablers.

Quest Diagnostics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Quest Diagnostics presents a solid financial profile with strong profitability and efficient cash flow management. While revenue growth has been mixed, the company maintains a healthy operational structure with strong margins. The balance sheet indicates moderate leverage, which should be monitored to avoid potential risks. Overall, Quest Diagnostics is well-positioned but would benefit from improved revenue growth consistency.
Income Statement
68
Positive
Quest Diagnostics shows strong profitability with a stable gross profit margin of approximately 33% and a net profit margin of 12.04% TTM. However, revenue growth has been inconsistent, with a slight decline from 2022 to 2024, but a positive uptick in 2025. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy, reflecting efficient operations, but there is room for improvement in revenue growth consistency.
Balance Sheet
64
Positive
The company's balance sheet is moderately leveraged with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88 TTM. The equity ratio of 45.27% indicates a stable equity base, but the increasing debt levels over the years may pose potential risks. Return on equity is strong at 17.53% TTM, showing effective use of equity to generate profits.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Quest Diagnostics demonstrates robust cash flow management with a consistent operating cash flow and a free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.97 TTM, indicating efficient cash conversion. Free cash flow growth is strong, though it has fluctuated in the past amid capital expenditures and financing activities.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue9.87B9.25B9.88B10.79B9.44B
Gross Profit3.24B3.07B3.43B4.21B3.63B
EBITDA1.89B1.73B1.82B3.16B2.41B
Net Income871.00M854.00M946.00M2.00B1.43B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets16.15B14.02B12.84B13.61B14.03B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments549.00M686.00M315.00M872.00M1.16B
Total Debt7.09B5.50B4.71B4.77B4.81B
Total Liabilities9.26B7.60B6.83B7.05B7.13B
Stockholders Equity6.78B6.31B5.89B6.44B6.76B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow909.00M864.00M1.31B1.83B1.59B
Operating Cash Flow1.33B1.27B1.72B2.23B2.00B
Investing Cash Flow-2.55B-1.06B-543.00M21.00M-772.00M
Financing Cash Flow1.08B160.00M-1.73B-2.54B-1.27B

Quest Diagnostics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price172.44
Price Trends
50DMA
173.30
Negative
100DMA
171.56
Positive
200DMA
164.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.72
Negative
RSI
53.79
Neutral
STOCH
50.91
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DGX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 172.44 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 169.71, below the 50-day MA of 173.30, and above the 200-day MA of 164.66, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.72 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.79 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 50.91 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for DGX.

Quest Diagnostics Risk Analysis

Quest Diagnostics disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Quest Diagnostics reported the most risks in the "Tech & Innovation" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Quest Diagnostics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$31.27B25.7119.80%3.53%-10.72%
70
Neutral
$19.38B20.7213.65%1.81%12.58%13.00%
67
Neutral
$0.0012.3868.11%-3.32%
64
Neutral
$19.13B-18.66%51.50%53.23%
63
Neutral
€5.97B18.62-1.87%2.13%0.91%-39.98%
63
Neutral
$0.0037.453.70%0.32%3.33%
54
Neutral
$8.93B-36.89%11.57%-315.25%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DGX
Quest Diagnostics
172.44
25.24
17.15%
EXAS
Exact Sciences
47.36
-9.90
-17.29%
ILMN
Illumina
97.76
-28.94
-22.84%
RVTY
Revvity
88.68
-30.13
-25.36%
IQV
IQVIA Holdings
183.93
-52.14
-22.09%
NTRA
Natera
140.12
32.42
30.10%

Quest Diagnostics Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Quest Diagnostics Elects Directors at Annual Meeting
Neutral
May 22, 2025

At the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 15, 2025, Quest Diagnostics announced the election of several directors for terms expiring at the 2026 Annual Meeting. The meeting also saw the approval of executive officer compensation and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025. However, a stockholder proposal regarding calling a special meeting of stockholders was not approved.

The most recent analyst rating on (DGX) stock is a Buy with a $177.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quest Diagnostics stock, see the DGX Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 02, 2025