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Quest Diagnostics (DGX)
NYSE: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
▲(4.58% 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
Continued strong utilization trends, increased demand, and expansion of enterprise accounts all contributed to growth.
Guidance
Full-year guidance for both revenue and earnings was raised by more than the beats in the second-quarter update.
Negative Factors
Legislative 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 Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. It offers diagnostic information services primarily under the Quest Diagnostics brand, as well as under the AmeriPath, Dermpath Diagnostics, ExamOne, and Quanum brands to patients, clinicians, hospitals, independent delivery networks, health plans, employers, direct contract entities, and accountable care organizations through a network of laboratories, patient service centers, phlebotomists in physician offices, call centers and mobile paramedics, nurses, and other health and wellness professionals. The company also provides risk assessment services for the life insurance industry; and healthcare organizations and clinicians robust information technology solutions. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey.
How the Company Makes MoneyQuest Diagnostics generates revenue primarily through its diagnostic testing services. The company earns money by performing laboratory tests for healthcare providers, hospitals, and patients, billing insurance companies and patients directly for these services. Key revenue streams include routine testing, which constitutes a significant portion of their business, and specialized testing, such as genetic and molecular diagnostics. Additionally, Quest Diagnostics has established partnerships with numerous healthcare organizations and payers, which help to expand their reach and enhance service offerings. The company also derives income from health and wellness programs, providing employers with testing services that promote employee health and manage healthcare costs.

Quest Diagnostics Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Net Revenue Growth by Segment
Net Revenue Growth by Segment
Chart Insights
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Quest Diagnostics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 22, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 28, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Quest Diagnostics reported strong top-line and bottom-line growth driven by strategic acquisitions, operational improvements, and expansion in advanced diagnostics. While there were challenges related to tariffs, wage increases, and potential legislative impacts, the company managed these within its guidance and raised its full-year outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Top-Line Growth
Quest Diagnostics reported a 15.2% increase in top-line growth, with 5.2% organic revenue growth driven by innovative clinical solutions and expanded business from enterprise accounts.
Operational Excellence and Cost Savings
The company targeted 3% annual cost savings through its Invigorate program, deploying automation and AI technologies. Employee retention improved, contributing to productivity gains.
Advanced Diagnostics Expansion
Double-digit revenue growth was achieved in advanced cardiometabolic, autoimmune, and brain health diagnostics, with significant growth in Alzheimer's disease testing.
Acquisitions Driving Growth
Acquisitions contributed significantly to growth, particularly the LifeLabs acquisition, which accounted for approximately 8% of the 10% M&A-driven growth.
Increased Full-Year 2025 Guidance
The full-year revenue guidance was raised to between $10.8 billion and $10.92 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $9.63 to $9.83.
Negative Updates
Tariffs and Wage Increases Impact
The company faced impacts from tariffs in China and Europe and wage increases, although these were managed within the updated guidance.
Revenue Per Requisition Decline
Total revenue per requisition decreased by 0.4% compared to the prior year, primarily due to the impact of the LifeLabs acquisition, which carries a lower revenue per requisition.
Potential Impact of Legislative Changes
Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and PAMA changes, with possible effects on the number of insured individuals and Quest's volumes.
Company Guidance
During the Quest Diagnostics second quarter 2025 conference call, the company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, highlighting a strong quarter with a 15.2% increase in top-line growth, including a 5.2% organic revenue growth. Adjusted earnings per share rose by 11.5% due to productivity gains from automation and digitization. The company reported consolidated revenues of $2.76 billion, with diagnostic information services up 15.7%. Total volume increased by 16.3%, driven primarily by acquisitions like LifeLabs, which contributed approximately 8% to the 10% growth from M&A. The adjusted EPS for the quarter was $2.62, with cash from operations increasing 67.1% year-over-year. The updated full-year guidance projects revenues between $10.8 billion and $10.92 billion, with adjusted EPS in the range of $9.63 to $9.83. Organic revenue growth is expected to be between 3.5% to 4%, with further contributions from acquisitions. The company also emphasized its focus on operational improvements through Project Nova and the Invigorate program, aiming for annual cost savings and productivity improvements of 3%.

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.
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.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue10.52B9.87B9.25B9.88B10.79B9.44B
Gross Profit3.48B3.24B3.07B3.43B4.21B3.63B
EBITDA1.93B1.89B1.73B1.82B3.16B2.41B
Net Income949.00M871.00M854.00M946.00M2.00B1.43B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets15.97B16.15B14.02B12.84B13.61B14.03B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments319.00M549.00M686.00M315.00M872.00M1.16B
Total Debt6.38B7.09B5.50B4.71B4.77B4.81B
Total Liabilities8.62B9.26B7.60B6.83B7.05B7.13B
Stockholders Equity7.23B6.78B6.31B5.89B6.44B6.76B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.22B909.00M864.00M1.31B1.83B1.59B
Operating Cash Flow1.68B1.33B1.27B1.72B2.23B2.00B
Investing Cash Flow-2.37B-2.55B-1.06B-543.00M21.00M-772.00M
Financing Cash Flow746.00M1.08B160.00M-1.73B-2.54B-1.27B

Quest Diagnostics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price179.76
Price Trends
50DMA
174.84
Positive
100DMA
173.52
Positive
200DMA
166.85
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.23
Negative
RSI
56.02
Neutral
STOCH
30.33
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 179.76 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 177.57, above the 50-day MA of 174.84, and above the 200-day MA of 166.85, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.23 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 30.33 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 (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$31.92B27.2019.80%3.53%-10.72%
70
Neutral
$20.17B21.3613.65%1.72%12.58%13.00%
70
Neutral
$22.74B-24.32%44.38%22.87%
65
Neutral
$15.17B12.5068.11%-3.32%
61
Neutral
$10.59B39.103.61%0.31%3.33%32.86%
51
Neutral
$7.83B-0.18-40.10%2.29%21.46%-2.03%
48
Neutral
$8.73B-35.51%12.56%-464.28%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DGX
Quest Diagnostics
179.76
27.83
18.32%
EXAS
Exact Sciences
46.71
-14.44
-23.61%
ILMN
Illumina
99.54
-32.16
-24.42%
RVTY
Revvity
88.59
-32.38
-26.77%
IQV
IQVIA Holdings
188.80
-58.75
-23.73%
NTRA
Natera
163.04
44.23
37.23%

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