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Labcorp Holdings (LH)
NYSE:LH

Labcorp Holdings (LH) AI Stock Analysis

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LH

Labcorp Holdings

(NYSE:LH)

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Outperform 70 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
$311.00
▲(8.56% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/18/26
The score is driven by improving operational outlook and supportive technical momentum (price above key moving averages with positive MACD), partly offset by only solid—not exceptional—financial consistency (margin and FCF variability) and a relatively high P/E with a modest dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Biopharma Central Labs Backlog
A large, converting central-lab backlog and book-to-bill >1 provide durable revenue visibility from biopharma customers. High backlog (~$8.7B with ~$2.7B expected to convert in 12 months) underpins multi-quarter organic growth and reduces short-term cyclicality tied to single-program timing.
Product & Technology Innovation
Sustained test launches, an FDA-cleared Alzheimer's blood test, rising esoteric share (37.5% to 41.5%) and AI/automation investments strengthen differentiation and higher-margin service mix. This expands clinical offerings, supports pricing power in specialty testing, and drives durable competitive advantage.
Consistent Cash Generation & Capital Flexibility
Recurring positive free cash flow (~$1.2B) plus active buybacks, dividends and M&A demonstrates strong cash conversion and disciplined allocation. Combined with extended receivables facility and manageable leverage, this gives flexibility to invest in growth (capex, central lab), return capital, and support strategic acquisitions over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Margin Compression & Profitability Volatility
Margins have materially compressed from prior-cycle peaks and profitability remains volatile, which weakens earnings resilience. Persistent margin pressure limits free cash flow upside, constrains reinvestment capacity, and increases sensitivity to volume and reimbursement changes over the medium term.
Early Development (BLS) Weakness & Restructuring
Significant ED revenue decline and active streamlining (targeted ~$50M annual revenue reduction) signal structural weaknesses in a higher-growth subsegment. While aimed at improving margins, the shift reduces revenue diversification and could impair client relationships or future pipeline work, pressuring medium-term BLS growth.
Reimbursement & Regulatory Uncertainty (PAMA)
Ongoing uncertainty around PAMA and reimbursement reforms creates pricing and revenue unpredictability for diagnostic services. Delays and legislative risk complicate long-range planning, may suppress margin recovery, and keep a nagging downside to cash flows until a durable regulatory outcome is established.

Labcorp Holdings (LH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Labcorp Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLabcorp Holdings, Inc. provides laboratory services to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. The company was founded on April 16, 2024 and is headquartered in Burlington, NC.
How the Company Makes MoneyLabcorp generates revenue primarily through its two main segments: Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development. The Diagnostics segment earns money by providing a broad array of laboratory testing services, including blood tests, genetic testing, and other specialized tests to hospitals, physicians, and patients. This segment benefits from high volume, as it serves a vast network of healthcare providers and has a significant presence in the outpatient testing market. The Drug Development segment earns revenue by offering clinical trial services, laboratory testing, and related services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, aiding in the development of new drugs. Key revenue streams include service fees for tests and trials, contracts with healthcare providers, and partnerships with pharmaceutical firms for drug development projects. Additionally, Labcorp's extensive laboratory network and technological advancements help reduce operational costs and improve efficiency, further contributing to its earnings.

Labcorp Holdings Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Breaks down sales across various business divisions, revealing which segments are contributing most to the top line and where there might be potential for expansion or risk.
Chart InsightsLabcorp's Diagnostics segment is experiencing a robust recovery, with consistent growth since 2023, supported by strategic acquisitions and innovations in testing capabilities. The recent earnings call highlights an 8.5% revenue increase, driven by strong organic growth and margin improvements. Conversely, the Drug Development segment faced a significant dip in 2023 but is gradually recovering. Challenges in Early Development are prompting site consolidations, potentially affecting future revenue. The company's focus on high-growth therapeutic areas and AI-driven efficiencies positions it well for sustained growth, despite regulatory and currency challenges.
Data provided by:The Fly

Labcorp Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 17, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call portrays a fundamentally strong and growing business: solid full-year revenue and EPS growth, margin expansion, robust central lab backlog and book-to-bill, continued product launches and AI/automation investments, plus a constructive 2026 guidance. Offsetting risks include a meaningful decline in early development revenue (being actively addressed via streamlining), a one-off Q4 volume hit from a large consumer-genetics client and weather, higher near-term capital spending for a new central lab facility, and ongoing reimbursement/regulatory uncertainty (PAMA). On balance, the positives (organic growth, margin expansion, strong backlog/book-to-bill, innovation and disciplined capital allocation) outweigh the headwinds, though management expects some transitional impacts in ED and incremental capex this year.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Full-Year Revenue and EPS Growth
2025 enterprise revenue grew over 7% year-over-year and adjusted EPS grew 13% for the full year; management noted adjusted EPS growth of ~13% and margins improved by over 50 basis points versus prior year.
Robust Q4 Financial Performance
Q4 2025 revenue was $3.5 billion, up 5.6% YoY (organic +3.8%); adjusted operating income was $488 million (13.9% of revenue) vs $423 million (12.7% prior year); Q4 adjusted EPS was $4.07, up 18% YoY.
Diagnostics Segment Strength
Diagnostics Q4 revenue $2.7 billion, up 5.5% YoY with organic growth of 4.1%; total volume increased 2.2%; price/mix rose 3.3%; Diagnostics adjusted operating income $419 million (15.4% margin), up 150 basis points YoY.
Biopharma / Central Labs Momentum
Central Labs revenue in BLS grew 11.1% in the quarter (7.7% constant currency); BLS segment book-to-bill was strong at 1.16 for the quarter and 1.09 trailing 12 months; backlog ended Q4 at $8.7 billion with ~$2.7 billion expected to convert in 12 months.
Cash Generation and Capital Allocation
Full-year free cash flow was $1.2 billion (up 10% YoY). In Q4 the company invested $258 million in acquisitions, repurchased $225 million of stock and paid $59 million of dividends; share repurchase authorization remaining ~ $800 million.
Strategic M&A and Asset Wins
Completed multiple acquisitions and asset deals in Q4 and subsequent period (Parkview select outreach agreement, Community Health Systems outreach assets, Incyte Diagnostics anatomic pathology assets, and Empire City Labs assets post-quarter), contributing to >$1 billion of revenue growth over the past three years from hospital/regional deals.
Product and Technology Innovation
Launched 130+ new tests in 2025 focused on oncology, women's health, neurology and autoimmune disease; esoteric testing grew double-digits and increased share from 37.5% (Q1 2023) to 41.5% (Q4 2025). Introduced FDA-cleared blood test for Alzheimer's, expanded MRD testing, expanded OnDemand to 200+ biomarkers, and advanced AI/automation (pathology, cytology, microbiology) and a Roche automated mass spectrometry agreement.
2026 Outlook Showing Continued Growth
2026 guidance: enterprise revenue growth 4.7%–6% (midpoint ~5.4%), adjusted EPS $17.65–$18.25 implying ~9% growth at midpoint, free cash flow guidance $1.24B–$1.36B, expected margin expansion across both segments, and LaunchPad savings targeted $100M–$125M annually.
Negative Updates
Early Development (ED) Revenue Decline
BLS early development revenue declined 13.5% in Q4 (15.1% constant currency). Management is streamlining the ED business, expecting to reduce annual revenue by ~$50 million to improve operating income, with actions largely completed by end of Q2 2026.
Q4 Volume Softness from One Large Client and Weather
Organic diagnostic volume in Q4 was lighter (organic volume contributed ~1.1% to the 2.2% total volume increase). Management cited lower referrals from a large consumer genetic client facing financial challenges and adverse weather as contributors; they indicated the client impact was a one-time event with recoveries underway.
Q4 Free Cash Flow Timing Dip
Q4 free cash flow was $490 million versus $665 million in prior-year quarter (decrease primarily driven by working capital timing), though full-year free cash flow increased 10% to $1.2 billion.
Regulatory & Reimbursement Uncertainty (PAMA)
PAMA reimbursement reform remains delayed through Dec 31, 2026; uncertainty persists and management continues to push for permanent reform via the RESULTS Act. Previously estimated potential incremental savings of $25M–$30M if PAMA enacted remain a source of variability.
Incremental CapEx and Elevated Spend for New Facility
2026 capital expenditures expected to be ~4% of revenue (higher than prior year) due in part to investment in a new 500,000+ sq. ft. strategic central lab and kit production facility to support long-term growth; higher near-term spend could pressure near-term free cash flow cadence.
ACA Exchange Tax Credit Headwind
Expiration of ACA tax credits was estimated to reduce diagnostic volume by ~30 basis points in 2026; management has included this assumption in 2026 guidance and continues to monitor enrollment/utilization.
Company Guidance
Labcorp's 2026 guidance calls for enterprise revenue growth of 4.7%–6.0% (midpoint 5.4%), with Diagnostics up 5%–6% and Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS) up 3%–5%; Central Labs is expected to grow mid‑single‑digit organic (constant currency) while Early Development is relatively flat. Adjusted EPS is guided to $17.65–$18.25 (midpoint implying ~9% growth), adjusted tax rate ≈23%, net interest ≈$230M, free cash flow $1.24B–$1.36B (seasonally weighted to H2), and capital expenditures about 4% of revenue to begin a new 500,000+ sq ft central lab/kit facility; LaunchPad savings are expected in line with the long‑term $100M–$125M/year target. The outlook incorporates a ~40bps FX tailwind enterprise‑wide (~170bps for BLS), the PAMA delay through 12/31/2026, adverse weather YTD, and plans to deploy FCF for acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends (≈$800M repurchase authorization remaining); FY‑end liquidity and leverage metrics cited were $532M cash, $5.6B total debt (≈2.3x gross debt/TTM adjusted EBITDA), backlog $8.7B with ~$2.7B expected to convert in 12 months, and segment book‑to‑bill of 1.16 for the quarter and 1.09 TTM.

Labcorp Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid but not best-in-class fundamentals: revenue momentum improved (notably into 2025) and the balance sheet looks stable with manageable leverage, but margins have compressed versus prior peak years and free cash flow has been uneven, reducing visibility.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Revenue has grown steadily from 2023 to 2025 (with a sharp acceleration in 2025), but profitability has been volatile and below prior-cycle peaks. Gross margin has compressed versus 2020–2022, and net margin—while improving in 2024–2025—remains well below 2021 levels. EBIT/EBITDA profitability is positive overall, but margin consistency has weakened, suggesting a more challenging cost/price environment.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
Leverage appears manageable for the industry: debt-to-equity sits in a moderate range and improved in 2025 versus 2024, while equity remains sizable relative to total assets. Returns on equity have recovered from 2023 and improved further in 2024–2025, though still meaningfully below the strong profitability period seen in 2020–2022. Overall, the balance sheet looks stable, with the main watch item being the still-material debt load.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
The company consistently generates positive operating cash flow and free cash flow, which is a key strength. However, free cash flow has been choppy—down in 2022 and 2023, rebounding in 2024, then declining again in 2025—reducing visibility. Free cash flow has covered a meaningful portion of earnings across years, but cash conversion is not consistently strong enough to offset the variability in free cash flow trends.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue13.95B13.01B12.16B11.86B13.14B
Gross Profit3.73B3.62B3.36B3.71B4.99B
EBITDA2.01B1.81B1.35B1.95B3.68B
Net Income876.50M746.00M418.00M1.28B2.38B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets18.39B18.38B16.73B20.16B20.39B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments532.30M1.52B536.80M320.60M1.47B
Total Debt7.20B7.27B5.95B6.25B6.34B
Total Liabilities9.76B10.31B8.83B10.04B10.09B
Stockholders Equity8.62B8.05B7.88B10.10B10.27B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.21B1.10B874.10M1.47B2.65B
Operating Cash Flow1.64B1.59B1.33B1.96B3.11B
Investing Cash Flow-1.19B-1.37B-1.17B-1.65B-884.60M
Financing Cash Flow-1.46B779.90M-59.30M-1.32B-2.07B

Labcorp Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price286.47
Price Trends
50DMA
267.60
Positive
100DMA
266.75
Positive
200DMA
264.30
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
5.14
Negative
RSI
59.65
Neutral
STOCH
86.65
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 286.47 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 280.48, above the 50-day MA of 267.60, and above the 200-day MA of 264.30, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 5.14 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 59.65 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 86.65 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for LH.

Labcorp Holdings Risk Analysis

Labcorp Holdings disclosed 47 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Labcorp Holdings reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Labcorp Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
$23.61B27.6410.51%1.14%8.28%97.24%
70
Neutral
$23.10B24.2414.17%1.80%13.74%14.87%
69
Neutral
$24.30B34.9110.44%0.94%5.15%60.30%
68
Neutral
$17.28B70.1118.12%27.12%-41.72%
64
Neutral
$27.60B21.367.39%5.00%-1.03%
59
Neutral
$29.57B22.1821.64%3.85%-4.74%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LH
Labcorp Holdings
286.47
35.13
13.98%
BIIB
Biogen
188.05
46.34
32.70%
PODD
Insulet
245.45
-27.19
-9.97%
DGX
Quest Diagnostics
210.25
36.53
21.03%
STE
Steris
247.77
27.26
12.36%
IQV
IQVIA Holdings
174.27
-10.58
-5.72%

Labcorp Holdings Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Labcorp Holdings Adds John Sampson to Board
Positive
Feb 9, 2026

Labcorp Holdings Inc., the Burlington, N.C.-based provider of diagnostic and drug development laboratory services, has expanded its board with the appointment of John H. Sampson, M.D., Ph.D., MHSc, MBA, effective February 9, 2026. Sampson, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, brings clinical, research and health system leadership experience in oncology, neuroscience, women’s health and personalized medicine that aligns with Labcorp’s strategic priorities.

The company also named Sampson to its Quality and Compliance Committee, signaling a focus on strengthening clinical rigor and governance across its global operations. His background as a practicing neurosurgeon, member of the National Academy of Medicine and prolific researcher in neurologic disease is expected to bolster Labcorp’s efforts to advance earlier diagnosis, personalized medicine and new therapy development for its worldwide customer base.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Buy with a $319.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Labcorp Extends Receivables Facility, Enhances Liquidity Flexibility
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

Labcorp Holdings Inc. reported that on January 28, 2026, it executed a second amendment to its receivables purchase agreement through its special-purpose entity, Labcorp Receivables LLC, with PNC Bank as administrative agent and other parties. The amendment extended the facility’s scheduled termination date to January 26, 2029, added a committed $125 million accordion feature that allows Labcorp Receivables to increase the facility size from $700 million to up to $825 million by May 29, 2026, and removed a 0.10% SOFR adjustment previously applied to the capital accruing yield. The structure keeps Labcorp Receivables as a separate legal entity whose assets are available first to its own creditors, with any excess collections potentially remitted to Labcorp, underscoring the company’s continued use of off-balance-sheet-like receivables financing to enhance liquidity while maintaining creditor protections.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Buy with a $291.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Labcorp Schedules Q4 2025 Earnings Release and Call
Neutral
Jan 15, 2026

On January 15, 2026, Labcorp Holdings announced plans to release its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 before the market opens on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, followed by a 9 a.m. ET conference call and webcast for investors and analysts. The earnings release, detailed financial information, and a replay of the webcast—available for nearly a year, until February 4, 2027—will be accessible via the company’s investor relations website, signaling Labcorp’s continued emphasis on transparency and engagement with the financial community as it reports on its recent operating performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Hold with a $273.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Labcorp Holdings Board Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Positive
Jan 14, 2026

On January 14, 2026, Labcorp Holdings Inc. announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.72 per share of common stock, payable on March 12, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 27, 2026. The move signals continued commitment to returning capital to shareholders and reflects management’s confidence in the company’s cash generation and financial stability, which may bolster Labcorp’s appeal to income-focused investors in the healthcare and diagnostics sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Buy with a $325.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Labcorp to Present at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Neutral
Dec 30, 2025

On December 30, 2025, Labcorp announced it would participate in a fireside chat at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, January 13 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The session, which will be accessible via a live audio webcast on the company’s investor relations website and archived for replay, underscores Labcorp’s ongoing efforts to engage with the investment community and highlight its role in the global diagnostics and drug development ecosystem.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Buy with a $308.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Labcorp Holdings Announces Executive Retirement
Neutral
Dec 15, 2025

On December 9, 2025, Labcorp Holdings announced that Mark Schroeder, the Executive Vice President and President of Diagnostics Laboratories and Chief Operations Officer, will retire on April 1, 2026. This announcement marks a significant leadership change for the company, potentially impacting its operational strategies and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Hold with a $290.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Labcorp Announces Board Member Retirement
Neutral
Dec 10, 2025

On December 10, 2025, Labcorp Holdings announced the retirement of Dr. D. Gary Gilliland from its Board of Directors, effective December 31, 2025. Dr. Gilliland, who has been a director since 2014, played a crucial role in the company’s growth and innovation in oncology and gene therapy, significantly contributing to Labcorp’s position as a trusted leader in laboratory services.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Buy with a $287.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Labcorp Holdings Appoints Victor Bulto to Board
Positive
Nov 24, 2025

Labcorp Holdings announced the appointment of Victor Bulto, President of Novartis U.S., to its Board of Directors, effective December 1, 2025. Bulto brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership, having managed Novartis’ $20+ billion U.S. operations across key therapeutic areas. His expertise in transformation and innovation is expected to support Labcorp’s strategic priorities in advancing healthcare innovation and delivering value to customers and shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (LH) stock is a Hold with a $270.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Labcorp Holdings stock, see the LH 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: Feb 18, 2026