Quest Diagnostics Raises 2026 EPS Guidance Amid Strong Q1 Results
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
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Should l Buy DGX?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Guidance Upgrade: Quest Diagnostics has raised its adjusted diluted EPS guidance for 2026 to a range of $10.63 to $10.83, up from the previous range of $10.50 to $10.70, indicating strong confidence in future profitability.
- Revenue Outlook Improvement: The company now expects net revenues for 2026 to be between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, revised from the prior outlook of $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, reflecting growth in market demand and business expansion potential.
- Strong Q1 Performance: In the first quarter, Quest reported a net income of $252 million, or $2.24 per share, compared to $220 million, or $1.94 per share, last year, demonstrating enhanced competitiveness in the market.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Revenue for the first quarter rose 9.1% to $2.89 billion from $2.65 billion last year, showcasing the company's sustained growth momentum in the medical testing sector.
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Analyst Views on DGX
Wall Street analysts forecast DGX stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 195.020
Low
190.00
Averages
203.33
High
210.00
Current: 195.020
Low
190.00
Averages
203.33
High
210.00
About DGX
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is a provider of diagnostic information services. The Company provides diagnostic insights from the results of its laboratory testing to enable people, physicians, and organizations to take action to improve health outcomes. It operates through the DIS segment, which provides diagnostic information services to a range of customers within its primary customer channels: physicians, hospitals, and patients and consumers. It offers broad access to clinical testing through a nationwide network of laboratories, patient service centers, phlebotomists in physician offices, and connectivity resources, including call centers and mobile phlebotomists, nurses and other health and wellness professionals. It also focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology solutions. The Company’s services primarily are provided under the Quest Diagnostics brand and under other brands, including AmeriPath, Dermpath Diagnostics, ExamOne, and Quanum.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Quest Diagnostics Set to Announce Q1 Earnings with Strong Estimates
- Earnings Announcement Date: Quest Diagnostics is set to release its Q1 earnings on April 21 before market open, with consensus EPS estimated at $2.37, reflecting a 7.2% year-over-year increase, which indicates sustained profitability and could boost investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: The anticipated Q1 revenue of $2.83 billion represents a 6.8% year-over-year growth, highlighting strong demand in the medical testing sector and potentially laying the groundwork for future business expansion.
- Historical Performance: Over the past two years, Quest Diagnostics has beaten both EPS and revenue estimates 100% of the time, showcasing its financial robustness and market adaptability, which enhances investor confidence in its future performance.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen 5 upward revisions and 6 downward adjustments, while revenue estimates experienced 9 upward revisions with no downward changes, indicating analysts' optimistic outlook on the company's future performance, likely attracting more investor interest.
See More
UnitedHealth Group Raises Profit Outlook Following Strong Earnings Report
- Profit Outlook Raised: UnitedHealth Group (UNH) saw its stock jump over 5% ahead of the market open, driven by profits exceeding analyst expectations and revenue rising from $109.58 billion in the prior year to $111.72 billion, with a full-year 2026 profit outlook now exceeding $18.25 per share, up from $17.75.
- Rising Operating Costs: The operating cost ratio increased from 12.4% in 2025 to 13.8%, yet investors remained unfazed as this was seen as necessary incremental investments in personnel, processes, and technology, including AI, indicating a strategic focus on future growth.
- Semiconductor Sector Surge: The Philadelphia Semiconductor Sector Index (SOX) has rallied 30% over the past 13 days, marking its largest increase since 2002, fueled by positive earnings momentum and optimism surrounding AI, suggesting a robust recovery in the sector.
- Earnings Reports on the Horizon: Tractor Supply (TSCO) and Quest Diagnostics (DGX) are set to report earnings soon, with investors eager to see if they can outperform last quarter's results, particularly amid pressures from high-ticket sales and technology investments, while EQT (EQT) will report after market close, focusing on the impact of natural gas price volatility on its performance.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Raises 2026 EPS Guidance Amid Strong Q1 Results
- Guidance Upgrade: Quest Diagnostics has raised its adjusted diluted EPS guidance for 2026 to a range of $10.63 to $10.83, up from the previous range of $10.50 to $10.70, indicating strong confidence in future profitability.
- Revenue Outlook Improvement: The company now expects net revenues for 2026 to be between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, revised from the prior outlook of $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, reflecting growth in market demand and business expansion potential.
- Strong Q1 Performance: In the first quarter, Quest reported a net income of $252 million, or $2.24 per share, compared to $220 million, or $1.94 per share, last year, demonstrating enhanced competitiveness in the market.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Revenue for the first quarter rose 9.1% to $2.89 billion from $2.65 billion last year, showcasing the company's sustained growth momentum in the medical testing sector.
See More
Mixed Earnings Reports from Multiple Companies
- UnitedHealth Earnings Beat: UnitedHealth reported Q1 earnings of $7.23 per share and revenue of $11.72 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $6.57 and $109.57 billion, while also raising its full-year earnings outlook, indicating strong market performance and growth potential.
- Amazon's Major Investment: Amazon has agreed to invest up to $25 billion in AI startup Anthropic, following an earlier $8 billion investment, with Anthropic committing to spend over $100 billion on Amazon Web Services over the next decade, highlighting Amazon's strategic positioning in AI infrastructure.
- GE Aerospace Strong Performance: GE Aerospace reported Q1 earnings of $1.86 per share and revenue of $11.61 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.60 and $10.72 billion, showcasing the company's competitiveness and profitability in the aerospace market.
- D.R. Horton Mixed Results: D.R. Horton reported Q2 earnings of $2.24 per share, beating the $2.15 forecast, but revenue of $7.56 billion fell short of the $7.60 billion expectation, reflecting the volatility and challenges in the real estate market.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Q1 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Quest Diagnostics reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $2.50, exceeding expectations by $0.13, which reflects the company's strong performance and boosts investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $2.89 billion in Q1, marking a 9.1% year-over-year increase and surpassing market expectations by $60 million, indicating sustained business growth and effective market demand response.
- 2026 Guidance Update: The company raised its 2026 fiscal year net revenue guidance to between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, up from the previous range of $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, reflecting an optimistic outlook for future performance.
- Stable Cash Flow: Expected operating cash flow is approximately $1.75 billion with capital expenditures around $550 million, demonstrating the company's solid financial health and investment capacity.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Reports Over 9% Revenue Growth in Q1
- Significant Revenue Growth: Quest Diagnostics reported net revenues of $2.895 billion for Q1, reflecting a 9.2% year-over-year increase, almost entirely driven by organic growth, showcasing the company's strategic execution in delivering innovative diagnostic solutions.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: The adjusted diluted EPS rose by 15.5% to $2.50, indicating successful operational efficiency and cost control, which further bolsters investor confidence in the company's financial health.
- Upgraded Full-Year Guidance: Following a robust first quarter, the company raised its 2026 revenue guidance to between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, with expected growth rates of 6.8% to 7.8%, reflecting management's optimistic outlook for future performance.
- Stable Operating Cash Flow: Although operating cash flow decreased by 11.6% year-over-year to $278 million, the company anticipates maintaining approximately $1.75 billion in operating cash flow for the year, indicating strong financial stability.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Set to Announce Q1 Earnings with Strong Estimates
- Earnings Announcement Date: Quest Diagnostics is set to release its Q1 earnings on April 21 before market open, with consensus EPS estimated at $2.37, reflecting a 7.2% year-over-year increase, which indicates sustained profitability and could boost investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: The anticipated Q1 revenue of $2.83 billion represents a 6.8% year-over-year growth, highlighting strong demand in the medical testing sector and potentially laying the groundwork for future business expansion.
- Historical Performance: Over the past two years, Quest Diagnostics has beaten both EPS and revenue estimates 100% of the time, showcasing its financial robustness and market adaptability, which enhances investor confidence in its future performance.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen 5 upward revisions and 6 downward adjustments, while revenue estimates experienced 9 upward revisions with no downward changes, indicating analysts' optimistic outlook on the company's future performance, likely attracting more investor interest.
See More
UnitedHealth Group Raises Profit Outlook Following Strong Earnings Report
- Profit Outlook Raised: UnitedHealth Group (UNH) saw its stock jump over 5% ahead of the market open, driven by profits exceeding analyst expectations and revenue rising from $109.58 billion in the prior year to $111.72 billion, with a full-year 2026 profit outlook now exceeding $18.25 per share, up from $17.75.
- Rising Operating Costs: The operating cost ratio increased from 12.4% in 2025 to 13.8%, yet investors remained unfazed as this was seen as necessary incremental investments in personnel, processes, and technology, including AI, indicating a strategic focus on future growth.
- Semiconductor Sector Surge: The Philadelphia Semiconductor Sector Index (SOX) has rallied 30% over the past 13 days, marking its largest increase since 2002, fueled by positive earnings momentum and optimism surrounding AI, suggesting a robust recovery in the sector.
- Earnings Reports on the Horizon: Tractor Supply (TSCO) and Quest Diagnostics (DGX) are set to report earnings soon, with investors eager to see if they can outperform last quarter's results, particularly amid pressures from high-ticket sales and technology investments, while EQT (EQT) will report after market close, focusing on the impact of natural gas price volatility on its performance.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Raises 2026 EPS Guidance Amid Strong Q1 Results
- Guidance Upgrade: Quest Diagnostics has raised its adjusted diluted EPS guidance for 2026 to a range of $10.63 to $10.83, up from the previous range of $10.50 to $10.70, indicating strong confidence in future profitability.
- Revenue Outlook Improvement: The company now expects net revenues for 2026 to be between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, revised from the prior outlook of $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, reflecting growth in market demand and business expansion potential.
- Strong Q1 Performance: In the first quarter, Quest reported a net income of $252 million, or $2.24 per share, compared to $220 million, or $1.94 per share, last year, demonstrating enhanced competitiveness in the market.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Revenue for the first quarter rose 9.1% to $2.89 billion from $2.65 billion last year, showcasing the company's sustained growth momentum in the medical testing sector.
See More
Mixed Earnings Reports from Multiple Companies
- UnitedHealth Earnings Beat: UnitedHealth reported Q1 earnings of $7.23 per share and revenue of $11.72 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $6.57 and $109.57 billion, while also raising its full-year earnings outlook, indicating strong market performance and growth potential.
- Amazon's Major Investment: Amazon has agreed to invest up to $25 billion in AI startup Anthropic, following an earlier $8 billion investment, with Anthropic committing to spend over $100 billion on Amazon Web Services over the next decade, highlighting Amazon's strategic positioning in AI infrastructure.
- GE Aerospace Strong Performance: GE Aerospace reported Q1 earnings of $1.86 per share and revenue of $11.61 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.60 and $10.72 billion, showcasing the company's competitiveness and profitability in the aerospace market.
- D.R. Horton Mixed Results: D.R. Horton reported Q2 earnings of $2.24 per share, beating the $2.15 forecast, but revenue of $7.56 billion fell short of the $7.60 billion expectation, reflecting the volatility and challenges in the real estate market.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Q1 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Quest Diagnostics reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $2.50, exceeding expectations by $0.13, which reflects the company's strong performance and boosts investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $2.89 billion in Q1, marking a 9.1% year-over-year increase and surpassing market expectations by $60 million, indicating sustained business growth and effective market demand response.
- 2026 Guidance Update: The company raised its 2026 fiscal year net revenue guidance to between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, up from the previous range of $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, reflecting an optimistic outlook for future performance.
- Stable Cash Flow: Expected operating cash flow is approximately $1.75 billion with capital expenditures around $550 million, demonstrating the company's solid financial health and investment capacity.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Reports Over 9% Revenue Growth in Q1
- Significant Revenue Growth: Quest Diagnostics reported net revenues of $2.895 billion for Q1, reflecting a 9.2% year-over-year increase, almost entirely driven by organic growth, showcasing the company's strategic execution in delivering innovative diagnostic solutions.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: The adjusted diluted EPS rose by 15.5% to $2.50, indicating successful operational efficiency and cost control, which further bolsters investor confidence in the company's financial health.
- Upgraded Full-Year Guidance: Following a robust first quarter, the company raised its 2026 revenue guidance to between $11.78 billion and $11.90 billion, with expected growth rates of 6.8% to 7.8%, reflecting management's optimistic outlook for future performance.
- Stable Operating Cash Flow: Although operating cash flow decreased by 11.6% year-over-year to $278 million, the company anticipates maintaining approximately $1.75 billion in operating cash flow for the year, indicating strong financial stability.
See More
