Quest Diagnostics Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 3/6
Quest Diagnostics's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -20.3%, while the Healthcare industry saw earnings growing at 4% annually. Revenues have been declining at an average rate of 0.3% per year. Quest Diagnostics's return on equity is 13.9%, and it has net margins of 9%.
Key information
-20.28%
Earnings growth rate
-16.08%
EPS growth rate
| Healthcare Industry Growth | 8.50% |
| Revenue growth rate | -0.32% |
| Return on equity | 13.88% |
| Net Margin | 9.04% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 13
DGX: Refreshed 2026 Outlook And Margin Assumptions Will Sustain Safe Haven Appeal
Quest Diagnostics' analyst price target has been revised to $223.25 from $218.19 as analysts factor in recent target increases across the Street and updated assumptions around discount rate, profit margins and future P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Quest Diagnostics has centered on refreshed valuation work and price target changes, with several firms adjusting their numbers based on updated assumptions for discount rates, profit margins and future P/E multiples.Seeking Alpha • May 07
Quest Diagnostics: Updating Levels After Q1 Earnings
Summary Quest Diagnostics delivered strong Q1 results with 9.2% revenue growth and 13% EPS growth, driving management to raise 2026 guidance. DGX's growth is fueled by advanced diagnostics, robust consumer and hospital channels, and efficiency gains from AI and automation. Key risks include margin pressure from lower-priced partnership volumes and potential Medicare reimbursement cuts under PAMA. I maintain a 5/5 conviction rating, raising my Buy Threshold to $197 and holding the Sell Target at $227, reflecting confidence in DGX's long-term outlook. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Apr 20
DGX: Organic Guidance And Capital Returns Will Sustain Safe Haven Appeal
Analyst price targets for Quest Diagnostics have been adjusted slightly lower to $218.19 from $218.50, as analysts factor in updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and long term P/E assumptions following a series of recent target changes across the coverage universe. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates point to a mixed but generally constructive stance on Quest Diagnostics, with multiple target changes and one fresh list inclusion helping to frame how analysts are thinking about valuation, execution, and growth risk.Narrative Update • Apr 05
DGX: Organic Guidance And Capital Returns Will Support Safe Haven Profile
Analysts have raised their price targets on Quest Diagnostics by between $5 and $30, largely pointing to recently issued organic revenue growth guidance and viewing the broader diagnostic lab space as a relative safe haven within healthcare services. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Quest Diagnostics and its closest peer highlights a constructive setup for the broader diagnostic lab group, with price target moves on Quest generally framed against views that the sector can act as a relative safe haven within healthcare services.Narrative Update • Mar 22
DGX: Premium Multiple And Capital Returns Look Supported By Organic Revenue Guidance
Analysts have raised their price targets on Quest Diagnostics by a range of $5 to $30, citing the company’s recent organic revenue growth guidance and viewing the diagnostic testing space as a relative safe haven within healthcare services. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Quest Diagnostics highlights a cluster of higher price targets and an upgrade, with many investors treating large diagnostic labs as a relatively defensive corner of healthcare services.Narrative Update • Mar 07
DGX: Fair Outlook As Premium Multiple And Capital Returns Shape Future Earnings
Analysts raised their price target on Quest Diagnostics by about $1 to $218.50, reflecting refined assumptions that include slightly higher revenue growth, a similar discount rate, modestly adjusted profit margins, and a small change in future P/E expectations, supported by broadly positive recent research across the diagnostic lab space. Analyst Commentary Street research around Quest Diagnostics has focused on how the company is positioned within the broader diagnostic lab group, with recent moves in peer guidance and a series of price target changes shaping sentiment on both upside potential and execution risk.Narrative Update • Feb 21
DGX: Fair Outlook As Higher Payouts And Consumer Labs Support Future Earnings
Analysts have lifted their price target on Quest Diagnostics by about $18, reflecting slightly higher modeled revenue growth and a somewhat richer future P/E assumption, even as projected profit margins are trimmed in line with recent Street research that has broadly raised targets across the lab testing group. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts have broadly raised their price targets on Quest Diagnostics, reflecting a more constructive view on the lab testing group as a whole and on Quest's positioning within it.Narrative Update • Feb 06
DGX: Fair Outlook As Consumer Lab Partnerships And Margins Support Future Earnings
Analysts have inched up their fair value estimate for Quest Diagnostics to about $199 per share, a move they tie to slightly higher margin and P/E assumptions following recent research that points to potential upside to current earnings estimates. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research points to potential upside to current earnings estimates for Quest Diagnostics, which is feeding into a more constructive view on the stock’s valuation and execution risk.Narrative Update • Jan 23
DGX: Future Consumer Lab Partnerships And Neurology Tests Will Support Balanced Outlook
Analysts have inched up their price target on Quest Diagnostics to about $198.38 from roughly $198.06, reflecting refreshed assumptions around slightly higher revenue growth, a small adjustment to profit margins, and a near steady forward P/E outlook. What's in the News Hims & Hers Health is offering lab testing that it views as a potential US$1b business, with customers accessing testing through Quest Diagnostics and then receiving results and care plans through the Hims platform (Wall Street Journal).Narrative Update • Jan 06
DGX: Future Lab Partnerships And Testing Pipeline Will Support Bullish Outlook
Analysts lifted their price target for Quest Diagnostics by about US$1 to roughly US$198, citing recent Q3 results with sales and earnings ahead of consensus; raised full year guidance; firm organic volume trends; and growing interest in longer term opportunities, such as the Haystack MRD test and a generally supportive lab testing backdrop. Analyst Commentary Street research following the Q3 report points to a generally constructive tone, with multiple firms lifting their price targets and highlighting both execution on current fundamentals and potential longer term growth drivers.Narrative Update • Dec 14
DGX: Future Lab Partnerships And Testing Pipeline Will Support Balanced Outlook
Analysts have nudged their price targets on Quest Diagnostics higher by between $5 and $25 per share, citing solid Q3 outperformance, raised guidance, and confidence in organic growth and future testing catalysts. Analyst Commentary Street research following the Q3 print highlights a generally constructive stance on Quest Diagnostics, with most price target increases framed around stronger than expected fundamentals and improving visibility into growth drivers over the next two years.Narrative Update • Nov 29
DGX: Future Volume Gains And Lab Partnerships Will Support Balanced Outlook
The analyst price target for Quest Diagnostics was modestly increased to $197.31 from $197.25. Analysts cited stronger-than-expected earnings, raised guidance, and continued positive core trends as the rationale for the update.Narrative Update • Nov 15
DGX: Future Revenue Expansion And Partnerships Will Balance Near-Term Risks
Quest Diagnostics saw its analyst price target increase, with several firms now projecting new targets between $195 and $215 per share. Analysts cite strong quarterly results and ongoing positive momentum in core business trends.Narrative Update • Nov 01
DGX: Core Volume Momentum And New Blood Tests Will Drive Share Momentum
Quest Diagnostics' analyst fair value estimate has been raised from $191.56 to $197.25 per share. This change reflects analysts' upbeat outlook after strong quarterly results, improved profit margins, and continued momentum in core business trends.Narrative Update • Oct 18
Preventive Diagnostics And Automation Will Shape Future Healthcare
Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for Quest Diagnostics from $188.19 to $191.56 per share, citing ongoing stable end markets and improving revenue growth expectations. Analyst Commentary Recent street research has highlighted a mix of optimism and caution surrounding Quest Diagnostics.Analysis Article • Aug 20
Earnings Not Telling The Story For Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX)
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated's ( NYSE:DGX ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 21.6x might make it look like a...Analysis Article • Jun 21
Return Trends At Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX) Aren't Appealing
If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. Firstly, we'd...Seeking Alpha • Jan 28
Quest Diagnostics: Good Growth Prospects, But Little To No Upside Left At Current Valuation
Summary Quest Diagnostics' is reporting good numbers for the last 3 quarters, indicating the end of its dull period, which started post COVID. The street and management are expecting mid-single-digit topline growth and high-single-digit bottom-line growth. However, I have a rather moderate opinion on future top-line and bottom-line performance given the poor execution track record and higher leverage, limiting inorganic growth potential. Based on my fair value estimates, the company does not offer substantial upside from here. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 24
Quest Diagnostics: Organic Growth Leads To Q3 Earnings Beat
Summary Quest Diagnostics reported strong Q3 earnings, with an 8.5% revenue increase and a 3.6% rise in diluted EPS, beating Street expectations. The company raised its 2024 revenue guidance and expects significant growth from recent and upcoming acquisitions, projecting double-digit revenue growth for Q4. Despite risks like economic downturns and inflation, I maintain a bullish outlook on DGX, adjusting my Buy Threshold to $150 and Sell Target to $227. DGX's technical indicators and seasonality trends support a bullish trend, prompting me to stay vigilant on trading behavior to capitalize on growth opportunities. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Quest Diagnostics makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 11,278 | 1,020 | 1,955 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 11,035 | 988 | 1,920 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 10,850 | 963 | 1,891 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 10,522 | 945 | 1,832 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 10,158 | 892 | 1,758 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 9,872 | 866 | 1,731 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 9,539 | 838 | 1,681 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 9,346 | 836 | 1,624 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 9,287 | 842 | 1,621 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 9,252 | 850 | 1,630 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 9,297 | 759 | 1,748 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 9,488 | 790 | 1,825 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 9,603 | 789 | 1,832 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 9,883 | 942 | 1,838 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 10,294 | 1,230 | 1,736 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 10,582 | 1,479 | 1,705 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 10,679 | 1,874 | 1,715 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 10,788 | 1,988 | 1,723 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 11,046 | 2,175 | 1,674 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 11,058 | 2,238 | 1,642 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 10,335 | 1,794 | 1,571 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 9,437 | 1,425 | 1,545 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 8,361 | 1,101 | 1,414 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 7,531 | 749 | 1,378 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 7,657 | 771 | 1,376 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 7,726 | 835 | 1,457 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 7,639 | 709 | 1,402 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 7,572 | 707 | 1,406 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 7,538 | 720 | 1,387 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 7,531 | 733 | 1,395 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 7,557 | 860 | 1,378 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 7,524 | 808 | 1,359 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 7,469 | 782 | 1,372 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 7,402 | 769 | 1,421 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 7,398 | 671 | 1,413 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 7,427 | 701 | 1,480 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 7,469 | 702 | 1,558 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 7,214 | 642 | 1,337 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 7,503 | 675 | 1,624 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 7,498 | 825 | 1,637 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 7,517 | 748 | 1,637 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 7,493 | 706 | 1,616 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 7,527 | 703 | 1,654 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 7,551 | 491 | 1,657 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: DGX has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: DGX's current net profit margins (9%) are higher than last year (8.8%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: DGX's earnings have declined by 20.3% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: DGX's earnings growth over the past year (14.3%) exceeds its 5-year average (-20.3% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: DGX earnings growth over the past year (14.3%) did not outperform the Healthcare industry 17.4%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: DGX's Return on Equity (13.9%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/21 21:19 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/21 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is covered by 36 analysts. 16 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Jasper Hellweg | Argus Research Company |
| Eric Coldwell | Baird |
| Luke Sergott | Barclays |