Quest Diagnostics to Speak at the Leerink 2026 Global Healthcare Conference [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationSECAUCUS, N.J., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), a leader in diagnostic information services, announced that Sam Samad, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, will speak on the company's strategy, performance and the latest market developments and trends during the Leerink 2026 Global Healthcare Conference in Miami on Wednesday, March 11, ...

Core Viewpoint - Quest Diagnostics has received a stock upgrade to "Buy" from Jefferies, reflecting confidence in its financial health and growth prospects, with a price target increase from $215 to $220 [1][6] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Quest Diagnostics reported revenues of $2.81 billion, a 7.1% increase from the previous year, with diluted EPS rising by 11.8% to $2.18 and adjusted EPS at $2.42 [2] - For the full year 2025, the company achieved revenues of $11.04 billion, an 11.8% increase from 2024, with diluted EPS at $8.75 (up 13.8%) and adjusted EPS at $9.85 (up 10.3%) [3] Future Projections - Quest Diagnostics projects 2026 revenues between $11.70 billion and $11.82 billion, with expected diluted EPS between $9.45 and $9.65, and adjusted EPS ranging from $10.50 to $10.70, supported by strategic focus on clinical innovations [4] Shareholder Returns - The company announced a 7.5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.86 per share, marking the 15th consecutive year of dividend increases, and authorized a $1 billion increase in its share repurchase program [5][6]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, access to the Zacks 1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens [1] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators designed to help investors select stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [2] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] - The Growth Score assesses a company's financial health and future outlook through projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] - The Momentum Score identifies optimal times to invest based on price trends and earnings estimate changes [5] - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for evaluating stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to facilitate portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] - There are over 800 stocks rated 1 or 2, making it essential for investors to select stocks with high Style Scores to maximize potential success [9] Stock Analysis: Quest Diagnostics (DGX) - Quest Diagnostics Inc. provides diagnostic information services to a wide range of customers, including physicians and hospitals, and is a key provider of reference testing for about half of U.S. hospitals [11] - DGX holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, and is projected to have a year-over-year earnings growth of 9.6% for the current fiscal year [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DGX has increased by $0.05 to $9.79 per share, with eight analysts revising their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days [12] - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Growth and VGM Style Scores, DGX is recommended for investors' consideration [13]

Core Insights - The Zacks Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry is experiencing a significant shift towards digital healthcare, driven by rising demand for telemedicine and AI-powered services, particularly due to an aging global population and increasing healthcare costs [1][4][10] Industry Overview - The industry includes companies providing outpatient care using advanced medical technologies for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, with a focus on innovation and value-based care models [3] - The global home healthcare market was valued at $416.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $747.70 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of approximately 10.2% [1] Major Trends - Aging Population: The growing elderly population is a primary driver for home healthcare services, as older individuals prefer receiving care in familiar home settings [4] - Cost Effectiveness: Outpatient clinics offer cost-effective care, reducing the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems [5] - AI's Role: AI enhances patient care through remote monitoring and data analysis, facilitating timely interventions and improving care management [7] - Technological Advancements: Virtual assistants and chatbots are increasingly used to assist patients in managing their care and appointments [8] Staffing Challenges - The U.S. healthcare industry faces severe staffing shortages, particularly among home health aides, exacerbated by high burnout rates and international migration of health workers [11] Market Performance - The industry has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, losing 0.5% over the past year, while the S&P 500 rose by 18.2% [14] - The industry's current valuation is at a forward P/E of 19.6X, compared to the S&P 500's 23.4X [18] Company Highlights - **Quest Diagnostics**: Anticipates 2025 revenue growth of 9.9% and earnings growth of 9.1%, with a current ROE of 15.2% [21][22][25] - **DaVita**: Expected revenue growth of 5% and earnings growth of 12.9% for 2025, with an impressive ROE of 369.4% [26][27][30] - **Addus HomeCare**: Forecasts a 21.5% increase in revenues and a 16.5% rise in earnings for 2025, with a ROE of 9.4% [31][32][34] - **The Pennant Group**: Projects a 26.5% growth in revenues and a 21.3% increase in earnings for 2025, with a ROE of 9.9% [35][36][37]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with high potential for market outperformance [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores categorize stocks into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score [3][4][5][6] - Each stock receives a rating from A to F based on its characteristics, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [2] Value Score - Focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - Evaluates stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to identify sustainable growth opportunities [4] Momentum Score - Targets stocks with favorable price trends, utilizing metrics like one-week price change and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] VGM Score - Combines Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores to provide a comprehensive assessment of stocks [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to guide investment decisions [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500, averaging a +23.75% annual return since 1988 [7] Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [9] - Stocks with lower ranks but high Style Scores may still carry risks due to downward earnings outlooks [10] Company Spotlight: Quest Diagnostics (DGX) - Quest Diagnostics provides diagnostic information services to various customers, including hospitals and physicians [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A, DGX has a Momentum Style Score of B and has seen a 6.5% increase in shares over the past month [12] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates indicate positive momentum, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 rising to $9.74 per share [12][13]

Company Overview - Quest Diagnostics Inc. is headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, providing diagnostic information services to a wide range of customers including physicians, hospitals, patients, and consumers [11] - The company serves Independent Delivery Networks (IDN) across the United States through its Professional Lab Services (PLS), which help improve quality, reduce healthcare costs, and focus on core competencies [11] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Quest Diagnostics has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, indicating a solid position in the market [12] - The company is particularly appealing to growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 9% for the current fiscal year [12] - Six analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.03 to $9.73 per share [12] Investment Potential - Quest Diagnostics has an average earnings surprise of +2.1%, which may indicate a positive outlook for investors [12] - With a strong Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, Quest Diagnostics is recommended to be on investors' short lists [13]

Company Overview - Quest Diagnostics Inc. is headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, providing diagnostic information services to a wide range of customers, including physicians, hospitals, and patients [11] - The company serves Independent Delivery Networks (IDN) across the United States through its Professional Lab Services (PLS), focusing on improving quality and reducing healthcare costs [11] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Quest Diagnostics has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, indicating a solid position in the market [12] - The Value Style Score for Quest Diagnostics is B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 17.35, making it attractive for value investors [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings has increased to $9.70 per share, with one analyst revising their estimate upwards in the last 60 days [12] Investment Potential - With a strong Zacks Rank and favorable Value and VGM Style Scores, Quest Diagnostics is recommended for investors' consideration [13]