Labcorp(LH) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved over 7% top-line growth and 13% adjusted EPS growth, with margins improving by over 50 basis points [5][13] - For the fourth quarter, enterprise revenue increased by 5.6% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS growing by 18% [10][14] - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $490 million, a decrease from $665 million the previous year, primarily due to working capital timing [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diagnostics revenue for the fourth quarter was $2.7 billion, up 5.5% year-over-year, with organic growth of 4.1% [16] - Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS) revenue increased by 3.4% year-over-year, with central lab revenue growing by 11.1% [17] - The adjusted operating income for diagnostics was $419 million, representing 15.4% of revenue, compared to 13.9% the previous year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio of 1.09, driven by central labs [13][18] - The backlog for BLS was $8.7 billion, with an expected conversion of approximately $2.7 billion into revenue over the next 12 months [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen partnerships with health systems and local laboratories, having signed or closed 13 deals contributing to over $1 billion in revenue growth [5][6] - A strategic investment is planned for a new central laboratory facility to support growth and demand, with construction expected to begin later this year [9] - The company continues to focus on specialty testing, having launched over 130 new tests in 2025, particularly in oncology, women's health, and neurology [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong underlying business performance for 2026, expecting enterprise revenue growth of 5.4% and adjusted EPS growth of approximately 9% [11][20] - The delay of PAMA through December 31, 2026, was viewed positively, but management emphasized the need for permanent reform [11][20] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investments in technology and AI to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [9][21] Other Important Information - The company plans to allocate free cash flow for acquisitions, share repurchases, and dividends, with approximately $800 million of share repurchase authorization remaining [15][21] - Two executives are set to retire on April 1, with successors already appointed [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: 2026 guidance contributions from price and volume - Management expects revenue growth of 5%-6% in diagnostics, with half of the organic growth coming from volume and half from price mix [26][27] Question: Contributions from Invitae integration - The integration of Invitae has been successful, with expected revenue growth in specialty areas, but specific breakout of Invitae's performance will no longer be provided [31][32] Question: Fourth quarter organic volume performance - Organic volume was impacted by lower referrals from a large consumer genetic client and weather conditions, but adjustments indicate growth would have been over 2% [36][37] Question: 2026 guidance conservativeness and risks - Management feels confident about the guidance but acknowledges potential variability in organic volumes and the timing of M&A [44][46] Question: Competitive landscape in diagnostics - The company believes it will outperform the overall market, focusing on hospital deals and specialty testing, which are expected to grow faster than the overall market [48][49] Question: PAMA implications and central lab investments - Management is prepared to submit data for PAMA and continues to advocate for the RESULTS Act, while also planning significant investments in central lab infrastructure [55][59]