Quest Diagnostics (DGX)
NYSEHealth CareMedical - Diagnostics & ResearchSnapshot 2026-09-04
$237.14-0.94%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEHealth CareMedical - Diagnostics & ResearchSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · DGX
What must go right, what could break, what the price assumes, and what evidence comes next.
The current health of the standing investment case.
Recent financial performance is holding in the top half of its industry — the reason to own it looks intact.
One-year growth currently built into the price, compared with our model's estimate.
| Measure | Marker shape | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Growth built into the price | circle | 15.2% |
| Our one-year growth estimate | diamond |
For each item: what to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
A reporting-risk estimate, not a forecast of the stock-price response.
Historical relationships that met the evidence threshold. They do not prove cause or forecast a move.
No outside relationship met the current evidence threshold.
Based on historical daily prices through 2026-09-04.
Past price behavior in dollars on a $10,000 position. This does not measure permanent business risk.
How much price usually moves either way.
A larger daily loss that occurred about once in every 20 trading days.
Use the underlying financial and sector pages to investigate the cause.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
| -40.9% |
Growth built into the price is above our model estimate.
The price assumes 56.1 percentage points more one-year growth.
The one-year revenue growth assumption on Valuation.
Model as of 2026-09-04 · Compared with 32 industry peers
DGX — debt issuance
Dated 2026-05-01
Other Events On April 27, 2026, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the pricing of a public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.000% senior notes due 2036 (the “Notes”) under the Company’s shelf registration statement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness. The indebtedness the Company may repay includes its $500 million…
Why it matters: Falling below this EPS might show problems in operations or rising costs.
Worry ifAdjusted diluted EPS for full year 2026 reported below $11.05.
Less concerning ifAdjusted diluted EPS for full year 2026 reported above $11.25.
Why it matters: Missing this EPS target could show ongoing money-making problems. It may show issues with costs and revenues.
Worry ifQ2 reported diluted EPS falls below $9.58.
Less concerning ifQ2 reported diluted EPS meets or exceeds $9.58.
Why it matters: Good management of capital spending helps EPS growth. This affects the company's financial health.
Supportive ifManagement plans to cut capital spending by 10% or more.
Worry ifManagement says capital spending is going up beyond current levels.
Why it matters: Higher capex may hurt cash flow and profits.
Worry ifSpending is over $550 million for the entire year of 2026.
Less concerning ifCapital expenditures are at or below $550 million for the full year 2026.
We watch for confirming and disproving signals on each item. Resolutions are found automatically where possible and checked by hand for unclear cases. Last 90 days shown.
Deepest peak-to-trough drop in the last year.
| Measure | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Typical day | ±$73 on $10,000 · ±0.7% | How much price usually moves either way. |
| Bad day | $189 loss on $10,000 · 1.9% | A larger daily loss that occurred about once in every 20 trading days. |
| Largest peak-to-trough drop in the past year | $1,156 loss on $10,000 · 11.6% | Deepest peak-to-trough drop in the last year. |
Past year. 1.00 means similar movement; 1.20 means about 20% more.
Past year. 1.00 means similar movement to the sector. This is secondary context.
Latest 30 trading days, shown as an annual percentage.
Latest 252 trading days, shown as an annual percentage.
20-trading-day average in US dollars.
Trading days used by the source risk snapshot.
Past results, not a forecast. Not investment advice.
Why it matters: If it drops below this level, it may show cash flow problems that affect spending.
Worry ifCash flow from operations was below $1.75 billion.
Less concerning ifCash flow from operations remains at or above $1.75 billion.
Why it matters: Delays in this project could hurt efficiency and future revenue growth. It is key for better order-to-cash processes.
Worry ifManagement says Project Nova is on track for its planned start in fall 2027.
Less concerning ifManagement says there are delays or problems with the Project Nova timeline.
Why it matters: Quest issued $500 million in senior notes. How they use this money will affect their financial health.
Watch forManagement will pay off old debt with money from the new notes.
Also watch forManagement states they will not use proceeds to repay existing debt.
Why it matters: A drop in revenue growth could signal a shift in the sector's growth phase. This would impact investor confidence.
Worry ifRevenue growth falls below the sector median of 1% year over year.
Less concerning ifRevenue growth remains above the sector median of 1% year over year.
Why it matters: Timothy Wentworth's experience may affect decisions. His role on the board may help growth.
Supportive ifThe company shares new plans or partnerships after he is elected.
Worry ifNo major changes in plans or results after he is elected.
Why it matters: The debt issuance may change Quest's ability to manage money and invest. Watching how they use it will show how they balance growth and debt.
Watch forManagement says they are using the debt money well for growth projects.
Also watch forManagement says the money is mainly for paying off debt, not for growth projects.
Why it matters: Doing this well may help Quest's market position and increase future revenue.
Supportive ifA big milestone was reached in the Co-Lab Solutions project.
Worry ifThere is a delay or setback in the Co-Lab Solutions project timeline.
Why it matters: Sustained revenue growth shows the company's ability to execute its strategy. If revenue growth drops below 8%, it may signal a slowdown.
Supportive ifQ3 revenue growth reported above 8% year over year.
Worry ifQ3 revenue growth reported below 8% year over year.
Why it matters: Higher EPS shows good performance. If adjusted EPS drops below $3.10, it may worry investors.
Supportive ifAdjusted EPS for Q3 reported above $3.10.
Worry ifAdjusted EPS for Q3 reported below $3.10.
Why it matters: Stable capital spending shows good money management. A big rise may raise spending concerns.
Watch forCapital spending reported at or below $550 million for the year.
Also watch forCapital spending reported much higher than $550 million this year.