Labcorp (LH)
NYSEHealth CareMedical - Diagnostics & ResearchSnapshot 2026-09-04
NYSEHealth CareMedical - Diagnostics & ResearchSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · LH
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 | 4.4% |
| Our one-year growth estimate | diamond | 5.9% |
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.
Usually moved in the same direction.
Price observations: 365 days
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
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.
Growth built into the price is above our model estimate.
The price assumes 1.5 percentage points less one-year growth.
The one-year revenue growth assumption on Valuation.
Model as of 2026-09-04 · Compared with 32 industry peers
LH — President transition
Dated 2026-08-14
Executive Vice President — Megan D. Bailey: An executive vice president is resigning but her responsibilities are being absorbed by an internal promotion of another senior officer, indicating an orderly transition rather than a sudden loss.
Why it matters: Updates on the share buyback program may show confidence in finances and spending.
Supportive ifLabcorp announces it has completed an extra $1 billion in share buybacks.
Worry ifLabcorp stops or cuts back on its share buyback program.
Why it matters: Any increase in revenue guidance shows Labcorp's strong business momentum. This could boost investor confidence.
Supportive ifLabcorp raises its 2026 revenue guidance above 6.3% growth for the full year.
Worry ifLabcorp lowers its 2026 revenue guidance below 5.4% growth for the full year.
Why it matters: A successful launch would help Labcorp's oncology portfolio. It would also help patients get screenings.
Supportive ifThere are reports of good adoption and use rates for ColoSense® after its launch.
Worry ifLow adoption rates or bad feedback on ColoSense®.
Why it matters: The dividend payment shows financial health. It shows a commitment to shareholders.
Supportive ifThe dividend was paid as planned. This shows Labcorp's strong cash flow.
Worry ifThe dividend payment is late or canceled. This raises concerns about cash flow.
Deepest peak-to-trough drop in the last year.
| Measure | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Typical day | ±$85 on $10,000 · ±0.8% | How much price usually moves either way. |
| Bad day | $215 loss on $10,000 · 2.1% | A larger daily loss that occurred about once in every 20 trading days. |
| Largest peak-to-trough drop in the past year | $1,522 loss on $10,000 · 15.2% | 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: The earnings report will show if Labcorp continues its strong performance. Investors will look for revenue and EPS growth.
Supportive ifQ2 revenue exceeds $3.54 billion and adjusted EPS exceeds $4.25.
Worry ifQ2 revenue falls below $3.54 billion or adjusted EPS is below $4.25.
Why it matters: If adjusted EPS guidance goes up, it shows strong earnings and management confidence.
Supportive ifManagement raises adjusted EPS guidance. It is now above $18.10 to $18.55.
Worry ifManagement keeps adjusted EPS guidance the same or lowers it.
Why it matters: Changes in free cash flow guidance could show shifts in spending or efficiency.
Watch forFree cash flow guidance raised above $1.36 billion.
Also watch forFree cash flow guidance lowered below $1.24 billion.
Why it matters: New tests show Labcorp is committed to expanding its cancer services. This can boost revenue.
Supportive ifAnnouncement of at least two new oncology tests launched in Q3.
Worry ifNo new oncology tests announced in Q3.
Why it matters: Confirming free cash flow guidance shows Labcorp can make cash for growth. It also helps return money to shareholders.
Supportive ifLabcorp confirms free cash flow guidance of $1.24 billion to $1.36 billion for 2026.
Worry ifLabcorp revises free cash flow guidance below $1.24 billion for 2026.
Why it matters: Higher EPS guidance shows stronger earnings and more investor confidence in growth.
Supportive ifManagement raises 2026 Adjusted EPS guidance above what it is now.
Worry ifManagement keeps or lowers the 2026 Adjusted EPS outlook.
Why it matters: If revenue guidance goes up, it shows good performance. It also hints at growth.
Supportive ifRevenue guidance raised to $14.65 billion or higher.
Worry ifRevenue guidance remains at or below $14.61 billion.
Why it matters: Strong adjusted EPS growth shows Labcorp's ability to manage costs and drive profits. This affects investor confidence.
Supportive ifAdjusted EPS growth exceeds 14% year over year.
Worry ifAdjusted EPS growth falls below 10% year over year.
Why it matters: Higher adjusted EPS would show Labcorp's strong earnings growth. This supports its guidance and helps investor feelings.
Supportive ifAdjusted EPS reported above $4.99 for Q3 2026.
Worry ifAdjusted EPS reported below $4.99 for Q3 2026.
Why it matters: An increase in adjusted EPS guidance would show strong earnings momentum and confidence.
Supportive ifLabcorp raises adjusted EPS guidance above $18.55 for 2026.
Worry ifGuidance is the same or lower than $18.10.
Why it matters: Revenue growth below guidance may show weak demand or problems in operations.
Worry ifQ3 revenue growth reported below 5.4% year over year.
Less concerning ifRevenue growth exceeds 6.3% year over year.
Why it matters: High use of this test shows leadership in colorectal cancer screening.
Supportive ifLabcorp shows high adoption rates for ColoSense® in Q3.
Worry ifAdoption rates for ColoSense® remain low or decline.
Why it matters: Free cash flow below guidance may show problems in making cash or spending it.
Worry ifQ3 free cash flow reported below $1.24 billion.
Less concerning ifFree cash flow exceeds $1.36 billion.