Quest Diagnostics raised its full-year 2026 outlook after third-quarter revenue and reported earnings advanced at double-digit rates. The diagnostic testing company said the quarter ended September 30, separating the operating period from its October 22 results release.

Key Insights

  • Third-quarter revenue increased 10.0% year over year to $3.097 billion, while reported diluted earnings per share rose 28.7% to $2.78.
  • Diagnostic information services requisition volume grew 14.5%, offsetting a 4.2% decline in revenue per requisition.
  • Quest lifted its 2026 revenue outlook to $12.065 billion–$12.105 billion and adjusted EPS guidance to $11.25–$11.35.

Quest Diagnostics Revenue and EPS Rise

Revenue reached $3.097 billion, up from $2.816 billion a year earlier. Diagnostic information services generated $3.035 billion, a 10.2% increase. Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics rose 27.6% to $312 million from $245 million.

Reported diluted EPS increased to $2.78 from $2.16. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 15.4% to $3.00. Operating cash flow totaled $611 million for the quarter and $1.486 billion through the first nine months of 2026, according to the company’s official results release.

Volume Growth Supports the Quarter

Quest reported a 14.5% increase in requisition volume, while revenue per requisition declined 4.2%. That mix indicates the quarter relied more heavily on testing activity than on pricing or test mix. Investors should watch whether volume gains continue to outweigh the lower revenue collected per order.

Chief Executive Jim Davis said productivity gains from automation and artificial intelligence contributed to the performance. Quest also highlighted its direct-to-consumer testing partnership with Apple Health. The comments add a healthcare-services perspective to the broader corporate investment in automation discussed in Fusion Market News’ Western Digital outlook coverage.

2026 Guidance Moves Higher

Management now expects 2026 revenue of $12.065 billion to $12.105 billion. The company also projects reported EPS of $10.21 to $10.31 and adjusted EPS of $11.25 to $11.35. The revised ranges give investors a narrower benchmark for the final quarter.

The raised outlook follows a reporting period in which higher volume and cash generation supported earnings growth. Investors comparing management guidance across sectors can also review the latest Gentex revenue and margin outlook and Popular earnings and dividend update.

Sharron Kendi is a seasoned crypto market analyst and writer with over three years of experience decoding blockchain trends, price movements, and market dynamics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University, blending a solid academic foundation with a sharp eye for technical analysis and a deep understanding of on-chain data. Her work delivers clear, data-driven insights that empower investors to navigate the fast-evolving digital asset space with confidence.