Quest Diagnostics Increases Cash Dividend and Share Repurchase Authorization
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy DGX?
Source: PRnewswire
- Dividend Increase: Quest Diagnostics has announced a 7.5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.80 to $0.86 per share, effective April 20, 2026, which is expected to enhance investor interest and bolster shareholder confidence.
- Annual Dividend Total: With this increase, the annual cash dividend will amount to $3.44 per share, reflecting the company's robust performance in profitability and cash flow management, thereby strengthening its market position.
- Share Repurchase Expansion: The Board has also authorized an additional $1 billion in share repurchase, supplementing the approximately $400 million available as of December 31, 2025, aimed at enhancing earnings per share and returning value to shareholders, indicating confidence in future growth.
- Market Impact Analysis: By enhancing its dividend and repurchase plans, Quest Diagnostics not only increases shareholder returns but may also attract more institutional investors, further solidifying its leadership position in the competitive healthcare diagnostics market.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy DGX?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on DGX
Wall Street analysts forecast DGX stock price to fall
11 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 206.860
Low
190.00
Averages
203.75
High
215.00
Current: 206.860
Low
190.00
Averages
203.75
High
215.00
About DGX
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is a provider of diagnostic information services. The Company provides diagnostic insights from the results of its laboratory testing to enable people, physicians, and organizations to take action to improve health outcomes. It operates through the DIS segment, which provides diagnostic information services to a range of customers within its primary customer channels: physicians, hospitals, and patients and consumers. It offers broad access to clinical testing through a nationwide network of laboratories, patient service centers, phlebotomists in physician offices, and connectivity resources, including call centers and mobile phlebotomists, nurses and other health and wellness professionals. It also focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology solutions. The Company’s services primarily are provided under the Quest Diagnostics brand and under other brands, including AmeriPath, Dermpath Diagnostics, ExamOne, and Quanum.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Quest Diagnostics Officer Plans to Sell $5.43 Million in Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Officer Catherine T. Doherty intends to sell 26,165 shares of Quest Diagnostics' common stock.
Market Value: The total market value of the shares to be sold is approximately $5.43 million.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, indicating a shift in market sentiment regarding these firms' prospects, which could influence investor decisions and market dynamics.
- Upgrades and Downgrades: While specific names of upgrades and downgrades are not detailed, such changes typically have a direct impact on the short-term performance of the affected stocks, prompting investors to pay close attention to these shifts.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Adjustments in analyst ratings may trigger market volatility, especially when investor expectations are high for certain stocks, potentially leading to significant price fluctuations.
- Investor Decision Impact: Investors considering buying WMT stock should take into account the latest insights from analysts to make more informed investment decisions, even though specific analyst opinions were not elaborated in the report.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Reports Strong Q4 Earnings, Beats Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Quest Diagnostics reported Q4 adjusted earnings of $2.42 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.36, reflecting strong performance in the diagnostic information services sector, which drove the stock up 6.35% to $203.40, marking a new 52-week high.
- Significant Sales Growth: The company reported sales of $2.81 billion, a 7.1% year-over-year increase, exceeding the market expectation of $2.75 billion, indicating sustained competitive strength in the market and potential for future revenue growth.
- Dividend and Buyback Plans: The Board approved a 7.5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to 86 cents per share and authorized an additional $1 billion in share repurchase, demonstrating confidence in future cash flows and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Optimistic 2026 Outlook: Quest Diagnostics expects adjusted earnings for 2026 to be between $10.50 and $10.70 per share, exceeding the consensus of $10.43, with sales projected between $11.7 billion and $11.82 billion, indicating strong confidence in future performance and growth potential.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Shares Hit New 52-Week High After Strong Q4 Results
- Earnings Beat: Quest Diagnostics reported Q4 2025 revenue of $2.8 billion, reflecting approximately 7% year-over-year growth, with diagnostic information services revenue reaching $2.7 billion, contributing to a 12% annual revenue increase to $11.0 billion, showcasing robust market performance.
- Earnings Per Share Growth: The company's adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was $2.42, up about 9% year-over-year, while the adjusted EPS for 2025 rose approximately 10% to $9.85, indicating a sustained improvement in profitability.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: Quest Diagnostics announced a 7.5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.86 per share and expanded its existing share repurchase program by $1 billion, aimed at enhancing shareholder returns and boosting market confidence.
- Optimistic Outlook: The company projects adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $10.50 and $10.70, with revenue expected to range from $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, both exceeding analyst expectations, indicating strong future growth potential.
See More
Datadog Beats Earnings Estimates, Shares Surge 16.3%
- Strong Earnings Report: Datadog reported a quarterly earnings per share of $0.59, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $0.56, indicating a sustained enhancement in the company's profitability and reinforcing its leadership position in the cloud monitoring market.
- Sales Exceed Expectations: The company achieved quarterly sales of $953.194 million, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $916.577 million, demonstrating Datadog's robust performance in customer demand and market share, which may attract more investor interest.
- Significant Stock Surge: Following the positive earnings report, Datadog's shares jumped 16.3% to $132.59 on Tuesday, reflecting market optimism regarding the company's future growth potential, which could further bolster investor confidence.
- Overall Market Performance: U.S. stocks were generally higher, with the Dow Jones gaining around 200 points on Tuesday, indicating a positive sentiment towards tech stocks, potentially providing a more favorable investment environment for companies like Datadog.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Issues 2026 Earnings Guidance Exceeding Estimates
- Positive Financial Outlook: Quest Diagnostics projects earnings for 2026 in the range of $9.45 to $9.65 per share and adjusted earnings between $10.50 and $10.70 per share, with revenues expected between $11.70 billion and $11.82 billion, all exceeding analysts' estimates of $10.42 per share and $11.38 billion in revenue, indicating strong profitability and market confidence.
- Dividend Increase: The company's Board of Directors has authorized a 7.5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.80 to $0.86 per share, payable on April 20, 2026, which not only enhances shareholder returns but also reflects optimism about future cash flows.
- Expanded Share Buyback Program: The Board has also increased the share repurchase authorization by $1 billion, in addition to the approximately $0.4 billion available as of December 31, 2025, a move aimed at enhancing shareholder value and demonstrating confidence in the company's stock.
- Positive Market Reaction: In pre-market trading on Tuesday, Quest Diagnostics' stock rose by $3.43, or 1.79%, reflecting investor recognition and confidence in the company's financial outlook.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Officer Plans to Sell $5.43 Million in Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Officer Catherine T. Doherty intends to sell 26,165 shares of Quest Diagnostics' common stock.
Market Value: The total market value of the shares to be sold is approximately $5.43 million.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, indicating a shift in market sentiment regarding these firms' prospects, which could influence investor decisions and market dynamics.
- Upgrades and Downgrades: While specific names of upgrades and downgrades are not detailed, such changes typically have a direct impact on the short-term performance of the affected stocks, prompting investors to pay close attention to these shifts.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Adjustments in analyst ratings may trigger market volatility, especially when investor expectations are high for certain stocks, potentially leading to significant price fluctuations.
- Investor Decision Impact: Investors considering buying WMT stock should take into account the latest insights from analysts to make more informed investment decisions, even though specific analyst opinions were not elaborated in the report.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Reports Strong Q4 Earnings, Beats Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Quest Diagnostics reported Q4 adjusted earnings of $2.42 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.36, reflecting strong performance in the diagnostic information services sector, which drove the stock up 6.35% to $203.40, marking a new 52-week high.
- Significant Sales Growth: The company reported sales of $2.81 billion, a 7.1% year-over-year increase, exceeding the market expectation of $2.75 billion, indicating sustained competitive strength in the market and potential for future revenue growth.
- Dividend and Buyback Plans: The Board approved a 7.5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to 86 cents per share and authorized an additional $1 billion in share repurchase, demonstrating confidence in future cash flows and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Optimistic 2026 Outlook: Quest Diagnostics expects adjusted earnings for 2026 to be between $10.50 and $10.70 per share, exceeding the consensus of $10.43, with sales projected between $11.7 billion and $11.82 billion, indicating strong confidence in future performance and growth potential.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Shares Hit New 52-Week High After Strong Q4 Results
- Earnings Beat: Quest Diagnostics reported Q4 2025 revenue of $2.8 billion, reflecting approximately 7% year-over-year growth, with diagnostic information services revenue reaching $2.7 billion, contributing to a 12% annual revenue increase to $11.0 billion, showcasing robust market performance.
- Earnings Per Share Growth: The company's adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was $2.42, up about 9% year-over-year, while the adjusted EPS for 2025 rose approximately 10% to $9.85, indicating a sustained improvement in profitability.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: Quest Diagnostics announced a 7.5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.86 per share and expanded its existing share repurchase program by $1 billion, aimed at enhancing shareholder returns and boosting market confidence.
- Optimistic Outlook: The company projects adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $10.50 and $10.70, with revenue expected to range from $11.70 billion to $11.82 billion, both exceeding analyst expectations, indicating strong future growth potential.
See More
Datadog Beats Earnings Estimates, Shares Surge 16.3%
- Strong Earnings Report: Datadog reported a quarterly earnings per share of $0.59, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $0.56, indicating a sustained enhancement in the company's profitability and reinforcing its leadership position in the cloud monitoring market.
- Sales Exceed Expectations: The company achieved quarterly sales of $953.194 million, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $916.577 million, demonstrating Datadog's robust performance in customer demand and market share, which may attract more investor interest.
- Significant Stock Surge: Following the positive earnings report, Datadog's shares jumped 16.3% to $132.59 on Tuesday, reflecting market optimism regarding the company's future growth potential, which could further bolster investor confidence.
- Overall Market Performance: U.S. stocks were generally higher, with the Dow Jones gaining around 200 points on Tuesday, indicating a positive sentiment towards tech stocks, potentially providing a more favorable investment environment for companies like Datadog.
See More
Quest Diagnostics Issues 2026 Earnings Guidance Exceeding Estimates
- Positive Financial Outlook: Quest Diagnostics projects earnings for 2026 in the range of $9.45 to $9.65 per share and adjusted earnings between $10.50 and $10.70 per share, with revenues expected between $11.70 billion and $11.82 billion, all exceeding analysts' estimates of $10.42 per share and $11.38 billion in revenue, indicating strong profitability and market confidence.
- Dividend Increase: The company's Board of Directors has authorized a 7.5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.80 to $0.86 per share, payable on April 20, 2026, which not only enhances shareholder returns but also reflects optimism about future cash flows.
- Expanded Share Buyback Program: The Board has also increased the share repurchase authorization by $1 billion, in addition to the approximately $0.4 billion available as of December 31, 2025, a move aimed at enhancing shareholder value and demonstrating confidence in the company's stock.
- Positive Market Reaction: In pre-market trading on Tuesday, Quest Diagnostics' stock rose by $3.43, or 1.79%, reflecting investor recognition and confidence in the company's financial outlook.
See More
