Quest Diagnostics(DGX)
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Quest Diagnostics(DGX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-22 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenues of $2.76 billion, an increase of 15.2% year-over-year, with organic revenue growth of 5.2% [15][18] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew by 11.5%, with reported EPS at $2.47 compared to $2.03 a year ago, and adjusted EPS at $2.62 versus $2.35 [17][18] - Cash from operations increased by 67.1% year-over-year to $858 million [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Diagnostic Information Services rose by 15.7%, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in physician and hospital channels [15] - The physician channel experienced approximately 20% revenue growth, primarily from acquisitions and high single-digit organic growth [8] - Hospital channel revenues grew in low single digits, supported by collaborative lab solutions [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a total volume increase of 16.3% in requisitions, with organic volume up 2.1% [15] - Revenue per requisition decreased by 0.4% year-over-year, but on an organic basis, it increased by 3.3% due to more tests per requisition [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive growth through innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of core clinical customers and expanding into consumer, life sciences, and data analytics [5][6] - Focus areas include advanced diagnostics in cardiometabolic, autoimmune, brain health, oncology, and women's health [7] - The company is investing in automation and AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised the full-year 2025 guidance based on strong second-quarter performance and continued utilization trends [5][20] - The company anticipates organic revenue growth of approximately 3.5% to 4% for the full year, alongside contributions from acquisitions [18][19] - Management expressed confidence in absorbing the impact of tariffs and other economic factors within their guidance [71][74] Other Important Information - The company is focused on expanding access to its consumer channel, achieving significant growth in online offerings [10] - The integration of the LifeLabs acquisition is progressing well, contributing approximately 8% to the 10% growth from M&A in the quarter [79][82] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of uninsured individuals due to recent legislation - Management estimates a minimal impact on volume in 2026, projecting a 30 to 40 basis point effect from potential uninsured individuals [25][29] Question: Modernization investments and margin expectations - The company expects to incur approximately $0.20 in modernization expenses, with continued margin expansion anticipated for the full year [37][39] Question: Functional medicine as a growth driver - Management indicated that functional medicine is a significant growth area, with expectations for double-digit growth moving forward [95][96] Question: Haystack MRD test progress - Positive feedback from oncologists has been received, with expectations for continued growth in the Haystack MRD business [107] Question: Wage increases and labor trends - Wage inflation is expected to remain in the 3% to 4% range, with improved employee retention aiding productivity [91][92]
Quest Diagnostics(DGX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-22 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for the second quarter were $2.76 billion, up 15.2% year-over-year, with organic revenues growing by 5.2% [14][15] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 11.5%, reaching $2.62 compared to $2.35 in the prior year [16] - Cash from operations was $858 million year-to-date, a 67.1% increase from $514 million in the previous year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Diagnostic Information Services rose by 15.7%, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in physician and hospital channels [15] - The physician channel experienced approximately 20% revenue growth, primarily from acquisitions and high single-digit organic growth [7] - Hospital channel revenues grew in the low single digits, supported by collaborative lab solutions [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total volume measured by requisitions increased by 16.3% year-over-year, with organic volume up 2.1% [15] - Revenue per requisition decreased by 0.4% due to the LifeLabs acquisition, but organic revenue per requisition increased by 3.3% [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive growth through innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of core clinical customers and higher growth areas such as consumer health and data analytics [5][6] - Focus areas include advanced diagnostics in cardiometabolic, autoimmune, brain health, oncology, and women's health [6] - The company is investing in automation and AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised the full-year 2025 guidance due to strong second-quarter performance and continued utilization trends [5][20] - The company expects operating margin to expand compared to the previous year, despite modernization investments [18][19] - Management expressed confidence in absorbing the impact of tariffs and maintaining guidance despite potential challenges [71][72] Other Important Information - The company launched a molecular test for diagnosing Oroposh virus to enhance preparedness for emerging infectious diseases [12] - The integration of LifeLabs is progressing well, contributing approximately 8% to the 10% growth from M&A in the quarter [78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of uninsured individuals due to recent legislation - Management estimates a minimal impact on volume in 2026, projecting a 30 to 40 basis point decrease due to potential loss of insured individuals [25][29] Question: Modernization investments and margin expectations - The company anticipates incurring approximately $0.20 in modernization expenses, with expectations for continued margin expansion throughout the year [36][39] Question: Functional medicine as a growth driver - Management noted that functional medicine is a significant growth area, with expectations for double-digit growth moving forward [96][97] Question: Financial implications of PAMA - The potential impact of PAMA is estimated at $100 million if not deferred, with plans to offset some of this impact through various actions [66][67] Question: Tariff impacts and management strategies - Management indicated that the impact of tariffs is manageable within guidance, with contracts in place to mitigate risks [71][73] Question: LifeLabs acquisition contribution - Approximately 8% of the 10% M&A growth in the quarter came from LifeLabs, with positive integration progress reported [78][82]
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) Beats Q2 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-07-22 12:56
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +1.95%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this medical laboratory operator would post earnings of $2.15 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.21, delivering a surprise of +2.79%. What's Next for Quest Diagnostics? While Quest Diagnostics has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can ...
Quest Diagnostics(DGX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-22 12:30
Q2 2025 Performance Strong revenue growth from acquisitions, enterprise accounts, and innovative clinical solutions Q2 2025 15.2% Total revenue $2.76 billion 16.9% Adjusted operating income %2 11.5% Adjusted diluted EPS2 $2.62 per share 1 1,3 Company overview Quest is a leader in diagnostic testing insights and information services. Read our Q2 earnings press release on our Investor Relations site. " Through continued execution of our strategy, we delivered a strong second quarter, with revenues growing 15. ...
Quest Diagnostics(DGX) - 2025 Q2 - Quarterly Results
2025-07-22 10:48
[Financial Performance Overview](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance%20Overview) Quest Diagnostics reported strong Q2 2025 results and raised full-year guidance, reflecting robust growth and operational efficiency [Second Quarter 2025 Performance Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Second%20Quarter%202025%20Performance%20Highlights) Quest Diagnostics reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with total revenue increasing by 15.2% to $2.76 billion, driven by a 5.2% rise in organic revenues and contributions from acquisitions. Adjusted diluted EPS grew by 11.5% to $2.62. The company also saw a significant 67.1% year-over-year increase in year-to-date cash provided by operations, reaching $858 million Q2 & H1 2025 Financial Performance vs. 2024 | Metric | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Change vs. 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Change vs. 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Revenues** | $2,761 million | 15.2% | $5,413 million | 13.7% | | **Reported Diluted EPS** | $2.47 | 21.7% | $4.41 | 17.6% | | **Adjusted Diluted EPS** | $2.62 | 11.5% | $4.83 | 10.0% | | **Cash Provided by Operations** | $544 million | 51.5% | $858 million | 67.1% | | **Requisition Volume** | N/A | 16.3% | N/A | 14.3% | - Growth was driven by demand for innovative clinical solutions, expanded business from enterprise accounts, and contributions from acquisitions[2](index=2&type=chunk) - Productivity gains were realized through the continued deployment of automation and digital technologies across operations[2](index=2&type=chunk) [Updated Full Year 2025 Guidance](index=2&type=section&id=Updated%20Full%20Year%202025%20Guidance) Reflecting strong performance and positive utilization trends, the company has raised its full-year 2025 guidance. The updated forecast anticipates higher net revenues, adjusted diluted EPS, and cash from operations compared to previous estimates Full Year 2025 Guidance Update | Metric | Updated Guidance (Low - High) | Prior Guidance (Low - High) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Revenues** | $10.80B - $10.92B | $10.70B - $10.85B | | **Net Revenues Increase** | 9.4% - 10.6% | 8.4% - 9.9% | | **Reported Diluted EPS** | $8.60 - $8.80 | $8.62 - $8.87 | | **Adjusted Diluted EPS** | $9.63 - $9.83 | $9.55 - $9.80 | | **Cash Provided by Operations** | Approx. $1.55B | Approx. $1.5B | [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=4&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The company's Q2 2025 financial statements show revenue growth, increased profitability, and improved cash flow, alongside a strengthened balance sheet [Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=4&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) For the second quarter of 2025, net revenues grew to $2.76 billion from $2.40 billion year-over-year. Operating income increased to $438 million, and net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics rose to $282 million, or $2.47 per diluted share, compared to $229 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, in the prior-year period Key Income Statement Data (in millions) | Line Item | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Revenues** | $2,761 | $2,397 | $5,413 | $4,763 | | **Operating Income** | $438 | $355 | $784 | $655 | | **Net Income Attributable to Quest** | $282 | $229 | $502 | $423 | | **Diluted EPS** | $2.47 | $2.03 | $4.41 | $3.75 | [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=5&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of June 30, 2025, Quest Diagnostics reported total assets of $16.0 billion, a slight decrease from $16.2 billion at year-end 2024. Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $319 million from $549 million, while total debt (current and long-term) was reduced to $5.67 billion from $6.22 billion over the same period. Total stockholders' equity increased to $7.27 billion Key Balance Sheet Data (in millions) | Line Item | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Cash and cash equivalents** | $319 | $549 | | **Total Assets** | $15,969 | $16,153 | | **Total Debt (Current + Long-term)** | $5,673 | $6,217 | | **Total Liabilities** | $8,704 | $9,340 | | **Total Stockholders' Equity** | $7,265 | $6,813 | [Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the first six months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities significantly increased to $858 million from $514 million in the prior-year period. Net cash used in investing activities was $239 million, primarily for capital expenditures. Financing activities used $854 million, largely due to $1.0 billion in debt repayments and $174 million in dividend payments Cash Flow Summary for Six Months Ended June 30 (in millions) | Cash Flow Activity | 2025 | 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Cash from Operating Activities** | $858 | $514 | | **Net Cash used in Investing Activities** | ($239) | ($413) | | **Net Cash used in Financing Activities** | ($854) | ($516) | | **Net Change in Cash** | ($230) | ($415) | - Key uses of cash in financing activities for H1 2025 included **$1,001 million** for debt repayments and **$174 million** for dividend payments[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Notes to Financial Tables](index=7&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Financial%20Tables) This section details the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures, explaining key adjustments for a clearer view of underlying performance [Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures](index=7&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures) This section provides a detailed reconciliation between reported GAAP results and adjusted non-GAAP figures. Management presents these adjusted measures, which exclude items like restructuring charges, amortization, and certain gains or losses, because they believe it provides a clearer view of underlying business trends and performance [Q2 2025 Reconciliation](index=7&type=section&id=Q2%202025%20Reconciliation) For the second quarter of 2025, reported diluted EPS of $2.47 was adjusted for several items, including restructuring charges, amortization expense, and a gain related to the CARES Act, resulting in an adjusted diluted EPS of $2.62 Q2 2025 GAAP to Non-GAAP EPS Reconciliation | Description | Per Share Impact | | :--- | :--- | | **Reported Diluted EPS (GAAP)** | **$2.47** | | Restructuring and integration charges | $0.04 | | Other charges | $0.19 | | Gains and losses on investments | ($0.01) | | Other gains (e.g., CARES Act) | ($0.30) | | Amortization expense | $0.25 | | Excess Tax Benefits (ETB) | ($0.02) | | **Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP)** | **$2.62** | [YTD 2025 Reconciliation](index=8&type=section&id=YTD%202025%20Reconciliation) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, reported diluted EPS of $4.41 was adjusted to $4.83. The adjustments were similar to the quarterly figures, accounting for restructuring, amortization, and other special items over the six-month period YTD 2025 GAAP to Non-GAAP EPS Reconciliation | Description | Per Share Impact | | :--- | :--- | | **Reported Diluted EPS (GAAP)** | **$4.41** | | Restructuring and integration charges | $0.17 | | Other charges | $0.21 | | Gains and losses on investments | ($0.01) | | Other gains (e.g., CARES Act) | ($0.36) | | Amortization expense | $0.51 | | Excess Tax Benefits (ETB) | ($0.10) | | **Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP)** | **$4.83** | [Full Year 2025 Guidance Reconciliation](index=9&type=section&id=Full%20Year%202025%20Guidance%20Reconciliation) The company's full-year 2025 guidance for reported diluted EPS of $8.60-$8.80 is reconciled to an adjusted diluted EPS range of $9.63-$9.83 by factoring in estimated full-year impacts from amortization, restructuring, and other special charges and gains Full Year 2025 GAAP to Non-GAAP Guidance Reconciliation | Description | Per Share Impact | | :--- | :--- | | **Diluted EPS (GAAP) Outlook** | **$8.60 - $8.80** | | Restructuring and integration charges | $0.24 | | Amortization expense | $1.03 | | Other charges | $0.27 | | Other gains | ($0.36) | | Gains and losses on investments | ($0.01) | | Excess Tax Benefits (ETB) | ($0.14) | | **Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP) Outlook** | **$9.63 - $9.83** | [Explanation of Adjustments](index=9&type=section&id=Explanation%20of%20Adjustments) The adjustments between GAAP and non-GAAP results for Q2 and H1 2025 include several key items. These consist of pre-tax charges for restructuring and workforce reductions, a significant impairment charge on long-lived assets, and a notable pre-tax gain from a CARES Act payroll tax credit - Restructuring and integration charges amounted to **$7 million** for Q2 and **$26 million** for H1 2025, primarily from workforce reductions and integration costs[27](index=27&type=chunk) - A pre-tax impairment charge of **$24 million** was recorded in Q2 2025 on long-lived assets related to the potential exit of a business[27](index=27&type=chunk) - A **$46 million** pre-tax gain was recognized in Q2 2025 from a CARES Act payroll tax credit for employee retention[29](index=29&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=2&type=section&id=Other%20Information) Quest Diagnostics, a leading diagnostic information provider, includes standard forward-looking statements cautioning on potential risks [About Quest Diagnostics & Forward-Looking Statements](index=2&type=section&id=About%20Quest%20Diagnostics%20%26%20Forward-Looking%20Statements) Quest Diagnostics describes itself as a leading provider of diagnostic information services, serving one in three adult Americans and half of U.S. physicians and hospitals. The release also contains standard forward-looking statements, cautioning that actual results could differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties detailed in their SEC filings - Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States[9](index=9&type=chunk) - The report includes a forward-looking statements disclaimer, warning of risks that could cause actual results to differ, such as economic conditions, competitive environment, and changes in government policies[10](index=10&type=chunk)[11](index=11&type=chunk) [Conference Call Information](index=2&type=section&id=Conference%20Call%20Information) The company announced it will hold a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2025, to discuss the quarterly financial results. Access is available via phone and a live webcast, with a replay available until August 5, 2025 - A conference call to discuss results is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2025[7](index=7&type=chunk) - A replay of the call will be available by phone and online until midnight Eastern Time on August 5, 2025[8](index=8&type=chunk)
Quest Diagnostics Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results; Raises Guidance for Full Year 2025
Prnewswire· 2025-07-22 10:47
Core Insights - Quest Diagnostics reported a strong second quarter for 2025, with revenues increasing by 15.2% year-over-year, driven by both organic growth and acquisitions [2][6] - The company raised its full-year guidance for 2025 based on positive performance trends and increased demand for its clinical solutions [2][3] Financial Performance - Net revenues for the second quarter reached $2.76 billion, up from $2.40 billion in 2024, marking a 15.2% increase [2][6] - Diagnostic Information Services revenues also grew by 15.7% to $2.70 billion compared to $2.33 billion in the previous year [2][6] - Adjusted diluted EPS for the quarter was $2.62, reflecting an 11.5% increase from $2.35 in 2024 [2][6] - Operating income rose to $438 million, a 23.3% increase from $355 million in the same quarter last year [2][6] Operational Metrics - Requisition volume increased by 16.3%, while organic requisition volume grew by 2.1% [2][6] - Cash provided by operations for the first half of 2025 was $858 million, up 67.1% from $514 million in 2024 [2][6] Updated Guidance - The updated guidance for full-year 2025 includes net revenues projected between $10.80 billion and $10.92 billion, an increase of 9.4% to 10.6% [3] - Reported diluted EPS is now expected to be between $8.60 and $8.80, while adjusted diluted EPS is forecasted to be between $9.63 and $9.83 [3][6]
Should You Buy Quest Diagnostics Ahead of Earnings?
ZACKS· 2025-07-21 13:41
Core Viewpoint - Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) is positioned favorably for an upcoming earnings report, with positive trends indicating a potential earnings beat [1][5]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Recent favorable earnings estimate revisions for Quest Diagnostics suggest a positive outlook, as analysts have raised their estimates just before the earnings report [2][5]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter stands at $2.59 per share, slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.57 per share, indicating recent upward revisions by analysts [3]. Earnings ESP and Historical Performance - Quest Diagnostics has a Zacks Earnings ESP of +0.67%, which is a positive indicator heading into earnings season [3]. - Historical data shows that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of delivering positive surprises and have averaged over 28% in annual returns [4]. Investment Consideration - Given the positive earnings estimate revisions and the current Zacks Rank of 3, investors may want to consider Quest Diagnostics as a potential investment ahead of the earnings report [5].
DGX Q2 Earnings Preview: Will Advanced Diagnostics Lead Performance?
ZACKS· 2025-07-21 13:05
Core Insights - Quest Diagnostics (DGX) is expected to release its Q2 2025 results on July 22, with adjusted EPS of $2.21 in the last quarter, exceeding estimates by 2.79% [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 2025 revenues is $2.72 billion, reflecting a 13.4% increase year-over-year, while EPS is projected to rise by 9.4% to $2.57 [2] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - Q2 2025 revenue estimates for Quest Diagnostics have increased by 1 cent to $2.57 in the past week [3] - The anticipated revenue growth is driven by the Advanced Diagnostics portfolio and strong performance across key clinical areas [4] Growth Drivers - The core Diagnostics Information Services (DIS) business is expected to see growth from prenatal and hereditary genetic testing, as well as the new HPV self-collection solution [5] - The AD-Detect suite for Alzheimer's risk assessment is likely to contribute to growth through personalized testing approaches [5] - The introduction of the Haystack minimal residual disease (MRD) blood test and large enterprise accounts are expected to further boost Advanced Diagnostics growth [6] Market Access and Partnerships - Revenue growth in Q2 2025 is supported by expanded health plan access with Elevance Health and Sentara Health Plans, effective January 1 [7] - Quest Diagnostics is now part of the Optum Health preferred lab network, enhancing service delivery to over 85,000 physicians [7] Operational Efficiency - The Collaborative Lab Solutions business is anticipated to lead revenue growth in the hospital channel [8] - The company is focusing on productivity gains from recent acquisitions and leveraging automation, robotics, and AI to improve operational efficiency [11] Financial Projections - Quest Diagnostics is projected to achieve 13.4% revenue growth and 9.4% EPS growth in Q2 2025, driven by Advanced Diagnostics and expanded payer access [9] - The DIS revenues are expected to increase by 13.5% year-over-year, with acquisitions contributing 5.8% [10] - Operating income is projected to rise by 13.6% year-over-year in Q2 2025 [11] Earnings Expectations - Quest Diagnostics has an Earnings ESP of +0.67% and a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a higher chance of beating estimates [12]
Digi Power X Announces $15 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock
Globenewswire· 2025-07-21 11:29
Core Viewpoint - Digi Power X Inc. has successfully entered into a securities purchase agreement for the sale of 4,807,693 shares at an offering price of U.S.$3.12 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately U.S.$15 million, which will enhance its financial position and support its growth strategy in AI and digital infrastructure [2][3][9]. Financial Highlights - The offering is expected to close on or about July 22, 2025, subject to regulatory approval [4]. - Post-offering, the company will have over U.S.$30 million in cash and cash equivalents, with no long-term debt [3][9]. - The financing is aimed at solidifying the company's capital position as it transitions from deployment to monetization [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The funds will be utilized to expand the deployment of NeoCloud Tier 3 AI infrastructure powered by NVIDIA B200 and B300 chips [9]. - The company plans to accelerate the manufacturing and global distribution of its ARMS 200 pods [9]. - The financing will support strategic joint ventures and PPA-backed energy deployments, as well as non-dilutive financing initiatives [9]. Market Position - The offering reflects a growing interest in the company's scalable AI infrastructure strategy, particularly its proprietary ARMS 200 Tier 3 modular data center platform and NeoCloud GPU-as-a-Service infrastructure [3][9]. - Titan Partners Group is acting as the sole placement agent for this offering [4].
Will Quest Diagnostics (DGX) Beat Estimates Again in Its Next Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-07-17 17:11
Core Viewpoint - Quest Diagnostics is a strong candidate for investors looking for stocks that consistently beat earnings estimates and may continue this trend in the upcoming quarterly report [1] Group 1: Earnings Performance - Quest Diagnostics has a strong track record of surpassing earnings estimates, averaging a 2.31% beat over the last two quarters [2] - In the last reported quarter, the company achieved earnings of $2.21 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 per share by 2.79% [3] - In the previous quarter, Quest Diagnostics reported earnings of $2.23 per share against an expected $2.19, resulting in a surprise of 1.83% [3] Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Predictions - There has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Quest Diagnostics, with a positive Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating potential for an earnings beat [6] - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [7] - Quest Diagnostics currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.17%, suggesting analysts are optimistic about its near-term earnings potential [9]