10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2016

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2016

Filed October 21, 2016For Securities:DGX

Summary

Quest Diagnostics reported mixed financial results for the nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2016. While overall net revenues saw a slight increase of 0.2% year-over-year for the nine-month period, driven by a 2.7% rise in its core Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) segment, the company's Diagnostic Solutions (DS) segment experienced a significant 30.7% revenue decline due to divestitures. Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics stockholders decreased by 6.1% for the nine months, impacted by various one-time items including a gain from the sale of the Focus Diagnostics business and charges related to debt retirement and restructuring. However, cash flow from operations remained strong, increasing by $216 million for the nine-month period, indicating solid underlying operational performance. The company continued its strategic divestitures, notably the sale of its Focus Diagnostics products business, which generated a substantial pre-tax gain. This aligns with management's strategy to refocus on its core diagnostic information services. Quest Diagnostics also actively managed its capital structure, repurchasing shares and completing debt refinancing activities. Despite a decrease in net income, the company's operational cash generation and strategic divestitures suggest a continued focus on efficiency and core business strength.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.89B
Cost of Revenue$1.16B
Gross Profit$728.00M
SG&A Expenses$409.00M
Operating Expenses$1.56B
Operating Income$322.00M
Interest Expense$37.00M
Net Income$192.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.37
EPS (Diluted)$1.34
Shares Outstanding (Basic)139.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)142.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, increased slightly by 0.2% to $5.65 billion, while the third quarter saw a 0.3% increase to $1.89 billion.
  • 2The Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) segment, representing over 90% of revenue, showed growth with a 2.7% increase for the nine months and a 2.1% increase for the third quarter.
  • 3Diagnostic Solutions (DS) segment revenues declined significantly by 30.7% for the nine months and 27.1% for the third quarter, largely due to the divestiture of the Focus Diagnostics business.
  • 4Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics stockholders decreased by 6.1% to $490 million for the nine months and by 44.0% to $192 million for the third quarter, impacted by significant one-time items including a gain on sale of business and debt retirement costs.
  • 5Cash flow from operating activities for the nine months increased by $216 million to $765 million, demonstrating strong operational cash generation.
  • 6The company completed the sale of its Focus Diagnostics products business for $293 million net, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $118 million for the nine months.
  • 7Quest Diagnostics actively repurchased shares, spending $440 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, including an accelerated share repurchase agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant revenue decline in the Diagnostic Solutions (DS) segment was primarily driven by the sale of the Focus Diagnostics products business and the winding down of the Celera products business. These divestitures were part of the company's strategy to focus on its core diagnostic information services.

Quest Diagnostics actively managed its debt by completing a $500 million senior notes offering in May 2016 and retiring $200 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes in March 2016. The company also repurchased $440 million of its common stock, including an accelerated share repurchase agreement, demonstrating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders and optimizing its capital structure.

The Invigorate Program is a multi-year initiative designed to reduce Quest Diagnostics' cost structure. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the company incurred $43 million in charges related to this program, primarily for systems conversion and integration costs. Management expects the program to deliver significant run-rate savings by the end of 2017.

The sale of Focus Diagnostics in May 2016 resulted in a pre-tax gain of $118 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. While this contributed positively to overall financial results, the associated income tax expense of $84 million was significant due to the tax basis of the assets sold, particularly goodwill.