10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2019

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2019

Filed October 23, 2019For Securities:DGX

Summary

Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX) reported its financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2019. The company demonstrated steady top-line growth, with total net revenues increasing by 3.5% year-over-year for the quarter, reaching $1.96 billion. This growth was primarily driven by its Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) segment, which saw a 3.7% revenue increase, fueled by a 5.1% rise in volume and contributions from recent acquisitions. Despite revenue growth, operating income saw a slight decrease of 1.5% for the nine-month period, largely due to increased costs and the impact of specific charges and gains. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations remained relatively stable for the quarter but saw a slight decline for the nine-month period, influenced by various factors including amortization, restructuring charges, and tax impacts. Looking at the balance sheet, Quest Diagnostics reported total assets of $12.02 billion as of September 30, 2019, up from $11.00 billion at the end of 2018. This increase reflects the adoption of new lease accounting standards, resulting in significant operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents saw a substantial increase to $434 million from $135 million at the end of 2018, supported by strong operating cash flows. The company continued its capital allocation strategy, repurchasing shares and paying dividends, while also managing its debt obligations, which included a significant senior notes offering in March 2019.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.96B
Cost of Revenue$1.26B
Gross Profit$692.00M
SG&A Expenses$362.00M
Operating Expenses$1.64B
Operating Income$313.00M
Interest Expense$45.00M
Net Income$215.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.59
EPS (Diluted)$1.56
Shares Outstanding (Basic)135.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)137.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenues for Q3 2019 increased by 3.5% to $1.96 billion, driven by the DIS segment's 3.7% revenue growth.
  • 2DIS segment volume increased by 5.1% year-over-year in Q3 2019, with organic growth and acquisitions contributing to the rise.
  • 3Income from continuing operations attributable to Quest Diagnostics' stockholders was $215 million ($1.56 per diluted share) for Q3 2019, compared to $213 million ($1.53 per diluted share) in the prior year.
  • 4Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2019 was $895 million, slightly down from $905 million in the prior year.
  • 5The company adopted new lease accounting standards, significantly increasing operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.
  • 6Quest Diagnostics completed a $500 million senior notes offering in March 2019 to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes.
  • 7The company is actively engaged in its 'Invigorate' program aimed at reducing costs and improving performance, incurring $49 million in pre-tax charges for the nine-month period.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was the Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) segment, which saw a 3.7% increase due to a 5.1% rise in volume, benefiting from organic growth and recent acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease in revenue per requisition.

The adoption of new lease accounting standards in 2019 resulted in the recognition of significant 'operating lease right-of-use assets' ($508 million) and 'long-term operating lease liabilities' ($405 million) on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2019.

The AMCA Data Security Incident, affecting customer data handled by a third-party vendor, did not materially impact the company's results for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. However, the company acknowledges that future financial results may be negatively impacted by associated costs and disruption to its accounts receivable collection processes. There are ongoing lawsuits and governmental investigations related to the incident.

Quest Diagnostics continues to return value to shareholders through dividends, with quarterly cash dividends declared. The company also has an ongoing share repurchase program, with $442 million remaining available for repurchases as of September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the company repurchased $150 million of its common stock.