TETERBORO, N.J., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) discussed guidance for 2003 on its webcasted investor
call this morning. As discussed on the call, for the full year 2003, Quest
Diagnostics expects earnings per diluted share to increase to between $4.00
and $4.20, excluding the impact of the planned acquisition of Unilab. Revenues
are expected to grow approximately 8% to 10%. Volume, as measured by the
number of requisitions, is expected to grow between 6% and 7%, with 2% to 3%
coming from organic volume growth. Revenue per requisition is expected to
increase 2% to 3%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) are expected to improve to between 19% and 20% of
revenues. Capital expenditures are expected to approximate between
$170 million and $180 million and cash from operations is expected to exceed
$500 million.
Additionally on the call the company provided guidance for the first
quarter 2003. For the first quarter earnings per diluted share are expected
to increase to between $0.82 and $0.87. Revenues are expected to grow
approximately 12%. Volume is expected to increase by 9% to 10%. On a pro
forma basis, assuming that American Medical Laboratories (AML) had been part
of Quest Diagnostics during the first quarter of 2002, volume growth is
expected to be between 1% and 2%. Revenue per requisition is expected to
increase 2% to 3%. EBITDA is expected to improve to between 17% and 18% of
revenues.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of
diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable
physicians, hospitals, managed care organizations and other healthcare
professionals to make decisions to improve health. The company offers patients
and physicians the broadest access to diagnostic laboratory services through
its national network of laboratories and patient service centers. Quest
Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based
medical testing, and empowers healthcare organizations and clinicians with
state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that improve practice management.
Additional company information can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.questdiagnostics.com .
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, unanticipated expenditures, changing
relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, conditions of
the economy and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
2001 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
/CONTACT: Investors - Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030 or Media - Gary
Samuels, +1-201-393-5700, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated/