LYNDHURST, N.J., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced that its Board of Directors expanded its
share repurchase authorization by an additional $600 million, bringing the
total amount authorized and available for repurchases to $722 million. During
2005 the company repurchased 7.8 million common shares for $390 million. The
company had approximately 199 million common shares outstanding as of January
23, 2006.
In addition, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per
common share, an 11% increase, payable on April 19, 2006, to shareholders of
record on April 5, 2006. Quest Diagnostics will hold its fourth quarter
conference call on January 26 at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time. To hear a simulcast
of the call over the Internet or a replay, registered analysts may access
StreetEvents at: http://www.streetevents.com, and all others may access the
Quest Diagnostics website at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com. In addition, a
replay of the call will be available from 10:30 A.M. on January 26 through 11
P.M. on February 24 to investors in the U.S. by dialing 800-224-1285.
Investors outside the U.S. may dial 402-220-3691. No password is required for
either number.
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient
service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing
innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology
solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is
available 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, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated SEC filings, including its latest Form 10-K.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
CONTACT: Investors - Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030, or
Media - Gary
Samuels, +1-201-393-5700,
both of Quest Diagnostics