QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC, 10-K filed on 2/26/2026
Annual Report
v3.25.4
Cover Page - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Feb. 02, 2026
Jun. 30, 2025
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2025    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-12215    
Entity Registrant Name Quest Diagnostics Inc    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 16-1387862    
Entity Address, Address Line One 500 Plaza Drive    
Entity Address, City or Town Secaucus,    
Entity Address, State or Province NJ    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 07094    
City Area Code (973)    
Local Phone Number 520-2700    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $.01 par value    
Trading Symbol DGX    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 20.0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   109,866,320  
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed by April 30, 2026
   
Entity Central Index Key 0001022079    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
v3.25.4
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location Florham Park, New Jersey
Auditor Firm ID 238
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 420 $ 549
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $25 and $29 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively 1,408 1,304
Inventories 189 188
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 361 351
Total current assets 2,378 2,392
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,203 2,113
Operating lease right-of-use assets 657 651
Goodwill 8,945 8,856
Intangible assets, net 1,636 1,763
Investments in equity method investees 136 123
Other assets 270 255
Total assets 16,225 16,153
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,600 1,394
Less: Current portion of long-term debt 504 602
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities 174 173
Total current liabilities 2,278 2,169
Long-term debt 5,167 5,615
Long-term operating lease liabilities 537 535
Other liabilities 957 938
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest 80 83
Quest Diagnostics stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 600 shares authorized as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024; 162 shares issued as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024 2 2
Additional paid-in capital 2,381 2,361
Retained earnings 9,994 9,360
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (27) (88)
Treasury stock, at cost; 52 shares and 51 shares as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively (5,180) (4,857)
Total Quest Diagnostics stockholders’ equity 7,170 6,778
Noncontrolling interests 36 35
Total stockholders’ equity 7,206 6,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 16,225 $ 16,153
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 25 $ 29
Common stock, par value $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 600 600
Common stock, shares issued 162 162
Treasury stock, shares 52 51
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Net revenues $ 11,035 $ 9,872 $ 9,252
Operating costs and expenses and other operating income:      
Cost of services 7,370 6,628 6,199
Selling, general and administrative 1,967 1,770 1,642
Amortization of intangible assets 154 127 108
Other operating (income) expense, net (12) 1 41
Total operating costs and expenses, net 9,479 8,526 7,990
Operating income 1,556 1,346 1,262
Other income (expense):      
Interest expense, net (264) (201) (152)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 26 30 20
Total non-operating expense, net (238) (171) (132)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees 1,318 1,175 1,130
Income tax expense (314) (273) (248)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes 42 19 26
Net income 1,046 921 908
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 54 50 54
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 992 $ 871 $ 854
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 8.87 $ 7.78 $ 7.59
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 8.75 $ 7.69 $ 7.49
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 1,046 $ 921 $ 908
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation adjustment 62 (76) 5
Net deferred (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of taxes (1) 2 2
Other comprehensive income (loss) 61 (74) 7
Comprehensive income 1,107 847 915
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 54 50 54
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 1,053 $ 797 $ 861
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 1,046 $ 921 $ 908
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 570 493 439
Provision for credit losses 3 5 1
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) 105 13 (49)
Stock-based compensation expense 88 88 77
Other, net 24 15 41
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable (106) (71) (15)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 129 (67) (55)
Income taxes payable 24 16 (2)
Other assets and liabilities, net 3 (79) (73)
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,886 1,334 1,272
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (101) (2,164) (611)
Capital expenditures (527) (425) (408)
Other investing activities, net (3) 41 (42)
Net cash used in investing activities (631) (2,548) (1,061)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Proceeds from borrowings 410 1,846 2,592
Repayments of debt (1,012) (303) (1,844)
Purchases of treasury stock (450) (151) (275)
Exercise of stock options 79 73 72
Employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans (45) (24) (28)
Dividends paid (353) (331) (314)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners (56) (47) (57)
Other financing activities, net 39 21 14
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (1,388) 1,084 160
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 4 (7) 0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (129) (137) 371
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year 549 686 315
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year $ 420 $ 549 $ 686
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock, at Cost
Non- controlling Interests
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2022   111.0          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 5,930 $ 2 $ 2,295 $ 8,290 $ (21) $ (4,673) $ 37
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net income 903     854     49
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 7       7    
Dividends declared (319)     (319)      
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners (51)           (51)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, shares   1.0          
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans 27   (39)     66  
Stock-based compensation expense 77   77        
Exercise of stock options, shares   1.0          
Exercise of stock options 72   (3)     75  
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans (28)   (10)     $ (18)  
Purchases of treasury stock, shares   (2.0)       (2.0)  
Purchases of treasury stock (276)         $ (276)  
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2023   111.0          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 6,342 $ 2 2,320 8,825 (14) (4,826) 35
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net income 914     871     43
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (74)       (74)    
Dividends declared (336)     (336)      
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners (43)           (43)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans 26   (38)     64  
Stock-based compensation expense 88   88        
Exercise of stock options, shares   1.0          
Exercise of stock options 73         73  
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans (24)   (6)     $ (18)  
Acquisition of additional ownership interest in subsidiary (3)   (3)        
Purchases of treasury stock, shares   (1.0)       (0.9)  
Purchases of treasury stock (150)         $ (150)  
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2024   111.0          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2024 6,813 $ 2 2,361 9,360 (88) (4,857) 35
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net income 1,039     992     47
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 61       61    
Dividends declared (358)     (358)      
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners (46)           (46)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, shares   1.0          
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans 27   (51)     78  
Stock-based compensation expense 88   88        
Exercise of stock options, shares   1.0          
Exercise of stock options 79   3     76  
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans (45)   (20)     $ (25)  
Purchases of treasury stock, shares   (3.0)       (2.5)  
Purchases of treasury stock (452)         $ (452)  
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2025   110.0          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2025 $ 7,206 $ 2 $ 2,381 $ 9,994 $ (27) $ (5,180) $ 36
v3.25.4
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
    
    Background
    
    Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its subsidiaries ("Quest Diagnostics" or the "Company") work across the healthcare ecosystem to create a healthier world, one life at a time. The Company's diagnostic information services ("DIS") business provides diagnostic insights from the results of its laboratory testing to empower people, physicians, and organizations to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from one of the world's largest databases of de-identifiable clinical lab results, the diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. In the right hands and with the right context, the diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives and create a healthier world. The Company provides services to a broad range of customers within its primary customer channels - physicians (including those associated with accountable care organizations ("ACOs") and Federally Qualified Health Centers ("FQHCs")), hospitals, and patients and consumers. Other customers include health plans, employers, new and emerging retail healthcare providers, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies and other commercial clinical laboratories. The Company offers broad access to clinical testing through a network of laboratories, patient service centers, phlebotomists in physician offices, and connectivity resources, including call centers and mobile phlebotomists, nurses and other health and wellness professionals. The Company's large in-house staff of medical and scientific experts, including medical directors, scientific directors, genetic counselors and board-certified geneticists, provide medical and scientific consultation to healthcare providers and patients regarding the Company's tests and test results, and help them best utilize Quest Diagnostics' services to improve outcomes and enhance satisfaction. The Company's Diagnostic Solutions ("DS") group, which represents the balance of the Company's consolidated net revenues, includes the Company's risk assessment services business, which offers solutions for insurers, and the Company's healthcare information technology businesses, which offer solutions for healthcare providers and payers.
v3.25.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    
    Principles of Consolidation

    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all entities controlled by the Company through its direct or indirect ownership of a majority voting interest. Additionally, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company has a variable interest and for which the Company is the “primary beneficiary” as it has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

    Income attributable to the minority interest in the Company's majority owned and controlled consolidated subsidiaries is recorded as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations and the noncontrolling interest is reflected as a separate component of consolidated stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheet.
        
    Equity Method Investments

    Investments in entities which the Company does not control, but in which it has a substantial ownership interest (generally between 20% and 49%) and can exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These investments are classified as investments in equity method investees in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company records its pro rata share of the earnings, adjusted for accretion of basis difference, of these investments in equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company reviews its investments in equity method investees for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

    Use of Estimates

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

    Revenue Recognition

    The Company recognizes as revenue the amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for goods sold or services rendered primarily upon completion of the testing process (when results are reported) or when services have been rendered (see Note 3). Net revenues from Medicare and Medicaid programs were approximately 11% of the Company's consolidated net revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Net revenues from government programs in Canada were approximately 5% and 2% of the Company's consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Taxes on Income

    The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Current and deferred income taxes are measured based on the tax laws that are enacted as of the balance sheet date of the relevant reporting period. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are recognized only if the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.

    Earnings Per Share

    The Company's unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and performance share units granted under the Company's Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan (“ELTIP”) and its Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (“DLTIP”), as well as the dilutive effect of accelerated share repurchase agreements ("ASRs"), if applicable. Earnings allocable to participating securities include the portion of dividends declared as well as the portion of undistributed earnings during the period allocable to participating securities.

    Stock-Based Compensation

    The Company measures stock-based compensation for equity awards at fair value on the date of grant and records stock-based compensation as a charge to earnings net of the estimated impact of forfeited awards. As such, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost only for those stock-based awards that are estimated to ultimately vest over their requisite service period, based on the vesting provisions of the individual grants. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated forfeiture rate is recognized as compensation cost in earnings in the period of the change. The terms of the Company's performance share units allow the recipients of such awards to earn a variable number of shares based on the achievement of the performance goals, which are based on the financial performance of the Company and the total shareholder return of the Company relative to an index of peer companies ("relative TSR"), specified in the awards. For performance share units with a goal based on the financial performance of the Company, stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on management's best estimates of the achievement of the performance goals specified in such awards and the resulting number of shares that will be earned. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated number of performance share units expected to be earned for these awards is recognized as compensation cost in earnings in the period of the change. For performance share units with a market-based relative TSR goal, stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the estimated fair value of the award regardless of the actual number of shares earned. For further details regarding stock-based compensation, see Note 17.
    Fair Value Measurements

    The Company determines fair value measurements used in its consolidated financial statements based upon the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants exclusive of any transaction costs, as determined by either the principal market or the most advantageous market.

    Inputs used in the valuation techniques to derive fair values are classified based on a three-level hierarchy. The basis for fair value measurements for each level within the hierarchy is described below with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest.

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

    Foreign Currency
    
    The Company predominately uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. The functional currency of the Company's foreign operating subsidiaries generally is the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates as of the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average monthly exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, are included within other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses have historically not been material. The Company may be exposed to market risk for changes in foreign exchange rates primarily under certain intercompany receivables and payables. From time to time, the Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the exposure of the eventual net cash inflows or outflows resulting from these intercompany transactions. The Company's foreign exchange exposure is not material to the Company's consolidated financial condition. The Company does not hedge its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries because it views those investments as long-term in nature.

    Cash and Cash Equivalents

    Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with original maturities, at the time acquired by the Company, of three months or less.

    Concentration of Credit Risk

    Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. The Company's policy is to place its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is mitigated by the diversity of the Company's payers and their dispersion across many different geographic regions, and credit risk is concentrated among certain payers who are large buyers of the Company's services. To reduce risk, the Company routinely assesses the financial strength of these payers and, consequently, believes that its accounts receivable credit risk exposure, with respect to these payers, is limited. While the Company has receivables due from federal, state and foreign governmental agencies, the Company does not believe that such receivables represent a credit risk since the related healthcare programs are funded by federal, state and foreign governments, and payment is primarily dependent on submitting appropriate documentation timely. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, receivables due from government payers under the Medicare and Medicaid programs represented approximately 7% and 6%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated net accounts receivable. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, receivables due from Canadian government payers represented approximately 1% of the Company's consolidated net accounts receivable. The portion of the Company's accounts receivable due from patients comprises the largest portion of credit risk. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, receivables due from patients represented approximately 20% of the Company's consolidated net accounts receivable. The Company applies assumptions and judgments including historical collection experience (including the period of time that
the receivables have been outstanding) for assessing collectability and determining net revenues and accounts receivable from patients.

    Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

    Accounts receivable are reported net of allowances for credit losses.
    
    When estimating its allowance for credit losses, the Company pools its trade receivables based on the following customer types: healthcare insurers, government payers, client payers and patients, which are described in Note 3.  The Company principally estimates the allowance for credit losses by pool based on historical collection experience, the current credit worthiness of the customers, current economic conditions, expectations of future economic conditions and the period of time that the receivables have been outstanding.  To the extent that any individual payers are identified that have deteriorated in credit quality, the Company removes the customers from their respective pools and establishes allowances based on the individual risk characteristics of such customers.

    Inventories

    Inventories, which consist principally of finished goods testing supplies and reagents, are valued at the lower of cost (principally first in, first out method) or net realizable value.

    Property, Plant and Equipment

    Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized for application development activities and expensed as incurred for preliminary project activities and post-implementation activities. Capitalized costs include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the internal-use software project, and interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. Capitalization of such costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. Costs for maintenance and training are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the expected useful lives of the assets. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on the straight-line method over expected useful asset lives as of December 31, 2025 as follows:

buildings and improvements, ranging up to thirty-one and a half years;
laboratory equipment and furniture and fixtures, ranging from five to twelve years;
leasehold improvements, the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining life of the building or lease, as applicable; and
computer software developed or obtained for internal use, principally five to ten years.
        
    Goodwill

    Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the acquiree (including the fair value of non-controlling interests) over the recognized bases of the net identifiable assets acquired and includes the future economic benefits from other assets that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is periodically reviewed for impairment and an impairment charge is recorded in the periods in which the recorded carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value.

    On a quarterly basis, the Company performs a review of its business to determine if events or changes in circumstances have occurred which could have a material adverse effect on the fair value of the Company and its goodwill. If such events or changes in circumstances were deemed to have occurred, the Company would perform an impairment test of goodwill as of the end of the quarter and record any noted impairment loss.

    The goodwill test is performed at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The annual impairment test includes an option to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value; the qualitative test may be performed prior
to, or as an alternative to, performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company is required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, no further analysis is required. Additionally, the Company's policy is to update the fair value calculation of its reporting units and perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test on a periodic basis.

    The quantitative impairment test involves the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company calculates the fair value of each reporting unit using either (i) a discounted cash flows analysis that converts future cash flow amounts into a single discounted present value amount or (ii) a market approach. The Company assesses the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time that the valuation is performed. The Company compares the estimate of fair value for the reporting unit to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value is greater than the estimate of fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in the amount of the excess.
    
    The Company performs its annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company performed a qualitative impairment test and, based on the totality of information available for the reporting units, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair values of the reporting units were greater than the carrying values of the reporting units and, as such, no further analysis was required.

    Intangible Assets

    Intangible assets are recognized at fair value, as an asset apart from goodwill if the asset (i) arises from contractual or other legal rights, or (ii) is separable. Intangible assets, principally representing the cost of customer-related intangible assets, non-competition agreements, acquired technology-related intangible assets and trade name intangible assets, are capitalized and amortized on the straight-line method over their expected useful lives, which generally range from five to twenty-five years. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, consisting principally of acquired trade names, are not amortized, but instead are periodically reviewed for impairment.

    The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets periodically for impairment and an impairment charge is recorded in the periods in which the recorded carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is more than its estimated fair value. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test is performed at least annually, or more frequently in the case of other events that indicate a potential impairment.

    Based upon the Company’s most recent annual impairment tests completed during the fourth quarter of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company concluded that indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired.

    The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets (including amortizable intangible assets), other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Evaluation of possible impairment is based on the Company's ability to recover the asset from the expected future pre-tax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying amount of the asset.

    Investments
    
    The Company's investments (except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) include:

Equity investments with readily determinable fair values, including investments comprised mostly of strategic holdings in companies concentrated in the life sciences and healthcare industries; as well as participant-directed investments of deferred employee compensation and related Company matching contributions held in trusts pursuant to the Company's supplemental deferred compensation plans (see Note 17). These investments are measured at fair value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in current earnings within other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, gains/(losses) from all equity investments with readily determinable fair values totaled $19 million, $18 million, and $20 million, respectively. See Note 7 for a discussion of the fair value of such investments.
Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values consist of investments in preferred and common shares of privately held companies. These investments are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. The Company regularly evaluates these equity investments to determine if there are any indicators that the investment is impaired; no impairment charges were recognized related to these investments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. The carrying value of these investments was $47 million and $37 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Such amounts were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Available-for-sale debt securities of privately-held companies. These investments are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses presented in other comprehensive income (loss). No such investments existed as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

    Derivative Financial Instruments

    The Company uses derivative financial instruments, from time to time, to manage its exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates and foreign currencies. This strategy includes the use of interest rate swap agreements, forward-starting interest rate swap agreements, interest rate lock agreements and foreign currency forward contracts to manage its exposure to movements in interest and currency rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. These policies prohibit holding or issuing derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments that contain credit risk-related contingent features or requirements to post collateral.

    Interest Rate Risk

    The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its debt obligations. Interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents may fluctuate as interest rates change; however, due to their relatively short maturities, the Company does not hedge these assets or their investment cash flows and the impact of interest rate risk is not material. The Company's debt obligations consist of fixed-rate and, from time to time, variable-rate debt instruments. The Company's primary objective is to achieve the lowest overall cost of funding while managing the variability in cash outflows within an acceptable range. In order to achieve this objective, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap agreements involve the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of underlying principal or notional amounts. Net settlements between the counterparties are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense, net.

    The Company accounts for these derivatives as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The fair value is based upon model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets including certain financial information and certain assumptions regarding past, present and future market conditions. For a derivative instrument that has been formally designated as a fair value hedge, fair value gains or losses on the derivative instrument along with offsetting fair value gains or losses on the hedged item that are attributable to the risk being hedged are reported in other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations. For derivatives that have been formally designated as a cash flow hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivatives is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Upon maturity or early termination of an effective interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains or losses are deferred in stockholders' equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, which is when the Company recognizes interest expense on the hedged cash flows. At inception and quarterly thereafter, the Company formally assesses whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. After the initial quantitative assessment, this analysis is initially performed on a qualitative basis and, if it is determined that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective, no further analysis is required. All components of each derivative financial instrument's gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and any deferred gains or losses related to a discontinued cash flow hedge shall continue to be reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, unless it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur. If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the originally specified time period, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and any deferred gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss are classified into earnings immediately.
    Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    
    Comprehensive income (loss) encompasses all changes in stockholders' equity (except those arising from transactions with stockholders) and includes:

Foreign currency translation adjustments;
Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, which represent deferred gains (losses), net of tax, on interest rate-related derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of amounts reclassified to interest expense (see Notes 15 and 16); and
Net changes in available-for-sale debt securities, which represent unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, on available-for-sale debt securities.
        
    Advertising Costs    

    Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, advertising costs were $35 million, $28 million and $31 million, respectively.

    New Accounting Standards
        
    In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new accounting standard which requires companies to make additional income tax disclosures. The pronouncement was effective for annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2025. The adoption of this standard, which the Company adopted on a retrospective basis, did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows. See Note 8 for the additional disclosures.

    In November 2024, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which will require companies to disaggregate certain income statement expenses. The pronouncement is effective for annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2027 and for interim periods within the year ended December 31, 2028. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

    In July 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted. The OBBBA makes permanent key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing and the business interest expense limitation, among other tax changes. Many of the tax provisions of the OBBBA are designed to accelerate tax deductions, which leads to lower cash tax payments. The new legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others in the future. The tax provisions of the legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s statement of operations. The Company's consolidated deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were $354 million and $278 million, respectively. The increase was principally due to the domestic research cost expensing and bonus depreciation elements of the OBBBA.

    In September 2025, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which impacts internal-use software accounting by removing all references to software development project stages such that the guidance is neutral to different software development methods. The pronouncement is effective for annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2028 and for interim periods within such year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard.
v3.25.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE RECOGNITION REVENUE RECOGNITION
    DIS

    Net revenues in the Company’s DIS business accounted for greater than 95% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 and are primarily comprised of a high volume of relatively low-dollar transactions. The DIS business, which provides clinical testing services and other services, satisfies its performance obligation and recognizes revenues primarily upon completion of the testing process (when results are reported) or when services have been rendered. The Company estimates the amount of consideration it expects to be entitled to receive from payer customer groups in exchange for providing services using the portfolio approach. These estimates include the impact of contractual allowances (including payer denials), and patient price concessions, as discussed below. The portfolios determined using the portfolio approach consist of the following groups of payer customers: healthcare insurers, government payers, client payers and patients. Contracts in the DIS business do not contain significant financing components based on the typical period of time between performance of services and collection of consideration.

    The process for estimating revenues and the ultimate collection of accounts receivable involves significant judgment and estimation. The Company follows a standard process, which considers historical denial and collection experience and other factors (including the period of time that the receivables have been outstanding), to estimate contractual allowances and implicit price concessions, recording adjustments in the current period as changes in estimates. Further adjustments to the allowances, based on actual receipts, may be recorded upon settlement.

    The following are descriptions of the DIS business’ portfolios:

    Healthcare Insurers/Health Plans

    Reimbursements from healthcare insurers are based on negotiated fee-for-service schedules and on capitated payment rates. Under fee-for-service arrangements, healthcare insurers are billed at the Company's list price. Net revenues recognized consist of amounts billed net of contractual allowances for differences between amounts billed and the estimated consideration the Company expects to receive from such payers, which considers historical denial and collection experience and the terms of the Company’s contractual arrangements.

    Collection of the Company's net revenues from healthcare insurers is normally a function of providing complete and correct billing information to the healthcare insurers within the various filing deadlines and generally occurs within 30 to 60 days of billing. Provided the Company has billed healthcare insurers accurately with complete information prior to the established filing deadline, there has historically been little to no credit risk. If there has been a delay in billing, the Company determines if the amounts in question will likely go past the filing deadline, and if so, it will reserve accordingly for the billing.

    Under capitated arrangements with healthcare insurers, the Company recognizes revenue based on a predetermined monthly reimbursement rate for each member of an insurer's health plan regardless of the number or cost of services provided by the Company. Healthcare insurers typically reimburse the Company under capitated arrangements in the same month services are performed, essentially giving rise to no outstanding accounts receivable at the end of a reporting period. If any capitated payments are not received on a timely basis, the Company determines the cause and makes a separate determination as to whether or not the collection of the amount from the healthcare insurer is at risk and, if so, would reserve accordingly.

    Government Payers

    Reimbursements from domestic government payers are based on fee-for-service schedules set by governmental authorities, including traditional Medicare and Medicaid. Reimbursements from government payers in Canada are based on a combination of fee-for-service schedules, with a cap on maximum billings, and capitated arrangements. Net revenues recognized for fee-for-service arrangements principally consist of amounts billed net of contractual allowances for differences between amounts billed and the estimated consideration the Company expects to receive from such payers, which considers historical denial and collection experience and other factors.
    Collection of the Company's net revenues from government payers is normally a function of providing the complete and correct billing information within the various filing deadlines and generally occurs within 30 days of billing. Provided the Company has billed government payers accurately with complete information prior to the established filing deadline, there has historically been little to no credit risk. If there has been a delay in billing, the Company determines if the amounts in question will likely go past the filing deadline, and, if so, it will reserve for the billing accordingly.

    Client Payers

    Client payers include physicians, hospitals, employers, new and emerging retail healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies and other commercial clinical laboratories and institutions for which services are performed on a wholesale basis, and are billed based on negotiated fee schedules. Credit risk and ability to pay are more of a consideration for these payers than healthcare insurers and government payers. Collection of consideration the Company expects to receive generally occurs within 60 to 90 days of billing.

    The Company principally estimates the allowance for credit losses for client payers based on historical collection experience, the current credit worthiness of the customers, current economic conditions, expectations of future economic conditions and the period of time that the receivables have been outstanding. To the extent that any individual client payers are identified that have deteriorated in credit quality, the Company establishes allowances based on the individual risk characteristics of such customers.

    Patients

    Uninsured patients are billed based on established patient fee schedules or fees negotiated with physicians on behalf of their patients. Insured patients (includes coinsurance and deductible responsibilities) are billed based on fees negotiated with healthcare insurers. Collection of billings from patients is subject to credit risk and ability of the patients to pay. Net revenues consist of amounts billed net of discounts provided to uninsured patients in accordance with the Company’s policies and implicit price concessions. Implicit price concessions represent differences between amounts billed and the estimated consideration the Company expects to receive from patients, which considers historical collection experience (including the period of time that the receivables have been outstanding) and other factors including current market conditions. Patient billings are generally fully reserved for when the related service reaches 210 days outstanding. Balances are automatically written off when they are sent to collection agencies. Allowances are further adjusted for estimated recoveries of amounts sent to collection agencies based on historical collection experience, which is regularly monitored. Collection of consideration the Company expects to receive generally occurs within 30 to 60 days of billing.

    DS

    The Company’s DS businesses primarily satisfy their performance obligations and recognize revenues when delivery has occurred or services have been rendered. Collection of consideration the Company expects to receive generally occurs within 30 to 60 days of billing.
    The approximate percentage of net revenues by type of payer customer was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
Healthcare insurers:
Fee-for-service36 %37 %37 %
Capitated
Total healthcare insurers39 40 40 
Government payers (principally fee-for-service)16 13 11 
Client payers31 33 34 
Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities)12 11 12 
Total DIS98 97 97 
DS
Net revenues100 %100 %100 %

    For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, substantially all of the Company’s services were provided within the United States.

    The approximate percentage of net accounts receivable by type of payer customer as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:
20252024
Healthcare insurers27%26%
Government payers87
Client payers4345
Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities)2020
Total DIS9898
DS22
Net accounts receivable100%100%

    The following table summarizes the activity for the Company's allowance for credit losses during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, which principally relates to client payers:
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance, December 31, 2023$27 
Provision for credit losses5
Write-offs of accounts receivable, net of recoveries(3)
Balance, December 31, 202429 
Provision for credit losses
Write-offs of accounts receivable, net of recoveries(7)
Balance, December 31, 2025
$25 
v3.25.4
EARNINGS PER SHARE
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE
    The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is as follows (in millions, except per share data):
 202520242023
Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:  
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$992 $871 $854 
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted
$988 $866 $850 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic111 111 112 
Effect of dilutive securities:  
Stock options and performance share units
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted113 113 113 
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:  
Basic$8.87 $7.78 $7.59 
Diluted$8.75 $7.69 $7.49 
v3.25.4
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
    Invigorate Program

    The Company is engaged in a multi-year program called Invigorate, which includes structured plans to drive savings and improve productivity across the value chain, including in such areas as patient services, logistics and laboratory operations, revenue services, information technology and procurement. The Invigorate program aims to deliver 3% annual cost savings and productivity improvements to partially offset pressures from an inflationary environment, including labor and benefit cost increases and reimbursement pressures. The Company is leveraging automation and artificial intelligence to improve productivity and also improve quality across the entire value chain, not just in the laboratory. Other areas of focus include reducing denials and patient concessions, and enhancing the digital experience.

    Restructuring and Impairment Charges

    The following table provides a summary of the Company's pre-tax restructuring and impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
202520242023
Employee separation costs$28 $28 $25 
Asset impairment charges29 — 29 
Total restructuring and impairment charges$57 $28 $54 

    The Company's pre-tax restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 included $28 million, $28 million and $25 million, respectively, of employee separation costs associated with various workforce reduction initiatives as the Company continued to restructure its organization. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges on certain long-lived assets related to the exits of businesses in the amounts of $29 million, $0 million and $29 million, respectively. Of the total restructuring and impairment charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2025, $13 million, $15 million and $29 million were recorded in cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating (income) expense, net, respectively. Of the total restructuring and impairment charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024, $15 million and $13 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the total restructuring charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2023, $13 million, $12 million and $29 million were recorded in cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating (income) expense, net, respectively.

    Charges for all periods presented were primarily recorded in the Company's DIS business.

    The following table summarizes the activity of the restructuring liability during 2025 and 2024, which is included in accrued expenses in Note 12:
Employee Separation Costs
Balance, December 31, 2023
$12 
Income statement expense28 
Cash payments(27)
Balance, December 31, 2024
13 
Income statement expense28 
Cash payments(23)
Balance, December 31, 2025
$18 
v3.25.4
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Business Combination [Abstract]  
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
    2025 Acquisitions

    During 2025, the Company completed acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $101 million, net of cash acquired, including the acquisition discussed below. The acquisitions resulted in goodwill of $80 million, all of which is deductible for tax purposes. The acquisitions also resulted in $20 million of customer-related intangible assets.

    Acquisition of select assets of Spectra Laboratories

    During February 2025, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select clinical testing assets and select dialysis-related water testing assets of Fresenius Medical Care's wholly-owned Spectra Laboratories, a leading provider of renal-specific laboratory testing services in the United States. During August 2025, the acquisition of the select clinical testing assets closed and during November 2025 the acquisition of the select dialysis-related water testing assets closed. The Company paid $84 million of aggregate cash consideration for the businesses. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, which may be revised as additional information becomes available during the measurement period, the assets acquired consist of $68 million of tax-deductible goodwill and $16 million of customer-related intangible assets. The intangible assets are being amortized over a useful life of 15 years.

    Venture with Corewell Health

    During August 2025, the Company and Corewell Health signed a definitive agreement to enter into a venture which will perform laboratory testing in the state of Michigan via a new laboratory facility. The parties completed the transaction during January 2026. See Note 20 for further discussion.

    2024 Acquisitions

    During 2024, the Company completed acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $2.2 billion (including contingent consideration initially estimated at $6 million), net of cash acquired, including the acquisitions discussed below. Of such amount, $30 million was prepaid during the year ended December 31, 2023. In the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2024, such $30 million is included in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, with a corresponding offset in other investing activities.

    The acquisitions resulted in goodwill of $1.1 billion, $862 million of which is deductible for tax purposes. See the table below for a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

    Acquisition of select assets of Lenco Diagnostic Laboratories, Inc. ("Lenco")

    On February 12, 2024, the Company acquired select assets of Lenco, an independent clinical diagnostic laboratory provider serving physicians in New York, in an all-cash transaction for $111 million.

    Acquisition of select assets of PathAI Diagnostics

    On June 10, 2024, the Company acquired select assets of PathAI Diagnostics, a business that provides anatomic and digital pathology laboratory services, in an all-cash transaction for $100 million.
    
    Acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of LifeLabs Inc. and all of the partnership interests of BPC Lab Finance LP (collectively, "LifeLabs")

    On August 23, 2024, the Company acquired LifeLabs in an all-cash transaction for approximately CAN $1.35 billion (approximately USD $1 billion), net of cash acquired. LifeLabs provides laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems in Canada.
    The fair values of the customer-related intangible assets and the trade name intangible assets in the table below were determined by management using a multi-period excess earnings method, a form of the income approach, and a relief from royalty method, respectively. Management’s estimates of fair value were principally determined based on projections of cash flows and include significant judgments and assumptions relating to customer attrition rates for the customer-related intangible assets and royalty rates for the trade name intangible assets. The projected cash flows were discounted to determine the present values of the assets at the date of the acquisition. The fair value of the customer-related intangible assets utilized discount rates ranging from 13.0% to 14.0% and the fair value of the trade name intangible assets utilized a 12.0% discount rate.

    Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

    The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information reflects the consolidated statement of operations of the Company as if the acquisition of LifeLabs had occurred as of January 1, 2023. The pro forma information includes adjustments primarily related to the amortization of acquired intangible assets, interest expense associated with debt of LifeLabs which was extinguished prior to the acquisition, interest expense associated with senior notes issued to fund the acquisition, the impact on depreciation expense of recording acquired property, plant and equipment at fair value, and transaction costs related to the LifeLabs acquisition. The pro forma combined financial information does not include the estimated annual synergies expected to be realized upon completion of the integration of LifeLabs and therefore is not indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date (in millions, except per share data).

Year Ended December 31,
20242023
Pro forma net revenues$10,320 $9,917 
Pro forma net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$869 $842 
Pro forma earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders:
Basic$7.76 $7.47 
Diluted$7.67 $7.38 

    Acquisition of select assets of the outreach laboratory services business of Allina Health ("Allina")

    On September 16, 2024, the Company acquired select assets of the outreach laboratory services business of Allina, which serves providers and patients in Minnesota and Wisconsin, in an all-cash transaction for $230 million.

    Acquisition of the laboratory business of three physician groups in New York

    On September 30, 2024, the Company acquired the laboratory business of three physician groups in New York in an all-cash transaction for $300 million.

    Acquisition of select assets of the outreach laboratory services business of OhioHealth

    On October 13, 2024, the Company acquired select assets of the outreach laboratory services business of OhioHealth, which serves providers and patients in Ohio, in an all-cash transaction for $200 million.

    Acquisition of the outreach laboratory services business of University Hospitals

     On December 30, 2024, the Company acquired the outreach laboratory services business of University Hospitals, which serves providers and patients in Ohio, in an all-cash transaction for $183 million.

    The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the year ended December 31, 2024.
LifeLabsLaboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New YorkSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina HealthSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of OhioHealthOutreach Laboratory Services Business of University HospitalsOther Acquisitions (a)Total
Cash and cash equivalents $50 $— $— $— $— $— $50 
Accounts receivable31 — — — — — 31 
Other current assets23 — — — — 25 
Property, plant and equipment250 — — — — 254 
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)— — — — — 17 17 
Operating lease right-of-use assets65 — — — — 17 82 
Goodwill294 243 175 146 125 154 1,137 
Intangible assets434 57 55 54 58 95 753 
Other assets48 — — — — — 48 
Total assets acquired1,195 300 230 200 183 289 2,397 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses66 — — — — — 66 
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities14 — — — — 18 
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)— — — — — 17 17 
Long-term operating lease liabilities51 — — — — 13 64 
Other liabilities11 — — — — 18 
Total liabilities assumed142 — — — — 41 183 
Net assets acquired$1,053 $300 $230 $200 $183 $248 $2,214 

(a) Principally relates to the acquisitions of Lenco and PathAI Diagnostics.

    The fair values of the acquired intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
LifeLabsLaboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New YorkSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina HealthSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of OhioHealthOutreach Laboratory Services Business of University HospitalsOther Acquisitions (a)TotalWeighted Average Useful Life (in years)
Customer-related$335 $57 $55 $54 $43 $95 $639 
15 - 25
Trade names99 — — — — — 99 15
Non-competition agreements— — — — 15 — 15 5
$434 $57 $55 $54 $58 $95 $753 

(a) Principally relates to the acquisitions of Lenco and PathAI Diagnostics.

    2023 Acquisitions

    During 2023, the Company completed acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $699 million (including contingent consideration initially estimated at $88 million), net of cash acquired, including the acquisitions discussed below. The acquisitions resulted in goodwill of $511 million, of which $244 million is deductible for tax purposes. The acquisitions also resulted in $145 million of technology-related intangible assets and $63 million of customer-related intangible assets.

    Acquisition of select assets of the laboratory services business of New York-Presbyterian

    On April 17, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of select assets of the laboratory services business of New York-Presbyterian, which serves providers and patients in New York, as well as the tri-state area and beyond, in an all-cash transaction for $275 million. Based on the purchase price allocation, the assets acquired primarily consist of $222 million of tax-deductible goodwill and $53 million of customer-related intangible assets. The intangible assets are being amortized over a useful life of 15 years.

    Acquisition of Haystack Oncology, Inc.

    On June 20, 2023, the Company acquired Haystack Oncology, Inc. ("Haystack"), an early-stage oncology company focused on minimal residual disease testing to aid in the detection of residual or recurring cancer and better inform therapy decisions. The acquisition was an all-cash transaction for $392 million, net of $1 million of cash acquired, which consisted of cash consideration of $304 million and contingent consideration initially estimated at $88 million. Under the contingent consideration obligation, the seller can receive up to $100 million of additional consideration dependent upon the achievement of certain revenue benchmarks through 2028 and up to an additional $50 million of consideration dependent upon the Company receiving reimbursement coverage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS"). Based on the purchase price allocation, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed consist of $267 million of goodwill (none of which is tax-deductible), $145 million of technology-related intangible assets, $23 million of deferred income tax liabilities, $8 million of operating lease right-of-use assets and related operating lease liabilities, and $3 million of property, plant and equipment. The intangible assets are being amortized over a useful life of 15 years. For further details regarding the fair value of the Company's contingent consideration, see Note 7.

    General Information

    The acquisitions described above were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. As such, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date. The goodwill recorded primarily includes the expected synergies resulting from combining the operations of the acquired entities with those of the Company and the value associated with an assembled workforce and other intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. All of the goodwill acquired in connection with these acquisitions has been allocated to the Company's DIS business. For further details regarding business segment information, see Note 19.
    Except for the acquisition of LifeLabs (see above), supplemental pro forma combined financial information, and financial information subsequent to the acquisition close dates, has not been presented as the impact of the other acquisitions is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Additionally, for such other acquisitions, it is impracticable to provide this financial information due to a variety of factors, including access to historical information and the operations of the acquirees being significantly integrated into the Company's cost structure shortly after the closing of the acquisitions.
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis    

    The following table provides a summary of the recognized assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Basis of Fair Value Measurements
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
December 31, 2025
Assets:    
Deferred compensation trading securities$78 $78 $— $— 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies72 — 72 — 
Equity investments— — 
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps14 — 14 — 
Total$166 $80 $86 $— 
Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation liabilities$150 $— $150 $— 
Contingent consideration96 — — 96 
Total$246 $— $150 $96 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest$80 $— $— $80 
December 31, 2024
Assets:    
Deferred compensation trading securities$72 $72 $— $— 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies64 — 64 — 
Total$136 $72 $64 $— 
Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation liabilities$140 $— $140 $— 
Contingent consideration106 — — 106 
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps34 — 34 — 
Total$280 $— $174 $106 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest$83 $— $— $83 
    
    The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a non-qualified supplemental deferred compensation plan. A participant's deferrals, together with Company matching credits, are invested in a variety of participant-directed stock and bond mutual funds that are classified as trading securities. The trading securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because the changes in the fair value of these securities, which are recorded in other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheet, are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held, exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair
value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to the trading securities.

    The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation program. A participant's deferrals, together with Company matching credits, are “invested” at the direction of the employee in a hypothetical portfolio of investments which are tracked by an administrator. The Company purchases life insurance policies, with the Company named as beneficiary of the policies, for the purpose of funding the program's liability. Changes in the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies are based upon earnings and changes in the value of the underlying investments. Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation are derived using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units. The cash surrender value, which is recorded in other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheet, and the deferred compensation obligation are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to the hypothetical investments. Through December 31, 2025, deferrals under the plan could only be made by participants who made deferrals under the plan in 2017. Effective January 1, 2026, the plan will no longer accept deferrals on compensation earned after December 31, 2025.

    The Company's investment portfolio primarily includes equity investments comprised mostly of strategic holdings in companies concentrated in the life sciences and healthcare industries. Equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Such equity investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because the changes in the fair values of the securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per share multiplied by the number of shares held, exclusive of any transaction costs.

    The fair value measurements of the Company's fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps, classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, are model-derived valuations as of a given date in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets including certain financial information and certain assumptions regarding past, present and future market conditions.
    
    In connection with the acquisition of Haystack (see Note 6 for further discussion), there is a contingent consideration obligation under which the seller can receive up to $100 million of additional consideration dependent upon the achievement of certain revenue benchmarks through 2028 and up to an additional $50 million of consideration dependent upon the Company receiving reimbursement coverage from CMS. The portion of the contingent consideration obligation which is dependent upon the achievement of certain revenue benchmarks was measured at fair value using a Monte Carlo method and is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as the fair value is determined based on significant inputs that are not observable. Significant inputs include management’s estimate of revenue and other market inputs, including comparable company revenue volatility (25%) and a discount rate (7.0%). The portion of the contingent consideration obligation which is dependent upon the Company receiving reimbursement coverage from the CMS is also classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as the fair value is principally determined based on management's estimate, which is a significant input that is not observable. Additionally, the fair value of the entire contingent consideration obligation is also impacted by a market discount rate (5%) which adjusts the estimated payments to present value. The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation is not overly sensitive to movements in the comparable company revenue volatility or the discount rate used for the portion of the obligation that is dependent upon the achievement of certain revenue benchmarks. For example, changing the comparable company revenue volatility from 25% to 35% impacts the fair value by $5 million (assuming no other inputs are modified) and changing the discount rate from 7.0% to 10.5% impacts the fair value by $5 million (assuming no other inputs are modified).

    The Company has additional contingent consideration obligations in connection with other acquisitions. The liabilities related to such obligations are included in the amounts below.
    The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Contingent Consideration
Balance, December 31, 2023$104 
Purchases, additions and issuances
Settlements(6)
Total fair value adjustments included in earnings - unrealized
Balance, December 31, 2024106 
Total fair value adjustments included in earnings - unrealized(10)
Balance, December 31, 2025$96 

    The $(10) million and $2 million of net (gains)/losses included in earnings associated with the changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligation for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are reported in other operating (income) expense, net. The net gain for the year ended December 31, 2025 was principally due to changes in the timing of estimated revenues for Haystack.

    Of the aggregate $96 million contingent consideration obligation as of December 31, 2025, $45 million and $51 million were included in other liabilities and accounts payable and accrued expenses, respectively, in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Of the aggregate $106 million contingent consideration obligation as of December 31, 2024, $101 million and $5 million were included in other liabilities and accounts payable and accrued expenses, respectively, in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
    
    During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company recorded a $29 million impairment charge on certain long-lived assets related to the exit of a business. The fair value measurement was classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as it was based on significant inputs that are not observable.

    In connection with the sale of an 18.9% noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary to UMass Memorial Medical Center ("UMass") on July 1, 2015, the Company granted UMass the right to require the Company to purchase all of its interest in the subsidiary at fair value commencing July 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2025, the redeemable noncontrolling interest was presented at its fair value. The fair value measurement of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because the fair value is based on a discounted cash flow analysis that takes into account, among other items, the joint venture's expected future cash flows, long-term growth rates, and a discount rate commensurate with economic risk.
    
    The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value based on the short maturities of these instruments. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $5.7 billion and $6.1 billion, respectively. Principally all of the Company's debt is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because the fair value of the debt is estimated based on rates currently offered to the Company with identical terms and maturities, using quoted active market prices and yields, taking into account the underlying terms of the debt instruments.
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
TAXES ON INCOME TAXES ON INCOME
    The Company's pre-tax income before equity in earnings of equity method investees consisted of approximately $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.1 billion from U.S. operations and pre-tax income of $96 million, $28 million and $7 million from foreign operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.     
        
    The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
202520242023
Current:
Federal$171 $204 $235 
State and local33 52 59 
Foreign
Deferred:
Federal55 (38)
State and local21 (10)
Foreign29 (1)
Total$314 $273 $248 

    A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (dollars in millions):
202520242023
U.S. federal statutory tax rate$277 21.0 %$247 21.0 %$237 21.0 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (a)47 3.5 41 3.5 38 3.4 
Foreign tax effects14 1.0 0.3 — — 
Effect of cross-border tax laws0.2 (1)(0.1)(2)(0.2)
Tax credits(8)(0.6)(12)(1.1)(11)(1.0)
Nontaxable or nondeductible expenses:
 Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation arrangements(18)(1.3)(9)(0.7)(11)(1.0)
Other, net0.5 12 1.0 100.9 
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits(1)(0.1)(2)(0.2)(2)(0.2)
Other, net:
   Impact of noncontrolling interests(13)(1.0)(13)(1.1)(14)(1.2)
   Other adjustments0.6 70.6 0.3 
Effective income tax rate$314 23.8 %$273 23.2 %$248 22.0 %

(a) State taxes in California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.

    The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
20252024
Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Accounts receivable reserves$18 $15 
Liabilities not currently deductible181 170 
Stock-based compensation34 35 
Basis differences in investments, joint ventures and subsidiaries (4)(4)
Tax attribute carryforwards, net of valuation allowances and unrecognized tax position liabilities80 60 
Operating lease right-of-use assets(147)(146)
Operating lease liabilities161 161 
Depreciation and amortization(667)(541)
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities, net$(344)$(250)
    
    As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, non-current deferred tax liabilities of $354 million and $278 million, respectively, are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, non-current deferred tax assets of $10 million and $28 million, respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

    As of December 31, 2025, the Company had estimated net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of $4 million and $627 million, respectively, which expire at various dates through 2045. Estimated net operating loss carryforwards for foreign income tax purposes are $220 million as of December 31, 2025, some of which can be carried forward indefinitely, while others expire at various dates through 2044. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had capital loss carryforwards of $17 million, Federal Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax credits of $34 million and various state credits of $29 million, which expire at various dates through 2045. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, deferred tax assets associated with tax attribute carryforwards of $126 million and $95 million, respectively, have each been reduced by valuation allowances of $46 million and $35 million, respectively.
    
    Income taxes payable, including those classified as long-term in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, were $120 million and $96 million, respectively. Prepaid income taxes were $32 million and $47 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and were recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

    Income taxes paid by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

202520242023
Federal$125 $211 $246 
State and local41 42 49 
New York City (a)21 
Foreign
Total income taxes paid by jurisdiction$169 $256 $317 

(a) The amount of income taxes paid during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 did not meet the 5% disaggregation threshold.
    The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
202520242023
Balance, beginning of year$124 $90 $94 
Additions:
For tax positions of current year
For tax positions of prior years15 
Reductions:
Changes in judgment(4)— (6)
Expirations of statutes of limitations(6)(5)(4)
Settlements(4)— (10)
Other:
Foreign deferred tax assets reduction— 28 — 
Balance, end of year$120 $124 $90 

    The contingent liabilities for tax positions primarily relate to uncertainties associated with the realization of tax benefits derived from the allocation of income and expense among state jurisdictions, the characterization and timing of certain tax deductions associated with business combinations, certain tax credits and the deductibility of certain expenses and settlement payments.

    The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2025, that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate is $102 million.

    Accruals for interest expense on contingent tax liabilities are classified in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Accruals for penalties have historically been immaterial. Interest expense included in income tax expense in each of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $4 million, $7 million and $5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had approximately $28 million and $24 million, respectively, accrued, net of the benefit of a federal and state deduction, for the payment of interest on uncertain tax positions.

    The recognition and measurement of certain tax benefits includes estimates and judgment by management and inherently involves subjectivity. Changes in estimates may create volatility in the Company's effective tax rate in future periods and may be due to settlements with various tax authorities (either favorable or unfavorable), the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain tax positions and obtaining new information about particular tax positions that may cause management to change its estimates.

    In the regular course of business, various federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities conduct examinations of the Company's income tax filings and the Company generally remains subject to examination until the statute of limitations expires for the respective jurisdiction. The Internal Revenue Service has either completed its examinations of the Company's consolidated federal income tax returns or the statute of limitations has expired up through and including the 2021 tax year. At this time, the Company does not believe that there will be any material additional payments beyond its recorded contingent liability reserves that may be required as a result of these tax audits. As of December 31, 2025, a summary of the tax years that remain subject to examination, awaiting approval, are under appeal, or are otherwise unresolved for the Company's major jurisdictions are:
    
    United States - federal        2022 - 2024
    United States - various states    2015 - 2024
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]  
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA
    Supplemental cash flow and other data for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
    
202520242023
Depreciation expense$416 $366 $331 
Amortization expense154 127 108 
Depreciation and amortization expense$570 $493 $439 
Interest expense$(277)$(226)$(163)
Interest income13 25 11 
Interest expense, net$(264)$(201)$(152)
Interest paid$280 $262 $134 
Income taxes paid$169 $256 $317 
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures$65 $60 $42 
Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock$$— $
Dividend payable$89 $84 $79 
Dividends received from equity method investees$30 $33 $26 
Businesses acquired:  
Fair value of assets acquired$107 $2,397 $734 
Fair value of liabilities assumed183 34 
Fair value of net assets acquired101 2,214 700 
Merger consideration payable— — (88)
Cash paid for business acquisitions101 2,214 612 
Less: Cash acquired— 50 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired$101 $2,164 $611 

202520242023
Leases:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$221 $201 $192 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$$$— 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$$$
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$199 $154 $181 

    During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, other financing activities, net in the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows included changes in bank overdrafts, which are generally settled in cash in the short term, of $41 million, $33 million and $36 million, respectively.

    During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company received $46 million from a payroll tax credit under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act associated with the retention of employees. Such amount is recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
v3.25.4
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
20252024
Land$84 $81 
Buildings and improvements629 610 
Laboratory equipment and furniture and fixtures2,503 2,353 
Leasehold improvements894 881 
Computer software developed or obtained for internal use1,814 1,611 
Construction-in-progress252 235 
6,176 5,771 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(3,973)(3,658)
Total$2,203 $2,113 
v3.25.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
    The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

20252024
Balance, beginning of year$8,856 $7,733 
Goodwill acquired during the year80 1,146 
Adjustments to goodwill(23)
Balance, end of year$8,945 $8,856 

    Principally all of the Company’s goodwill as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was associated with its DIS business.

    For the year ended December 31, 2025, goodwill acquired was principally associated with the acquisition of select clinical testing assets and select dialysis-related water testing assets of Fresenius Medical Care's wholly-owned Spectra Laboratories (see Note 6). For the year ended December 31, 2025, adjustments to goodwill principally related to foreign currency translation, partially offset by the finalization of the purchase price allocation for a 2024 acquisition.

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, goodwill acquired was principally associated with the acquisitions of LifeLabs, the laboratory business of three physician groups in New York, select assets of the outreach laboratory services business of Allina Health, select assets of the outreach laboratory services business of OhioHealth and the outreach laboratory services business of University Hospitals (see Note 6). For the year ended December 31, 2024, adjustments to goodwill related to foreign currency translation.
    
    
    Intangible assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (in years)
20252024
CostAccumulated
Amortization
NetCostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Amortizing intangible assets:
Customer-related18$2,247 $(1,112)$1,135 $2,274 $(1,030)$1,244 
Technology-related15287 (129)158 282 (108)174 
Trade names15147 (58)89 143 (52)91 
Non-competition agreements515 (3)12 15 — 15 
Other1349 (42)64 (61)
Total2,745 (1,344)1,401 2,778 (1,251)1,527 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
    
Trade names
 235 — 235 235 — 235 
Other — — — — 
Total intangible assets
$2,980 $(1,344)$1,636 $3,014 $(1,251)$1,763 
        
    During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company recorded a $29 million impairment charge on certain long-lived assets related to the exit of a business. Such charge principally related to customer-related intangible assets. See Note 5 for further discussion.    

    The estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of December 31, 2025 is as follows:

Year Ending December 31, 
2026$149 
2027139 
2028127 
2029119 
2030109 
Thereafter758 
Total$1,401 
v3.25.4
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
    
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
20252024
Accrued wages and benefits (including incentive compensation)$526 $479 
Accrued expenses338 306 
Trade accounts payable307 287 
Overdrafts203 162 
Dividend payable89 84 
Contingent consideration payable51 
Accrued insurance43 40 
Accrued interest25 31 
Income taxes payable18 — 
Total$1,600 $1,394 
v3.25.4
DEBT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
DEBT DEBT
    Long-term debt (including finance lease obligations) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
20252024
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025
$— $601 
3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026
501 503 
4.60% Senior Notes due December 2027
400 400 
4.20% Senior Notes due June 2029
499 499 
4.625% Senior Notes due December 2029
600 599 
2.95% Senior Notes due June 2030
799 799 
2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031
564 550 
6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033
756 750 
5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034
840 813 
6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037
175 175 
5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040
246 246 
4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045
300 300 
Other21 17 
Debt issuance costs(30)(35)
Total long-term debt5,671 6,217 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt504 602 
Total long-term debt, net of current portion$5,167 $5,615 

    Secured Receivables Credit Facility
    
    The Company is party to a $600 million secured receivables credit facility (the “Secured Receivables Credit Facility”), which it amended during November 2025 in order to extend the maturity to November 2027. The facility includes a $200 million uncommitted accordion which, if utilized, brings the total capacity under the facility to $800 million. The entire facility can be used for borrowings. Additionally, the Company can choose to utilize up to $150 million of such capacity to issue letters of credit (see Note 18). Issued letters of credit reduce the available borrowing capacity under the facility. Interest on borrowings under the facility is based on either commercial paper rates for highly-rated issuers or the adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term SOFR"), plus a spread of 0.80%. Borrowings under the Secured Receivables Credit Facility are collateralized by certain domestic receivables. The Secured Receivables Credit Facility is subject to customary affirmative and negative covenants and certain financial covenants with respect to the receivables that comprise the borrowing base and
secure the borrowings under the facility. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Secured Receivables Credit Facility.

    Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

    During April 2025, the Company amended the agreement for its $750 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility” or "Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility") to extend the maturity to April 2030, while maintaining the same borrowing capacity under the facility of $750 million. Under the Credit Facility, the Company can issue letters of credit totaling $150 million (see Note 18). Issued letters of credit reduce the available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility. Additionally, the Credit Facility includes an additional $500 million uncommitted accordion which, if utilized, brings the total capacity under the facility to $1.3 billion. Interest on the Credit Facility is based on certain published rates plus an applicable margin based on changes in the Company's public debt ratings. At the option of the Company, it may elect to lock into Term SOFR-based interest rate contracts for periods up to six months. For interest on any U.S. Dollar-denominated outstanding amounts not covered under Term SOFR-based interest rate contracts, the Company can opt for an alternate base rate, which is calculated by reference to the prime rate, the federal funds rate or an adjusted Term SOFR rate. The Company also has the option to borrow in other currencies. As of December 31, 2025 , the Company's borrowing rate for Term SOFR-based loans under the Credit Facility was adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.00%. The Credit Facility contains various covenants, including the maintenance of a financial leverage ratio, which could impact the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility.

    Repayment of Senior Notes

    During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company repaid in full the outstanding indebtedness under the Company's $600 million of 3.50% senior notes, which matured on March 30, 2025.

    3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026

    The Company has $500 million of 3.45% senior notes due June 2026. The senior notes are included in current portion of long-term debt in the Company's December 31, 2025 consolidated balance sheet. Such notes were included in long-term debt in the Company's December 31, 2024 consolidated balance sheet.
    
    All of the senior notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally with the Company's other senior unsecured obligations. None of the Company's senior notes have a sinking fund requirement.

    The Company may redeem its outstanding senior notes prior to scheduled maturity, as a whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest, except for certain notes for which the Company also has an option to redeem such instruments at par value on or after dates specified in the indentures governing the notes ("the par value redemption option").  For notes with the par value redemption option, if such notes are redeemed prior to the specified dates, the redemption price calculations exclude any interest that would have been due after such dates.
            
    Maturities of Long-Term Debt    

    As of December 31, 2025, long-term debt matures as follows:
Year Ending December 31,
2026$503 
2027403 
2028
20291,101 
2030801 
Thereafter2,887 
Total maturities of long-term debt5,696 
Unamortized discount(10)
Debt issuance costs(30)
Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt15 
Total long-term debt5,671 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt504 
Total long-term debt, net of current portion$5,167 
v3.25.4
LEASES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Leases [Abstract]  
LEASES LEASES
    
    The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The Company leases office space, patient service centers, clinical laboratories, warehouses, logistic hubs and equipment primarily through operating leases, with a limited number of finance leases. A right-of-use asset, representing the underlying asset during the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the payment obligation arising from the lease, are recognized on the balance sheet at lease commencement based on the present value of the payment obligation. For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, interest expense on the lease liability is recognized using the effective interest method and amortization of the right-of-use asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, lease expense associated with short-term leases was not material.

    The Company primarily uses its collateralized incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments as the Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate. Such incremental borrowing rates, which take into account interest rates offered to companies that have similar credit ratings to the Company, are determined using a portfolio approach which groups the Company’s leases based on tenor.

    The Company has lease agreements with (i) right-of-use asset payments and (ii) non-lease components (i.e., payments related to maintenance fees, utilities, etc.) which have been combined and accounted for as a single lease component.

    The Company's leases have remaining terms of less than 1 year to 19 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to approximately 20 years. The Company's lease terms may include renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised and termination options that are reasonably certain not to be exercised. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property.

    Certain of the Company's lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or a market rate which are included in the lease liabilities.

    The Company's assets and liabilities for its lease agreements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

LeasesBalance Sheet Classification20252024
Assets
OperatingOperating lease right-of-use assets$657 $651 
FinanceProperty, plant and equipment, net (a)20 17 
Total lease assets$677 $668 
Liabilities
Current:
OperatingCurrent portion of long-term operating lease liabilities$174 $173 
FinanceCurrent portion of long-term debt
Non-current:
OperatingLong-term operating lease liabilities537 535 
FinanceLong-term debt18 16 
Total lease liabilities$732 $725 

(a) Finance lease assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were recorded net of accumulated amortization of $4 million and $1 million, respectively.
    
    Components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Lease cost202520242023
Operating lease cost (a)$470 $402 $353 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of leased assets
Interest on lease liabilities— 
Net lease cost$475 $404 $355 

(a) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs (primarily usage-based maintenance fees and utilities related to real estate leases and certain equipment-related and vehicle-related costs) of $253 million, $204 million and $161 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    
    The maturity of the Company's lease liabilities as of December 31, 2025 is as follows:
Maturity of lease liabilitiesOperating leasesFinance leasesTotal
2026$196 $$200 
2027179 183 
2028143 145 
202998 100 
203058 60 
Thereafter149 16 165 
Total lease payments823 30 853 
Less: Interest 112 121 
Present value of lease liabilities$711 $21 $732 
    
    Lease term and discount rate as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
Lease term and discount rate20252024
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases65
Finance leases1013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases4.8 %4.4 %
Finance leases7.2 %6.9 %

    The Company's discount rates for its operating leases were primarily determined using the Company's incremental borrowing rate.

    See Note 9 for cash flow information on cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities and leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
LEASES LEASES
    
    The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The Company leases office space, patient service centers, clinical laboratories, warehouses, logistic hubs and equipment primarily through operating leases, with a limited number of finance leases. A right-of-use asset, representing the underlying asset during the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the payment obligation arising from the lease, are recognized on the balance sheet at lease commencement based on the present value of the payment obligation. For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, interest expense on the lease liability is recognized using the effective interest method and amortization of the right-of-use asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, lease expense associated with short-term leases was not material.

    The Company primarily uses its collateralized incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments as the Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate. Such incremental borrowing rates, which take into account interest rates offered to companies that have similar credit ratings to the Company, are determined using a portfolio approach which groups the Company’s leases based on tenor.

    The Company has lease agreements with (i) right-of-use asset payments and (ii) non-lease components (i.e., payments related to maintenance fees, utilities, etc.) which have been combined and accounted for as a single lease component.

    The Company's leases have remaining terms of less than 1 year to 19 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to approximately 20 years. The Company's lease terms may include renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised and termination options that are reasonably certain not to be exercised. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property.

    Certain of the Company's lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or a market rate which are included in the lease liabilities.

    The Company's assets and liabilities for its lease agreements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

LeasesBalance Sheet Classification20252024
Assets
OperatingOperating lease right-of-use assets$657 $651 
FinanceProperty, plant and equipment, net (a)20 17 
Total lease assets$677 $668 
Liabilities
Current:
OperatingCurrent portion of long-term operating lease liabilities$174 $173 
FinanceCurrent portion of long-term debt
Non-current:
OperatingLong-term operating lease liabilities537 535 
FinanceLong-term debt18 16 
Total lease liabilities$732 $725 

(a) Finance lease assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were recorded net of accumulated amortization of $4 million and $1 million, respectively.
    
    Components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Lease cost202520242023
Operating lease cost (a)$470 $402 $353 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of leased assets
Interest on lease liabilities— 
Net lease cost$475 $404 $355 

(a) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs (primarily usage-based maintenance fees and utilities related to real estate leases and certain equipment-related and vehicle-related costs) of $253 million, $204 million and $161 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    
    The maturity of the Company's lease liabilities as of December 31, 2025 is as follows:
Maturity of lease liabilitiesOperating leasesFinance leasesTotal
2026$196 $$200 
2027179 183 
2028143 145 
202998 100 
203058 60 
Thereafter149 16 165 
Total lease payments823 30 853 
Less: Interest 112 121 
Present value of lease liabilities$711 $21 $732 
    
    Lease term and discount rate as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
Lease term and discount rate20252024
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases65
Finance leases1013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases4.8 %4.4 %
Finance leases7.2 %6.9 %

    The Company's discount rates for its operating leases were primarily determined using the Company's incremental borrowing rate.

    See Note 9 for cash flow information on cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities and leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
    
    Interest Rate Derivatives – Cash Flow Hedges
    
    From time to time, the Company has entered into various interest rate lock agreements and forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge part of the Company's interest rate exposure associated with the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in interest rates.

    Interest Rate Derivatives – Fair Value Hedges

    As discussed in Note 2, the Company's primary objective is to achieve the lowest overall cost of funding while managing the variability in cash outflows within an acceptable range. Therefore, during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company entered into various fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the Company's long-term debt into variable interest rate debt.

    A summary of the notional amounts of these interest rate swap agreements as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows:    
Notional Amount
Debt InstrumentDecember 31, 2025December 31, 2024
5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034
$850 $700 
2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031
550 — 
6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033
400 — 
Total notional amounts$1,800 $700 
    The fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements in the table above have variable interest rates ranging from SOFR minus 1.36% to SOFR plus 2.48%.

    As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges included in the carrying amount of long-term debt:

Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term DebtHedge Accounting Basis Adjustment (a)Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term DebtHedge Accounting Basis Adjustment (a)
Balance Sheet ClassificationDecember 31, 2025December 31, 2025December 31, 2024December 31, 2024
Long-term debt$1,799 $15 $658 $(29)

(a) The balance includes $1 million and $5 million of remaining unamortized hedging adjustments on discontinued relationships as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    The following table presents the effect of fair value hedge accounting on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
20252024
Interest Expense, NetInterest Expense, Net
Total for line item in which the effects of fair value hedges are recorded$(264)$(201)
Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Hedged items (Long-term debt)$(48)$34 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments$48 $(34)
    
    A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:
20252024
Balance Sheet
Classification
Fair ValueBalance Sheet
Classification
Fair Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments   
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreementsOther assets$14 Other liabilities$34 
v3.25.4
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Equity [Abstract]  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
    
    Stockholders' Equity

    Series Preferred Stock
    
    Quest Diagnostics is authorized to issue up to 10 million shares of Series Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share. The Company's Board of Directors has the authority to issue such shares without stockholder approval and to determine the designations, preferences, rights and restrictions of such shares. No shares are currently outstanding.
    
    Common Stock

    Under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation the number of authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is 600 million shares.
    
    Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

    Comprehensive income (loss) includes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments; and
Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, which represent deferred gains (losses), net of tax, on interest rate-related derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of amounts reclassified to interest expense (see Note 15).
            
    For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the tax effects related to the deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges were not material. Foreign currency translation adjustments related to indefinite investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries are not adjusted for income taxes.
    
    The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
Net Deferred Gains on Cash Flow Hedges, net of taxAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 31, 2022$(22)$$(21)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
— 
Net current period other comprehensive income
Balance, December 31, 2023(17)(14)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(76)(74)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income(76)(74)
Balance, December 31, 2024(93)(88)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications62 (1)61 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)62 (1)61 
Balance, December 31, 2025$(31)$$(27)
    
    For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the gross deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense, net.

    Dividend Program
    
    During each of the four quarters of 2025, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.80 per common share. During each of the four quarters of 2024, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per common share. During each of the four quarters of 2023, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.71 per common share. In February 2026, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a 7.5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.80 to $0.86 per share, or $3.44 per share annually, commencing with the dividend payable in April 2026.

    Share Repurchase Program

    As of December 31, 2025, $0.4 billion remained available under the Company's share repurchase authorization. In February 2026, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase an additional $1 billion of the Company's common stock. The share repurchase authorization has no set expiration or termination date.

    Share Repurchases    

    For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares of its common stock for $452 million.
    For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 0.9 million shares of its common stock for $150 million.

    For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 2.0 million shares of its common stock for $276 million.
         
    Shares Reissued from Treasury Stock

    For each of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company reissued 2 million, 1 million and 2 million shares, respectively, from treasury stock for shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and stock-based compensation program.
    
    Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

    In connection with the sale of an 18.9% noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary to UMass on July 1, 2015, the Company granted UMass the right to require the Company to purchase all of its interest in the subsidiary at fair value commencing July 1, 2020. The subsidiary performs diagnostic information services in a defined territory within the state of Massachusetts. Since the redemption of the noncontrolling interest is outside of the Company's control, it has been presented outside of stockholders' equity at the greater of its carrying amount or its fair value. The Company records changes in the fair value of the noncontrolling interest immediately as they occur.

    The following table summarizes the activity for the Company's redeemable noncontrolling interest during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2023
$76 
Net income7
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners(4)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest partners
Balance, December 31, 2024
83 
Net income
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners(10)
Balance, December 31, 2025
$80 
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS
    
    Employee and Non-employee Directors Stock Ownership Programs
    
    The ELTIP provides for three types of awards: (a) stock options, (b) stock appreciation rights and (c) stock awards. The ELTIP provides for the grant to eligible employees of either non-qualified or incentive stock options, or both, to purchase shares of Company common stock at an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Grants of stock appreciation rights allow eligible employees to receive a payment based on the appreciation of Company common stock in cash, shares of Company common stock or a combination thereof. The stock appreciation rights are granted at an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the ELTIP expire on the date designated by the Board of Directors but in no event more than ten years from date of grant. No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the ELTIP. Under the ELTIP, awards are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the end of the vesting period prescribed by the Board of Directors. For all award types, the vesting period is generally over three years from the date of grant. For performance share units, the actual amount of shares earned is based on the achievement of the performance goals specified in the awards. The performance goals for awards granted in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were based on the financial performance of the Company, as well as relative TSR. The maximum number of shares of Company common stock in respect of which awards may be granted under the ELTIP is approximately 87 million shares.

    The DLTIP provides for the grant to non-employee directors of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Company common stock at an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The DLTIP also permits awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units to non-employee directors. Stock options granted under the DLTIP expire on the date designated by the Board of Directors but in no event more than ten years from date of grant. For all award types, the vesting period is generally over three years from the date of grant, regardless of whether the award recipient remains a director of the Company. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the DLTIP is 2.4 million shares. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, grants under the DLTIP totaled 11 thousand shares, 13 thousand shares and 12 thousand shares, respectively.

    The Company's practice is to issue shares related to its ESPP and stock-based compensation program solely from common stock held in treasury. See Note 16 for further information regarding the Company's share repurchase program.

    The fair value of each stock option award granted was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-valuation model. The expected volatility under the Black-Scholes option-valuation model was based on historical volatilities of the Company's common stock. The dividend yield was based on the approved annual dividend rate in effect and current market price of the underlying common stock at the time of grant. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for bonds with maturities consistent with the expected holding period of the related award. The expected holding period was estimated using the historical stock option exercise behavior of employees. The Black-Scholes option-valuation model also incorporates the average market price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant.

    The weighted average assumptions used in valuing stock options granted in the periods presented were:
202520242023
Fair value at grant date$42.97$30.77$36.09
Expected volatility26.8%26.6%27.4%
Dividend yield1.9%2.3%2.0%
Risk-free interest rate4.6%4.3%4.2%
Expected holding period, in years5.04.94.9
    
    The following summarizes the activity related to stock option awards for 2025:



Shares


Weighted
Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
(in years)

Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding, beginning of year3.8 $112.76 
Options granted0.3 165.62 
Options exercised(0.8)99.80 
Options outstanding, end of year3.3 $121.09 4.9$175 
Exercisable, end of year2.6 $113.87 3.9$157 
Vested and expected to vest, end of year3.3 $120.88 4.8$175 
    
    The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing common stock price on the last trading day of 2025 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2025. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $61 million, $43 million and $42 million, respectively.
    
    As of December 31, 2025, there was $5 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to nonvested stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

    The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is the average market price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. For performance share units with a goal based on the financial performance of the Company, the fair value is based on the average market price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant, adjusted for the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the Company's common stock during the vesting period. For performance share units with a market-based relative TSR goal, the fair value is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility under the Monte Carlo valuation model is based on the historical volatility of the common stock of the Company and the common stock of the companies in the peer index. The dividend yield is based on the approved annual dividend rate in effect and current market price of the underlying common stock at the time of grant. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for bonds with maturities consistent with the performance period of the related award.
    
    The weighted average assumptions used in valuing performance share units with a market-based relative TSR goal in the periods presented were:
202520242023
Fair value at grant date$223.75$130.17$171.58
Expected volatility21.0%21.3%25.0%
Dividend yield2.0%2.4%2.0%
Risk-free interest rate4.3%4.4%4.4%

    The following summarizes the activity related to stock awards, including restricted stock units and performance share units, for 2025, 2024 and 2023:
202520242023
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares outstanding, beginning of year1.3 $130.02 1.2 $130.70 1.1 $122.45 
Shares granted0.5 168.01 0.6 128.00 0.6 141.77 
Shares vested(0.7)130.46 (0.5)124.59 (0.5)112.28 
Shares outstanding, end of year1.1 $143.10 1.3 $130.02 1.2 $130.70 

    As of December 31, 2025, there was $37 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. Total fair value of shares vested was $114 million, $62 million and $74 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For performance share units with a goal based on financial performance of the Company, the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is subject to change based on changes, if any, to management's best estimates of the achievement of the performance goals specified in such awards and the resulting number of shares that will be earned at the end of the performance periods.

    For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, stock-based compensation expense totaled $88 million, $88 million and $77 million, respectively. Income tax benefits recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to stock-based compensation expense totaled $33 million, $24 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which includes excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation arrangements of $18 million, $9 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    
    Under the Company's ESPP, substantially all employees can elect to have up to 10% of their annual wages withheld to purchase Quest Diagnostics common stock. The purchase price of the stock is 95% of the market price of the Company's common stock on the last business day of each calendar month. Under the ESPP, the maximum number of shares of Quest Diagnostics common stock which may be purchased by eligible employees is 9 million. Approximately 161 thousand shares, 191 thousand shares and 208 thousand shares of common stock were purchased by eligible employees in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Defined Contribution Plans

    The Company maintains qualified defined contribution plans covering substantially all of its employees. The maximum Company matching contribution is 5% of eligible employee compensation. The Company's expense for contributions to its defined contribution plans aggregated $104 million, $99 million and $96 million for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plans

    The Company has a supplemental deferred compensation plan that is an unfunded, non-qualified plan that provides for certain management and highly compensated employees to defer up to 50% of their salary in excess of their defined contribution plan limits and for certain eligible employees, up to 85% of their variable incentive compensation. The maximum Company matching contribution is 5% of eligible employee compensation. The compensation deferred under this plan, together with Company matching amounts, are credited with earnings or losses measured by the mirrored rate of return on investments elected by plan participants. Each plan participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation, Company match and earnings credited to their account. The amounts accrued under the Company's deferred compensation plans were $78 million and $72 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Although the Company is currently contributing all participant deferrals and matching amounts to a trust, the funds in this trust, totaling $78 million and $72 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are general assets of the Company and are subject to any claims of the Company's creditors.

    The Company also offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation program. The Company matches employee contributions equal to 25%, up to a maximum of five thousand dollars per plan year. A participant's deferrals, together with Company matching credits, are “invested” at the direction of the employee in a hypothetical portfolio of investments which are tracked by an administrator. Each participant is fully vested in their deferred compensation and vests in Company matching contributions over a period of four years at 25% per year. Through December 31, 2025, deferrals under the plan could only be made by participants who made deferrals under the plan in 2017. Effective January 1, 2026, the plan will no longer accept deferrals on compensation earned after December 31, 2025. The amounts accrued under this plan were $72 million and $68 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company purchases life insurance policies, with the Company named as beneficiary of the policies, for the purpose of funding the program's liability. The cash surrender value of such life insurance policies was $72 million and $64 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

     For each of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company's expense for matching contributions to these plans was not material.
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    Letters of Credit and Contractual Obligations    

    The Company can issue letters of credit under its Secured Receivables Credit Facility and Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 13). In support of its risk management program, to ensure the Company’s performance or payment to third parties, $78 million in letters of credit under the Secured Receivables Credit Facility were outstanding as of December 31, 2025. The letters of credit primarily represent collateral for current and future automobile liability and workers’ compensation loss payments.

    The Company has certain noncancelable commitments, primarily under take-or-pay arrangements, to purchase products or services from various suppliers, mainly for consulting and other service agreements, and standing orders to purchase reagents and other laboratory supplies. As of December 31, 2025, the approximate total future purchase commitments are $514 million, of which $217 million are expected to be incurred in 2026, $256 million are expected to be incurred in 2027 through 2028 and the balance thereafter. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, $252 million, $263 million and $222 million, respectively, were purchased under noncancelable commitments.

    Billing and Collection Agreement

    In September 2016, the Company entered into a ten-year agreement with a third party to outsource its billing and related operations for the majority of the Company’s revenues. Services under the agreement commenced during the fourth quarter of 2016. The agreement includes an annual fee, which is subject to adjustment based on certain changes in the Company's requisition volume and the achievement of various performance metrics.
    
    Contingent Lease Obligations

    The Company remains subject to contingent obligations under certain real estate leases, including real estate leases that were entered into by certain predecessor companies of a subsidiary prior to the Company's acquisition of the subsidiary. While over the course of many years, the title to certain properties and interest in the subject leases have been transferred to third parties and the subject leases have been amended several times by such third parties, the lessors have not formally released the subsidiary predecessor companies from their original obligations under the leases and therefore remain contingently liable in the event of default. The remaining terms of the lease obligations and the Company's corresponding indemnifications range up to 22 years. The lease payments under certain leases are subject to market value adjustments and contingent rental payments and therefore, the total contingent obligations under the leases cannot be precisely determined but are likely to total several hundred million dollars. A claim against the Company would be made only upon the current lessee's default and, in certain cases, after a series of claims and corresponding defaults by third parties that precede the Company in the order of liability. The Company also has certain indemnification rights from other parties to recover losses in the event of default on the lease obligations. The Company believes that the likelihood of its performance under these contingent obligations is remote and no liability has been recorded for any potential payments under the contingent lease obligations.

    Certain Legal Matters

    The Company may incur losses associated with these proceedings and investigations, but it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, or other resolution of these proceedings and investigations based on the stage of these proceedings and investigations, the absence of specific allegations as to alleged damages, the uncertainty as to the certification of a class or classes and the size of any certified class, if applicable, and/or the lack of resolution of significant factual and legal issues. The Company has insurance coverage rights in place (limited in amount; subject to deductible) for certain potential costs and liabilities related to these proceedings and investigations.
    
    In 2020, two putative class action lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey against the Company and other defendants with respect to the Company’s 401(k) plan. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the fiduciaries of the 401(k) plan breached their duties by failing to disclose the expenses and risks of plan investment options, allowing unreasonable administration expenses to be charged to plan participants, and selecting and retaining high cost and poor performing investments. In October 2020, the court consolidated the two lawsuits under the caption In re: Quest Diagnostics ERISA Litigation and plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. In May 2021, the court denied the Company's motion to dismiss the complaint. After discovery was completed, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment, which was granted. The matter is on appeal.

    On June 3, 2019, the Company reported that Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau, Inc./American Medical Collection Agency (“AMCA”) had informed the Company and Optum360 LLC that an unauthorized user had access to AMCA’s system between August 1, 2018 and March 30, 2019 (the “AMCA Data Security Incident”). Optum360 provides revenue management services to the Company, and AMCA provided debt collection services to Optum360. AMCA first informed the Company of the AMCA Data Security Incident on May 14, 2019. AMCA’s affected system included financial information (e.g., credit card numbers and bank account information), medical information and other personal information (e.g., social security numbers). Test results were not included. Neither Optum360’s nor the Company’s systems or databases were involved in the incident. AMCA also informed the Company that information pertaining to other laboratories’ customers was also affected. Following announcement of the AMCA Data Security Incident, AMCA sought protection under the U.S. bankruptcy laws. The bankruptcy proceeding has been dismissed.
    Numerous putative class action lawsuits were filed against the Company related to the AMCA Data Security Incident. The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred the cases that were then still pending to, and consolidated them for pre-trial proceedings in, the U.S. District Court for New Jersey. In November 2019, the plaintiffs in the multidistrict proceeding filed a consolidated putative class action complaint against the Company and Optum360 that named additional individuals as plaintiffs and that asserted a variety of common law and statutory claims in connection with the AMCA Data Security Incident. In January 2020, the Company moved to dismiss the consolidated complaint; the motion to dismiss was granted in part and denied in part. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which the Company also moved to dismiss. The motion was granted in part and denied in part. Discovery and class certification proceedings are ongoing.

    In addition, a group of state attorney general offices are investigating the Company in connection with the AMCA Data Security Incident. The Company is cooperating with the investigation.

    The Company is subject to a putative class action entitled Cole, et al. v Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, which was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, for allegedly conspiring with Facebook to track customers’ internet communications on Company web platforms without authorization, in violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act ("CIPA") and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act ("CMIA"). The complaint alleged that the Company’s actions were an invasion of privacy and contributed to a loss of value in plaintiffs’ personally identifiable information. The Company moved to dismiss the case or, in the alternative, transfer venue to the U.S. District Court for New Jersey. Subsequently, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which the Company also moved to dismiss. The Company's motion to transfer the case was granted. The Company refiled its motion to dismiss with the New Jersey District Court. The motion to dismiss was granted without prejudice as to the CMIA claim and denied as to the CIPA claim. Thereafter, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration as to the CIPA claim, which was granted. The district court's decision was affirmed on appeal.

    As previously disclosed, in August 2011, the Company had received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia seeking various business records, including records related to the Company's compliance program, certain marketing materials, certain product offerings, and certain test ordering and other policies. The Company cooperated with the request. In 2021, a third amended complaint in a qui tam action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia was unsealed, which is related to the matter underlying the August 2011 subpoena. Both the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Georgia declined to intervene in the action. The Company moved to dismiss the complaint and the complaint was dismissed without prejudice in August 2022. The relator subsequently filed a fourth amended complaint, which the Company has moved to dismiss. On August 23, 2024, the district court dismissed the complaint with prejudice. On appeal, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal. The relator filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, which is pending.

    The Company also received subpoenas from the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey (the “NJ USAO”). The subpoenas seek various records relating to the Company’s relationship with the New York Giants and adherence to certain company policies and federal laws. The Company settled the matter with the NJ USAO and agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The Company has also received several subpoenas from the New York Attorney General’s Office, and is in the process of responding to them.

    The Company has also received subpoenas from the New York Attorney General’s Office that seek information about, among other things, the ordering and billing of certain test panels to Medicaid programs in New York. The Company is cooperating with the investigation.

    The Company also received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Texas Attorney General’s Office requesting documents related to its billing to Texas Medicaid. The Company is cooperating with this request.

    Other Legal Matters

    In the normal course of business, the Company has been named, from time to time, as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with the Company's activities as a provider of diagnostic testing, information and services. These actions could involve claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages, and could have an adverse impact on the Company's client base and reputation.
    The Company is also involved, from time to time, in other reviews, investigations and proceedings by governmental agencies regarding the Company's business which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief.

    The federal or state governments may bring claims based on the Company's current practices, which it believes are lawful. In addition, certain federal and state statutes, including the qui tam provisions of the federal False Claims Act, allow private individuals to bring lawsuits against healthcare companies on behalf of government or private payers. The Company is aware of lawsuits, and from time to time has received subpoenas, related to billing or other practices based on the False Claims Act or other federal and state statutes, regulations or other laws. The Company understands that there may be other pending qui tam claims brought by former employees or other "whistleblowers" as to which the Company cannot determine the extent of any potential liability.

    Management cannot predict the outcome of such matters. Although management does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, given the high degree of judgment involved in establishing loss estimates related to these types of matters, the outcome of such matters may be material to the Company's consolidated results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such matters is determined or paid.

    These matters are in different stages. Some of these matters are in their early stages. Matters may involve responding to and cooperating with various government investigations and related subpoenas. As of December 31, 2025, the Company does not believe that material losses related to legal matters are probable.
    
    Reserves for legal matters totaled $20 million and $4 million as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Reserves for General and Professional Liability Claims
    
    As a general matter, providers of clinical testing services may be subject to lawsuits alleging negligence or other similar legal claims. These suits could involve claims for substantial damages. Any professional liability litigation could also have an adverse impact on the Company's client base and reputation. The Company maintains various liability insurance coverages for, among other things, claims that could result from providing, or failing to provide, clinical testing services, including inaccurate testing results, and other exposures. The Company's insurance coverage limits its maximum exposure on individual claims; however, the Company is essentially self-insured for a significant portion of these claims.

    The Company is subject to a series of individual claims brought by persons in Ireland related to allegations stemming from pap smear screening services performed by the Company. In general, claimants have alleged that the results of certain pap smear screening tests performed by the Company and other providers, pursuant to a program coordinated by the Irish government, were incorrect for individuals who were later diagnosed with cervical cancer. The Irish government and an independent scoping inquiry commissioned by the Irish government found that the Company’s performance of its screening services for the Irish cervical cancer screening program were in accordance with both Ireland’s requirements and international standards. The Company has settled claims made by certain individuals, is a party in multiple lawsuits and may be served as a party in additional lawsuits. The Company does not believe that the resolution of existing or future claims will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or liquidity, but the ultimate outcomes of these claims are unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties.

    Reserves for general and professional liabilities claims matters, including those associated with both asserted and incurred but not reported claims, are established on an undiscounted basis by considering actuarially determined losses based upon the Company's historical and projected loss experience. Such reserves totaled $178 million and $169 million as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
    While the basis for claims reserves is actuarially determined losses based upon the Company's historical and projected loss experience, the process of analyzing, assessing and establishing reserve estimates relative to these types of claims involves a high degree of judgment. Although the Company believes that its present reserves and insurance coverage are sufficient to cover currently estimated exposures, it is possible that the Company may incur liabilities in excess of its recorded reserves or insurance coverage. Changes in the facts and circumstances associated with claims could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations (principally costs of services), cash flows and financial condition in the period that reserve estimates are adjusted or paid.
v3.25.4
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
    The Company's DIS business is the only reportable segment based on the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer, who is the Company's CODM, assesses performance and allocates resources across the organization. The CODM uses the reported measure of segment profit (or loss) in assessing segment performance versus budget and when deciding how to allocate resources to segments. The DIS business provides diagnostic information services to a broad range of customers within its primary customer channels - physicians, hospitals, and patients and consumers. The DIS business accounted for greater than 95% of net revenues in 2025, 2024 and 2023.

    All other operating segments include the Company's DS businesses, which consist of its risk assessment services and healthcare information technology businesses. The Company's DS businesses offer solutions for insurers and offer solutions for healthcare providers and payers.
    
    As of December 31, 2025, substantially all of the Company’s services were provided within the United States and substantially all of the Company’s assets were located within the United States.

    The following table is a summary of segment information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Segment asset information is not presented since it is not received by the CODM at the operating segment level. The CODM regularly reviews certain consolidated expenses, including employee compensation costs. "Other segment items" principally consist of costs for obtaining, transporting and testing specimens, facility costs used for the delivery of the Company's services, costs associated with the Company's sales and marketing efforts, and costs related to billing operations. Operating income (loss) of each segment represents net revenues less directly identifiable expenses. General corporate activities included in the table below are comprised of general management and administrative corporate expenses, amortization and impairment of intangibles assets and other operating income and expenses, net of certain general corporate activity costs that are allocated to the DIS and DS businesses. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company as set forth in Note 2.
2025
DISTotal
Net revenues$10,785 $10,785 
DS revenues250 
Total net revenues$11,035 
Less: Other segment items(8,956)
Segment operating income$1,829 $1,829 
DS operating income32 
General corporate activities(305)
Total operating income1,556 
Non-operating expense, net(238)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees1,318 
Income tax expense(314)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes42 
Net income1,046 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests54 
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$992 
2024
DISTotal
Net revenues$9,614 $9,614 
DS revenues258 
Total net revenues$9,872 
Less: Other segment items(7,984)
Segment operating income$1,630 $1,630 
DS operating income33 
General corporate activities(317)
Total operating income1,346 
Non-operating expense, net(171)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees1,175 
Income tax expense(273)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes19 
Net income921 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests50 
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$871 
2023
DISTotal
Net revenues$8,976 $8,976 
DS revenues276 
Total net revenues$9,252 
Less: Other segment items(7,429)
Segment operating income$1,547 $1,547 
DS operating income34 
General corporate activities(319)
Total operating income1,262 
Non-operating expense, net(132)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees1,130 
Income tax expense(248)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes26 
Net income908 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests54 
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$854 

    Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
    
202520242023
DIS business$400 $352 $319 
All other operating segments14 13 11 
General corporate156 128 109 
Total depreciation and amortization$570 $493 $439 
    Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
202520242023
DIS business$514 $410 $398 
All other operating segments10 
General corporate
Total capital expenditures$527 $425 $408 

    The approximate percentage of net revenues by major service for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
202520242023
Routine clinical testing and other services54 %51 %51 %
COVID-19 testing services— 
Gene-based and esoteric (including advanced diagnostics) testing services38 39 38 
Anatomic pathology testing services
All other
Net revenues100 %100 %100 %

    The approximate percentage of net revenues by customer channel for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

202520242023
Physician lab services71 %68 %66 %
Hospital lab services18 20 21 
Other DIS10 
Total DIS revenues98 97 97 
DS revenues
Total net revenues100 %100 %100 %

    Physician lab services includes net revenues for physicians including those associated with ACOs and FQHCs.
v3.25.4
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    Venture with Corewell Health

    During August 2025, the Company and Corewell Health signed a definitive agreement to enter into a venture which will perform laboratory testing in the state of Michigan via a new laboratory facility. The parties completed the transaction during January 2026. Under the terms of the venture, Quest and Corewell Health will continue to serve providers and patients in Michigan from their existing patient service centers (which will be run by the venture) and their existing laboratories until a new laboratory is operational during 2027.

    Equity ownership of the venture is shared 51% by Quest and 49% by Corewell Health and Quest will consolidate the business in its consolidated financial statements. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, which may be revised as additional information becomes available during the measurement period, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed principally consist of $179 million of goodwill, of which $22 million is deductible for tax purposes, $124 million of customer-related intangible assets, $19 million of operating lease assets, $19 million of operating lease liabilities, and $12 million of deferred income tax liabilities. The intangible assets are being amortized over a useful life of 15 years.
v3.25.4
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
shares
Dec. 31, 2025
shares
Trading Arrangements, by Individual    
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false  
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false  
Cathy Doherty [Member]    
Trading Arrangements, by Individual    
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement  
NameTitleType of Trading ArrangementSecurityActionDate of ActionDuration of Trading ArrangementAggregate Number of Securities Covered
Cathy Doherty
EVP, Regional Businesses
Rule 10b5-1 plan to sellCommon StockAdoption
November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025 to May 8, 2026*
Up to 37,423*

* Includes shares of common stock to be released from (a) stock options and/or restricted stock units that are expected to vest and/or (b) performance share awards that may vest, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable performance metrics. The actual number of shares of common stock that will be released is not yet determinable and the actual number of shares of common stock that will be sold will be net of the number of shares withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations.
Name Cathy Doherty  
Title EVP, Regional Businesses  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted true  
Adoption Date November 14, 2025  
Expiration Date May 8, 2026  
Arrangement Duration 175 days  
Aggregate Available 37,423 37,423
v3.25.4
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]  
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted true
v3.25.4
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]  
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block] The strength and resilience of our cybersecurity and data privacy programs are critical in maintaining the trust of our patients, customers, employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Securing our business information, customer, patient and employee data and IT systems is an important part of our overall risk management framework. We rely on IT systems, some of which are dependent on services provided by third parties, to provide data and other services, including diagnostic information services for patients, clinicians and healthcare organizations, clinical testing, test ordering and reporting, billing, customer service, logistics, commercial and operational data, human resources management, legal, finance and tax compliance, and other information and processes necessary to operate and manage our business.
    We maintain comprehensive cybersecurity and data privacy programs that are designed to be aligned to best practice frameworks and applicable laws and regulations, as well as our contractual obligations. These enterprise-wide programs are designed to secure our facilities, information systems and safeguard data throughout its lifecycle, including data provided to third parties performing services on our behalf. Our cybersecurity program incorporates standards, processes, and activities over a number of domains, including governance, access controls, facility and data protection, IT systems and data transmission security, threat intelligence and incident response, third-party risk management, disaster recovery and vulnerability management.

    Our cybersecurity risk management program monitors our systems and networks for threats, breaches, intrusions and other vulnerabilities; assesses the security of our company-wide software, applications and systems; conducts security audits and threat assessments; responds to cybersecurity incidents; and facilitates training for our employees. Our program includes procedures to identify cybersecurity risks and threats of our suppliers and third-party outsourcing providers with whom we interface, or who store, process, host or transmit confidential patient and employee data or other confidential information. Our Strategic Threat and Intelligence Center manages our threat landscape and uses a variety of security technology and threat intelligence tools designed to detect, prevent, block, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats. We collaborate with government agencies regarding potential cybersecurity threats and work with consultants and other third-party advisors to conduct security assessments and independent audits of the security and resilience of our systems and networks. At least annually, we review and test our program to simulate emergent threats and scenarios that could arise from potential cybersecurity attacks and data breaches. Our cybersecurity program is based on multiple security frameworks, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s NIST 800 Special Publication Information Security standard, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, the System and Organization Controls for Service Organizations 2 (SOC 2), and ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 15189.

    We have integrated cybersecurity risk management into our overall risk management infrastructure through our enterprise risk management program. The enterprise risk management program, which is driven by our executive leadership, entails a formal process that identifies, assesses, mitigates and manages the risks from both internal and external conditions that could significantly impact the Company and influence our business strategy and performance.

    Although no cybersecurity incident during the year ended December 31, 2025 resulted in an interruption of our operations, known losses of critical data or otherwise had a material impact on our strategy, financial condition or results of operations, the scope of any future incident cannot be predicted. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for more information.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block] The strength and resilience of our cybersecurity and data privacy programs are critical in maintaining the trust of our patients, customers, employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Securing our business information, customer, patient and employee data and IT systems is an important part of our overall risk management framework. We rely on IT systems, some of which are dependent on services provided by third parties, to provide data and other services, including diagnostic information services for patients, clinicians and healthcare organizations, clinical testing, test ordering and reporting, billing, customer service, logistics, commercial and operational data, human resources management, legal, finance and tax compliance, and other information and processes necessary to operate and manage our business.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block] The Board of Directors and its committees play an active role in overseeing our key enterprise level risks. Our Board, which annually reviews our enterprise risk management program, has delegated primary responsibility for overseeing the enterprise risk management program to the Audit and Finance Committee. The Board has delegated primary oversight of cybersecurity, a key enterprise risk, to the Cybersecurity Committee. The Board’s Quality and Compliance Committee oversees and receives regular updates on data privacy, another key enterprise risk.
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] The Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), in coordination with the Company’s Chief Litigation Officer, Executive Director, Privacy Officer, Corporate Controller/Chief Accounting Officer, Executive Director, Corporate Security and other internal stakeholders, is responsible for leading the team responsible for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity and data privacy risks, including implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] The Board of Directors and its committees play an active role in overseeing our key enterprise level risks. Our Board, which annually reviews our enterprise risk management program, has delegated primary responsibility for overseeing the enterprise risk management program to the Audit and Finance Committee. The Board has delegated primary oversight of cybersecurity, a key enterprise risk, to the Cybersecurity Committee. The Board’s Quality and Compliance Committee oversees and receives regular updates on data privacy, another key enterprise risk.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block] The Board of Directors and its committees play an active role in overseeing our key enterprise level risks. Our Board, which annually reviews our enterprise risk management program, has delegated primary responsibility for overseeing the enterprise risk management program to the Audit and Finance Committee. The Board has delegated primary oversight of cybersecurity, a key enterprise risk, to the Cybersecurity Committee. The Board’s Quality and Compliance Committee oversees and receives regular updates on data privacy, another key enterprise risk.
    The Audit and Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, as well as our insurance programs, including regarding cybersecurity. Our internal audit team reports to the Audit and Finance Committee on summaries of findings from completed internal audits of, among other matters, our IT security systems and processes, including network security and data protection. The Audit and Finance Committee regularly reports to the Board on its activities.
    The Cybersecurity Committee is responsible for the general oversight of our cybersecurity policies, plans, program and practices and risks related to cybersecurity and data security. The Cybersecurity Committee reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of our cybersecurity program and regularly receives reports from management on cybersecurity matters. It also reviews our management of risks and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and industry standards related to our IT security systems and processes, including network security and data protection. The Cybersecurity Committee regularly reports on its activities to the Board to promote effective coordination and to ensure the entire Board remains apprised of the effectiveness of our cybersecurity risk management and our cybersecurity risk landscape, and also assesses how management is managing these risks.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block] The Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), in coordination with the Company’s Chief Litigation Officer, Executive Director, Privacy Officer, Corporate Controller/Chief Accounting Officer, Executive Director, Corporate Security and other internal stakeholders, is responsible for leading the team responsible for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity and data privacy risks, including implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block] The CISO has extensive experience working in the IT and services industry and is a subject matter expert in varied topics including cybersecurity, data integrity, IT risk, enterprise architecture, third-party risk, threat intelligence, incident response, and regulatory compliance.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block] The Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), in coordination with the Company’s Chief Litigation Officer, Executive Director, Privacy Officer, Corporate Controller/Chief Accounting Officer, Executive Director, Corporate Security and other internal stakeholders, is responsible for leading the team responsible for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity and data privacy risks, including implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program. The CISO has extensive experience working in the IT and services industry and is a subject matter expert in varied topics including cybersecurity, data integrity, IT risk, enterprise architecture, third-party risk, threat intelligence, incident response, and
regulatory compliance. Management committees consisting of senior officers of the Company regularly receive briefings on cybersecurity matters, who in turn regularly report to the Board of Directors and its committees on such matters.

    The Board of Directors and its committees play an active role in overseeing our key enterprise level risks. Our Board, which annually reviews our enterprise risk management program, has delegated primary responsibility for overseeing the enterprise risk management program to the Audit and Finance Committee. The Board has delegated primary oversight of cybersecurity, a key enterprise risk, to the Cybersecurity Committee. The Board’s Quality and Compliance Committee oversees and receives regular updates on data privacy, another key enterprise risk.

    The Audit and Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, as well as our insurance programs, including regarding cybersecurity. Our internal audit team reports to the Audit and Finance Committee on summaries of findings from completed internal audits of, among other matters, our IT security systems and processes, including network security and data protection. The Audit and Finance Committee regularly reports to the Board on its activities.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag] true
v3.25.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all entities controlled by the Company through its direct or indirect ownership of a majority voting interest. Additionally, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company has a variable interest and for which the Company is the “primary beneficiary” as it has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
    Income attributable to the minority interest in the Company's majority owned and controlled consolidated subsidiaries is recorded as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations and the noncontrolling interest is reflected as a separate component of consolidated stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheet.
Equity Method Investments Investments in entities which the Company does not control, but in which it has a substantial ownership interest (generally between 20% and 49%) and can exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These investments are classified as investments in equity method investees in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company records its pro rata share of the earnings, adjusted for accretion of basis difference, of these investments in equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company reviews its investments in equity method investees for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes as revenue the amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for goods sold or services rendered primarily upon completion of the testing process (when results are reported) or when services have been rendered (see Note 3). Net revenues from Medicare and Medicaid programs were approximately 11% of the Company's consolidated net revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Net revenues from government programs in Canada were approximately 5% and 2% of the Company's consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Taxes on Income The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Current and deferred income taxes are measured based on the tax laws that are enacted as of the balance sheet date of the relevant reporting period. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are recognized only if the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.
Earnings Per Share The Company's unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and performance share units granted under the Company's Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan (“ELTIP”) and its Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (“DLTIP”), as well as the dilutive effect of accelerated share repurchase agreements ("ASRs"), if applicable. Earnings allocable to participating securities include the portion of dividends declared as well as the portion of undistributed earnings during the period allocable to participating securities.
Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures stock-based compensation for equity awards at fair value on the date of grant and records stock-based compensation as a charge to earnings net of the estimated impact of forfeited awards. As such, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost only for those stock-based awards that are estimated to ultimately vest over their requisite service period, based on the vesting provisions of the individual grants. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated forfeiture rate is recognized as compensation cost in earnings in the period of the change. The terms of the Company's performance share units allow the recipients of such awards to earn a variable number of shares based on the achievement of the performance goals, which are based on the financial performance of the Company and the total shareholder return of the Company relative to an index of peer companies ("relative TSR"), specified in the awards. For performance share units with a goal based on the financial performance of the Company, stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on management's best estimates of the achievement of the performance goals specified in such awards and the resulting number of shares that will be earned. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated number of performance share units expected to be earned for these awards is recognized as compensation cost in earnings in the period of the change. For performance share units with a market-based relative TSR goal, stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the estimated fair value of the award regardless of the actual number of shares earned. For further details regarding stock-based compensation, see Note 17.
Fair Value Measurements The Company determines fair value measurements used in its consolidated financial statements based upon the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants exclusive of any transaction costs, as determined by either the principal market or the most advantageous market.
    Inputs used in the valuation techniques to derive fair values are classified based on a three-level hierarchy. The basis for fair value measurements for each level within the hierarchy is described below with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest.

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
Foreign Currency The Company predominately uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. The functional currency of the Company's foreign operating subsidiaries generally is the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates as of the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average monthly exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, are included within other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses have historically not been material. The Company may be exposed to market risk for changes in foreign exchange rates primarily under certain intercompany receivables and payables. From time to time, the Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the exposure of the eventual net cash inflows or outflows resulting from these intercompany transactions. The Company's foreign exchange exposure is not material to the Company's consolidated financial condition. The Company does not hedge its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries because it views those investments as long-term in nature.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with original maturities, at the time acquired by the Company, of three months or less.
Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. The Company's policy is to place its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is mitigated by the diversity of the Company's payers and their dispersion across many different geographic regions, and credit risk is concentrated among certain payers who are large buyers of the Company's services. To reduce risk, the Company routinely assesses the financial strength of these payers and, consequently, believes that its accounts receivable credit risk exposure, with respect to these payers, is limited. While the Company has receivables due from federal, state and foreign governmental agencies, the Company does not believe that such receivables represent a credit risk since the related healthcare programs are funded by federal, state and foreign governments, and payment is primarily dependent on submitting appropriate documentation timely. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, receivables due from government payers under the Medicare and Medicaid programs represented approximately 7% and 6%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated net accounts receivable. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, receivables due from Canadian government payers represented approximately 1% of the Company's consolidated net accounts receivable. The portion of the Company's accounts receivable due from patients comprises the largest portion of credit risk. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, receivables due from patients represented approximately 20% of the Company's consolidated net accounts receivable. The Company applies assumptions and judgments including historical collection experience (including the period of time that
the receivables have been outstanding) for assessing collectability and determining net revenues and accounts receivable from patients.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts receivable are reported net of allowances for credit losses.
    
    When estimating its allowance for credit losses, the Company pools its trade receivables based on the following customer types: healthcare insurers, government payers, client payers and patients, which are described in Note 3.  The Company principally estimates the allowance for credit losses by pool based on historical collection experience, the current credit worthiness of the customers, current economic conditions, expectations of future economic conditions and the period of time that the receivables have been outstanding.  To the extent that any individual payers are identified that have deteriorated in credit quality, the Company removes the customers from their respective pools and establishes allowances based on the individual risk characteristics of such customers.
Inventories Inventories, which consist principally of finished goods testing supplies and reagents, are valued at the lower of cost (principally first in, first out method) or net realizable value.
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized for application development activities and expensed as incurred for preliminary project activities and post-implementation activities. Capitalized costs include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the internal-use software project, and interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. Capitalization of such costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. Costs for maintenance and training are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the expected useful lives of the assets. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on the straight-line method over expected useful asset lives as of December 31, 2025 as follows:
buildings and improvements, ranging up to thirty-one and a half years;
laboratory equipment and furniture and fixtures, ranging from five to twelve years;
leasehold improvements, the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining life of the building or lease, as applicable; and
computer software developed or obtained for internal use, principally five to ten years.
Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the acquiree (including the fair value of non-controlling interests) over the recognized bases of the net identifiable assets acquired and includes the future economic benefits from other assets that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is periodically reviewed for impairment and an impairment charge is recorded in the periods in which the recorded carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value.
    On a quarterly basis, the Company performs a review of its business to determine if events or changes in circumstances have occurred which could have a material adverse effect on the fair value of the Company and its goodwill. If such events or changes in circumstances were deemed to have occurred, the Company would perform an impairment test of goodwill as of the end of the quarter and record any noted impairment loss.

    The goodwill test is performed at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The annual impairment test includes an option to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value; the qualitative test may be performed prior
to, or as an alternative to, performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company is required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, no further analysis is required. Additionally, the Company's policy is to update the fair value calculation of its reporting units and perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test on a periodic basis.

    The quantitative impairment test involves the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company calculates the fair value of each reporting unit using either (i) a discounted cash flows analysis that converts future cash flow amounts into a single discounted present value amount or (ii) a market approach. The Company assesses the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time that the valuation is performed. The Company compares the estimate of fair value for the reporting unit to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value is greater than the estimate of fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in the amount of the excess.
    
    The Company performs its annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company performed a qualitative impairment test and, based on the totality of information available for the reporting units, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair values of the reporting units were greater than the carrying values of the reporting units and, as such, no further analysis was required.
Intangible Assets Intangible assets are recognized at fair value, as an asset apart from goodwill if the asset (i) arises from contractual or other legal rights, or (ii) is separable. Intangible assets, principally representing the cost of customer-related intangible assets, non-competition agreements, acquired technology-related intangible assets and trade name intangible assets, are capitalized and amortized on the straight-line method over their expected useful lives, which generally range from five to twenty-five years. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, consisting principally of acquired trade names, are not amortized, but instead are periodically reviewed for impairment.
    The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets periodically for impairment and an impairment charge is recorded in the periods in which the recorded carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is more than its estimated fair value. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test is performed at least annually, or more frequently in the case of other events that indicate a potential impairment.

    Based upon the Company’s most recent annual impairment tests completed during the fourth quarter of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company concluded that indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired.

    The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets (including amortizable intangible assets), other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Evaluation of possible impairment is based on the Company's ability to recover the asset from the expected future pre-tax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying amount of the asset.
Investments The Company's investments (except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) include:
Equity investments with readily determinable fair values, including investments comprised mostly of strategic holdings in companies concentrated in the life sciences and healthcare industries; as well as participant-directed investments of deferred employee compensation and related Company matching contributions held in trusts pursuant to the Company's supplemental deferred compensation plans (see Note 17). These investments are measured at fair value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in current earnings within other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, gains/(losses) from all equity investments with readily determinable fair values totaled $19 million, $18 million, and $20 million, respectively. See Note 7 for a discussion of the fair value of such investments.
Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values consist of investments in preferred and common shares of privately held companies. These investments are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. The Company regularly evaluates these equity investments to determine if there are any indicators that the investment is impaired; no impairment charges were recognized related to these investments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. The carrying value of these investments was $47 million and $37 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Such amounts were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Available-for-sale debt securities of privately-held companies. These investments are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses presented in other comprehensive income (loss). No such investments existed as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments, from time to time, to manage its exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates and foreign currencies. This strategy includes the use of interest rate swap agreements, forward-starting interest rate swap agreements, interest rate lock agreements and foreign currency forward contracts to manage its exposure to movements in interest and currency rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. These policies prohibit holding or issuing derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments that contain credit risk-related contingent features or requirements to post collateral.
    Interest Rate Risk

    The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its debt obligations. Interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents may fluctuate as interest rates change; however, due to their relatively short maturities, the Company does not hedge these assets or their investment cash flows and the impact of interest rate risk is not material. The Company's debt obligations consist of fixed-rate and, from time to time, variable-rate debt instruments. The Company's primary objective is to achieve the lowest overall cost of funding while managing the variability in cash outflows within an acceptable range. In order to achieve this objective, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap agreements involve the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of underlying principal or notional amounts. Net settlements between the counterparties are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense, net.
    The Company accounts for these derivatives as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The fair value is based upon model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets including certain financial information and certain assumptions regarding past, present and future market conditions. For a derivative instrument that has been formally designated as a fair value hedge, fair value gains or losses on the derivative instrument along with offsetting fair value gains or losses on the hedged item that are attributable to the risk being hedged are reported in other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations. For derivatives that have been formally designated as a cash flow hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivatives is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Upon maturity or early termination of an effective interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains or losses are deferred in stockholders' equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, which is when the Company recognizes interest expense on the hedged cash flows. At inception and quarterly thereafter, the Company formally assesses whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. After the initial quantitative assessment, this analysis is initially performed on a qualitative basis and, if it is determined that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective, no further analysis is required. All components of each derivative financial instrument's gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and any deferred gains or losses related to a discontinued cash flow hedge shall continue to be reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, unless it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur. If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the originally specified time period, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and any deferred gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss are classified into earnings immediately.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) encompasses all changes in stockholders' equity (except those arising from transactions with stockholders) and includes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments;
Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, which represent deferred gains (losses), net of tax, on interest rate-related derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of amounts reclassified to interest expense (see Notes 15 and 16); and
Net changes in available-for-sale debt securities, which represent unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, on available-for-sale debt securities.
Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, advertising costs were $35 million, $28 million and $31 million, respectively.
New Accounting Standards In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new accounting standard which requires companies to make additional income tax disclosures. The pronouncement was effective for annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2025. The adoption of this standard, which the Company adopted on a retrospective basis, did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows. See Note 8 for the additional disclosures.
    In November 2024, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which will require companies to disaggregate certain income statement expenses. The pronouncement is effective for annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2027 and for interim periods within the year ended December 31, 2028. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

    In July 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted. The OBBBA makes permanent key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing and the business interest expense limitation, among other tax changes. Many of the tax provisions of the OBBBA are designed to accelerate tax deductions, which leads to lower cash tax payments. The new legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others in the future. The tax provisions of the legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s statement of operations. The Company's consolidated deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were $354 million and $278 million, respectively. The increase was principally due to the domestic research cost expensing and bonus depreciation elements of the OBBBA.

    In September 2025, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which impacts internal-use software accounting by removing all references to software development project stages such that the guidance is neutral to different software development methods. The pronouncement is effective for annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2028 and for interim periods within such year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard.
Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The Company leases office space, patient service centers, clinical laboratories, warehouses, logistic hubs and equipment primarily through operating leases, with a limited number of finance leases. A right-of-use asset, representing the underlying asset during the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the payment obligation arising from the lease, are recognized on the balance sheet at lease commencement based on the present value of the payment obligation. For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, interest expense on the lease liability is recognized using the effective interest method and amortization of the right-of-use asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
v3.25.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue The approximate percentage of net revenues by type of payer customer was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
Healthcare insurers:
Fee-for-service36 %37 %37 %
Capitated
Total healthcare insurers39 40 40 
Government payers (principally fee-for-service)16 13 11 
Client payers31 33 34 
Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities)12 11 12 
Total DIS98 97 97 
DS
Net revenues100 %100 %100 %
Accounts Receivable Disaggregation The approximate percentage of net accounts receivable by type of payer customer as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:
20252024
Healthcare insurers27%26%
Government payers87
Client payers4345
Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities)2020
Total DIS9898
DS22
Net accounts receivable100%100%
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss The following table summarizes the activity for the Company's allowance for credit losses during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, which principally relates to client payers:
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance, December 31, 2023$27 
Provision for credit losses5
Write-offs of accounts receivable, net of recoveries(3)
Balance, December 31, 202429 
Provision for credit losses
Write-offs of accounts receivable, net of recoveries(7)
Balance, December 31, 2025
$25 
v3.25.4
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is as follows (in millions, except per share data):
 202520242023
Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:  
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$992 $871 $854 
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted
$988 $866 $850 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic111 111 112 
Effect of dilutive securities:  
Stock options and performance share units
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted113 113 113 
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:  
Basic$8.87 $7.78 $7.59 
Diluted$8.75 $7.69 $7.49 
v3.25.4
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Pre-Tax Restructuring Charges The following table provides a summary of the Company's pre-tax restructuring and impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
202520242023
Employee separation costs$28 $28 $25 
Asset impairment charges29 — 29 
Total restructuring and impairment charges$57 $28 $54 
Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Liability The following table summarizes the activity of the restructuring liability during 2025 and 2024, which is included in accrued expenses in Note 12:
Employee Separation Costs
Balance, December 31, 2023
$12 
Income statement expense28 
Cash payments(27)
Balance, December 31, 2024
13 
Income statement expense28 
Cash payments(23)
Balance, December 31, 2025
$18 
v3.25.4
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Business Combination [Abstract]  
Schedule of Pro Forma Information
Year Ended December 31,
20242023
Pro forma net revenues$10,320 $9,917 
Pro forma net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$869 $842 
Pro forma earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders:
Basic$7.76 $7.47 
Diluted$7.67 $7.38 
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the year ended December 31, 2024.
LifeLabsLaboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New YorkSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina HealthSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of OhioHealthOutreach Laboratory Services Business of University HospitalsOther Acquisitions (a)Total
Cash and cash equivalents $50 $— $— $— $— $— $50 
Accounts receivable31 — — — — — 31 
Other current assets23 — — — — 25 
Property, plant and equipment250 — — — — 254 
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)— — — — — 17 17 
Operating lease right-of-use assets65 — — — — 17 82 
Goodwill294 243 175 146 125 154 1,137 
Intangible assets434 57 55 54 58 95 753 
Other assets48 — — — — — 48 
Total assets acquired1,195 300 230 200 183 289 2,397 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses66 — — — — — 66 
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities14 — — — — 18 
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)— — — — — 17 17 
Long-term operating lease liabilities51 — — — — 13 64 
Other liabilities11 — — — — 18 
Total liabilities assumed142 — — — — 41 183 
Net assets acquired$1,053 $300 $230 $200 $183 $248 $2,214 
(a) Principally relates to the acquisitions of Lenco and PathAI Diagnostics.
Business Combination, Intangible Asset, Acquired, Finite-Lived The fair values of the acquired intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
LifeLabsLaboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New YorkSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina HealthSelect Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of OhioHealthOutreach Laboratory Services Business of University HospitalsOther Acquisitions (a)TotalWeighted Average Useful Life (in years)
Customer-related$335 $57 $55 $54 $43 $95 $639 
15 - 25
Trade names99 — — — — — 99 15
Non-competition agreements— — — — 15 — 15 5
$434 $57 $55 $54 $58 $95 $753 
(a) Principally relates to the acquisitions of Lenco and PathAI Diagnostics.
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis The following table provides a summary of the recognized assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Basis of Fair Value Measurements
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
December 31, 2025
Assets:    
Deferred compensation trading securities$78 $78 $— $— 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies72 — 72 — 
Equity investments— — 
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps14 — 14 — 
Total$166 $80 $86 $— 
Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation liabilities$150 $— $150 $— 
Contingent consideration96 — — 96 
Total$246 $— $150 $96 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest$80 $— $— $80 
December 31, 2024
Assets:    
Deferred compensation trading securities$72 $72 $— $— 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies64 — 64 — 
Total$136 $72 $64 $— 
Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation liabilities$140 $— $140 $— 
Contingent consideration106 — — 106 
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps34 — 34 — 
Total$280 $— $174 $106 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest$83 $— $— $83 
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Liability Balances Unobservable Inputs The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Contingent Consideration
Balance, December 31, 2023$104 
Purchases, additions and issuances
Settlements(6)
Total fair value adjustments included in earnings - unrealized
Balance, December 31, 2024106 
Total fair value adjustments included in earnings - unrealized(10)
Balance, December 31, 2025$96 
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Components of Income Tax Expense The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
202520242023
Current:
Federal$171 $204 $235 
State and local33 52 59 
Foreign
Deferred:
Federal55 (38)
State and local21 (10)
Foreign29 (1)
Total$314 $273 $248 
Reconciliation of the Federal Statutory Rate A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (dollars in millions):
202520242023
U.S. federal statutory tax rate$277 21.0 %$247 21.0 %$237 21.0 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (a)47 3.5 41 3.5 38 3.4 
Foreign tax effects14 1.0 0.3 — — 
Effect of cross-border tax laws0.2 (1)(0.1)(2)(0.2)
Tax credits(8)(0.6)(12)(1.1)(11)(1.0)
Nontaxable or nondeductible expenses:
 Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation arrangements(18)(1.3)(9)(0.7)(11)(1.0)
Other, net0.5 12 1.0 100.9 
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits(1)(0.1)(2)(0.2)(2)(0.2)
Other, net:
   Impact of noncontrolling interests(13)(1.0)(13)(1.1)(14)(1.2)
   Other adjustments0.6 70.6 0.3 
Effective income tax rate$314 23.8 %$273 23.2 %$248 22.0 %

(a) State taxes in California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
20252024
Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Accounts receivable reserves$18 $15 
Liabilities not currently deductible181 170 
Stock-based compensation34 35 
Basis differences in investments, joint ventures and subsidiaries (4)(4)
Tax attribute carryforwards, net of valuation allowances and unrecognized tax position liabilities80 60 
Operating lease right-of-use assets(147)(146)
Operating lease liabilities161 161 
Depreciation and amortization(667)(541)
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities, net$(344)$(250)
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data Income taxes paid by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
202520242023
Federal$125 $211 $246 
State and local41 42 49 
New York City (a)21 
Foreign
Total income taxes paid by jurisdiction$169 $256 $317 

(a) The amount of income taxes paid during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 did not meet the 5% disaggregation threshold.
Supplemental cash flow and other data for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
    
202520242023
Depreciation expense$416 $366 $331 
Amortization expense154 127 108 
Depreciation and amortization expense$570 $493 $439 
Interest expense$(277)$(226)$(163)
Interest income13 25 11 
Interest expense, net$(264)$(201)$(152)
Interest paid$280 $262 $134 
Income taxes paid$169 $256 $317 
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures$65 $60 $42 
Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock$$— $
Dividend payable$89 $84 $79 
Dividends received from equity method investees$30 $33 $26 
Businesses acquired:  
Fair value of assets acquired$107 $2,397 $734 
Fair value of liabilities assumed183 34 
Fair value of net assets acquired101 2,214 700 
Merger consideration payable— — (88)
Cash paid for business acquisitions101 2,214 612 
Less: Cash acquired— 50 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired$101 $2,164 $611 

202520242023
Leases:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$221 $201 $192 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$$$— 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$$$
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$199 $154 $181 
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
202520242023
Balance, beginning of year$124 $90 $94 
Additions:
For tax positions of current year
For tax positions of prior years15 
Reductions:
Changes in judgment(4)— (6)
Expirations of statutes of limitations(6)(5)(4)
Settlements(4)— (10)
Other:
Foreign deferred tax assets reduction— 28 — 
Balance, end of year$120 $124 $90 
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]  
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data Income taxes paid by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
202520242023
Federal$125 $211 $246 
State and local41 42 49 
New York City (a)21 
Foreign
Total income taxes paid by jurisdiction$169 $256 $317 

(a) The amount of income taxes paid during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 did not meet the 5% disaggregation threshold.
Supplemental cash flow and other data for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
    
202520242023
Depreciation expense$416 $366 $331 
Amortization expense154 127 108 
Depreciation and amortization expense$570 $493 $439 
Interest expense$(277)$(226)$(163)
Interest income13 25 11 
Interest expense, net$(264)$(201)$(152)
Interest paid$280 $262 $134 
Income taxes paid$169 $256 $317 
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures$65 $60 $42 
Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock$$— $
Dividend payable$89 $84 $79 
Dividends received from equity method investees$30 $33 $26 
Businesses acquired:  
Fair value of assets acquired$107 $2,397 $734 
Fair value of liabilities assumed183 34 
Fair value of net assets acquired101 2,214 700 
Merger consideration payable— — (88)
Cash paid for business acquisitions101 2,214 612 
Less: Cash acquired— 50 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired$101 $2,164 $611 

202520242023
Leases:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$221 $201 $192 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$$$— 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$$$
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$199 $154 $181 
v3.25.4
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
20252024
Land$84 $81 
Buildings and improvements629 610 
Laboratory equipment and furniture and fixtures2,503 2,353 
Leasehold improvements894 881 
Computer software developed or obtained for internal use1,814 1,611 
Construction-in-progress252 235 
6,176 5,771 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(3,973)(3,658)
Total$2,203 $2,113 
v3.25.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Changes in Goodwill, Net The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
20252024
Balance, beginning of year$8,856 $7,733 
Goodwill acquired during the year80 1,146 
Adjustments to goodwill(23)
Balance, end of year$8,945 $8,856 
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Intangible assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (in years)
20252024
CostAccumulated
Amortization
NetCostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Amortizing intangible assets:
Customer-related18$2,247 $(1,112)$1,135 $2,274 $(1,030)$1,244 
Technology-related15287 (129)158 282 (108)174 
Trade names15147 (58)89 143 (52)91 
Non-competition agreements515 (3)12 15 — 15 
Other1349 (42)64 (61)
Total2,745 (1,344)1,401 2,778 (1,251)1,527 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
    
Trade names
 235 — 235 235 — 235 
Other — — — — 
Total intangible assets
$2,980 $(1,344)$1,636 $3,014 $(1,251)$1,763 
Future Amortization Expense Intangible Assets The estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of December 31, 2025 is as follows:
Year Ending December 31, 
2026$149 
2027139 
2028127 
2029119 
2030109 
Thereafter758 
Total$1,401 
v3.25.4
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
20252024
Accrued wages and benefits (including incentive compensation)$526 $479 
Accrued expenses338 306 
Trade accounts payable307 287 
Overdrafts203 162 
Dividend payable89 84 
Contingent consideration payable51 
Accrued insurance43 40 
Accrued interest25 31 
Income taxes payable18 — 
Total$1,600 $1,394 
v3.25.4
DEBT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Long-term debt (including finance lease obligations) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
20252024
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025
$— $601 
3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026
501 503 
4.60% Senior Notes due December 2027
400 400 
4.20% Senior Notes due June 2029
499 499 
4.625% Senior Notes due December 2029
600 599 
2.95% Senior Notes due June 2030
799 799 
2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031
564 550 
6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033
756 750 
5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034
840 813 
6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037
175 175 
5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040
246 246 
4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045
300 300 
Other21 17 
Debt issuance costs(30)(35)
Total long-term debt5,671 6,217 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt504 602 
Total long-term debt, net of current portion$5,167 $5,615 
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt As of December 31, 2025, long-term debt matures as follows:
Year Ending December 31,
2026$503 
2027403 
2028
20291,101 
2030801 
Thereafter2,887 
Total maturities of long-term debt5,696 
Unamortized discount(10)
Debt issuance costs(30)
Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt15 
Total long-term debt5,671 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt504 
Total long-term debt, net of current portion$5,167 
v3.25.4
LEASES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Lease By Asset Type The Company's assets and liabilities for its lease agreements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
LeasesBalance Sheet Classification20252024
Assets
OperatingOperating lease right-of-use assets$657 $651 
FinanceProperty, plant and equipment, net (a)20 17 
Total lease assets$677 $668 
Liabilities
Current:
OperatingCurrent portion of long-term operating lease liabilities$174 $173 
FinanceCurrent portion of long-term debt
Non-current:
OperatingLong-term operating lease liabilities537 535 
FinanceLong-term debt18 16 
Total lease liabilities$732 $725 

(a) Finance lease assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were recorded net of accumulated amortization of $4 million and $1 million, respectively.
Lease, Cost Components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Lease cost202520242023
Operating lease cost (a)$470 $402 $353 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of leased assets
Interest on lease liabilities— 
Net lease cost$475 $404 $355 

(a) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs (primarily usage-based maintenance fees and utilities related to real estate leases and certain equipment-related and vehicle-related costs) of $253 million, $204 million and $161 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity The maturity of the Company's lease liabilities as of December 31, 2025 is as follows:
Maturity of lease liabilitiesOperating leasesFinance leasesTotal
2026$196 $$200 
2027179 183 
2028143 145 
202998 100 
203058 60 
Thereafter149 16 165 
Total lease payments823 30 853 
Less: Interest 112 121 
Present value of lease liabilities$711 $21 $732 
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity The maturity of the Company's lease liabilities as of December 31, 2025 is as follows:
Maturity of lease liabilitiesOperating leasesFinance leasesTotal
2026$196 $$200 
2027179 183 
2028143 145 
202998 100 
203058 60 
Thereafter149 16 165 
Total lease payments823 30 853 
Less: Interest 112 121 
Present value of lease liabilities$711 $21 $732 
Schedule of Lease Term and Discount Rate Lease term and discount rate as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
Lease term and discount rate20252024
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases65
Finance leases1013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases4.8 %4.4 %
Finance leases7.2 %6.9 %
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Derivative Instruments A summary of the notional amounts of these interest rate swap agreements as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows:    
Notional Amount
Debt InstrumentDecember 31, 2025December 31, 2024
5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034
$850 $700 
2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031
550 — 
6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033
400 — 
Total notional amounts$1,800 $700 
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges included in the carrying amount of long-term debt:
Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term DebtHedge Accounting Basis Adjustment (a)Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term DebtHedge Accounting Basis Adjustment (a)
Balance Sheet ClassificationDecember 31, 2025December 31, 2025December 31, 2024December 31, 2024
Long-term debt$1,799 $15 $658 $(29)

(a) The balance includes $1 million and $5 million of remaining unamortized hedging adjustments on discontinued relationships as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The following table presents the effect of fair value hedge accounting on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
20252024
Interest Expense, NetInterest Expense, Net
Total for line item in which the effects of fair value hedges are recorded$(264)$(201)
Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Hedged items (Long-term debt)$(48)$34 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments$48 $(34)
Schedule of The Fair Values of Derivative Instruments A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:
20252024
Balance Sheet
Classification
Fair ValueBalance Sheet
Classification
Fair Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments   
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreementsOther assets$14 Other liabilities$34 
v3.25.4
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Equity [Abstract]  
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
Net Deferred Gains on Cash Flow Hedges, net of taxAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 31, 2022$(22)$$(21)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
— 
Net current period other comprehensive income
Balance, December 31, 2023(17)(14)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(76)(74)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income(76)(74)
Balance, December 31, 2024(93)(88)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications62 (1)61 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)62 (1)61 
Balance, December 31, 2025$(31)$$(27)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest The following table summarizes the activity for the Company's redeemable noncontrolling interest during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2023
$76 
Net income7
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners(4)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest partners
Balance, December 31, 2024
83 
Net income
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners(10)
Balance, December 31, 2025
$80 
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Assumptions Used in Valuing The Company's Stock Options The weighted average assumptions used in valuing stock options granted in the periods presented were:
202520242023
Fair value at grant date$42.97$30.77$36.09
Expected volatility26.8%26.6%27.4%
Dividend yield1.9%2.3%2.0%
Risk-free interest rate4.6%4.3%4.2%
Expected holding period, in years5.04.94.9
Summary of Transactions Under The Company's Stock Option Plans The following summarizes the activity related to stock option awards for 2025:



Shares


Weighted
Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
(in years)

Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding, beginning of year3.8 $112.76 
Options granted0.3 165.62 
Options exercised(0.8)99.80 
Options outstanding, end of year3.3 $121.09 4.9$175 
Exercisable, end of year2.6 $113.87 3.9$157 
Vested and expected to vest, end of year3.3 $120.88 4.8$175 
Schedule of Assumptions Used in Valuing The Company's Performance Share Units The weighted average assumptions used in valuing performance share units with a market-based relative TSR goal in the periods presented were:
202520242023
Fair value at grant date$223.75$130.17$171.58
Expected volatility21.0%21.3%25.0%
Dividend yield2.0%2.4%2.0%
Risk-free interest rate4.3%4.4%4.4%
Summary of Transactions Under Stock Awards Other than Options The following summarizes the activity related to stock awards, including restricted stock units and performance share units, for 2025, 2024 and 2023:
202520242023
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
SharesWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares outstanding, beginning of year1.3 $130.02 1.2 $130.70 1.1 $122.45 
Shares granted0.5 168.01 0.6 128.00 0.6 141.77 
Shares vested(0.7)130.46 (0.5)124.59 (0.5)112.28 
Shares outstanding, end of year1.1 $143.10 1.3 $130.02 1.2 $130.70 
v3.25.4
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment The following table is a summary of segment information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Segment asset information is not presented since it is not received by the CODM at the operating segment level. The CODM regularly reviews certain consolidated expenses, including employee compensation costs. "Other segment items" principally consist of costs for obtaining, transporting and testing specimens, facility costs used for the delivery of the Company's services, costs associated with the Company's sales and marketing efforts, and costs related to billing operations. Operating income (loss) of each segment represents net revenues less directly identifiable expenses. General corporate activities included in the table below are comprised of general management and administrative corporate expenses, amortization and impairment of intangibles assets and other operating income and expenses, net of certain general corporate activity costs that are allocated to the DIS and DS businesses. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company as set forth in Note 2.
2025
DISTotal
Net revenues$10,785 $10,785 
DS revenues250 
Total net revenues$11,035 
Less: Other segment items(8,956)
Segment operating income$1,829 $1,829 
DS operating income32 
General corporate activities(305)
Total operating income1,556 
Non-operating expense, net(238)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees1,318 
Income tax expense(314)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes42 
Net income1,046 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests54 
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$992 
2024
DISTotal
Net revenues$9,614 $9,614 
DS revenues258 
Total net revenues$9,872 
Less: Other segment items(7,984)
Segment operating income$1,630 $1,630 
DS operating income33 
General corporate activities(317)
Total operating income1,346 
Non-operating expense, net(171)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees1,175 
Income tax expense(273)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes19 
Net income921 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests50 
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$871 
2023
DISTotal
Net revenues$8,976 $8,976 
DS revenues276 
Total net revenues$9,252 
Less: Other segment items(7,429)
Segment operating income$1,547 $1,547 
DS operating income34 
General corporate activities(319)
Total operating income1,262 
Non-operating expense, net(132)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees1,130 
Income tax expense(248)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes26 
Net income908 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests54 
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics$854 

    Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
    
202520242023
DIS business$400 $352 $319 
All other operating segments14 13 11 
General corporate156 128 109 
Total depreciation and amortization$570 $493 $439 
    Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
202520242023
DIS business$514 $410 $398 
All other operating segments10 
General corporate
Total capital expenditures$527 $425 $408 
Schedule of Percentage of Net Revenues by Customer Major Service The approximate percentage of net revenues by major service for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
202520242023
Routine clinical testing and other services54 %51 %51 %
COVID-19 testing services— 
Gene-based and esoteric (including advanced diagnostics) testing services38 39 38 
Anatomic pathology testing services
All other
Net revenues100 %100 %100 %
Schedule of Net Revenues by Customer Channel The approximate percentage of net revenues by customer channel for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
202520242023
Physician lab services71 %68 %66 %
Hospital lab services18 20 21 
Other DIS10 
Total DIS revenues98 97 97 
DS revenues
Total net revenues100 %100 %100 %
v3.25.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]      
Advertising cost $ 35,000,000 $ 28,000,000 $ 31,000,000
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Equity method investments carrying value $ 136,000,000 $ 123,000,000  
Percentage of net revenues 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Percentage of entity consolidated revenues 5.00% 2.00%  
Share of equity earnings from investments in affiliates $ 42,000,000 $ 19,000,000 $ 26,000,000
Goodwill, impairment loss 0 0  
Operating income (loss) 1,556,000,000 1,346,000,000 1,262,000,000
Net income 1,046,000,000 921,000,000 908,000,000
Trading equity securities gain or (loss) 19,000,000 18,000,000 20,000,000
Impairment charges 0 0 $ 0
Equity Securities without readily determinable fair value 47,000,000 37,000,000  
Available-for-sale debt securities $ 0 $ 0  
DIS business      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 98.00% 97.00% 97.00%
Operating income (loss) $ 1,829,000,000 $ 1,630,000,000 $ 1,547,000,000
DIS business | Government payers (principally fee-for-service)      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 16.00% 13.00% 11.00%
DIS business | Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities)      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 12.00% 11.00% 12.00%
Canada | DIS business | Government payers (principally fee-for-service)      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 1.00% 1.00%  
Medicare and Medicaid Programs      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 11.00% 11.00% 11.00%
Medicare and Medicaid Programs | Government payers (principally fee-for-service)      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 7.00% 6.00%  
Minimum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 5 years    
Minimum | Laboratory Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years    
Minimum | Software and Software Development Costs      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years    
Minimum | DIS business      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 95.00% 95.00% 95.00%
Maximum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 25 years    
Maximum | Building and Building Improvements      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 31 years 6 months    
Maximum | Laboratory Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 12 years    
Maximum | Software and Software Development Costs      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 10 years    
Substantial Ownership Interest | Minimum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 20.00%    
Substantial Ownership Interest | Maximum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 49.00%    
v3.25.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 29,000,000 $ 27,000,000  
Write-offs of accounts receivable, net of recoveries (7,000,000) (3,000,000)  
Ending balance $ 25,000,000 29,000,000 $ 27,000,000
Provision for credit losses   $ 5,000,000  
Percentage of entity consolidated revenues 5.00% 2.00%  
Goodwill, impairment loss $ 0 $ 0  
Equity Securities without readily determinable fair value 47,000,000 37,000,000  
Available-for-sale debt securities $ 0 $ 0  
Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 100.00% 100.00%  
Medicare and Medicaid Programs      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 11.00% 11.00% 11.00%
Healthcare insurers: | Minimum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 30 days    
Healthcare insurers: | Maximum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 60 days    
Government payers (principally fee-for-service)      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 30 days    
Client payers | Minimum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 60 days    
Client payers | Maximum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 90 days    
Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities) | Minimum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 30 days    
Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities) | Maximum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 60 days    
DS | Minimum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 30 days    
DS | Maximum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Collection of consideration 60 days    
DIS business      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 98.00% 97.00% 97.00%
DIS business | Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 98.00% 98.00%  
DIS business | Minimum      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 95.00% 95.00% 95.00%
DIS business | Healthcare insurers:      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 39.00% 40.00% 40.00%
DIS business | Healthcare insurers: | Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 27.00% 26.00%  
DIS business | Healthcare insurers: | Fee-for-service      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 36.00% 37.00% 37.00%
DIS business | Healthcare insurers: | Capitated      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%
DIS business | Government payers (principally fee-for-service)      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 16.00% 13.00% 11.00%
DIS business | Government payers (principally fee-for-service) | Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 8.00% 7.00%  
DIS business | Client payers      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 31.00% 33.00% 34.00%
DIS business | Client payers | Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 43.00% 45.00%  
DIS business | Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities)      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 12.00% 11.00% 12.00%
Period of billing fully reserve 210 days    
DIS business | Patients (including coinsurance and deductible responsibilities) | Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 20.00% 20.00%  
DS businesses | DS      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues 2.00% 3.00% 3.00%
DS businesses | DS | Accounts Receivable | Customer      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net accounts receivable 2.00% 2.00%  
v3.25.4
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 992 $ 871 $ 854
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 4 5 4
Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted $ 988 $ 866 $ 850
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 111 111 112
Stock options and performance share units 2 2 1
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 113 113 113
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 8.87 $ 7.78 $ 7.59
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 8.75 $ 7.69 $ 7.49
v3.25.4
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES (Narrative) (Details) - Invigorate Program - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Target percent for annual productivity savings 3.00%    
Severance costs $ 28 $ 28 $ 25
Impairment charges 29 0 29
Total restructuring and impairment charges 57 28 54
Cost of Sales      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total restructuring and impairment charges 13 15 13
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total restructuring and impairment charges 15 $ 13 12
Other Operating Expense      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total restructuring and impairment charges $ 29   $ 29
v3.25.4
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES (Pre-Tax Restructuring charges) (Details) - Invigorate Program - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Employee separation costs $ 28 $ 28 $ 25
Asset impairment charges 29 0 29
Total restructuring and impairment charges $ 57 $ 28 $ 54
v3.25.4
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES (Activities of Restructuring Liabilities) (Details) - Employee Separation Costs - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring Charges, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Interest expense, net Interest expense, net
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 13 $ 12
Income statement (income) expense 28 28
Cash payments (23) (27)
Ending balance $ 18 $ 13
v3.25.4
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
4 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Oct. 13, 2024
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Sep. 16, 2024
USD ($)
Aug. 23, 2024
USD ($)
Aug. 23, 2024
CAD ($)
Jun. 10, 2024
USD ($)
Feb. 12, 2024
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 17, 2023
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Total consideration                       $ 101,000,000 $ 2,200,000,000 $ 699,000,000
Goodwill acquired during the year                       80,000,000 1,146,000,000 511,000,000
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes                       80,000,000 862,000,000 244,000,000
Cash consideration                       101,000,000 2,214,000,000 612,000,000
Other assets                       270,000,000 255,000,000  
Contingent consideration                         6,000,000 88,000,000
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired                       101,000,000 2,164,000,000 611,000,000
Net revenues                       11,035,000,000 9,872,000,000 9,252,000,000
Goodwill                       $ 8,945,000,000 8,856,000,000 7,733,000,000
Cash acquired from acquisition                         50,000,000 1,000,000
Minimum                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                       5 years    
Maximum                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                       25 years    
Customer - related                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangibles                       $ 20,000,000   63,000,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                       18 years    
Trade names                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                       15 years    
Non-competition agreements                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                       5 years    
Technology-based intangible assets                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangibles                           $ 145,000,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                       15 years    
Current Year Acquisitions, Prepaids in Previous Year                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired                         (30,000,000)  
Current Year Acquisitions, Prepaids in Previous Year                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Total consideration                         30,000,000  
Lenco Diagnostics Laboratories, Inc.                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration               $ 111,000,000            
PathAI Diagnostics                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration             $ 100,000,000              
LifeLabs                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration         $ 1,000,000,000 $ 1,350                
Goodwill                         294,000,000  
Operating lease right-of-use assets                         65,000,000  
Property, plant and equipment                         250,000,000  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)                         $ 0  
LifeLabs | Customer - related | Discount rate | Valuation, Income Approach | Minimum                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Measurement input                         0.130  
LifeLabs | Customer - related | Discount rate | Valuation, Income Approach | Maximum                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Measurement input                         0.140  
LifeLabs | Trade names | Discount rate | Valuation, Royalty Method                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Measurement input                         0.120  
Allina Health                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration       $ 230,000,000                    
Goodwill                         $ 175,000,000  
Operating lease right-of-use assets                         0  
Property, plant and equipment                         0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)                         0  
Laboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New York                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration     $ 300,000,000                      
Goodwill                         243,000,000  
Operating lease right-of-use assets                         0  
Property, plant and equipment                         0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)                         0  
OhioHealth                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration   $ 200,000,000                        
Goodwill                         146,000,000  
Operating lease right-of-use assets                         0  
Property, plant and equipment                         0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)                         0  
Outreach Laboratory Services Business of University Hospitals                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Cash consideration $ 183,000,000                          
Goodwill                         125,000,000  
Operating lease right-of-use assets                         0  
Property, plant and equipment                         0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)                         $ 0  
New York-Presbyterian                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes                   $ 222,000,000        
Cash consideration                   275,000,000        
Goodwill                   222,000,000        
New York-Presbyterian | Customer - related                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangibles                   $ 53,000,000        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                   15 years        
Haystack Oncology, Inc.                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Total consideration                 $ 392,000,000          
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes                 0          
Cash consideration                 304,000,000          
Contingent consideration                 88,000,000          
Goodwill                 267,000,000          
Cash acquired from acquisition                 1,000,000          
Deferred tax liabilities                 23,000,000          
Operating lease right-of-use assets                 8,000,000          
Property, plant and equipment                 3,000,000          
Operating lease liabilities                 8,000,000          
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Discount rate                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Measurement input                       0.070    
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Technology-based intangible assets                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangibles                 $ 145,000,000          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                 15 years          
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Additional, Reimbursement Coverage                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high                 $ 50,000,000          
Spectra Laboratories                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes                     $ 68,000,000      
Cash consideration                     84,000,000      
Spectra Laboratories | Customer - related                            
Business Combination [Line Items]                            
Finite-lived intangibles                     $ 16,000,000      
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life                     15 years      
v3.25.4
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combination [Abstract]    
Pro forma net revenues $ 10,320 $ 9,917
Pro forma income from continuing operations $ 869 $ 842
Pro forma earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders:    
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 7.76 $ 7.47
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 7.67 $ 7.38
v3.25.4
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - Consideration Paid (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Goodwill $ 8,945 $ 8,856 $ 7,733
Acquisitions During Period      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   50  
Accounts receivable   31  
Other current assets   25  
Property, plant and equipment   254  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   17  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   82  
Goodwill   1,137  
Intangible assets   753  
Other assets   48  
Total assets acquired   2,397  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   66  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   18  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   17  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   64  
Other liabilities   18  
Total liabilities assumed   183  
Net assets acquired   2,214  
LifeLabs      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   50  
Accounts receivable   31  
Other current assets   23  
Property, plant and equipment   250  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   0  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   65  
Goodwill   294  
Intangible assets   434  
Other assets   48  
Total assets acquired   1,195  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   66  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   14  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   0  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   51  
Other liabilities   11  
Total liabilities assumed   142  
Net assets acquired   1,053  
Laboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New York      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   0  
Accounts receivable   0  
Other current assets   0  
Property, plant and equipment   0  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   0  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   0  
Goodwill   243  
Intangible assets   57  
Other assets   0  
Total assets acquired   300  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   0  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   0  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Other liabilities   0  
Total liabilities assumed   0  
Net assets acquired   300  
Select Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina Health      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   0  
Accounts receivable   0  
Other current assets   0  
Property, plant and equipment   0  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   0  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   0  
Goodwill   175  
Intangible assets   55  
Other assets   0  
Total assets acquired   230  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   0  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   0  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Other liabilities   0  
Total liabilities assumed   0  
Net assets acquired   230  
OhioHealth      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   0  
Accounts receivable   0  
Other current assets   0  
Property, plant and equipment   0  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   0  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   0  
Goodwill   146  
Intangible assets   54  
Other assets   0  
Total assets acquired   200  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   0  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   0  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Other liabilities   0  
Total liabilities assumed   0  
Net assets acquired   200  
Outreach Laboratory Services Business of University Hospitals      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   0  
Accounts receivable   0  
Other current assets   0  
Property, plant and equipment   0  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   0  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   0  
Goodwill   125  
Intangible assets   58  
Other assets   0  
Total assets acquired   183  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   0  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   0  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   0  
Other liabilities   0  
Total liabilities assumed   0  
Net assets acquired   183  
Other Acquisitions      
Business Combination [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents   0  
Accounts receivable   0  
Other current assets   2  
Property, plant and equipment   4  
Finance lease assets (recorded in property, plant and equipment)   17  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   17  
Goodwill   154  
Intangible assets   95  
Other assets   0  
Total assets acquired   289  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   0  
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities   4  
Finance lease liabilities (recorded in long-term debt)   17  
Long-term operating lease liabilities   13  
Other liabilities   7  
Total liabilities assumed   41  
Net assets acquired   $ 248  
v3.25.4
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - Amortizable Assets (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total $ 753
Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total $ 639
Customer-related | Minimum  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Weighted Average Useful Life (in years) 15 years
Customer-related | Maximum  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Weighted Average Useful Life (in years) 25 years
Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total $ 99
Weighted Average Useful Life (in years) 15 years
Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total $ 15
Weighted Average Useful Life (in years) 5 years
LifeLabs  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total $ 434
LifeLabs | Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 335
LifeLabs | Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 99
LifeLabs | Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Laboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New York  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 57
Laboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New York | Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 57
Laboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New York | Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Laboratory Business of Three Physician Groups in New York | Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Select Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina Health  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 55
Select Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina Health | Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 55
Select Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina Health | Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Select Assets of the Outreach Laboratory Services Business of Allina Health | Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
OhioHealth  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 54
OhioHealth | Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 54
OhioHealth | Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
OhioHealth | Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Outreach Laboratory Services Business of University Hospitals  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 58
Outreach Laboratory Services Business of University Hospitals | Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 43
Outreach Laboratory Services Business of University Hospitals | Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Outreach Laboratory Services Business of University Hospitals | Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 15
Other Acquisitions  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 95
Other Acquisitions | Customer-related  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 95
Other Acquisitions | Trade names  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total 0
Other Acquisitions | Non-competition agreements  
Business Combination [Line Items]  
Total $ 0
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Recognized Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Liabilities:      
Contingent consideration   $ 6 $ 88
Recurring Basis      
Assets:      
Deferred compensation trading securities $ 78 72  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 72 64  
Equity investments 2    
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps 14    
Total 166 136  
Liabilities:      
Deferred compensation liabilities 150 140  
Contingent consideration 96 106  
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps   34  
Total 246 280  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest 80 83  
Recurring Basis | Level 1      
Assets:      
Deferred compensation trading securities 78 72  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 0 0  
Equity investments 2    
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps 0    
Total 80 72  
Liabilities:      
Deferred compensation liabilities 0 0  
Contingent consideration 0 0  
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps   0  
Total 0 0  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest 0 0  
Recurring Basis | Level 2      
Assets:      
Deferred compensation trading securities 0 0  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 72 64  
Equity investments 0    
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps 14    
Total 86 64  
Liabilities:      
Deferred compensation liabilities 150 140  
Contingent consideration 0 0  
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps   34  
Total 150 174  
Recurring Basis | Level 3      
Assets:      
Deferred compensation trading securities 0 0  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 0 0  
Equity investments 0    
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps 0    
Total 0 0  
Liabilities:      
Deferred compensation liabilities 0 0  
Contingent consideration 96 106  
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps   0  
Total 96 106  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest $ 80 $ 83  
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2023
USD ($)
Jul. 01, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Fair value of debt $ 5,700,000,000 $ 6,100,000,000      
Invigorate Program          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Impairment charges 29,000,000 0 $ 29,000,000    
Total restructuring and impairment charges 57,000,000 28,000,000 54,000,000    
Facility-Related Costs          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Total restructuring and impairment charges 29,000,000        
UMass Joint Venture          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners         18.90%
Level 3 | Invigorate Program          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Impairment charges 29,000,000        
Level 3 | Contingent Consideration          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Total fair value adjustments included in earnings - unrealized (10,000,000) 2,000,000      
Contingent consideration liability 96,000,000 106,000,000 $ 104,000,000    
Level 3 | Contingent Consideration | Other Liabilities          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Contingent consideration liability 45,000,000 101,000,000      
Level 3 | Contingent Consideration | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Contingent consideration liability $ 51,000,000 $ 5,000,000      
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Additional, Based on Revenue          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high       $ 100,000,000  
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Additional, Reimbursement Coverage          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high       $ 50,000,000  
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Comparable Company Revenue Volatility          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Measurement input 0.25        
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Comparable Company Revenue Volatility | Changing Comparable Company Revenue Volatility          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Measurement input 0.35        
Contingent consideration arrangements $ 5,000,000        
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Comparable Company Revenue Volatility | Changing Discount Rate          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Contingent consideration arrangements $ 5,000,000        
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Discount rate          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Measurement input 0.070        
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Discount rate | Additional Impact          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Measurement input 0.05        
Haystack Oncology, Inc. | Discount rate | Changing Discount Rate          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Measurement input 0.105        
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Liabilities Unobservable Inputs) (Details) - Level 3 - Contingent Consideration - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance $ 106 $ 104
Purchases, additions and issuances   6
Settlements   (6)
Total fair value adjustments included in earnings - unrealized (10) 2
Ending Balance $ 96 $ 106
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income (loss) from continuing operations - domestic $ 1,200 $ 1,100 $ 1,100
Income (loss) from continuing operations - foreign 96 28 7
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities 344 250  
Capital loss carryforwards 17    
Tax attribute carryforwards 126 95  
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance 46 35  
Income taxes payable 120 96  
Prepaid taxes 32 47  
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate 102    
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes expense 4 7 $ 5
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued 28 24  
Domestic Country      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Net operating loss carryforwards 4    
Corporate alternative minimum tax 34    
State and local      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Net operating loss carryforwards 627    
Tax credits 29    
Foreign Country      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Net operating loss carryforwards 220    
Other liabilities      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities 354 278  
Other assets      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Non-current deferred tax assets $ 10 $ 28  
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME - Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current:      
Federal $ 171 $ 204 $ 235
State and local 33 52 59
Foreign 5 4 3
Deferred:      
Federal 55 4 (38)
State and local 21 2 (10)
Foreign 29 7 (1)
Total $ (314) $ (273) $ (248)
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME - Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Amount      
U.S. federal statutory tax rate $ 277 $ 247 $ 237
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 47 41 38
Foreign tax effects 14 3 0
Effect of cross-border tax laws 2 (1) (2)
Tax credits (8) (12) (11)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation arrangements (18) (9) (11)
Other, net 6 12 10
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (1) (2) (2)
Impact of noncontrolling interests (13) (13) (14)
Other adjustments 8 7 3
Effective income tax rate $ 314 $ 273 $ 248
Percent      
U.S. federal statutory tax rate 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.50% 3.50% 3.40%
Foreign tax effects 1.00% 0.30% 0.00%
Effect of cross-border tax laws 0.20% (0.10%) (0.20%)
Tax credits (0.60%) (1.10%) (1.00%)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation arrangements (1.30%) (0.70%) (1.00%)
Other, net 0.50% 1.00% 0.90%
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.10%) (0.20%) (0.20%)
Impact of noncontrolling interests (1.00%) (1.10%) (1.20%)
Other adjustments 0.60% 0.60% 0.30%
Effective income tax rate 23.80% 23.20% 22.00%
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME - Tax Effect on Temporary Differences (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable reserves $ 18 $ 15
Liabilities not currently deductible 181 170
Stock-based compensation 34 35
Basis differences in investments, joint ventures and subsidiaries (4) (4)
Tax attribute carryforwards, net of valuation allowances and unrecognized tax position liabilities 80 60
Operating lease right-of-use assets (147) (146)
Operating lease liabilities 161 161
Depreciation and amortization (667) (541)
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities, net $ (344) $ (250)
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME - Income Taxes Paid by Jurisdiction (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Federal $ 125 $ 211 $ 246
Foreign 3 3 1
Total income taxes paid by jurisdiction 169 256 317
State and local      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
State and local 41 42 49
NEW YORK      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
State and local $ 21
v3.25.4
TAXES ON INCOME - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of year $ 124 $ 90 $ 94
For tax positions of current year 1 2 1
For tax positions of prior years 9 9 15
Changes in judgment (4) 0 (6)
Expirations of statutes of limitations (6) (5) (4)
Settlements (4) 0 (10)
Foreign deferred tax assets reduction 0 28 0
Balance, end of year $ 120 $ 124 $ 90
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense $ 416 $ 366 $ 331
Amortization expense 154 127 108
Depreciation and amortization expense 570 493 439
Interest expense (277) (226) (163)
Interest income 13 25 11
Interest expense, net (264) (201) (152)
Interest paid 280 262 134
Income taxes paid 169 256 317
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures 65 60 42
Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock 2 0 1
Dividend payable 89 84 79
Dividends received from equity method investees 30 33 26
Fair value of assets acquired 107 2,397 734
Fair value of liabilities assumed 6 183 34
Fair value of net assets acquired 101 2,214 700
Merger consideration payable 0 0 (88)
Cash paid for business acquisitions 101 2,214 612
Less: cash acquired   50 1
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired 101 2,164 611
Leases:      
Operating cash flows from operating leases 221 201 192
Operating cash flows from finance leases 1 1 0
Financing cash flows from finance leases 2 1 1
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 199 154 181
Changes in bank overdrafts 41 $ 33 $ 36
Payroll tax credit, CARES Act $ 46    
v3.25.4
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 6,176 $ 5,771
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,973) (3,658)
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,203 2,113
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross 84 81
Building and Improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross 629 610
Laboratory Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross 2,503 2,353
Leasehold Improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross 894 881
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross 1,814 1,611
Construction in Progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 252 $ 235
v3.25.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Goodwill, balance at beginning of year $ 8,856 $ 7,733  
Goodwill acquired during the year 80 1,146 $ 511
Adjustments to goodwill 9 (23)  
Goodwill, balance at end of year 8,945 8,856 $ 7,733
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill 2,980 3,014  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (1,344) (1,251)  
Total intangible assets, net 1,636 1,763  
Future amortization expense      
2026 149    
2027 139    
2028 127    
2029 119    
2030 109    
Thereafter 758    
Total 1,401    
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Tradenames      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill 235 235  
Total intangible assets, net 235 235  
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Other      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill 0 1  
Total intangible assets, net 0 1  
Amortizing intangible assets:      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill 2,745 2,778  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (1,344) (1,251)  
Total intangible assets, net $ 1,401 1,527  
Customer-related      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Weighted average amortization period 18 years    
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill $ 2,247 2,274  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (1,112) (1,030)  
Total intangible assets, net $ 1,135 1,244  
Technology-related      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Weighted average amortization period 15 years    
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill $ 287 282  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (129) (108)  
Total intangible assets, net $ 158 174  
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Tradenames      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Weighted average amortization period 15 years    
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill $ 147 143  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (58) (52)  
Total intangible assets, net $ 89 91  
Other      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Weighted average amortization period 13 years    
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill $ 49 64  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (42) (61)  
Total intangible assets, net $ 7 3  
Non-competition agreements      
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Weighted average amortization period 5 years    
Intangible assets, gross excluding goodwill $ 15 15  
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets (3) 0  
Total intangible assets, net $ 12 $ 15  
v3.25.4
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]    
Accrued wages and benefits (including incentive compensation) $ 526 $ 479
Accrued expenses 338 306
Trade accounts payable 307 287
Overdrafts 203 162
Dividend payable 89 84
Contingent consideration payable 51 5
Accrued insurance 43 40
Accrued interest 25 31
Income taxes payable 18 0
Total $ 1,600 $ 1,394
v3.25.4
DEBT (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 5,671 $ 6,217
Debt issuance costs (30) (35)
Less: current portion of long-term debt 504 602
Total long-term debt, net of current portion 5,167 5,615
Other    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Other 21 17
Senior Notes | 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 0 601
Debt instrument, interest rate 3.50%  
Senior Notes | 3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 501 503
Debt instrument, interest rate 3.45%  
Senior Notes | 4.60% Senior Notes due December 2027    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 400 400
Debt instrument, interest rate 4.60%  
Senior Notes | 4.20% Senior Notes due June 2029    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 499 499
Debt instrument, interest rate 4.20%  
Senior Notes | 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2029    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 600 599
Debt instrument, interest rate 4.625%  
Senior Notes | 2.95% Senior Notes due June 2030    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 799 799
Debt instrument, interest rate 2.95%  
Senior Notes | 2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 564 550
Debt instrument, interest rate 2.80%  
Senior Notes | 6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 756 750
Debt instrument, interest rate 6.40%  
Senior Notes | 5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 840 813
Debt instrument, interest rate 5.00%  
Senior Notes | 6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 175 175
Debt instrument, interest rate 6.95%  
Senior Notes | 5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 246 246
Debt instrument, interest rate 5.75%  
Senior Notes | 4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long-term debt $ 300 $ 300
Debt instrument, interest rate 4.70%  
v3.25.4
DEBT (Secured Receivables Credit Facility) (Narrative) (Details) - Secured Receivables Credit Facility - USD ($)
1 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2025
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity $ 600,000,000    
Interest rate 0.80%    
Amount outstanding   $ 0 $ 0
Letter of Credit      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity $ 150,000,000    
If Uncommitted Accordion Is Utilized      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity 800,000,000    
Uncommitted Accordion      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity $ 200,000,000    
v3.25.4
DEBT (Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Apr. 30, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest rate 1.00%    
Amount outstanding $ 0   $ 0
Unsecured Debt      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity   $ 750,000,000  
Unsecured Debt | If Uncommitted Accordion Is Utilized      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity   1,300,000,000  
Unsecured Debt | Uncommitted Accordion      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity   500,000,000  
Unsecured Debt | Letter of Credit      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Credit facility capacity   $ 150,000,000  
v3.25.4
DEBT (Senior Notes) (Details) - Senior Notes - USD ($)
Mar. 30, 2025
Dec. 31, 2025
3.50% Senior Notes Due March 2025    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Face amount of debt $ 600,000,000  
Debt instrument, interest rate 3.50%  
Extinguishment of debt, amount $ 600,000,000  
3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Face amount of debt   $ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate   3.45%
v3.25.4
DEBT (Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instruments [Abstract]    
2026 $ 503  
2027 403  
2028 1  
2029 1,101  
2030 801  
Thereafter 2,887  
Total maturities of long-term debt 5,696  
Unamortized discount (10)  
Debt issuance costs (30) $ (35)
Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt 15  
Total long-term debt 5,671 6,217
Less: Current portion of long-term debt 504 602
Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 5,167 $ 5,615
v3.25.4
LEASES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 657 $ 651
Minimum    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Remaining lease term 1 year  
Maximum    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Remaining lease term 19 years  
Renewal term 20 years  
v3.25.4
LEASES (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating lease assets $ 657 $ 651
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Operating lease assets Operating lease assets
Finance lease assets $ 20 $ 17
Total lease assets 677 668
Current operating lease liabilities $ 174 $ 173
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Current finance lease liabilities $ 3 $ 1
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities $ 537 $ 535
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities $ 18 $ 16
Total lease liabilities 732 725
Right-of-use asset, accumulated amortization $ 4 $ 1
v3.25.4
LEASES (Costs) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating lease cost $ 470 $ 402 $ 353
Leases:      
Amortization of leased assets 3 1 2
Interest on lease liabilities 2 1 0
Net lease cost 475 404 355
Short-term leases and variable lease costs $ 253 $ 204 $ 161
v3.25.4
LEASES (Maturity) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Operating leases    
2026 $ 196  
2027 179  
2028 143  
2029 98  
2030 58  
Thereafter 149  
Total lease payments 823  
Less: Interest 112  
Present value of lease liabilities 711  
Finance leases    
2026 4  
2027 4  
2028 2  
2029 2  
2030 2  
Thereafter 16  
Total lease payments 30  
Less: Interest $ 9  
Finance Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other liabilities Other liabilities
Present value of lease liabilities $ 21  
Total    
2026 200  
2027 183  
2028 145  
2029 100  
2030 60  
Thereafter 165  
Total lease payments 853  
Less: Interest 121  
Present value of lease liabilities $ 732  
v3.25.4
LEASES (Term and Rate) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Leases [Abstract]    
Weighted-average remaining lease term, Operating leases 6 years 5 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term,Finance leases 10 years 13 years
Weighted-average discount rate, Operating leases 4.80% 4.40%
Weighted-average discount rate, Finance leases 7.20% 6.90%
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary of Notional Amounts) (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034 | Senior Notes    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Debt instrument, interest rate 5.00%  
2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031 | Senior Notes    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Debt instrument, interest rate 2.80%  
6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033 | Senior Notes    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Debt instrument, interest rate 6.40%  
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Rate Swap Agreements    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Notional Amount $ 1,800,000,000 $ 700,000,000
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Rate Swap Agreements | 5.00% Senior Notes due December 2034    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Notional Amount 850,000,000 700,000,000
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Rate Swap Agreements | 2.80% Senior Notes due June 2031    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Notional Amount 550,000,000 0
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Rate Swap Agreements | 6.40% Senior Notes due November 2033    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Notional Amount $ 400,000,000 $ 0
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - Fair Value Hedging - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Derivative [Line Items]    
Notional amount $ 1,800,000,000 $ 700,000,000
Minimum    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 1.36%  
Maximum    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 2.48%  
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Derivative [Line Items]    
Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment $ (15)  
Fair Value Hedging    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term Debt 1,799 $ 658
Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment 15 (29)
Remaining unamortized hedging adjustments on discontinued relationships $ 1 $ 5
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Income Statement) (Details) - Fair Value Hedging - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Derivative [Line Items]    
Total for line item in which the effects of fair value hedges are recorded $ (264) $ (201)
Hedged items (Long-term debt) (48) 34
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 48 $ (34)
v3.25.4
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Fair Value of Derivatives) (Details) - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Interest Rate Swap Agreements - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Other assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements $ 14  
Other liabilities    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements   $ 34
v3.25.4
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Sep. 30, 2025
Jun. 30, 2025
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Sep. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2024
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2023
Mar. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Feb. 26, 2026
Jul. 01, 2015
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Preferred stock, par value   $ 1.00                         $ 1.00        
Preferred stock, shares outstanding   0                         0        
Common stock, par value   $ 0.01       $ 0.01                 $ 0.01 $ 0.01      
Common stock, shares authorized   600,000,000       600,000,000                 600,000,000 600,000,000      
Dividends per common share   $ 0.80 $ 0.80 $ 0.80 $ 0.80 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.71 $ 0.71 $ 0.71 $ 0.71            
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount   $ 400,000,000                         $ 400,000,000        
Treasury stock value acquired cost method                             $ 452,000,000 $ 150,000,000 $ 276,000,000    
Reissuance of shares for employee benefit plan                             2,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000    
Redeemable noncontrolling interest   $ 80,000,000       $ 83,000,000                 $ 80,000,000 $ 83,000,000      
UMass Joint Venture                                      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners                                     18.90%
Treasury Stock, at Cost                                      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Purchases of treasury stock, shares                             2,500,000 900,000 2,000,000.0    
Treasury stock value acquired cost method                             $ 452,000,000 $ 150,000,000 $ 276,000,000    
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments                                      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss                                 $ 0    
Forecast                                      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Dividends per common share                           $ 3.44          
Subsequent Event                                      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Dividends per common share $ 0.86                                    
Increase in quarterly dividends as percent                                   7.50%  
Additional increase $ 1,000,000,000                                    
Maximum                                      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                                      
Preferred stock, shares authorized   10,000,000                         10,000,000        
v3.25.4
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Balance $ 6,813 $ 6,342 $ 5,930
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 61 (74) 7
Balance 7,206 6,813 6,342
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Balance (93) (17) (22)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 62 (76) 5
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 62 (76) 5
Balance (31) (93) (17)
Net Deferred Gains on Cash Flow Hedges, net of tax      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Balance 5 3 1
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (1) 2 1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     1
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (1) 2 2
Balance 4 5 3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss      
Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Balance (88) (14) (21)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 61 (74) 6
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     1
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 61 (74) 7
Balance $ (27) $ (88) $ (14)
v3.25.4
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Activity in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]    
Balance, value $ 83 $ 76
Net income 7 7
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners (10) (4)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest partners   4
Balance, value $ 80 $ 83
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Employee and Non-employee Directors Stock Ownership Programs) (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Award vesting period 3 years    
Employee Long Term Incentive Plan ELTIP      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Contractual life of stock options and other awards under the shared-based compensation plans 10 years    
Number of shares available for award 87,000    
Restated Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (DLTIP)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Contractual life of stock options and other awards under the shared-based compensation plans 10 years    
Award vesting period 3 years    
Number of shares available for award 2,400    
Shares granted 11 13 12
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Valuing Options Granted) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) $ 42.97 $ 30.77 $ 36.09
Expected volatility 26.80% 26.60% 27.40%
Dividend yield 1.90% 2.30% 2.00%
Risk-free interest rate 4.60% 4.30% 4.20%
Expected holding period, in years 5 years 4 years 10 months 24 days 4 years 10 months 24 days
Performance share units with market-based relative TSR goal      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) $ 223.75 $ 130.17 $ 171.58
Expected volatility 21.00% 21.30% 25.00%
Dividend yield 2.00% 2.40% 2.00%
Risk-free interest rate 4.30% 4.40% 4.40%
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Transactions Under Stock Option Plans) (Details) - Equity Option - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]      
Options outstanding, beginning of year 3,800    
Options granted 300    
Exercise of stock options, shares (800)    
Options outstanding, end of year 3,300 3,800  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]      
Options outstanding, beginning of year weighted average exercise price $ 112.76    
Options, granted weighted average exercise price 165.62    
Options exercised weighted average exercise price 99.80    
Options outstanding, end of year weighted average exercise price $ 121.09 $ 112.76  
Options outstanding, end of year weighted average remaining contractual term 4 years 10 months 24 days    
Options outstanding, end of year aggregate intrinsic value $ 175    
Exercisable, end of year shares 2,600    
Exercisable, end of year weighted average exercise price $ 113.87    
Exercisable, end of year weighted average remaining contractual term 3 years 10 months 24 days    
Exercisable, end of year aggregate intrinsic value $ 157    
Vested and expected to vest, end of year shares 3,300    
Vested and expected to vest, end of year weighted average exercise price $ 120.88    
Vested and expected to vest, end of year weighted average remaining contractual term 4 years 9 months 18 days    
Vested and expected to vest, end of year aggregate intrinsic value $ 175    
Total intrinsic value of options exercised 61 $ 43 $ 42
Compensation not yet recognized, stock options $ 5    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost weighted average period 1 year 7 months 6 days    
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Activities Related to Stock Awards) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 88 $ 88 $ 77
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense 33 24 24
Share-based compensation, excess tax benefit, amount $ 18 $ 9 $ 11
Stock Awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Shares outstanding, beginning of year 1.3 1.2 1.1
Shares granted 0.5 0.6 0.6
Shares vested (0.7) (0.5) (0.5)
Shares outstanding, end of year 1.1 1.3 1.2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]      
Shares outstanding, beginning of year weighted average grant date fair value $ 130.02 $ 130.70 $ 122.45
Shares granted weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) 168.01 128.00 141.77
Shares vested weighted average grant date fair value 130.46 124.59 112.28
Shares outstanding, end of year weighted average grant date fair value $ 143.10 $ 130.02 $ 130.70
Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost $ 37    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost weighted average period 1 year 7 months 6 days    
Total fair value of shares vested $ 114 $ 62 $ 74
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Company's expense for contributions to its defined contribution plans $ 104 $ 99 $ 96
Maximum      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Amended company match percentage of employee contributions 5.00%    
Employee Stock Purchase Plan      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Percentage of maximum annual wages witheld for the ESPP 10.00%    
Market price of company stock issued at a discount under the ESPP 95.00%    
Number of shares available for award 9,000    
Shares purchased by eligible employees under ESPP 161 191 208
v3.25.4
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND COMPENSATION PLANS (Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plans) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Maximum    
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]    
Amended company match percentage of employee contributions 5.00%  
Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan    
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]    
SDCP salary deferral 50.00%  
SDCP variable incentive compensation deferral 85.00%  
SDCP accrual $ 78,000,000 $ 72,000,000
Funds in a trust pertaining to all participant deferrals and company matching amounts related to the SDCP $ 78,000,000 72,000,000
Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan | Maximum    
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]    
Amended company match percentage of employee contributions 5.00%  
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, employer contribution $ 5,000  
SDCP II    
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]    
Amended company match percentage of employee contributions 25.00%  
SDCP accrual $ 72,000,000 68,000,000
SDCP II vesting period 4 years  
SDCP II graded vesting percentage 25.00%  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies $ 72,000,000 $ 64,000,000
SDCP II | Maximum    
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, employer contribution $ 5,000  
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
claim
Oct. 31, 2020
claim
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Purchase obligation   $ 514        
Purchase obligation in year one   217        
Purchase obligation in years two and three   256        
Purchased under noncancelable commitments   $ 252 $ 263 $ 222    
Agreement to outsource billing and collection function 10 years          
Remaining terms of lease obligations, maximum   22 years        
Litigation reserves   $ 20 4      
Self-insurance reserves   178 $ 169      
401(k) Plan Lawsuit | Pending Litigation            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Pending claims (in claims) | claim         2 2
Letter of Credit            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Letters of credit outstanding, amount   $ 78        
v3.25.4
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Number of reportable segments | segment 1    
Number of operating segments | segment 3    
Percentage of net revenues from the DIS business 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Total net revenues $ 11,035 $ 9,872 $ 9,252
Total operating income 1,556 1,346 1,262
Non-operating expenses, net (238) (171) (132)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees 1,318 1,175 1,130
Income tax expense (314) (273) (248)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes 42 19 26
Depreciation and amortization 570 493 439
Total capital expenditures $ 527 $ 425 $ 408
Total net revenues, percent 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Routine clinical testing and other services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 54.00% 51.00% 51.00%
COVID-19 testing services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 0.00% 1.00% 2.00%
Gene-based and esoteric (including advanced diagnostics) testing services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 38.00% 39.00% 38.00%
Anatomic pathology testing services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
All other services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 2.00% 3.00% 3.00%
DS revenues      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 2.00% 3.00% 3.00%
DIS business      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues from the DIS business 98.00% 97.00% 97.00%
Total net revenues $ 10,785 $ 9,614 $ 8,976
Less: Other segment items (8,956) (7,984) (7,429)
Total operating income 1,829 1,630 1,547
Depreciation and amortization 400 352 319
Total capital expenditures $ 514 $ 410 $ 398
Total net revenues, percent 98.00% 97.00% 97.00%
DIS business | Physician lab services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 71.00% 68.00% 66.00%
DIS business | Hospital lab services      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 18.00% 20.00% 21.00%
DIS business | Other DIS      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues, percent 9.00% 9.00% 10.00%
DS businesses      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total net revenues $ 250 $ 258 $ 276
Total operating income 32 33 34
Depreciation and amortization 14 13 11
Total capital expenditures 10 7 8
General corporate activities      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total operating income (305) (317) (319)
Depreciation and amortization 156 128 109
Total capital expenditures $ 3 $ 8 $ 2
Minimum | DIS business      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Percentage of net revenues from the DIS business 95.00% 95.00% 95.00%
v3.25.4
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Goodwill   $ 8,945 $ 8,856 $ 7,733
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes   80 862 244
Operating lease right-of-use assets   657 $ 651  
Operating lease, liability   711    
Customer-related        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangibles   $ 20   $ 63
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   18 years    
Subsequent Event | Corewell Health | Laboratory Facility        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 49.00%      
Goodwill $ 179      
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes 22      
Deferred income tax liabilities 12      
Operating lease right-of-use assets 19      
Operating lease, liability 19      
Subsequent Event | Corewell Health | Laboratory Facility | Customer-related        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangibles $ 124      
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 15 years      
Subsequent Event | Quest        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Parent 51.00%