# Labcorp raises 2026 outlook after Q3 earnings and cash-flow beat

> Labcorp beat third-quarter consensus, raised its 2026 revenue and adjusted-EPS outlook, and reported a sharp improvement in free cash flow.

Source page: https://stoqly.net/news/labcorp-q3-2026-outlook-cash-flow-beat

- **Published:** 2026-11-01T00:38:38+00:00
- **Section:** Quarterly results
- **Company:** Labcorp (LH), https://stoqly.net/companies/lh.md

Labcorp reported third-quarter revenue of **$3.81 billion**, up 6.9% from $3.56 billion a year earlier, while adjusted EPS rose 14.5% to **$4.78**. Both figures exceeded the approximately $3.76 billion revenue and $4.64 adjusted-EPS consensus cited by MarketBeat.

## Growth with margin and cash-flow support

Organic revenue grew 5.5%, while acquisitions contributed 1.5 percentage points. Adjusted operating income increased to $570.0 million from $513.3 million, lifting adjusted operating margin to 15.0% from 14.4%. Operating cash flow reached $563.8 million, compared with $387.2 million in the prior-year quarter; after $151.6 million of capital expenditure, free cash flow was $412.2 million.

## Higher outlook, heavier balance-sheet demands

Labcorp raised its 2026 enterprise revenue-growth guidance to 5.9%–6.7%, from 5.4%–6.3%, and its adjusted EPS range to $18.30–$18.70, from $18.12–$18.52. Full-year free-cash-flow guidance remained $1.24–$1.36 billion. The company ended September with $261.8 million of cash and $5.85 billion of debt; it invested $255.5 million in acquisitions during the quarter and paid $58.2 million in dividends.

**What matters for investors** The quarter combines an earnings beat with stronger operating cash generation and a raised outlook. The main constraint is capital intensity: acquisitions and debt remain material as Labcorp expands specialty testing and biopharma services.

- Q3 revenue: $3.81B +6.9% YoY reported
- Adjusted EPS: $4.78 +14.5% YoY reported
- Free cash flow: $412.2M +47.0% YoY Q3 2026
- 2026 adjusted EPS guide: $18.30–$18.70 raised range

- [Labcorp, Q3 2026 results and updated guidance, 28 October 2026](https://www.labcorp.com/education-events/press-releases/labcorp-reports-strong-2026-third-quarter-results-raises-full)
- [Labcorp supplemental financial information, Q3 2026](https://ir.labcorp.com/static-files/40a7a9f9-22fc-45ce-98aa-ce8ece0cf512)
- [MarketBeat, Labcorp earnings estimates and results, 28 October 2026](https://www.marketbeat.com/earnings/reports/2026-10-28-laboratory-co-of-america-holdings-stock/)

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Written by Stoqly from SEC filings and market data. For information only — not investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security.