Quest Diagnostics Will Maintain 2009 Forecasts

MADISON, N.J. (AP) — Medical laboratory operator Quest Diagnostics Inc. said Monday it is backing its full-year profit and revenue forecasts.

Quest said it will back its profit forecast of $3.80 to $3.85 per share at a health care conference Wednesday morning. It will also maintain its forecast for revenue growth of about 3 percent, which suggests total revenue of around $7.47 billion.

Thomson Reuters says analysts are expecting a profit of $3.86 per share and $7.48 billion. Quest raised its profit guidance to its current levels on Oct. 20. Since then, analysts have raised their profit estimates by 7 cents per share.

In aftermarket trading, Quest stock slipped 2 cents to $56.11. During the day, shares rose 20 cents to $56.13.