Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX)

Quick ratio

Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023 Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Cash US$ in thousands 686,000 143,000 126,000 175,000 315,000 700,000 790,000 712,000 872,000 987,000 560,000 1,230,000 1,158,000 1,605,000 988,000 342,000 1,192,000 434,000 273,000 464,000
Short-term investments US$ in thousands 124,000 111,000 521,000 480,000
Receivables US$ in thousands 1,210,000 1,281,000 1,235,000 1,254,000 1,195,000 1,280,000 1,293,000 1,371,000 1,438,000 1,473,000 1,255,000 1,382,000 1,520,000 1,421,000 1,126,000 972,000 1,063,000 1,117,000 1,088,000 1,079,000
Total current liabilities US$ in thousands 1,815,000 1,618,000 1,875,000 1,355,000 1,551,000 1,602,000 1,577,000 1,700,000 1,753,000 1,759,000 1,551,000 1,707,000 1,776,000 2,389,000 1,843,000 1,129,000 1,990,000 2,011,000 1,904,000 2,282,000
Quick ratio 1.04 0.88 0.73 1.05 0.97 1.24 1.32 1.23 1.32 1.47 1.24 1.53 1.80 1.47 1.15 1.16 1.13 0.77 0.71 0.68

December 31, 2023 calculation

Quick ratio = (Cash + Short-term investments + Receivables) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($686,000K + $—K + $1,210,000K) ÷ $1,815,000K
= 1.04

The quick ratio of Quest Diagnostics, Inc. fluctuated over the past eight quarters, with values ranging from 0.83 to 1.42. A quick ratio above 1 indicates that the company has more liquid assets readily available to cover its current liabilities.

In Q2 2023, the quick ratio was at its lowest point during the period at 0.83, which may indicate a potential liquidity concern as the company may have had insufficient liquid assets to cover its short-term obligations. However, in Q3 2022 and Q2 2022, the quick ratio was notably high at 1.42 and 1.34, indicating a strong ability to meet current liabilities with liquid assets.

Overall, the fluctuation in the quick ratio suggests that Quest Diagnostics may experience variability in its liquidity position over time, which could be influenced by factors such as changes in operating performance, cash flow management, or the timing of asset monetization. An analysis of trends and underlying factors contributing to these changes would provide further insight into the company's liquidity management practices.


Peer comparison

Dec 31, 2023