Bull case
The bull case requires both strong earnings delivery and the market pricing EXAS more generously than it does today.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where EXAS stock could go
The bull case requires both strong earnings delivery and the market pricing EXAS more generously than it does today.
The base case reflects analyst consensus expectations — steady delivery without requiring a major catalyst or re-rating.
The bear case reflects a scenario where earnings shortfalls or multiple compression combine to materially reduce the stock from its current level.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Exact Sciences is a cancer diagnostics company that develops and commercializes non-invasive screening tests for early cancer detection. It generates revenue primarily from its Cologuard colorectal cancer screening test — which accounts for the majority of sales — and its Oncotype DX genomic tests for breast, prostate, and colon cancers. The company's moat lies in its proprietary DNA biomarker technology and its exclusive licensing agreements with major research institutions like the Mayo Clinic.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | $-0.21/$-0.37 | +43.2% | $707M/$689M | +2.6% |
| Q3 2025 | $0.22/$-0.02 | +1200.0% | $811M/$810M | +0.1% |
| Q4 2025 | $0.24/$-0.06 | +492.0% | $851M/$811M | +5.0% |
| Q1 2026 | $-0.45/$-0.11 | -316.9% | $878M/$861M | +2.0% |
EXAS beat EPS estimates in 3 of 4 tracked quarters. A strong delivery record supports forward estimate credibility.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
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Latest annual revenue by reported region
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Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $90 — implies -13.8% from today's price.
| Metric | EXAS | S&P 500 | Healthcare | 5Y Avg EXAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 582.8x | 19.1x+2957% | 19.0x+2961% | — |
| Trailing PE | -95.4x | 25.2x-478% | 22.1x-531% | — |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.75x | 1.52x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | — | 15.3x | 14.1x | — |
| Price/FCF | 56.1x | 21.3x+163% | 18.7x+201% | 96.3x-42% |
| Price/Sales | 6.2x | 3.1x+97% | 2.8x+116% | 5.3x+15% |
| Dividend Yield | — | 1.88% | 1.40% | — |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolEXAS generates $357M in free cash flow at a 11.0% margin.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~4.4 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (-3.6%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
EXAS's revenue is heavily reliant on its Cologuard test for colorectal cancer screening, making it vulnerable to changes in payer reimbursement policies and U.S. screening guidelines. Any adverse changes could significantly impact test volume and pricing, leading to potential revenue declines.
Exact Sciences is currently in the process of being acquired by Abbott Laboratories, but there is a risk that the merger may not close. If the deal falls through, it could lead to a substantial drop in EXAS's stock price.
EXAS has a history of net losses, raising concerns about its ability to achieve sustained GAAP profitability. Past earnings misses and downward guidance have resulted in significant stock price drops, indicating a high financial risk.
The diagnostics market is highly competitive, especially in blood-based multi-cancer early detection and minimal residual disease assays. New technological advancements and emerging competitors could adversely affect EXAS's market share and growth prospects.
Ongoing reimbursement pressures and regulatory oversight pose risks for EXAS. Changes in healthcare policies and reimbursement rates can significantly impact the company's financial performance.
EXAS's reliance on Cologuard as a primary revenue driver poses risks if market dynamics shift or competition intensifies. Over-dependence on a single product can lead to vulnerabilities in revenue generation.
EXAS is involved in various legal proceedings, with uncertain outcomes that could negatively impact its financial position and reputation. Adverse legal outcomes may lead to financial liabilities.
EXAS faces potential cybersecurity threats that could result in the misappropriation of assets, data corruption, or operational disruptions. Such incidents could have financial implications and affect investor confidence.
The company may encounter risks related to labor shortages and increased labor costs due to a competitive market. Additionally, difficulties in integrating new employees could hinder operational efficiency.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
Exact Sciences anticipates a significant increase in Cologuard's market share, potentially growing from around 15% to over 40% in the long term. The company has also revised its 2025 guidance upward, supported by strong revenue growth, including a 22% year-over-year increase in its core screening business.
The successful launch of the Cancerguard blood test and advancements in other areas like multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are expected to contribute to future growth. The company is also diversifying beyond its core stool-based test with new technologies like Oncodetect and Cancerguard.
Initiatives like the nationwide Cologuard pharmacy rollout through Walgreens aim to widen access to the test. This partnership is expected to enhance distribution and increase patient access to Cologuard.
Despite historical net losses, there are positive indicators such as strong revenue growth and positive Adjusted EBITDA generation. Some analyses suggest the stock is undervalued, with one discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis indicating it could be undervalued by 32.0%.
A consensus rating of 'Buy' from 16 analysts, with a significant portion recommending a 'Strong Buy,' supports a positive outlook. This strong analyst sentiment reflects confidence in the company's growth trajectory and market position.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EXA EXAS Exact Sciences Corporation | $20.0B | 582.8x | +16.5% | -6.4% | Buy | -1.6% |
GH GH Guardant Health, Inc. | $11.5B | — | +34.6% | -44.2% | Buy | +44.3% |
NTR NTRA Natera, Inc. | $29.6B | — | +31.7% | -14.6% | Buy | +22.0% |
ILM ILMN Illumina, Inc. | $21.7B | 27.5x | +1.4% | 19.4% | Buy | +3.4% |
LH LH Labcorp Holdings Inc. | $21.1B | 14.4x | +4.7% | 6.7% | Buy | +21.2% |
DGX DGX Quest Diagnostics Incorporated | $20.9B | 17.6x | +6.6% | 9.1% | Hold | +16.6% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
EXAS returns 0.1% annually — null% through dividends and 0.1% through buybacks.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
Exact Sciences Corporation (EXAS) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 41 analysts covering the stock, 22 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 17 rate it Hold, and 2 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $103, implying -1.6% from the current price of $105.
The Wall Street consensus price target for EXAS is $103 based on 41 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $105 (+0.1% from today), and the low-end target is $85 (-19.0%).
EXAS trades at 582.8x times forward earnings. The stock currently trades at a discount to the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals slightly overvalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for EXAS in 2026 are: (1) Revenue Mix and Sensitivity — EXAS's revenue is heavily reliant on its Cologuard test for colorectal cancer screening, making it vulnerable to changes in payer reimbursement policies and U. (2) Merger Uncertainty — Exact Sciences is currently in the process of being acquired by Abbott Laboratories, but there is a risk that the merger may not close. (3) Financial Performance and Profitability — EXAS has a history of net losses, raising concerns about its ability to achieve sustained GAAP profitability. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates EXAS will report consensus revenue of $3.8B (+16.5% year-over-year) and EPS of $-1.04 (+4.7% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $4.4B in revenue.
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for EXAS is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
Exact Sciences Corporation (EXAS) generated $357M in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 11.0%. EXAS returns capital to shareholders through and share repurchases ($27M TTM).