Oct 24 (Reuters) - Laboratory operator Labcorp ( LH )

beat Wall Street estimates for third-quarter profit and revenue

on Thursday as strong demand for diagnostic tests offset a hit

from hurricane-led disruptions.

Diagnostic checkups have risen in recent quarters as more

people, especially older adults, caught up on surgeries deferred

during the pandemic.

Still, Labcorp ( LH ), cut the top-end of its 2024 adjusted profit

forecast to $14.70 per share from $14.90, due to an impact of

about 15 cents following weather-related disruptions. The

company kept the low end of the forecast at $14.30.

Analysts on average expect profit for the period to be

$14.56 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

"The bar for expectations felt somewhat low given issues

outside of the company's control," Leerink Partners analyst

Michael Cherny said.

The negative impact from weather was more than the total

reduction in the profit forecast's midpoint, Cherny added.

Analysts have said that several of the company's facilities

were in the path of Hurricane Helene and Milton that hit several

U.S. cities and towns in September and October.

Labcorp ( LH ) raised the annual revenue growth forecast for its

biopharma laboratory services segment, which offers contract

research facilities for biopharmaceutical companies, to between

4.7% and 5.6% from its prior range of 3.7% to 5%.

Contract research firms saw reduced spending from biotech

clients last year, but recent interest rate cuts could improve

the funding environment for biotechs.

Labcorp's ( LH ) sales rose 7.4% to $3.28 billion in the third

quarter, beating analysts' average estimate of $3.26 billion.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned $3.50 per share,

above estimates of $3.48.