Albemarle Corp. vs Quest Diagnostics Inc — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $128.35 (market cap $15.27B), while Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.51 (market cap $26.21B). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Quest Diagnostics Inc pays the higher dividend (1.45%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | DGX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.27B | $26.21B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Health |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $238.50 |
52-Week Low | $72.58 | $173.49 |
Enterprise Value | $17.75B | $31.97B |
Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 1.45% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Albemarle (ALB) trades at $128.29, down 2.23% today, with mixed technical signals showing bullish moving averages but overbought RSI levels. The company reported strong Q2 2026 results with EPS of $3.75 beating estimates by 17%, driven by improved lithium pricing and specialty chemicals performance. Despite recent profitability challenges with negative net income in 2025, cash flow generation remains healthy at $1.28B from operations.
Analyst consensus leans positive with 42% buy ratings and $184.50 price target representing 44% upside potential. Key risks include lithium price volatility and Q3 margin pressure, while catalysts include sustained demand for energy storage solutions and ongoing balance sheet improvements through debt reduction.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $237.99, up 0.15% on the day, near its 52-week high. The stock shows strong momentum with consecutive earnings beats in 2026, including Q2 EPS of $3.12 versus $2.82 expected. Revenue growth accelerated to $11.04 billion in 2025, with net income margin at 9.19%. Technical indicators signal a bullish trend, while analyst consensus is a $249.50 price target. Recent news highlights AI integration and raised 2026 outlook amid robust testing demand.
The outlook for DGX is positive, driven by earnings momentum, strategic partnerships, and healthcare demand. Investment opportunity lies in sustained growth and dividend yield, but risks include margin pressure from lower-margin deals and high debt levels. Valuation at a P/E of 25.21 requires continued execution to justify upside.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Albemarle is the world's largest lithium producer. Our outlook for robust lithium demand is predicated upon increased demand for electric vehicle batteries. Albemarle produces lithium from its salt brine deposits in Chile and the U.S. and its hard rock joint venture mines in Australia. Albemarle is also a global leader in the production of bromine, used in flame retardants. The company is also a major producer of oil refining catalysts.
Read more on ALB →Quest Diagnostics is a leading independent provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services in the U.S. The company generates over 95% of its revenue through clinical testing, anatomic pathology, esoteric testing, and substance abuse testing with specimens collected at its national network of roughly 2,300 patient service centers, as well as multiple doctors offices and hospitals. The firm also runs a much smaller diagnostic solutions segment that provides clinical trials testing, risk assessment services, and information technology solutions.
Read more on DGX →