A O Smith Corp vs Quest Diagnostics Inc — how do they compare? A O Smith Corp trades at $60.68 (market cap $8.33B), while Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $207.44 (market cap $22.96B). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is far larger — about 2.8× A O Smith Corp's market cap, and A O Smith Corp pays the higher dividend (2.35%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AOS | DGX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $8.33B | $22.96B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $80.47 | $216.02 |
52-Week Low | $55.78 | $166.42 |
Enterprise Value | $8.78B | $28.98B |
Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 1.66% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
A.O. Smith (AOS) trades at $60.44, up 2.41% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent leadership changes. The company reported mixed Q1 2026 earnings, missing EPS estimates at $0.85 versus $0.94 expected, while maintaining solid profitability with a 13.84% net margin. Cash flow trends show improving operations, and the stock offers a dividend with a recent $0.36 payout announced.
The outlook is cautious due to earnings volatility and bearish technicals, but valuation appears reasonable with a P/E of 16.12. Risks include China market weakness and competitive pressures, while analyst consensus leans hold with a $68 price target suggesting modest upside potential from current levels.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $207.44, down 0.29% today, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. The company reported $11.04B revenue in 2025 with a 9.08% net margin, supported by strong cash flow from operations of $1.89B. Recent news highlights expansion of oncology testing services, including New York State approval for Haystack MRD, enhancing its diagnostic portfolio.
DGX offers steady growth with a consensus price target of $226, implying 9% upside. Risks include rising debt levels and healthcare policy uncertainties, but analyst sentiment leans positive with 38% buy ratings. The stock's valuation at a P/E of 22.92 appears reasonable given its profitability and market position.
Trailing returns across standard periods
A.O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets comprehensive lines of residential and commercial gas, gas tankless, and electric water heaters. Supplementary products include water heating equipment, condensing and noncondensing boilers, and water system tanks. The company's two operating segments are by geographic region: North America (majority of total revenue) and the Rest of the World. A material portion of sales in North America derive from replacing existing products, and the company utilizes a wholesale distribution channel and multiple selling locations. The Rest of the World segment sells primarily to Asian countries and operates sales offices to expand distribution and market its product portfolio.
Read more on AOS →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 →