Carnival Corp vs Quest Diagnostics Inc — how do they compare? Carnival Corp trades at $27.8 (market cap $37.98B), while Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.21 (market cap $26.21B). The key difference: Carnival Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and Carnival Corp pays the higher dividend (1.62%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CCL | DGX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $37.98B | $26.21B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $33.99 | $238.50 |
52-Week Low | $23.89 | $173.49 |
Enterprise Value | $61.91B | $31.97B |
Dividend Yield | 1.62% | 1.45% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Carnival Corporation (CCL) trades at $27.82, showing modest daily gains of 0.25%. The stock maintains strong fundamental momentum with consecutive earnings beats in recent quarters (Q4 2025 and Q1 2026) and improving profitability trends. Technical indicators show a bearish bias in moving averages while oscillators remain neutral. The company demonstrates robust operational recovery with revenue growth from $12.2B in 2022 to $26.6B in 2025, and positive net cash flow of $727M in 2025 after years of negative cash flow.
CCL presents a compelling recovery story with analyst consensus pointing to 26% upside to the $35.18 price target. Investment opportunities include sustained travel demand, fleet expansion, and debt reduction progress. Key risks involve fuel price volatility, competitive pressures, and execution of growth initiatives amid economic uncertainty. The stock's attractive valuation (P/E 12.49x) and 59.6% analyst buy rating support a positive medium-term outlook.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $237.24, down 0.16% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $3.12 and raising its full-year outlook, driven by robust testing demand. Revenue grew to $11.04B in 2025, with net income of $992M, though margins face pressure from lower-margin deals and rising costs.
The outlook is positive due to raised guidance and AI integration enhancing efficiency, but risks include debt levels and margin compression. Analysts maintain a cautious buy stance with a $249.50 price target, indicating modest upside potential from current levels amid competitive and cost challenges.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Carnival is the largest global cruise company, with 91 ships in its fleet in October 2022, with eight of its nine brands set to be fully redeployed by the end of 2022. Its portfolio of brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America.
Read more on CCL →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 →