Quest Diagnostics Inc vs HCA Health Inc — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $204.77 (market cap $22.80B), while HCA Health Inc trades at $378.51 (market cap $80.66B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is far larger — about 3.5× Quest Diagnostics Inc's market cap, and Quest Diagnostics Inc pays the higher dividend (1.67%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | HCA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $22.80B | $80.66B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $216.02 | $545.13 |
52-Week Low | $166.42 | $334.32 |
Enterprise Value | $28.82B | $129.57B |
Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 0.86% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $207.35, showing minimal daily movement with a slight decline of 0.04%. The stock maintains a bullish technical stance with recent earnings beats and analyst consensus pointing to upside potential. Recent developments include New York State approval for Haystack MRD testing and strong momentum across diagnostic channels. Revenue growth accelerated to $11.04 billion in 2025 with consistent profitability margins around 9%.
DGX presents a balanced investment case with 38% analyst buy ratings and a $227.75 price target suggesting 10% upside. The company demonstrates steady revenue growth and operational efficiency, though elevated debt levels and policy risks require monitoring. Second quarter earnings on July 23, 2026, will be crucial for validating current momentum and growth trajectory.
HCA Healthcare stock trades at $390.74, down 3.9% following a lowered 2026 profit outlook. The company maintains strong fundamentals with revenue growth to $75.6B in 2025 and consistent earnings beats, though technical indicators show bearish momentum. Recent news highlights challenges from payer mix shifts and rising uninsured patients, creating near-term headwinds despite long-term capacity expansion initiatives.
The stock presents a valuation opportunity with a P/E of 13.5x below industry averages, supported by analyst consensus target of $481.80. Key risks include execution on guidance and healthcare reimbursement pressures, but institutional sentiment remains positive with 63% buy ratings, suggesting potential recovery once near-term uncertainties resolve.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →