Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $230.97 (market cap $25.48B), while Hershey Co trades at $162.74 (market cap $32.66B). The key difference: Hershey Co is the larger of the two by market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.57%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Quest Diagnostics Inc for 56 Days and Hershey Co for 135 Days on average.
| DGX | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $25.48B | $32.66B |
Volume | 941,866 | 1,578,237 |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $247.45 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $157.61 |
Typical Hold Time | 56 Days | 135 Days |
Enterprise Value | $31.23B | $37.79B |
Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 3.57% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $230.81, up 1.68% today, with a bullish earnings trend after beating EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. The stock shows a mixed technical picture with a bearish overall signal but trades near key support at $228. Revenue growth accelerated to $11.04B in 2025, and the company maintains solid profitability with a 9.19% net income margin. Recent news highlights growth in consumer testing and a partnership with Apple Health, though Medicare reimbursement cuts pose a headwind.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic, supported by strong fundamentals and a consensus price target of $250 offering 8% upside. Key opportunities include demand for advanced diagnostics and AI adoption, while risks center on regulatory pressure and rising debt levels. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a slight hold bias, reflecting balanced growth prospects against near-term challenges.
Hershey (HSY) trades at $162.54, up 1.37% with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with 12.24% net margin and 32.81% ROE, though 2025 net income declined to $883M. Analyst consensus targets $204.62 with 65.72% hold ratings, while recent news highlights dividend resumption and international leadership changes.
HSY offers value near 52-week lows with 25% upside to consensus target, supported by consistent earnings outperformance and brand strength. Key risks include cocoa cost pressures, margin compression from 2025 results, and technical bearish momentum. The dividend yield of 3.57% provides income support during market volatility.
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 →Hershey is a leading confectionery manufacturer in the U.S. (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 46% of the domestic chocolate space (per IRI). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the U.S., including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix and Pirate Brands (including the Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs, and Original Tings brands) over the past few years.
Read more on HSY →