Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Kroger Co — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.51 (market cap $26.23B), while Kroger Co trades at $56.2 (market cap $34.60B). The key difference: Kroger Co is the larger of the two by market cap, and Kroger Co pays the higher dividend (2.55%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | KR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.23B | $34.60B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $238.50 | $75.60 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $55.53 |
Enterprise Value | $31.99B | $54.70B |
Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 2.55% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $238.35, down slightly by 0.06% today, but maintains a bullish technical trend with strong earnings momentum, having beaten EPS estimates in the last three quarters. Revenue grew to $11.04 billion in 2025, with net income reaching $992 million, and the company raised its 2026 outlook amid surging testing demand. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $249.50 price target, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 25.3 suggest premium pricing.
The outlook for DGX is positive due to robust demand for diagnostic services, AI integration, and partnerships driving growth, but risks include margin pressure from lower-margin deals and high debt levels. Investors may find opportunity in sustained earnings beats and dividend payouts, yet should monitor competitive and cost pressures that could affect profitability.
Kroger (KR) trades at $56.73, down 1.03% with bearish technical signals from moving averages. The company maintains stable revenue around $147B with recent earnings showing mixed results - beating estimates in Q3 and Q4 2025 but missing in Q1 2026. Kroger demonstrates strong cash flow generation with $5.8B from operations in 2025 and pays consistent dividends, while expanding digital services and AI shopping assistance.
Kroger presents a defensive investment opportunity with 2.7% dividend yield and analyst consensus target of $68.63 (21% upside). However, rising debt levels and competitive pressures in grocery retail pose risks. The stock offers value with P/S of 0.25x but trades at premium P/E of 33x, requiring earnings acceleration to justify valuation.
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 →Kroger is the leading American grocer, with 2,726 supermarkets operating under several banners throughout the country as of the end of fiscal 2021. Around 83% of stores have pharmacies, while nearly 60% also sell fuel. The company also operates roughly 120 fine jewelry stores. Kroger features a leading private-label offering and manufactures around 30% of its own-brand units (and more than 40% of its grocery own-label assortment) itself, in 33 food production plants nationwide. Kroger is a top-two grocer in most of its major markets (as of early 2021, according to company data). Virtually all of Kroger's sales come from the United States.
Read more on KR →