Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Altria Group Inc — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $205.71 (market cap $22.80B), while Altria Group Inc trades at $71.04 (market cap $117.16B). The key difference: Altria Group Inc is far larger — about 5.1× Quest Diagnostics Inc's market cap, and Altria Group Inc pays the higher dividend (6.04%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | MO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $22.80B | $117.16B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $216.02 | $74.55 |
52-Week Low | $166.42 | $54.72 |
Enterprise Value | $28.82B | $138.23B |
Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 6.04% |
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.
MO trades at $71.87, up 0.14% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company reported a net income margin of 39.52% for 2025, with recent earnings beating expectations in Q1 2026. Strong cash flow from operations of $9.29B supports its dividend, with a recent $1.06 payment declared. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $71.00 price target.
Outlook remains stable with defensive qualities highlighted by media, but risks include high debt levels and regulatory pressures. The stock offers a high yield and pricing power, though revenue trends show slight volatility. Investment appeal centers on dividend sustainability and cash flow generation amid a challenging industry backdrop.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Helix Innovations, and Philip Morris Capital, although the company plans to wind down Philip Morris Capital by the end of 2022. It holds a 10% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria holds the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the U.S. with a 43% share in 2020. Altria holds strategic investments in JUUL Labs (35% economic interest) and Cronos (42%).
Read more on MO →