Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Altria Group Inc — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.51 (market cap $26.23B), while Altria Group Inc trades at $65.16 (market cap $114.13B). The key difference: Altria Group Inc is far larger — about 4.4× Quest Diagnostics Inc's market cap, and Altria Group Inc pays the higher dividend (6.2%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | MO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.23B | $114.13B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $238.50 | $74.92 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $54.72 |
Enterprise Value | $31.99B | $136.34B |
Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 6.2% |
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.
Altria Group (MO) trades at $68.35, up 0.89% with mixed technical signals showing bearish moving averages but oversold RSI levels. The company maintains strong profitability with 39% net income margin and $6.95B net income for 2025, though revenue declined slightly to $20.14B. Recent earnings show alternating beats and misses, with Q3 2026 results pending. Analyst consensus remains bullish with 61.5% buy ratings and $71.50 price target, while the stock offers a 6.3% dividend yield with 56 consecutive annual increases expected.
MO presents value opportunity with 14.4x P/E ratio and strong cash flow generation, but faces headwinds from cigarette volume declines and regulatory pressures. The smoke-free product transition shows progress but remains early stage. Current price near support at $67 suggests limited downside, while analyst targets indicate 4.6% upside potential. Key risks include litigation exposure and slower-than-expected diversification from traditional tobacco products.
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 →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 →