Compare Quest Diagnostics Inc (DGX) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $205.37 (market cap $22.80B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $124.41 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 13.1× Quest Diagnostics Inc's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $22.80B | $298.31B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $216.02 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $166.42 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $28.82B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 2.82% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
Merck (MRK) trades at $124.03, up 0.4% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $137.30. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of -$1.28 beating expectations, and maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 13.59%. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth initiatives amid a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
The outlook for MRK is positive, driven by earnings momentum and strategic acquisitions, but risks include rising debt levels and patent expirations. Institutional buying activity supports bullish sentiment, though investors should monitor execution risks and macroeconomic pressures affecting the healthcare sector.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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Latest headlines on both assets
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About Quest Diagnostics Inc
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 →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
