Compare Quest Diagnostics Inc (DGX) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $229.97 (market cap $25.48B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.62 (market cap $71.20B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 2.8× Quest Diagnostics Inc's market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Quest Diagnostics Inc for 56 Days and Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days on average.
| DGX | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $25.48B | $71.20B |
Volume | 941,866 | 555,248 |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $247.45 | $352.98 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $278.19 |
Typical Hold Time | 56 Days | 33 Days |
Enterprise Value | $31.23B | $86.75B |
Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 1.7% |
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 $230.76, up 1.66% today, reflecting strong year-to-date momentum driven by consistent earnings beats and growth in advanced diagnostics. The stock is near its 52-week high with a consensus price target of $250, indicating further upside potential. Recent news highlights partnerships, such as integration with Apple Health, and clinical study successes, though Medicare reimbursement cuts pose a headwind. Technical indicators show a bearish signal overall, with support at $228 and resistance at $232.
The outlook remains positive due to robust revenue growth, expanding profit margins, and strategic initiatives, but risks include regulatory pressure on lab payments and rising debt levels. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with a majority holding neutral ratings, suggesting cautious optimism amid execution challenges and market volatility.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $317.67, up 1.43% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with a strong net income margin of 21.02% (2026). Positive sentiment surrounds the proposed merger with Union Pacific, which is advancing through regulatory review and is backed by over 500 customers, as reported by Business Wire on September 22, 2026.
The outlook is positive, with a consensus price target of $361.86 offering ~14% upside. Key opportunities include freight share gains from trucking and merger synergies, while risks involve fuel price pressures on margins and regulatory hurdles for the combination. Earnings on October 22, 2026, will be a critical catalyst.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 Norfolk Southern Corporation
Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major North American railroad company operating one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States. The company transports a diverse range of commodities, including coal, intermodal containers, and various industrial products. NSC is a critical link in the nation's supply chain, providing efficient, long-haul transportation services to and from ports and industrial centers.
Read more on NSC →
