Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $231.24 (market cap $25.48B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.66 (market cap $37.19B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Quest Diagnostics Inc for 56 Days and Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days on average.
| DGX | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $25.48B | $37.19B |
Volume | 941,866 | 3,344,316 |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $247.45 | $128.59 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $85.57 |
Typical Hold Time | 56 Days | 56 Days |
Enterprise Value | $31.23B | $40.87B |
Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 4.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $227.00, down 0.64% with a bearish technical signal. The company shows strong fundamentals with three consecutive quarterly earnings beats and revenue growth from $9.9B in 2024 to $11.0B in 2025. Recent developments include positive clinical study results and a new Apple Health integration, though Medicare reimbursement cuts pose headwinds. The stock trades near support at $226 with oversold RSI readings suggesting potential for near-term bounce.
DGX presents a mixed outlook with solid execution offset by regulatory risks. The 10% upside to consensus price target of $250 offers opportunity, but Medicare payment reductions and rising debt levels require monitoring. Recent earnings momentum and strategic partnerships support growth, making DGX suitable for investors comfortable with healthcare sector volatility.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $101.55, up 0.52% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.35% net income margin and 47.06% ROE, but valuation ratios like P/E of 20.73 and P/S of 5.67 appear elevated. Recent news highlights mixed sentiment, with earnings outperformance offset by concerns over dividend sustainability and labor market cooling.
The outlook is cautious; while fundamentals remain solid with consistent revenue growth, high debt levels and bearish technicals pose risks. Analyst consensus leans hold with a $111 price target, suggesting limited upside. Key opportunities include dividend yield and PEO growth, but investors face headwinds from economic sensitivity and competitive pressures.
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 →Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →