Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.51 (market cap $26.23B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $257.2 (market cap $22.70B). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.36%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.23B | $22.70B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $238.50 | $256.04 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $191.68 |
Enterprise Value | $31.99B | $26.51B |
Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 2.36% |
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.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $256.04, up 1.3% on the day, with a bullish technical trend supported by moving averages and strong support at $252. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.35, beating estimates, driven by record corrugated shipments and contributions from the Greif acquisition, though net income margins face pressure from rising costs. A $1.50 dividend for H1-2026 reflects management's confidence, with a consensus price target of $269.33 suggesting modest upside.
Outlook: PKG benefits from robust demand and strategic acquisitions, but cost headwinds and a high P/E of 33.08 pose valuation risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 34.6% buy ratings, indicating cautious optimism amid margin compression and economic uncertainties. Key risks include freight and input cost inflation, competitive pricing pressure, and execution of integration synergies.
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 →Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →