Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Plug Power Inc — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.51 (market cap $26.23B), while Plug Power Inc trades at $2.21 (market cap $2.94B). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is far larger — about 8.9× Plug Power Inc's market cap, and Quest Diagnostics Inc pays a 1.45% dividend while Plug Power Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | PLUG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.23B | $2.94B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $238.50 | $4.14 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $1.41 |
Enterprise Value | $31.99B | $3.73B |
Dividend Yield | 1.45% | — |
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.
Plug Power (PLUG) trades at $2.18, up 5.31% with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beat. The company shows improving operational metrics with reduced cash usage and margin improvements, though it remains unprofitable with negative gross margins of -25.66%. Management targets positive EBITDA by Q4 2026 while navigating significant liquidity challenges through asset sales and financing activities.
While analyst consensus leans bullish with a $2.22 price target, PLUG faces substantial execution risks amid persistent losses and cash burn. The stock offers speculative upside if management delivers on profitability targets, but investors face elevated risk from the company's negative cash flow and competitive hydrogen market 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 →Plug Power is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem—from production, storage and delivery to energy generation. The company plans to build and operate green hydrogen highways across North America and Europe. Plug will deliver its green hydrogen solutions directly to its customers and through joint venture partners into multiple end markets—including material handling, e-mobility, power generation, and industrial applications.
Read more on PLUG →