Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Star Bulk Carriers Corp — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $238.47 (market cap $26.21B), while Star Bulk Carriers Corp trades at $27.87 (market cap $3.09B). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is far larger — about 8.5× Star Bulk Carriers Corp's market cap, and Star Bulk Carriers Corp pays the higher dividend (6.79%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | SBLK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.21B | $3.09B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $238.50 | $29.15 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $16.79 |
Enterprise Value | $31.97B | $3.77B |
Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 6.79% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $237.24, down 0.16% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $3.12 and raising its full-year outlook, driven by robust testing demand. Revenue grew to $11.04B in 2025, with net income of $992M, though margins face pressure from lower-margin deals and rising costs.
The outlook is positive due to raised guidance and AI integration enhancing efficiency, but risks include debt levels and margin compression. Analysts maintain a cautious buy stance with a $249.50 price target, indicating modest upside potential from current levels amid competitive and cost challenges.
Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK) trades at $27.81, down 2.15% on the day, but maintains a bullish technical outlook with strong support at $27. Fundamentally, the company reported robust Q2 2026 earnings of $1.21 per share, beating estimates, with net income surging to $144.9 million. Revenue growth accelerated to $1.2 billion in 2026, driving a net margin of 23.86%. Recent news highlights the termination of a vessel sale agreement with Diana Shipping, though operations remain unaffected.
The outlook for SBLK is positive, supported by strong profitability, a healthy balance sheet with a debt-to-asset ratio of 27.84%, and a shareholder-friendly dividend policy. Risks include exposure to volatile dry bulk shipping rates and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is bullish with 58.34% buy ratings, indicating confidence in continued earnings momentum and valuation appeal at a P/E of 10.85.
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 →Star Bulk Carriers Corp. is a global shipping company specializing in the seaborne transportation of dry bulk commodities. The company owns and operates a large fleet of bulk carriers, primarily transporting major commodities such as iron ore, coal, and grain. SBLK focuses on the Capesize, Post Panamax, and Kamsarmax vessel segments, providing critical logistical services to commodity producers and consumers worldwide.
Read more on SBLK →