Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Global X Defense Tech ETF — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $237.22 (market cap $26.21B), while Global X Defense Tech ETF trades at $70.1. The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc pays a 1.45% dividend while Global X Defense Tech ETF pays none, and Quest Diagnostics Inc is trading nearer its 52-week high, Global X Defense Tech ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | SHLD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.21B | — |
Sector | Health | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $238.50 | $78.02 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $58.20 |
Enterprise Value | $31.97B | — |
Dividend Yield | 1.45% | — |
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.
SHLD, the Global X Defense Tech ETF, trades at $70.08, up 0.33% with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. Recent news highlights institutional accumulation, including Focus Financial Network increasing its stake by 55.4% in Q2 2026 (Defense World, 2026-08-11). The ETF provides diversified exposure to global defense stocks amid rising military spending trends.
Outlook is supported by geopolitical tensions and defense budget growth, but risks include policy shifts and valuation concerns. Analysts note SHLD's lower fees and tech focus versus peers, with a dividend of $0.19 scheduled for July 2026. Key resistance is at $70, with support at $69.
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 →SHLD tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index, targeting companies that lead the technological transformation of the defense sector. It focuses on pure-play innovators in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced military systems, excluding traditional commercial aerospace to maintain a high level of thematic purity.
Read more on SHLD →