Quest Diagnostics Inc vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $229.97 (market cap $25.48B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $278.62 (market cap $165.27B). The key difference: Union Pacific Corporation is far larger — about 6.5× Quest Diagnostics Inc's market cap, and Union Pacific Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.04%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Quest Diagnostics Inc for 56 Days and Union Pacific Corporation for 105 Days on average.
| DGX | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $25.48B | $165.27B |
Volume | 941,866 | 1,474,117 |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $247.45 | $310.62 |
52-Week Low | $173.49 | $216.37 |
Typical Hold Time | 56 Days | 105 Days |
Enterprise Value | $31.23B | $194.33B |
Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 2.04% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $230.76, up 1.66% today, reflecting strong year-to-date momentum driven by consistent earnings beats and growth in advanced diagnostics. The stock is near its 52-week high with a consensus price target of $250, indicating further upside potential. Recent news highlights partnerships, such as integration with Apple Health, and clinical study successes, though Medicare reimbursement cuts pose a headwind. Technical indicators show a bearish signal overall, with support at $228 and resistance at $232.
The outlook remains positive due to robust revenue growth, expanding profit margins, and strategic initiatives, but risks include regulatory pressure on lab payments and rising debt levels. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with a majority holding neutral ratings, suggesting cautious optimism amid execution challenges and market volatility.
Union Pacific (UNP) trades at $277.51, up 1.03% with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamental performance. The stock shows robust profitability with 28.85% net margins and 39.7% ROE, supported by consecutive earnings beats in Q1 and Q2 2026. Recent developments include the deployment of battery-electric locomotives and progress on the Norfolk Southern combination, while analyst consensus remains strongly positive with a $332.10 price target.
UNP presents a compelling investment case with strong operational execution and pricing power, though merger uncertainty and fuel cost pressures pose near-term risks. The stock's current valuation at 22.53 P/E offers reasonable upside to analyst targets, supported by consistent dividend payments and infrastructure advantages in the irreplaceable freight rail network.
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 →Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific is the largest public railroad in North America. Operating on more than 30,000 miles of track in the western two thirds of the U.S., UP generated roughly $22 billion of revenue in 2021 by hauling coal, industrial products, intermodal containers, agriculture goods, chemicals, and automotive goods. UP owns about one fourth of Mexican railroad Ferromex and derives about 10% of its revenue hauling freight to and from Mexico.
Read more on UNP →