Quest Diagnostics Inc vs 22nd Century Group Inc — how do they compare? Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $204.96 (market cap $22.80B), while 22nd Century Group Inc trades at $4.27 (market cap $1.45M). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is far larger — about 15724.1× 22nd Century Group Inc's market cap, and Quest Diagnostics Inc pays a 1.67% dividend while 22nd Century Group Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DGX | XXII | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $22.80B | $1.45M |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $216.02 | $1.47K |
52-Week Low | $166.42 | $3.90 |
Enterprise Value | $28.82B | -$6.78M |
Dividend Yield | 1.67% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $207.35, showing minimal daily movement with a slight decline of 0.04%. The stock maintains a bullish technical stance with recent earnings beats and analyst consensus pointing to upside potential. Recent developments include New York State approval for Haystack MRD testing and strong momentum across diagnostic channels. Revenue growth accelerated to $11.04 billion in 2025 with consistent profitability margins around 9%.
DGX presents a balanced investment case with 38% analyst buy ratings and a $227.75 price target suggesting 10% upside. The company demonstrates steady revenue growth and operational efficiency, though elevated debt levels and policy risks require monitoring. Second quarter earnings on July 23, 2026, will be crucial for validating current momentum and growth trajectory.
XXII trades at $4.10, down 3.07% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company shows severe financial distress with a negative gross profit margin of -52.19% and net income margin of -65.76% for 2025. Recent news highlights expansion of VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes in California and New York, aiming to capture market share. A 20:1 reverse stock split occurred on June 12, 2026, to adjust share structure.
The outlook remains high-risk due to persistent losses and cash burn, though analyst consensus is 75% buy-rated. Investment opportunity hinges on successful commercialization of VLN products and FDA regulatory renewals. Key risks include execution challenges, intense competition, and reliance on financing to sustain operations amid negative cash flow from operations.
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 →22nd Century Group is a plant biotechnology company that uses genetic engineering and gene editing to control the levels of nicotine in tobacco plants. Its flagship product line, VLN®, is the first and only combustible cigarette authorized by the FDA as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), containing 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes to help adult smokers smoke less.
Read more on XXII →