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DGX vs LH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Quest Diagnostics (DGX) vs. Labcorp Holdings (LH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are the two largest independent clinical laboratories in the United States, making this a direct comparison of market leaders within the same diagnostics sector.
- DGX is delivering faster organic test-volume growth and higher operating margins, while LH commands a larger revenue base and a more diversified business model.
- Both companies posted beat-and-raise quarters in recent weeks, but LH shares responded with stronger positive momentum and a wave of analyst price-target increases.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Labcorp (LH) — based on relative momentum, catalysts, and market positioning, the AI framework currently favors LH over DGX.
- Explore DGX Major News and DGX Today's Price Move, plus LH Major News and LH Today's Price Move, for deeper coverage of each ticker.
- Discover the best-performing AI trading strategies for today's market in the Trending AI Robots section.
Introduction
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) and Labcorp Holdings (LH) sit at the center of the U.S. diagnostics and laboratory-testing industry, competing for the same physician, hospital, and consumer testing demand. Because these two companies operate in nearly identical end markets yet pursue different growth strategies, a side-by-side stock comparison offers investors a useful lens on sector-level momentum, margin quality, and valuation trade-offs. This analysis is most relevant to investors and traders evaluating healthcare-services exposure, those weighing defensive growth names, and anyone seeking a data-driven view of which of the two leaders currently presents the more favorable market positioning.
DGX Overview and Recent Performance
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) is a leading independent provider of diagnostic testing and information services, operating a national network of roughly 2,400 patient service centers alongside physician offices and hospitals. The company generates nearly all of its revenue from clinical testing, advanced diagnostics, and wellness offerings such as its QuestHealth.com consumer platform.
Recent market activity has highlighted strong fundamental momentum. In its latest quarterly report, Quest delivered roughly 10% revenue growth and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth above 15%, marking another beat-and-raise quarter. Organic requisition volume — the number of tests performed — climbed at a double-digit rate, reinforcing demand across physician, hospital, and consumer channels. Even so, the stock's post-earnings reaction was comparatively muted, with shares trading modestly higher over recent weeks. Analysts have noted solid relative strength and a strong composite rating, though reimbursement uncertainty tied to the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) and elevated debt levels remain key watch items.
LH Overview and Recent Performance
Labcorp Holdings (LH) is one of the two largest independent clinical laboratories in the nation, holding an estimated 20% share of the independent lab market. Its business spans two segments: Diagnostics Laboratories (Dx) and Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS), the latter supporting drug development from early research through clinical trials.
In recent weeks, Labcorp has displayed notable momentum. Its latest quarterly results showed revenue growth of roughly 7% and adjusted EPS growth near 15%, with both segments contributing and the company raising its full-year outlook. Shares advanced sharply following the report, and a succession of analysts raised price targets, reflecting confidence in specialty-testing growth, acquisitions, and margin expansion. Labcorp has been active in mergers and acquisitions, adding specialty and prenatal testing assets. Like its peer, Labcorp faces potential PAMA reimbursement headwinds, but its diversified biopharma segment and favorable pricing mix have supported investor sentiment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge in several meaningful ways. Quest Diagnostics is more concentrated, deriving the overwhelming majority of revenue from routine and advanced clinical testing, which gives it faster organic volume growth and a higher adjusted operating margin. Labcorp, by contrast, layers a fast-growing Biopharma Laboratory Services business on top of its diagnostics segment, providing revenue diversification and exposure to pharmaceutical and biotech research spending.
On growth drivers, DGX leans on advanced diagnostics — including its AD-Detect Alzheimer's portfolio and Haystack minimal residual disease (MRD) oncology testing — plus automation and AI-driven efficiency. LH emphasizes specialty testing in oncology, neurology, autoimmune, and women's health, reinforced by an active acquisition strategy. On recent momentum, LH's shares reacted more decisively to earnings and attracted multiple analyst upgrades, while DGX's advance has been steadier but less dramatic. Risk factors overlap considerably, including PAMA reimbursement pressure and balance-sheet leverage, though LH's diversified revenue and BLS order book provide an additional cushion against testing-volume swings.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors — trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning — Tickeron's AI framework currently favors Labcorp (LH) over Quest Diagnostics (DGX). LH's sharper positive price reaction to a beat-and-raise quarter, its wave of analyst upgrades, and its more diversified two-segment model contribute to a comparatively stronger momentum profile. DGX remains a high-quality operator with superior organic volume growth and margin quality, so the preference is probabilistic rather than absolute. Both names warrant monitoring, but on the current setup, the AI-weighted balance of catalysts and relative strength tilts toward Labcorp.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DGX is a StrongBuy and LH is a Buy.
DGX in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026
The 10-day moving average for DGX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 14 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on DGX as a result. In 46 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for DGX just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where DGX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 20 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
DGX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.93% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DGX advanced for three days, in 193 of 309 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 14 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DGX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
DGX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for DGX entered a downward trend on October 26, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 8 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.754) is normal, around the industry mean (67.298). P/E Ratio (26.796) is within average values for comparable stocks, (4.239). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.546) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). DGX's Dividend Yield (0.013) is considerably higher than the industry average of (0.002). P/S Ratio (2.404) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. DGX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 12 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
LH's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LH turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where LH's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 38 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LH as a result. In 59 of 98 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
LH moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Following a +2.35% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LH advanced for three days, in 195 of 337 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 117 of 206 cases where LH Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 14 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
LH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. LH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 11 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.454) is normal, around the industry mean (67.298). P/E Ratio (30.121) is within average values for comparable stocks, (4.239). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.206) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). LH has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.008) as compared to the industry average of (0.002). P/S Ratio (1.876) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
DGX | LH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 8 Undervalued | 11 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 8 | 25 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 58 | 65 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 11 | 4 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 18 | 23 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 12 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DGX's Valuation (8) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as LH (11). This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to LH’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's Profit vs Risk Rating (8) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as LH (25). This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to LH’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's SMR Rating (58) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as LH (65). This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to LH’s over the last 12 months.
LH's Price Growth Rating (4) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as DGX (11). This means that LH’s stock grew similarly to DGX’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's P/E Growth Rating (18) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as LH (23). This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to LH’s over the last 12 months.
| DGX | LH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 49% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 58% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 7 days ago 60% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 3 days ago 75% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 58% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 3 days ago 58% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 44% | 9 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 43% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 57% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DGX’s FA Score shows that 4 FA rating(s) are green while LH’s FA Score has 4 green FA rating(s).
- DGX’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
- LH’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DGX’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LH’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DGX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- LH’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DGX (@Medical Specialties) experienced а +4.61% price change this week, while LH (@Medical Specialties) price change was +4.79% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was -4.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.08%, and the average quarterly price growth was +38.31%.
Reported Earning Dates
DGX is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
LH is expected to report earnings on Feb 11, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical Specialties (-4.92% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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DGX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DGX has been closely correlated with LH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if DGX jumps, then LH could also see price increases.
LH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LH has been closely correlated with DGX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LH jumps, then DGX could also see price increases.