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DGX vs MDT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Quest Diagnostics (DGX) vs. Medtronic (MDT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DGX (Quest Diagnostics) has shown stronger recent momentum, with shares up roughly 30% year-to-date, while MDT (Medtronic) has traded broadly flat over the past year.
- Quest Diagnostics raised its 2026 guidance and is gaining share across physician, hospital, and consumer channels; Medtronic posted accelerating organic revenue growth but with a calendar-driven boost.
- The two operate in different healthcare niches: high-volume diagnostic testing versus implantable medical devices, creating contrasting risk and growth profiles.
- Medtronic offers a materially higher dividend yield and is mid-way through separating its diabetes business (MiniMed); Quest Diagnostics carries a lower yield but stronger earnings momentum.
- Quest Diagnostics trades at a premium forward valuation after its rally, while Medtronic screens cheaper relative to its earnings and historical range.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two well-established healthcare names with very different business models: Quest Diagnostics, a leader in diagnostic information services, and Medtronic, one of the world's largest medical device manufacturers. Traders and investors weighing defensive, cash-generative healthcare exposure may find this pairing useful, since the two companies respond to different demand drivers, reimbursement dynamics, and growth catalysts. Understanding their relative performance and market positioning can help clarify where momentum, stability, and valuation currently sit within the healthcare sector.
DGX Overview and Recent Performance
Quest Diagnostics provides diagnostic testing, information, and services across physician, hospital, and consumer channels. Recent market activity has favored the stock, which has rallied sharply over the past year and trades near the upper end of its 52-week range. The advance reflects a broad-based expansion in test volumes and faster-growing advanced diagnostics, including brain health (AD-Detect), cardiometabolic testing, and oncology, where its Haystack MRD (minimal residual disease) liquid biopsy has published strong clinical data.
Fundamentals have supported the move. In its most recent quarter, revenue rose roughly 10% year over year and adjusted EPS (earnings per share) climbed double digits, prompting management to raise full-year revenue and profit guidance. Acquisition-driven hospital collaborations, such as its Co-Lab Solutions arrangement, and a fast-growing consumer-testing platform have reinforced growth. Counterweights include elevated long-term debt, reimbursement uncertainty tied to health-policy changes, and cost inflation, which have kept operating margins under modest pressure. A richer forward valuation after the rally leaves less room for execution missteps.
MDT Overview and Recent Performance
Medtronic develops, manufactures, and sells device-based therapies for cardiovascular, neuroscience, medical-surgical, and diabetes conditions. Its share price has been more volatile, having declined through the middle of the year before recovering in recent weeks, and it remains roughly flat on a one-year basis. The stock has lagged the broader market, reflecting lingering concerns over portfolio consistency and the ongoing separation of its MiniMed diabetes business.
Operationally, Medtronic's most recent fiscal quarter delivered strong reported growth, with organic revenue up double digits. Part of that strength reflected an extra selling week in the calendar, but management still characterized the underlying performance as among its best in years. Cardiac Ablation Solutions (CAS) was the standout, growing rapidly on Affera and Sphere-9 pulsed field ablation adoption, while surgical robotics and hypertension treatment via Symplicity Spyral represent longer-dated catalysts. New permanent CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) reimbursement codes for Altaviva and Symplicity Spyral also support future adoption. Tariffs, currency exposure, and product-mix pressure remain key risks, but a roughly 3.3% dividend yield and a comparatively low forward valuation continue to attract income-oriented investors.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies is their growth and momentum profile. Quest Diagnostics has delivered consistent, double-digit earnings growth and strong relative performance, powered by volume gains and advanced-diagnostics adoption. Medtronic, by comparison, is an earlier-stage turnaround story: its recent acceleration is encouraging, but much of it hinges on newer platforms such as pulsed field ablation, robotics, and renal denervation reaching steady commercial scale.
Valuation and income also diverge. Quest Diagnostics trades near the high end of its historical range on a forward earnings basis, rewarding its momentum but raising the bar for continued outperformance. Medtronic trades at a lower forward multiple and pays a meaningfully higher dividend, which may appeal to value- and income-focused investors willing to wait for catalysts. On risk factors, Quest Diagnostics is most exposed to reimbursement policy and leverage, while Medtronic faces currency, tariff, and portfolio-transition uncertainty. Sector exposure further differentiates them: diagnostic testing demand is relatively stable and recession-resistant, whereas device demand depends more on procedure volumes and hospital capital spending.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, relative performance, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward DGX in the current environment. Quest Diagnostics currently exhibits steadier upward price momentum, improving earnings estimates, and clearer visibility into near-term growth, factors that systematic models often reward. Medtronic offers an attractive valuation and income profile, and its longer-term pipeline remains compelling, but its price trend has been choppier and its growth acceleration is still in the process of being confirmed. This is a probabilistic assessment of current market positioning rather than a forecast of guaranteed returns, and the balance of evidence could shift as either company reports new results.
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 MDT is a Hold.
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.
MDT in -3.01% downward trend, falling for three consecutive days on November 06, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where MDT declined for three days, in 165 of 300 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 55%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for MDT moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 26 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 14 of the 26 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 54%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 28 of 67 cases where MDT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 42%.
MDT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MDT as a result. In 44 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MDT just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where MDT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
MDT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for MDT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 17 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 47%.
Following a +3.36% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MDT advanced for three days, in 171 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 87 of 237 cases where MDT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 37%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. MDT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (2.592) is normal, around the industry mean (4.142). P/E Ratio (24.890) is within average values for comparable stocks, (3.291). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.608) is also within normal values, averaging (11.253). Dividend Yield (0.028) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.176) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably 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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. MDT’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
DGX | MDT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 91 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 8 Undervalued | 65 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 8 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 58 | 68 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 11 | 12 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 18 | 49 | |
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 somewhat better than the same rating for MDT (65) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew somewhat faster than MDT’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's Profit vs Risk Rating (8) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is significantly better than the same rating for MDT (100) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew significantly faster than MDT’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's SMR Rating (58) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as MDT (68) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to MDT’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's Price Growth Rating (11) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as MDT (12) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to MDT’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 MDT (49) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew similarly to MDT’s over the last 12 months.
| DGX | MDT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 42% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 55% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 14 days ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 44% | 6 days ago 55% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 42% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 37% |
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 MDT’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DGX’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
- MDT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 MDT’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DGX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- MDT’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DGX (@Medical Specialties) experienced а +4.61% price change this week, while MDT (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +2.74% 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%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was -2.89%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.69%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.76%.
Reported Earning Dates
DGX is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
MDT is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
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.
@Medical/Nursing Services (-2.89% weekly)The medical/nursing services includes companies that provide medical-related services such as ambulance services, dialysis centers, respiratory therapy, blood testing and rehabilitation services. DaVita Inc., Chemed Corporation and Guardant Health, Inc. are examples of companies in this industry.
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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.
MDT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MDT has been loosely correlated with SYK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 62% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MDT jumps, then SYK could also see price increases.