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DGX vs SYK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Quest Diagnostics (DGX) vs. Stryker (SYK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DGX has shown stronger recent momentum, with shares up roughly 30% year to date on earnings beats and raised guidance, while SYK has lagged, down about 20% year to date after a cyberattack disruption and leadership transition.
- The two companies occupy different parts of healthcare: DGX is a defensive, low-beta diagnostics and lab-services business, while SYK is a higher-growth medical technology and robotics franchise.
- DGX trades near the high end of its historical valuation, whereas SYK trades below its own five-year average, a key contrast in market positioning.
- Both stocks carry elevated risk factors—DGX from leverage and reimbursement pressure, SYK from cyber remediation, supply constraints, and execution demands.
- Analyst consensus remains constructive on both, though near-term trend consistency and stability currently appear more favorable for DGX.
Introduction
Investors weighing healthcare exposure often confront a choice between stability and growth. Quest Diagnostics (DGX) and Stryker (SYK) illustrate that trade-off clearly. DGX is one of the largest U.S. providers of diagnostic testing and information services, a comparatively defensive business tied to routine and advanced lab testing. SYK is a global medical technology leader spanning orthopedics, surgical equipment, and robotic-assisted surgery. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and long-term investors seeking to understand how relative performance, growth drivers, and risk profiles diverge across two large-cap healthcare names in the current market environment.
DGX Overview and Recent Performance
Quest Diagnostics is a leading provider of diagnostic information services, serving physicians, hospitals, patients, and consumers, and acting as reference testing partner for roughly half of U.S. hospitals. In recent weeks, DGX has been among the stronger performers in its sector, with the stock advancing approximately 30% year to date and well outpacing the broader S&P 500 over the same stretch.
The rally has been supported by solid fundamentals. In its most recent quarterly report, revenue rose about 10% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew nearly 19%, beating consensus estimates. Management raised its full-year revenue and EPS guidance on the back of broad-based testing demand. Growth has been concentrated in advanced diagnostics—including oncology, cardiometabolic, brain health, and autoimmune testing—as well as a fast-growing consumer channel. Notably, the company secured approval to commercialize its Haystack molecular residual disease (MRD) cancer test nationwide.
Sentiment has also been lifted by the company's use of automation and AI (artificial intelligence) to improve lab efficiency and offset cost pressures. Risks remain, however: elevated long-term debt, government reimbursement uncertainty, and cost inflation have pressured margins, and the stock's valuation now sits near the top of its five-year range.
SYK Overview and Recent Performance
Stryker is a diversified medical technology company with leading positions in orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, hospital beds and operating-room equipment, and robotic-assisted surgery through its Mako platform. Unlike DGX's defensive profile, SYK is tied to elective procedure volumes and hospital capital spending, which can make its results more cyclical.
Recent market activity has been challenging for SYK. A cybersecurity incident in early 2026 disrupted ordering, shipping, and manufacturing, contributing to a first-quarter sales shortfall. Shares are down roughly 20% year to date and have traded near 52-week lows. The company has, however, demonstrated a rebound: second-quarter organic sales grew about 9%, and adjusted EPS increased nearly 18% year over year, with adjusted operating margin expanding to around 27%.
In early October, the company announced a planned leadership succession, with President and COO (chief operating officer) Spencer Stiles set to become CEO (chief executive officer) effective January 2027, while long-tenured CEO Kevin Lobo transitions to Executive Chair. Sentiment has also been shaped by record Mako installations and a deep product pipeline, offset by lingering concerns around cyber remediation costs, peripheral vascular supply constraints, and acquisition integration.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two companies is business model and market positioning. DGX generates revenue from diagnostic testing volume across physician, hospital, and consumer channels, producing a comparatively predictable, high-frequency revenue stream with a low beta of roughly 0.34 and a modest dividend yield. SYK depends on elective surgical procedures and hospital capital equipment purchases, offering higher growth potential but greater cyclicality and execution risk.
Momentum currently favors DGX. Its earnings beats, guidance raises, and advanced-diagnostics catalysts have translated into strong relative performance, whereas SYK's cyberattack, a soft first quarter, and a leadership transition have weighed on sentiment. On valuation, the picture inverts: DGX trades near 20 times forward earnings—above its five-year median—while SYK trades below its own historical multiple after its pullback.
Risk profiles also differ. DGX faces reimbursement and policy pressure, elevated leverage, and margin compression from cost inflation. SYK faces cyber remediation costs, peripheral vascular supply backlogs, and the challenge of converting a large product pipeline into revenue. Both are large-cap, diversified healthcare franchises, but they appeal to different investor objectives—stability and compounding versus growth and innovation.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative performance, stability, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward DGX in the current environment. The company's sustained upward momentum, consecutive earnings beats, raised guidance, and defensive, low-beta profile suggest a more consistent trend that systematic models tend to favor. By contrast, SYK has shown higher volatility, a negative year-to-date return, and ongoing execution uncertainty—conditions that typically produce less favorable signals in the near term, even though its long-term growth prospects remain compelling. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the likelihood of continued trend continuation rather than a guaranteed outcome.
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 SYK 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.
Momentum Indicator for SYK turns positive, indicating new upward trend
SYK saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on November 02, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 90 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 52 of the 90 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
SYK moved above its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SYK 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 11 of 20 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 55%.
Following a +10.70% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SYK advanced for three days, in 174 of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 128 of 258 cases where SYK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SYK moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 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 38 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 25 of the 38 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 66%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 33 of 59 cases where SYK's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SYK 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 50%.
SYK 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SYK’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 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 52 (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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 79 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 (5.211) is normal, around the industry mean (4.142). P/E Ratio (33.491) is within average values for comparable stocks, (3.291). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.289) is also within normal values, averaging (11.253). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.259) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average 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.
DGX | SYK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 8 Undervalued | 79 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 8 | 60 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 58 | 52 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 11 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 18 | 79 | |
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 significantly better than the same rating for SYK (79) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew significantly faster than SYK’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's Profit vs Risk Rating (8) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SYK (60) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew somewhat faster than SYK’s over the last 12 months.
SYK's SMR Rating (52) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as DGX (58) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry. This means that SYK’s stock grew similarly to DGX’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's Price Growth Rating (11) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SYK (46) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew somewhat faster than SYK’s over the last 12 months.
DGX's P/E Growth Rating (18) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SYK (79) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that DGX’s stock grew somewhat faster than SYK’s over the last 12 months.
| DGX | SYK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 58% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 8 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 44% | 2 days ago 50% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 50% |
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 SYK’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- DGX’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
- SYK’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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 SYK’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DGX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SYK’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DGX (@Medical Specialties) experienced а +4.61% price change this week, while SYK (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +4.42% 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.
SYK is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 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.
@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.
SYK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SYK has been loosely correlated with ISRG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SYK jumps, then ISRG could also see price increases.