Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
DGX
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
$200.29
+2.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $22.48B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated generates 199% more annual revenue ($11.28B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs 9.1%. DGX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. DGX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
DGX
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for DGX.
Margin of Safety
-84.6%
Fair Value
$178.29
Current Price
$365.36
$187.07 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DGX
DGX has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : DGX
The primary concerns for DGX are PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DGX profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.4% — sustainability is the question.
DGX generates stronger free cash flow (164M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DGX scores higher overall (58/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Quest Diagnostics is an American clinical laboratory. A Fortune 500 company, Quest operates in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Brazil. Quest also maintains collaborative agreements with various hospitals and clinics across the globe.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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