WallStSmart

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 402% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $11.28B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 9.1%. DGX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. DGX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DGX

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.29

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGXSignificantly Overvalued (-26.0%)

Margin of Safety

-26.0%

Fair Value

$166.17

Current Price

$189.13

$22.96 premium

UndervaluedFair: $166.17Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-52.0%)

Margin of Safety

-52.0%

Fair Value

$109.95

Current Price

$148.34

$38.39 premium

UndervaluedFair: $109.95Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DGX1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$275.95B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

DGX1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.3%2/10

Earnings declined 9.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DGX

The strongest argument for DGX centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.49 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

Bear Case : DGX

The primary concerns for DGX are Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DGX profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

DGX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.

DGX is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DGX scores higher overall (63/100 vs 51/100). 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.

Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?