HOLX vs. DGX: Which Healthcare Diagnostics Stock Is the Better Bet?

Core Insights - Hologic and Quest Diagnostics are key players in the diagnostics testing market, each focusing on different niches, with Hologic specializing in women's health and Quest providing broad diagnostic services across the healthcare ecosystem [1] Hologic Overview - Hologic's shares have increased by 3.7% year-to-date [2] - The Breast Health segment has returned to growth, driven by strong U.S. sales and recurring service contracts, with the upcoming launch of the Envision Mammography Platform expected to enhance growth [4] - GYN Surgical products, particularly Myosure and NovaSure, are gaining market share internationally, contributing to double-digit growth in Europe [5] - Molecular Diagnostics has shown resilience, with increased sales of BV/CV assays and successful FDA clearances for new respiratory assays [6] Quest Diagnostics Overview - Quest Diagnostics' shares have surged by 25.7% year-to-date, benefiting from the expanding diagnostics market [2][7] - The company is experiencing growth in advanced diagnostics across five clinical areas, with significant demand for the AD-Detect blood test for Alzheimer's and FDA breakthrough designations for new cancer tests [8] - Strategic acquisitions have bolstered Quest's capabilities, including a $2.2 billion investment in clinical testing assets and outreach laboratory services [9] - The Invigorate program aims for 3% annual cost savings and productivity improvements, alongside the deployment of automation and AI technologies [10] Valuation and Price Targets - Hologic has a forward five-year price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.87, while Quest Diagnostics has a P/S of 1.87, indicating a cheaper valuation for Quest [15] - Analysts have set an average price target of $77.14 for Hologic, suggesting a 3.02% upside, and $198.76 for Quest Diagnostics, implying a 3.33% upside [11][13] Conclusion - Both Hologic and Quest Diagnostics have solid market positions, with Hologic showing growth across its divisions and Quest building momentum through advanced diagnostics and acquisitions. However, Quest Diagnostics appears to be the more compelling investment option based on its impressive performance and valuation [16]