Smart Money is Buying Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX)
Monday, April 27, 2026 · Johnny Hopkins
According to the most recent reported 13F filings, institutional investors showed selective but constructive buying interest in Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX), with activity led by value-focused managers, fundamental stock pickers, and quantitative investors. This accumulation suggests growing confidence in Quest’s resilient diagnostics franchise, stable cash generation, and its ability to benefit from ongoing demand for routine testing, population health trends, and disciplined capital returns. Below are the most notable buyers from the latest reported quarter:
DAVIS SELECTED ADVISERS (Chris Davis)
Shares: 1,589,883 Change: +228,271 Value: $0.28B
Chris Davis led activity with the largest increase this quarter, signaling strong conviction in Quest as a durable compounder. The move likely reflects confidence in the company’s recurring revenue base, shareholder-friendly capital allocation, and attractive valuation relative to defensive healthcare peers.
GRANTHAM, MAYO, VAN OTTERLOO & CO. LLC (Jeremy Grantham)
Shares: 1,816,060 Change: +69,660 Value: $0.32B
Jeremy Grantham’s firm added meaningfully to its already large position, reinforcing Quest as a high-quality defensive holding. GMO often favors companies with durable fundamentals and reasonable valuations, suggesting Quest fits their risk-adjusted return framework.
GOTHAM ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC (Joel Greenblatt)
Shares: 79,395 Change: +24,701 Value: $0.01B
Joel Greenblatt increased exposure significantly, consistent with a disciplined value approach focused on strong returns on capital and attractive earnings multiples. Quest’s steady profitability likely screens well under Gotham’s methodology.
AQR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC (Cliff Asness)
Shares: 67,217 Change: +17,149 Value: $0.01B
AQR expanded its position, likely supported by quantitative signals such as valuation, earnings quality, and low-volatility characteristics. Quest’s defensive profile may be increasingly attractive in a more uncertain macro environment.
MAVERICK CAPITAL LTD (Lee Ainslie)
Shares: 23,895 Change: +5,717 Value: $0.00B
Lee Ainslie added to the position, suggesting growing confidence in Quest’s earnings visibility and margin durability. Maverick often seeks companies with strong competitive positions and favorable long-term industry structure.
POINT72 ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. (Steve Cohen)
Shares: 100,301 Change: NEW POSITION Value: $0.02B
Steve Cohen’s firm initiated a new position this quarter. While not a top-sized holding, the new stake indicates Quest has emerged as an attractive opportunity with favorable risk/reward dynamics.
FISHER ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC (Ken Fisher)
Shares: 1,269 Change: NEW POSITION Value: $0.00B
Ken Fisher also opened a new position. Though small, fresh buying from a large global manager suggests Quest is gaining broader institutional attention.
Overall Takeaway
Collectively, these filings highlight positive institutional sentiment toward Quest Diagnostics shares, led by a sizable addition from Davis Selected Advisers and continued accumulation from GMO, Gotham, and AQR.
The concentration of buyers among respected value, quantitative, and fundamentally driven investors suggests broad confidence that DGX remains an attractive defensive healthcare name. With strong free cash flow, essential diagnostic services, and consistent capital returns, Quest appears well-positioned to continue attracting capital from investors seeking stability and quality at a reasonable price.