Jefferies maintained a Buy on Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) on February 10, 2026. This update affects the DGX analyst rating and raises the price target to $220 from $215. The firm left the underlying Buy view intact while nudging the valuation higher after recent company results. Meyka AI, an AI-powered market analysis platform, flags the move as confirmation of improving operational momentum and favorable 2026 guidance.
Jefferies update and the DGX analyst rating
Jefferies maintained its Buy rating on Quest Diagnostics (DGX) on February 10, 2026 and raised its price target to $220 from $215. The firm signaled confidence in DGX’s revenue mix and margin outlook while keeping the Buy call intact. The note and price-target change appeared on The Fly the same day source.
Why Jefferies kept Buy and raised the price target
Jefferies cited stronger-than-expected Q4 results and an improved 2026 outlook as the main drivers for the target increase. The recent earnings headlines show DGX beat estimates and set guidance above consensus, supporting the analyst’s valuation tweak. Investors can review the company’s Q4 results and management commentary for context on the earnings beat and outlook source.
What the maintained Buy means for investors
A maintained Buy means Jefferies expects outperformance relative to the market, not a near-term guarantee of price gains. The raised DGX analyst rating target implies a modest valuation premium versus peers and signals confidence in revenue stability. Investors should weigh the Buy call against their time horizon, risk tolerance, and alternative opportunities in healthcare diagnostics.
Market reaction and stock performance context
The analyst action coincided with mixed price movement; the record shows a -6.54% (-$13.39) price change since the referenced comparison point. Quest’s market capitalization stands at $22,950,641,594, which frames how much room the stock may have to move on differing guidance or macro shifts. Short-term volatility can follow target revisions even when ratings remain unchanged, as traders price new expectations.
Historical analyst coverage for Quest Diagnostics
Analyst coverage of Quest Diagnostics has included major firms with ratings ranging from Hold to Buy over recent years as the company navigated reimbursement pressure and diagnostic demand shifts. Jefferies’ move continues a pattern where price targets get adjusted incrementally while core ratings often stay stable. Tracking multi-year analyst trends helps investors spot shifts in consensus conviction.
Meyka AI rating and platform perspective
Meyka AI rates DGX with a grade of B+. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. Our grade is a composite signal and not investment advice; investors should combine it with their own research and portfolio goals.
Final Thoughts
Jefferies’ February 10, 2026 note maintained a Buy on Quest Diagnostics (DGX) while nudging the price target to $220. The action confirms that at least one major analyst sees upside from current levels based on recent Q4 strength and a firmer 2026 outlook. For investors, a maintained Buy with a modest target increase signals confidence but not a dramatic change in conviction. Monitor quarterly execution, reimbursement trends, and volume metrics because those will test analyst assumptions. Given Quest’s $22,950,641,594 market cap and Meyka AI’s B+ grade, the stock sits as a solid, mid-cap healthcare name with measured upside in analyst models. Use the DGX analyst rating alongside valuation metrics and your risk tolerance before making allocation decisions.
FAQs
What exactly did Jefferies change for DGX on February 10, 2026?
Jefferies maintained its Buy rating on DGX and raised the price target to $220 from $215 on February 10, 2026. The action kept the positive view while slightly lifting the valuation benchmark.
How should investors interpret a maintained Buy with a higher price target?
A maintained Buy with a higher target signals continued analyst confidence and modest upside on valuation. It means the analyst expects outperformance versus the market but not a major shift in underlying business view.
Does the Meyka AI grade affect the DGX analyst rating?
Meyka AI’s B+ grade is an independent composite based on benchmarks, sector performance, growth, and analyst consensus. It complements but does not change the Jefferies DGX analyst rating.
Where can I read the analyst note and recent earnings coverage?
Jefferies’ price-target update appeared on The Fly on February 10, 2026 source. Recent Q4 earnings coverage and the outlook summary are available via Seeking Alpha [se
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Analyst ratings are opinions and not guarantees of future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.