Altria vs Quest

Altria Group and Quest Diagnostics are two highly regarded companies in their respective industries. Altria is a leading tobacco company with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, while Quest is a prominent provider of diagnostic testing services. Both companies have experienced growth and success, attracting investors looking to capitalize on their strong market positions. However, differences in their business models and market landscapes can impact their stock performances. Understanding these factors is crucial for investors seeking to make informed decisions about owning Altria vs Quest stocks.

Altria or Quest?

When comparing Altria and Quest, different investors may prioritize various metrics based on their investment strategies and goals. So, ask yourself what type of investor you are. This will guide you in determining which metrics are most important for your investment decision between Altria and Quest.

Dividend Investors:

Dividend investors look for stable and growing income streams, using dividend metrics to assess potential investments. A company's dividend yield essentially measures the size of its dividend relative to the total market value of the company. Altria has a dividend yield of 9.98%, while Quest has a dividend yield of 4.1%. Beyond the yield itself, considering the growth and sustainability of these dividends is also crucial. Altria reports a 5-year dividend growth of 5.06% year and a payout ratio of 67.28%. On the other hand, Quest reports a 5-year dividend growth of 58.49% year and a payout ratio of 0.00%.

Value Investors:

Value investors focus on financial metrics to determine a stock's intrinsic value compared to its market value. The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio links stock price to a company's earnings per share, with Altria P/E ratio at 8.44 and Quest's P/E ratio at 12.87. Another crucial valuation metric is the Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio, which compares stock price with book value per share. Altria P/B ratio is -28.42 while Quest's P/B ratio is 2.24.

Growth Investors:

Growth investors prioritize metrics indicative of a company's expansion potential. Focusing on top-line growth, Altria has seen a 5-year revenue growth of 0.11%, while Quest's is -0.19%. Return on Equity (ROE) measures how effectively a company uses equity investment to generate earnings, with Altria's ROE at -269.50% and Quest's ROE at 17.11%.

Retail Investors:

Retail investors often consider stock affordability and company familiarity. For example, day low prices are $49.73 for Altria and €5.32 for Quest. Over the past year, Altria's prices ranged from $39.07 to $54.95, with a yearly change of 40.64%. Quest's prices fluctuated between €4.60 and €6.25, with a yearly change of 35.87%. Brand recognition also plays a role, as familiarity with a company can influence investment decisions.