Quest Diagnostics (DGX) seasonality: returns by month

Quest Diagnostics (DGX) has averaged +6.6% in April and −1.1% in January since 2000, the best and worst months. Every month's average is shown below with how often it rose, so a single big year can't hide.

Quest Diagnostics returns by calendar month since 2000

DGX return statistics by calendar month
MonthAverageMedianRose inBestWorst
January−1.1%−0.4%42% of 26 yrs+16.5% 2004−27.1% 2001
February−0.3%−0.9%41% of 27 yrs+13.3% 2026−10.5% 2021
March+2.2%+2.7%67% of 27 yrs+16.8% 2002−24.3% 2020
April+6.6%+2.0%63% of 27 yrs+46.4% 2000−6.6% 2015
May+2.1%+1.7%70% of 27 yrs+15.4% 2000−7.7% 2010
June+2.4%+1.5%63% of 27 yrs+21.1% 2001−5.7% 2022
July+0.7%−1.6%48% of 27 yrs+35.0% 2000−29.8% 2002
August+0.1%+0.3%56% of 27 yrs+22.6% 2000−12.5% 2020
September−0.3%−1.4%44% of 27 yrs+16.3% 2010−13.6% 2017
October−0.4%−0.2%50% of 26 yrs+17.7% 2022−18.5% 2006
November+3.2%+4.3%85% of 26 yrs+16.8% 2000−12.6% 2002
December+2.5%+1.4%69% of 26 yrs+26.4% 2000−12.1% 2013

Month-end closes adjusted for splits and dividends, through the October 14, 2026 close. Source: Yahoo Finance chart API, monthly close adjusted for splits and dividends. Excludes taxes, fees and inflation. Methodology

Past returns don't repeat. What does the price assume now?

These tables show what already happened. A buyer today gets the next ten years, and the price already reflects what the market expects. The reverse DCF calculator shows the growth today's price implies, so you can judge whether it is realistic.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best month for Quest Diagnostics?

April, with an average return of +6.6% since 2000. It rose in 63% of Aprils (27 years).

What is the worst month for Quest Diagnostics?

January, averaging −1.1% and rising in 42% of years.

Is it a good idea to time purchases by month?

Usually not. Each month has only about 27 observations here, one big year can swing an average, and the gaps between months are small next to a single year's range. Seasonality is a curiosity, not a trading signal.

How are the monthly returns calculated?

Each month's return runs from the previous month-end close to that month's close, using prices adjusted for splits and dividends. The current, unfinished month is left out.

The math is easy. The macro is hard.

Quest Diagnostics shows the arithmetic. Members get the monthly call that decides which inputs matter, plus written breakpoints when the facts move. $39/month or $249/year.

$39/mo or $249/yr · cancel future renewals anytime · sources included