Form 4: Quest Diagnostics Exec Boosts Stake via Performance Award

Quest Diagnostics' SVP, Corporate Controller & CAO, Michael J. Deppe, increased his direct ownership of company common stock through a performance award settlement.

Summary

• Michael J. Deppe, SVP, Corporate Controller & CAO of Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX), acquired 1,473 shares of common stock on March 4, 2026, at a price of $204.86 per share.
• The acquisition was a settlement of a performance stock award approved in accordance with Rule 16b-3(d).
• Concurrently, Deppe disposed of 750 shares of common stock at $204.86 per share on March 4, 2026, solely to cover tax withholding obligations related to the performance stock award.
• Following these transactions, Deppe's direct beneficial ownership of Quest Diagnostics common stock stands at 35,196 shares.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal. The executive's net increase in ownership, even after tax-related sales, suggests confidence in Quest Diagnostics' performance and future value.

Positives

• Michael J. Deppe, a key executive, received a performance stock award, indicating achievement of company goals.
• Deppe increased his net direct beneficial ownership of Quest Diagnostics common stock by 723 shares (1,473 acquired 750 disposed for taxes), signaling continued confidence in the company.

Negatives

• A portion of the awarded shares (750 shares) was immediately disposed of to cover tax withholding obligations, which is a standard practice but reduces the overall increase in insider ownership.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain specific forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, particularly acquisitions resulting from performance awards, can be interpreted by the market as a sign of management's confidence in the company's future prospects and valuation. This transaction by a senior executive at Quest Diagnostics aligns with typical executive compensation structures in the healthcare diagnostics industry.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of 1,473 shares by Michael J. Deppe was a settlement of a performance stock award from Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, representing a transaction between the company and an insider.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the executive's increased stake as a positive indicator of management alignment with shareholder interests and confidence in the company's future.

Key Dates

Recommendation

While the insider's net acquisition of shares is a positive signal, indicating management confidence, a single Form 4 filing typically does not provide enough comprehensive information to warrant a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. It reinforces a 'hold' position for existing investors, suggesting no immediate negative catalysts from this specific event, but further analysis of financial performance and market conditions is required for a stronger recommendation.

Keywords

Quest Diagnostics, DGX, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Performance Stock Award, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership, Michael J. Deppe