Form 4: Quest Diagnostics SVP Sells Shares for Tax Obligations

A senior executive at Quest Diagnostics sold a portion of common stock to cover tax withholding obligations related to restricted stock unit vesting.

Summary

• Karthik Kuppusamy, SVP, Clinical Solutions at Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX), disposed of 123 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on August 13, 2025, at a price of $175.91 per share.
• This disposition was solely to cover tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock units.
• Following the transaction, Mr. Kuppusamy beneficially owns 8,338 shares directly, 358 shares indirectly through a trust, and 1,628 shares indirectly through a 401(k) plan, totaling 10,324 shares.
• The direct holdings include exempt purchases made under the company's stock purchase plan since the last Form 4 filing.
• The 401(k) shares were acquired periodically by the plan trustee.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The transaction is a routine, non-discretionary sale to cover tax obligations upon RSU vesting. It does not reflect a change in sentiment towards the company, as the executive retains a significant holding.

Positives

• The executive continues to hold a substantial number of shares (10,324 shares) in the company, indicating continued alignment with shareholder interests.
• Direct holdings include exempt purchases under the company's stock purchase plan, suggesting ongoing accumulation of shares through a structured program.

Negatives

• No specific negative aspects are indicated by this routine tax-related disposition.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details a routine insider transaction for tax purposes, which is common across all industries when restricted stock units vest. It does not provide broader industry context or trends.

Management Changes

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction is a routine tax-related sale and does not indicate a change in the executive's long-term commitment or the company's fundamentals. The executive retains a substantial stake.
• Employees: No direct impact indicated.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine, non-discretionary sale of shares by an executive to cover tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units. Such transactions are common and do not typically signal a change in the executive's confidence in the company or its future prospects. The executive retains a significant beneficial ownership, including shares acquired through a stock purchase plan. Therefore, this specific filing does not provide new information that would warrant a change in investment recommendation; a 'hold' stance is appropriate as it reflects no new fundamental insights for a seasoned investor.

Keywords

Quest Diagnostics, DGX, SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Sale, Tax Withholding, Restricted Stock Units, Executive Compensation, Karthik Kuppusamy