Zacks Research showcased strong performance across its various investment portfolios and rating systems during the week ended October 2, 2026. Multiple stocks received upgrades and delivered significant gains, including CRCT and PGEN surging 32% and 30.8% respectively following recommendation upgrades. The Zacks Rank #1 portfolio outperformed the S&P 500 by 2.3 percentage points year-to-date, while the Focus List portfolio returned 19.86% versus 13.14% for the S&P 500 through August 31, 2026.

The global paternity and relationship testing market is expanding beyond traditional paternity testing into broader applications including maternity, grandparent, sibling, and infidelity testing. The market is projected to grow from $1.08 billion in 2025 to $1.45 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.1%. Growth is driven by increased direct-to-consumer genetic testing accessibility, cultural shifts in family definitions, and demand for legally recognized testing. However, the market faces challenges from increased competition, lower pricing, and regulatory complexity across jurisdictions.

Quest Diagnostics (DGX) is experiencing growth across physician, hospital, and consumer channels, driven by customer wins and an expanding advanced diagnostics portfolio delivering double-digit growth. The company targets 3% annual cost savings through AI and automation initiatives. However, reimbursement uncertainty, cost pressures, and elevated debt of $5.63 billion remain concerns that could impact margins and financial flexibility.

Zacks Investment Research showcased strong performance across its various stock rating systems and portfolios. PBF Energy and Delek US surged following Zacks Rank #1 upgrades, while the Zacks #1 Rank portfolio outperformed the S&P 500 by 2.3 percentage points year-to-date. Notable performers included Palantir (up 38.3% over 12 weeks), Adobe (up 27.6%), Thermo Fisher (up 40.2%), and Monolithic Power Systems (up 30.1% since January 5, 2026). The article emphasizes Zacks' track record of outperforming the market since 1988.

Quest Diagnostics (DGX) has reached a new 52-week high of $248.65, gaining 42.4% year-to-date with a strong track record of beating earnings estimates. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with a B VGM Score, though it trades at a premium valuation of 22.2X current fiscal year EPS versus the industry average of 20.4X. The Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry is in the top 18% of all industries, providing positive tailwinds for the sector.

Quest Diagnostics CEO J. E. Davis sold 10,000 shares worth $2.4 million on September 1, 2026, under a pre-planned Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement. The sale represents 8% of his direct holdings, leaving him with $28.9 million in company stock. Analysts view this as a routine portfolio adjustment rather than a sign of concern about the company's fundamentals.

Zacks highlights strong stock performance from its various rating systems and portfolios. Oportun Financial gained 31% after a Zacks Rank upgrade, Uranium Royalty advanced 67.6% following an Outperform recommendation, and Amgen returned 25.1% over 12 weeks. The article discusses economic conditions marked by geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs, and resilient but cooling labor markets, while showcasing the historical outperformance of Zacks' investment methodologies.

The global pathology services market is projected to grow from $212.8 billion in 2024 to $307.9 billion by 2030 at a 6.5% CAGR, driven by rising cancer incidence, digital pathology adoption, and molecular diagnostics expansion. North America leads with 41.2% market share, while AI-enabled platforms are delivering measurable ROI through cost savings and improved efficiency. Large reference laboratory operators are best positioned to capture outsourcing opportunities and scale molecular testing capabilities.

The global blood-based biomarkers market is projected to grow from USD 8.5 billion in 2025 to USD 18.5 billion by 2034, driven by increasing demand for non-invasive diagnostics, rising chronic disease prevalence, and advances in genomics and liquid biopsy technologies. North America leads with 44% market share, while Asia-Pacific shows fastest growth. Key players include Roche, Abbott, Siemens Healthineers, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The global cancer biomarkers market is projected to grow from $25.9 billion in 2026 to $37.8 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 4.3%. Growth is driven by rising cancer incidence, personalized medicine adoption, advances in NGS and liquid biopsy technologies, and increased biomarker-driven diagnostics. HER2 testing leads by biomarker type (21.1% share), while breast cancer testing dominates by indication (25.1% share). North America captures 52.1% of global market revenue.

A Canadian health coalition has called on Ontario's Health Minister to halt Quest Diagnostics' transfer of laboratory testing services from Ontario hospitals to U.S.-based facilities. The coalition argues that the transfers, which began in April 2026, compromise patient privacy, reduce hospital efficiency, delay results, and divert healthcare funding to the United States. They are demanding the government cancel Quest's contract and restore lab services to public hospital control.

Quest Diagnostics announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.86 per share, payable on July 22, 2026 to shareholders of record as of July 8, 2026. The diagnostic information services leader serves half of U.S. physicians and hospitals and one in three American adults annually.