Brown-Forman Corporation Class B vs Illumina, Inc. — how do they compare? Brown-Forman Corporation Class B trades at $28.01, while Illumina, Inc. trades at $193.06 (market cap $28.96B). The key difference: Illumina, Inc. is trading nearer its 52-week high, Brown-Forman Corporation Class B nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BF.B | ILMN | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Consumer Staples | Health |
52-Week High | $31.26 | $205.10 |
52-Week Low | $22.80 | $91.00 |
Market Cap | — | $28.96B |
Enterprise Value | — | $30.32B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
BF.B trades at $28.52, up 0.88% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong trend strength (ADX). Earnings have beaten estimates in three of the last four quarters, with Q2 2024 EPS of $0.48 exceeding the $0.46 forecast. The stock faces mixed analyst sentiment but shows consistent fundamental performance.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic given recent earnings strength, though limited analyst coverage and mixed ratings suggest uncertainty. Key risks include execution challenges and market volatility. Upside potential hinges on sustained earnings growth and broader market conditions.
Illumina (ILMN) trades at $187.96, down 2.97% on the day, but maintains strong fundamental momentum with three consecutive quarterly earnings beats. The stock shows robust profitability with 66.38% gross margins and 18.34% net income margins, though technical indicators suggest near-term bearish pressure. Recent institutional buying activity and positive analyst coverage (51% buy ratings) support the stock's long-term growth narrative in the genomics sector.
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $201.58 representing 7% upside potential. Key catalysts include continued NovaSeq X adoption and AI partnerships, while risks involve competitive pressures and execution challenges in achieving projected revenue growth. The company's turnaround from net losses to $850M profit in 2025 demonstrates improved operational efficiency.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Brown-Forman is the largest U.S.-domiciled producer of distilled spirits. The firm reports only a single operating segment, and whiskey represents its primary business driver, generating roughly three-quarters of sales, undergirded by the Jack Daniel's brand as well as bourbons such as Woodford Reserve and Old Forrester. Notable nonwhiskey offerings include tequilas such as el Jimador and Herradura. The firm operates globally, with products sold in more than 170 countries, and adapts its route-to-consumer model depending on regulation as well as the prevailing competitive dynamics in a given market. For example, it sells through distributors in the U.S. but operates its own logistics apparatus in many other countries. The company remains under the control of the Brown family.
Read more on BF.B →Illumina provides tools and services to analyze genetic material with life science and clinical lab applications. The company generates over 90% of its revenue from sequencing instruments, consumables, and services. Illumina's high-throughput technology enables whole genome sequencing in humans and other large organisms. Its lower throughput tools enable applications that require smaller data outputs, such as viral and cancer tumor screening. Illumina also sells microarrays (less than 10% of sales) that enable lower-cost, focused genetic screening with primarily consumer and agricultural applications.
Read more on ILMN →