Howmet Aerospace Inc vs Illumina, Inc. — how do they compare? Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $282.65 (market cap $112.20B), while Illumina, Inc. trades at $191.5 (market cap $29.12B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 3.9× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and Howmet Aerospace Inc pays a 0.2% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HWM | ILMN | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $112.20B | $29.12B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $291.28 | $205.10 |
52-Week Low | $171.00 | $91.00 |
Enterprise Value | $116.30B | $30.48B |
Dividend Yield | 0.2% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $281.63, down 0.73% on the day, with strong technical support at $279 and resistance at $285. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.33 exceeding expectations by 7.3%, driven by robust aerospace and defense demand. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with 84% buy ratings and a $334.63 price target, representing 19% upside potential.
Outlook remains positive with raised 2026 guidance and strong cash flow generation, though elevated valuation multiples (P/E 60.63) and significant capital expenditures present risks. The stock offers growth exposure to aerospace recovery but faces execution risks amid capacity expansion plans and supply chain challenges.
Illumina (ILMN) trades at $192.57, up 0.4% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.31 exceeding expectations. Revenue remains stable around $4.3B, and profitability has improved significantly, with a net income margin of 19.57% in 2025. The company maintains robust cash flow from operations of $1.08B in 2025.
The outlook is mixed; strong fundamentals and analyst buy ratings support upside to the $201.58 consensus target, but technical weakness and high valuation ratios pose near-term risks. Key opportunities include sustained earnings beats and AI initiatives, while risks involve competitive pressures and execution challenges in a volatile market.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →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 →