Compare Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Illumina, Inc. vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $189.68 (market cap $27.94B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.47 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 11× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays a 2.73% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ILMN | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $27.94B | $307.25B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $194.33 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $29.33B | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.73% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Illumina (ILMN) trades at $185.36, down 0.69% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The stock shows strong profitability with a 19.42% net income margin and has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights expansion of the Billion Cell Atlas program and upcoming Q2 2026 earnings on July 30.
Outlook remains positive with 51% analyst buy ratings, though the current price exceeds the $178 consensus target. Key risks include competitive pressure from Roche's new sequencer and China market weakness. Earnings growth and cost control initiatives support upside potential, but valuation multiples suggest limited near-term appreciation.
Merck (MRK) trades at $125.25, down 1.76% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 results surpassing expectations. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 73.91% gross margin and 13.59% net margin, though valuations are elevated with a P/E of 35.04. Recent news highlights the company's strategic acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline.
The outlook is supported by a strong analyst consensus with a $137.30 price target and 68% buy ratings, but risks include high valuation multiples, competitive pressures in oncology, and significant capital expenditure for pipeline development as indicated by negative investing cash flow trends.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Illumina, Inc.
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 →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
