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 $265.01 (market cap $39.95B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $141.96 (market cap $351.28B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 8.8× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays a 2.39% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Illumina, Inc. for 83 Days and Merck & Co., Inc. for 98 Days on average.
| ILMN | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.95B | $351.28B |
Volume | 3,169,503 | 7,969,665 |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $293.69 | $156.43 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $82.49 |
Typical Hold Time | 83 Days | 98 Days |
Enterprise Value | $41.31B | $398.04B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.39% |
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 $267.76, down 2.11% on the day but remains near its 52-week high. The stock exhibits a bullish technical trend with strong moving average signals, while recent earnings beats and a significant return to profitability in 2025 highlight fundamental improvement. Positive sentiment is fueled by S&P 500 inclusion and analyst upgrades, though high valuation ratios present a risk.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic, driven by sequencing growth and AI initiatives, but investors face risks from elevated valuations, competitive pressures, and potential margin volatility. The consensus price target of $241 suggests near-term downside from current levels despite a majority of analysts maintaining a Buy rating.
Merck (MRK) trades at $142.79, up 0.61% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite beating earnings estimates in recent quarters. The company reported 2025 revenue of $65.01B and net income of $18.25B, with a high P/E ratio of 113.9 reflecting premium valuation. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, while institutional investors have been increasing stakes.
The outlook is mixed: strong analyst consensus (68% buy ratings) and a $158.78 price target suggest upside, but high valuation and bearish technicals pose near-term risks. Key opportunities include pipeline expansion via M&A; risks involve integration challenges and patent pressures.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Investor sentiment on Pluang
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
Investor sentiment on Pluang
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
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 →
