Illumina, Inc. vs QUALCOMM, Inc. — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $192.93 (market cap $28.96B), while QUALCOMM, Inc. trades at $163.1 (market cap $170.28B). The key difference: QUALCOMM, Inc. is far larger — about 5.9× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and QUALCOMM, Inc. pays a 2.27% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ILMN | QCOM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.96B | $170.28B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $205.10 | $251.10 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $124.07 |
Enterprise Value | $30.32B | $177.24B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.27% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Qualcomm (QCOM) trades at $162.68, down 3.09% amid broader semiconductor sector pressure. The stock shows mixed signals with bearish technical indicators but strong fundamentals including recent earnings beats and a 21.01% net income margin. Recent news highlights Qualcomm's strategic pivot toward AI and data centers, though competition from Nvidia's new PC chip has sparked investor concerns. The company maintains solid cash flow generation of $14.01B from operations in 2025 and continues dividend payments.
Qualcomm presents a compelling value opportunity with a P/E of 18.53 below sector averages, supported by analyst consensus price target of $200.56 implying 23% upside. Key risks include smartphone market softness and intensifying AI competition. The company's diversification into automotive and data centers provides growth catalysts, though execution risks remain. Current levels offer attractive entry for long-term investors seeking exposure to semiconductor and AI infrastructure.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Qualcomm develops and licenses wireless technology and designs chips for smartphones. The company's key patents revolve around CDMA and OFDMA technologies, which are standards in wireless communications that are the backbone of all 3G and 4G networks. The firm is a leader in 5G network technology as well. Qualcomm's IP is licensed by virtually all wireless device makers. The firm is also the world's largest wireless chip vendor, supplying nearly every premier handset maker with leading-edge processors. Qualcomm also sells RF-front end modules into smartphones and chips into automotive and Internet of Things markets.
Read more on QCOM →