Illumina, Inc. vs Quantumscape Corp — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $193.06 (market cap $28.96B), while Quantumscape Corp trades at $6.34 (market cap $3.81B). The key difference: Illumina, Inc. is far larger — about 7.6× Quantumscape Corp's market cap, and Illumina, Inc. is trading nearer its 52-week high, Quantumscape Corp nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ILMN | QS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.96B | $3.81B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $205.10 | $18.44 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $4.89 |
Enterprise Value | $30.32B | $3.02B |
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.
QuantumScape (QS) trades at $6.075, up 9.86% in the last session, with a bullish technical signal overall despite mixed moving averages and oscillators. The company reported a net loss of $435.05 million in 2025, with negative ROE and ROA, and has no revenue as it develops solid-state battery technology. Recent news highlights partnerships with Volkswagen and Honda, but the stock fell 31% in July 2026 amid commercialization delays.
The outlook remains speculative, with potential upside tied to successful battery commercialization by 2029, but high execution risks and persistent losses warrant caution. Analyst sentiment is neutral to bearish, with 73% hold ratings, reflecting uncertainty over timelines and funding needs.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →QuantumScape Corp is engaged in the development of next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries for use in electric vehicles. It developed anode-less cell design, which delivers high energy density while lowering material costs and simplifying manufacturing.
Read more on QS →