Illumina, Inc. vs Unilever plc — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $189.49 (market cap $27.94B), while Unilever plc trades at $61.03 (market cap $131.86B). The key difference: Unilever plc is far larger — about 4.7× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and Unilever plc pays a 3.68% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ILMN | UL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $27.94B | $131.86B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $194.33 | $74.59 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $55.05 |
Enterprise Value | $29.33B | $157.31B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.68% |
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.
Unilever (UL) trades at $62.18, down 0.34% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. Recent quarterly earnings missed expectations, but the company maintains strong profitability with a 46.95% gross margin and 18.75% net margin. Key developments include a pending food business divestiture to McCormick and a $270 million innovation center investment, signaling strategic focus on core brands and digital transformation.
The outlook is mixed: valuation appears fair with a P/E of 21.15, but earnings misses and competitive pressures pose risks. Analyst consensus is cautious with 51% hold ratings. Long-term opportunities lie in emerging market growth and cost efficiencies, though near-term execution and macroeconomic headwinds require monitoring.
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 →Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →