Illumina, Inc. vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $189.68 (market cap $27.94B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $234.24 (market cap $96.00B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 3.4× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.48% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ILMN | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $27.94B | $96.00B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $194.33 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $29.33B | $118.73B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.48% |
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.
WM trades at $239.26, showing minimal daily movement with a slight 0.02% decline. The stock maintains a bullish technical outlook with strong moving average signals and trades near its pivot point of $241. Fundamentally, the company demonstrates solid revenue growth from $19.7B in 2022 to $25.2B in 2025, though recent quarters show mixed earnings performance with two misses and one beat against expectations.
WM presents a stable investment case with consistent dividend payments and strong analyst support (57% buy ratings), but faces challenges from elevated debt levels and valuation multiples. The consensus price target of $263.57 suggests 10% upside potential, though investors should monitor execution on earnings guidance and debt management in the coming quarters.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →