Illumina, Inc. vs Merck & Company, Inc. — Stock Comparison

Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) and Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.

Q·Score Winner
Illumina, Inc.
ILMN6.6/10vs 6.4/10

Illumina, Inc. narrowly edges Merck & Company, Inc. on Q·Score (6.6 vs 6.4 out of 10), led by Quality (8.5 vs 4.9) and Health (7.6 vs 7). Merck & Company, Inc. scores higher on Valuation, reflecting stronger P/E and price-target positioning. Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for MRK (+6.4%) than for ILMN (-8.8%).

Price Performance

Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.

Loading…
ILMNMRK

Q·Score Breakdown

6.6
Neutral
Overall
6.4
Neutral
8.5
Quality
4.9
7.6
Health
7
6.4
Growth
6.4
3.9
Valuation
7
6
Sentiment
7.4
ILMN

High-quality business with 32% return on equity and 18% profit margins.

valuation metrics above sector average.

MRK

71% of 28 covering analysts have a positive rating.

weak profitability metrics drag quality score.

Analyst Consensus

Neutral
-8.8%
Target $202.65
20 analysts
Bullish
+6.4%
Target $152.96
26 analysts

Fundamentals

ILMN
MRK
41.5×
Trailing P/E
115.0×
36.4×
Forward P/E
15.1×
18.34%
Profit Margin
4.77%
67.93%
Gross Margin
75.90%
32.34%
ROE
6.96%
9.40%
Revenue Growth
5.10%
-9.40%
Earnings Growth
1.47
Beta
0.23
Dividend Yield
2.35%
$33.6B
Market Cap
$354.8B
52-Week Range
ILMN
$8893% of range$232
MRK
$7883% of range$157

Frequently Asked Questions

ILMN vs MRK: which stock scores better overall?

Based on Q·Score, Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) scores 6.6/10 versus Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) at 6.4/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.

Which has better revenue growth: ILMN or MRK?

Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) scores higher on Growth (6.4/10 vs 6.4/10). Illumina, Inc. reports revenue growth (9.4% YoY) while Merck & Company, Inc. reports (5.1% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.

Is ILMN or MRK more attractively valued?

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Valuation (7/10 vs 3.9/10). ILMN trades at 36.4× P/E versus MRK at 15.1×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.

What do analysts say about ILMN vs MRK?

There are 20 analysts covering ILMN with a consensus price target of $202.65, and 26 analysts covering MRK with a consensus target of $152.96. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.

Which is more profitable: ILMN or MRK?

Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) scores higher on Quality (8.5/10 vs 4.9/10). Net profit margin: ILMN at 18.3%, MRK at 4.8%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.

Which has stronger financial health: ILMN or MRK?

Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) scores higher on Financial Health (7.6/10 vs 7/10). Market beta: ILMN at 1.47, MRK at 0.23. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.

What are the market caps of ILMN and MRK?

Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) has a market capitalisation of $33.6B, while Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) has a market cap of $354.8B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.

Do ILMN or MRK pay dividends?

ILMN does not currently pay a dividend, while MRK pays a dividend yield of 2.35%. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.

Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →

Data provided by Yahoo Finance ·  Updated on each page load ·  For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Quantify.biz © 2026