Why Cathie Wood Is Loading Up on This Hot Growth Stock (And Should You?)
On July 22, Wood's ARK's Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) bought 31,265 shares of Illumina, amounting to nearly $2.98 million, bringing the total investment in the company to $32 million. It is the ETF's 15th largest holding, comprising 2.8% of the overall portfolio.
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Let's find out if investors should follow Wood's lead and buy Illumina stock here.
A High-Conviction Bet on the Future of Medicine
Valued at $16.6 billion, Illumina is a biotechnology company that specializes in genome sequencing, or the process of reading and analyzing DNA. It manufactures machines (sequencers), software, and chemical kits that are used to decode the genetic material (DNA) of humans, animals, plants, and bacteria. Illumina's technology is used in hospitals and clinics, by cancer researchers, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural scientists, academics, and research institutions, among others. Some of its products include the NovaSeq X Series, iScan System, iSeq 100 System, Illumina DNA Prep, Illumina Stranded mRNA Prep, and many others.
Illumina's stock price has dropped significantly since its 2021 highs, falling from above $500 to around the $100-$120 range by mid-2025. Much of this decline can be attributed to a series of self-inflicted wounds, most notably its controversial acquisition of cancer detection company Grail. However, with the Grail divestment in 2024 and a new CEO, Jacob Thaysen, in charge, Illumina appears to be refocusing on its core business of making genome sequencing cheaper, faster, and more accessible.
Why the Timing Matters Now
Wood is known for buying when volatility is high, particularly when she believes the market has overcorrected due to near-term concerns. Following the Grail divestment, leadership change, and a multi-quarter slump in revenue growth, investor sentiment is bearish on Illumina stock, explaining the nearly 20% drop year-to-date. However, Wood saw this as an opportunity to stock up on this rising genomic star.
Illumina's financial performance appears to be stabilizing. For a growth investor like Wood, who prefers to overlook short-term earnings volatility in favor of long-term potential, these improvements are a welcome sign that the company is on the right track. In the first quarter, while revenue growth dipped slightly by 1.4%, the company improved its margins and reduced unnecessary expenses. Illumina exceeded revenue expectations and reaffirmed full-year guidance. Adjusted gross margins increased to 67.4% as a result of improved manufacturing efficiency and lower R&D costs.
Adjusted earnings per share fell to $0.97 from $0.98 in the prior year's quarter. Remaining performance obligations (RPO) totaled $891 million, of which Illumina expects to generate 83% in revenue over the next year. With a reasonable debt-equity ratio of 0.63x, Illumina's balance sheet is stable. The company also generated a positive free cash flow of $208 million during the quarter.
Illumina will report its second-quarter earnings on July 31. Analysts expect revenue of $1.05 billion on earnings per share of $1.01. Analysts predict a 3% drop in revenue for the full year but earnings growth of 72.9% to $4.24 per share, with an additional 9.5% increase expected in 2026.
Another factor that may have influenced ARK's decision to increase its stake in Illumina is valuation. The stock is currently trading at 22 times forward earnings for 2026 and three times forward sales.
Illumina has the world's largest genomics dataset, giving the company a competitive advantage. Many of Illumina's future revenue streams, including large-scale population sequencing contracts and new clinical applications in oncology and rare diseases, are not fully priced into current projections. This reasonable valuation represents a buying opportunity for a growth stock with excellent long-term prospects.
What Is Wall Street Saying About Illumina Stock?
Overall, the consensus on Illumina stock is a 'Moderate Buy.' Of the 22 analysts covering the stock, nine recommend a 'Strong Buy,' one suggests a 'Moderate Buy,' nine rate it a 'Hold,' one says it is a 'Moderate Sell,' and two have given it a 'Strong Sell' rating. The stock is trading close to its average target price of $106.83. However, the high price estimate of $185 suggests a rally of over 76.8% from current levels.
The Key Takeaway
Wood's stake in Illumina is a calculated investment based on extensive research, long-term vision, and a firm belief in the power of genomics to transform healthcare. Now, with a lower cost structure, a clear path back to profit growth, and exciting new products on the market, Illumina is poised for a turnaround. For investors with patience and a long horizon, Illumina stock represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to invest in genomic infrastructure.
On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
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