Is IQVIA a Better Buy Than Illumina?
Illumina surged 30% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer IQVIA gives you more. IQVIA (IQV) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Illumina (ILMN) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in IQV
- IQV’s quarterly revenue growth was 5.2%, vs. ILMN’s 0.4%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 3.8%, ahead of ILMN’s -2.3%.
- IQV’s 3-year average margin is stronger: 13.8% vs. ILMN’s 6.6%.
A single stock can be risky, but there is a huge value to a broader, diversified approach we take with the Trefis High Quality Portfolio. That is one way to look at stocks. The Trefis High Quality Portfolio evaluates much more, and is designed to reduce stock-specific risk while giving upside exposure.
ILMN provides sequencing and array-based genomic analysis solutions, supporting research and clinical markets worldwide through direct sales in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. IQV provides advanced analytics, technology, and clinical research services, including cloud applications, project management, clinical trial support, virtual trials, and strategic planning for the life sciences industry globally.
Valuation & Performance Overview
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| ILMN | IQV | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 23.3 | 16.1 | IQV |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 0.4% | 5.2% | IQV |
| Last 12 Months | -2.3% | 3.8% | IQV |
| Last 3 Year Average | -3.0% | 3.6% | IQV |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 18.6% | 14.2% | ILMN |
| Last 3 Year Average | 6.6% | 13.8% | IQV |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | -47.8% | -4.3% | IQV |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: ILMN Revenue Comparison | IQV Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: ILMN Operating Income Comparison | IQV Operating Income Comparison
But do these numbers tell the full story? Read Buy or Sell IQV Stock to see if IQVIA’s edge holds up under the hood or if Illumina still has cards to play (see Buy or Sell ILMN Stock).
Historical Market Performance
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| ILMN Return | 12% | 3% | -47% | -31% | -1% | -9% | -62% | ||
| IQV Return | 16% | 57% | -27% | 13% | -15% | 8% | 38% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 111% | <=== | |
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| ILMN Win Rate | 58% | 67% | 25% | 33% | 50% | 40% | 46% | ||
| IQV Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 42% | 33% | 50% | 50% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 70% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| ILMN Max Drawdown | -37% | -6% | -53% | -54% | -27% | -47% | -38% | ||
| IQV Max Drawdown | -46% | -3% | -39% | -14% | -17% | -30% | -25% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -12% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year up to 11/10/2025 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read IQV Dip Buyer Analyses and ILMN Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Whatever your view on either of these stocks, investing in one or two stocks remains a risky proposition. Instead, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 — the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.