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On Wednesday, Canaccord Genuity maintained a Hold rating on Illumina stock (NASDAQ:ILMN) with a steady price target of $115.00. The stock, currently trading at $88.02, sits above its 52-week low of $80.18 but well below its high of $156.66. According to InvestingPro, the company generated revenue of $4.37 billion in the last twelve months, though experiencing a slight decline of 2.93%. The firm’s analyst noted the recent board changes at Illumina, including the appointment of Keith Meister, Managing Partner at Corvex Management LP, effective March 28, 2025, and the election of Scott Gottlieb, M.D., Partner at New Enterprise Associates, as the new Chair of Illumina’s board. This follows the departure of Stephen MacMillan, Chairman, President, and CEO of Hologic (NASDAQ:HOLX), from his position as Chair of Illumina’s board.
The announcement of the board changes was made before markets opened on Tuesday. The analyst acknowledged the potential impact of activist investors on Illumina’s performance, citing past interest from figures such as Carl Icahn and companies like Roche in improving the company’s operations. InvestingPro data shows that while the company wasn’t profitable in the last twelve months, analysts expect net income growth this year. This is one of several key insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report, which provides detailed analysis of Illumina among 1,400+ top US stocks. Keith Meister’s background includes a tenure as CEO of Icahn Enterprises (NASDAQ:IEP) and involvement in shareholder activism, primarily outside the healthcare sector.
Canaccord’s analyst expressed a positive view on the progress made by Illumina under the leadership of CEO Jacob Thaysen but indicated that a wait-and-see approach is prudent. The firm is looking for stronger financial performance from Illumina before altering its stance. Despite recognizing efforts to expand into different ’omics’ areas and deepen clinical penetration, Canaccord remains on the sidelines for the time being. The company maintains a moderate debt level with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1, while its current ratio of 1.78 indicates adequate liquidity to meet short-term obligations.
In other recent news, Illumina has announced several significant developments. The company is preparing for a transition in its executive team as Chief Information Officer Carissa Rollins plans to retire in April 2025. This change marks a notable shift in Illumina’s leadership, with the company yet to name a successor. On the board front, Keith Meister, founder of Corvex Management, will join Illumina’s board of directors, while Scott Gottlieb, M.D., has been elected as the new Chair, replacing Stephen MacMillan. These board changes are seen as a response to interest from activist investors aiming to enhance the company’s performance.
In terms of financial outlook, Illumina’s management remains confident in achieving a $4.50 earnings per share by 2025, despite challenges such as potential revenue reductions from China. RBC Capital has adjusted its price target for Illumina stock to $128, down from $247, while maintaining an Outperform rating. Meanwhile, Evercore ISI reiterated its Outperform rating with a steady price target of $160, highlighting the potential for improved communication of Illumina’s pipeline opportunities. Canaccord Genuity, on the other hand, holds a more cautious stance with a Hold rating and a $115 price target, preferring to wait for stronger financial results before altering its position. These developments reflect ongoing strategic adjustments and investor interest in Illumina’s future trajectory.
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