Illumina Inc., based in San Diego, provides sequencing and array-based solutions for genetic analysis. The company's products and services are sold to genomic research centers, academic institutions, government and commercial laboratories, and hospitals, as well as to pharmaceutical, biotech, agrigenomics, and consumer genomics businesses. The company's portfolio of products and services is designed to accelerate and simplify genetic analysis. Illumina also invests in startup companies that are pursuing promising genomic-related opportunities. It has roughly 9,250 employees. ILMN shares are included in the S&P 500 index.

The last trading week of August started with a mixed bag. On Monday (8/26/2024), the Nasdaq and the Nasdaq 100 were dragged down from the start due to a tough day for semiconductors. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell 2.5% and was sitting on short-term support from its 10- and 21-day exponential moving averages. The SOXX has had a big recovery since the August 5 intraday low, so it's not surprising that some anxiety was building. Discretionary also fell due to weakness in Tesla. Energy led the 11 S&P 500 sectors, as crude oil (WTI) bounced for a third day. Crude was back up to $77/barrel from a low last week of $71.46. The oil chart is a mess, with prices chopping around from the low $60s to the mid-$90s since the summer of 2022. Other sector strength was seen from the defensive Staples and Utilities groups, with minor gains in Materials, Financials, and Communication Services. A fair amount of people in the financial world have said that the S&P 500's almost full recovery from the pullback in the second half of July into early August has been too fast. But quick recoveries and 'V' bottoms generally are quite bullish and often lead to additional all-time highs. On the weekly charts, we had quick recoveries in the latter part of 2023 and in April/May of this year. And let's not forget the recovery from the pandemic, the recovery in early 2019, the recovery in 2014, and the several recoveries in 2012.

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 (9% of 2023 sales) that enable lower-cost, focused genetic screening with primarily consumer and agricultural applications.

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 (9% of 2023 sales) that enable lower-cost, focused genetic screening with primarily consumer and agricultural applications.