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ARAY vs ILMN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Accuray (ARAY) vs. Illumina (ILMN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different scale and sector focus: ARAY is a radiation therapy equipment maker, while ILMN is a genomics and DNA-sequencing leader.
- Diverging momentum: Illumina is in a strong uptrend with accelerating revenue growth, while Accuray is managing a revenue decline and a balance-sheet turnaround.
- Profitability gap: Illumina is solidly profitable with expanding margins; Accuray posted a full-year operating loss and did not issue forward guidance.
- Shared China headwind: Both companies cite geopolitical, tariff, and China demand uncertainty as key risks.
- Catalysts differ: Accuray's story centers on restructuring and new partnerships, while Illumina's centers on clinical sequencing adoption.
Introduction
Investors comparing ARAY and ILMN are weighing two very different healthcare-technology profiles. Accuray supplies robotic radiation therapy systems such as CyberKnife, while Illumina dominates DNA sequencing and genomics analysis. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors assessing relative performance and market positioning between a smaller-cap turnaround candidate and a large-cap growth leader. Although both operate in healthcare and share exposure to China-related risks, their business models, momentum, and risk profiles differ sharply, making them a useful contrast for those evaluating where near-term opportunity and longer-term stability currently sit.
ARAY Overview and Recent Performance
Accuray Incorporated (ARAY) develops precision radiation therapy systems, including CyberKnife and Radixact, for oncology and radiosurgery. In recent market activity, the stock has been volatile, reflecting a company navigating both a financial restructuring and softer product demand. For its fiscal 2026, total revenue fell roughly 12% to about $402 million, with product revenue declining sharply as China sales weakened by roughly $58 million amid tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty. The company swung to a full-year operating loss and reported lower adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).
On the positive side, Accuray exceeded its transformation cost-savings target, strengthened its balance sheet through a transaction with TCW that converted debt into equity and added liquidity, and announced collaborations with Samsung to add imaging capabilities to CyberKnife. Service revenue, a more recurring part of the business, grew modestly. However, management withheld formal fiscal 2027 guidance, and order backlog declined, underscoring limited near-term visibility.
ILMN Overview and Recent Performance
Illumina (ILMN) provides sequencing and array-based technologies used in oncology, reproductive health, life sciences, and emerging genomics applications. Its shares have delivered a strong rally in recent market activity, with a year-to-date gain well above the broader market, driven by robust clinical sequencing demand and improving profitability. In its most recent quarter, revenue rose about 9.5% year over year, and management raised full-year revenue and adjusted EPS (earnings per share) guidance.
Growth has been led by the NovaSeq X platform and expanding clinical applications, with clinical markets representing a majority of sequencing consumables revenue. Illumina also completed the acquisition of SomaLogic, extending into proteomics. The company carries a moderate debt load with healthy liquidity, and continues share repurchases. Key risks include constrained China demand and a valuation that has drawn debate, as some analysts' price targets sit below the current share price after the stock's sharp advance.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between ARAY and ILMN is scale and stage. Illumina generates roughly $4.6 billion in annual revenue with positive earnings and expanding margins, while Accuray generates about $400 million and is working to restore profitability. Their growth drivers also differ: Illumina benefits from rising sequencing intensity and a large installed base that supports recurring consumables, whereas Accuray depends on capital-equipment orders that are more cyclical and exposed to hospital budgeting.
On momentum, Illumina has clear relative strength, while Accuray's trajectory is more uncertain as it digests a restructuring and lacks forward guidance. Risk profiles diverge as well: Illumina's chief risks are China regulation and a potentially stretched valuation, while Accuray faces leverage reduction, thinner margins, and order visibility. Both carry sector exposure to healthcare and to China-related headwinds, but their market sentiment currently reflects opposite phases of the cycle.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, revenue trajectory, and earnings stability, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward ILMN as the more favorable of the two. Illumina exhibits stronger and more durable upward momentum, positive profitability, and a clearer growth catalyst in clinical sequencing, whereas Accuray's setup is more event-driven and dependent on a still-unfolding turnaround. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: Accuray's partnerships and restructuring could improve its positioning, while Illumina's elevated valuation introduces downside risk. The AI verdict favors the stock with steadier trend signals and stronger fundamentals today.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ARAY is a Buy and ILMN is a StrongBuy.
ARAY's RSI Indicator is staying in oversold zone for 6 days
The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an uptrend is expected.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 10 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +12.91% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ARAY advanced for three days, in 156 of 214 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on ARAY as a result. In 88 of 99 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 89%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ARAY turned negative on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 45 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 90%.
ARAY moved below its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ARAY crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 15 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 88%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ARAY declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 85%.
ARAY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ARAY entered a downward trend on September 25, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 70 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.384) is normal, around the industry mean (2.874). P/E Ratio (-0.335) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.324). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.060) is also within normal values, averaging (11.052). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.070) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. ARAY’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 98 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ARAY’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock worse than average.
Aroon Indicator for ILMN shows an upward move is likely
ILMN's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 15, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 214 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 185 of the 214 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 86%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 42 of 58 cases where ILMN's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ILMN as a result. In 69 of 97 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +7.69% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ILMN advanced for three days, in 201 of 270 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ILMN moved out of overbought territory on October 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 26 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 26 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 58%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ILMN turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 57 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 39 of the 57 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ILMN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
ILMN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 24, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ILMN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 86 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (14.334) is normal, around the industry mean (66.046). P/E Ratio (49.981) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.422). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.355) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.843) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ILMN’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 89, placing this stock worse than average.
ARAY | ILMN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 95 | 88 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 70 Overvalued | 86 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 98 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 94 | 1 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 2 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ARAY's Valuation (70) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ILMN (86) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that ARAY’s stock grew similarly to ILMN’s over the last 12 months.
ARAY's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ILMN (100) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that ARAY’s stock grew similarly to ILMN’s over the last 12 months.
ILMN's SMR Rating (31) in the Biotechnology industry is significantly better than the same rating for ARAY (98) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that ILMN’s stock grew significantly faster than ARAY’s over the last 12 months.
ILMN's Price Growth Rating (1) in the Biotechnology industry is significantly better than the same rating for ARAY (94) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that ILMN’s stock grew significantly faster than ARAY’s over the last 12 months.
ILMN's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Biotechnology industry is in the same range as ARAY (10) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that ILMN’s stock grew similarly to ARAY’s over the last 12 months.
| ARAY | ILMN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 86% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 72% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 89% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 86% | 1 day ago 72% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 87% | 1 day ago 78% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 74% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 7 days ago 77% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 86% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 86% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ARAY’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while ILMN’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- ARAY’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ILMN’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ARAY’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ILMN’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ARAY’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
- ILMN’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ARAY (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а -21.76% price change this week, while ILMN (@Medical Specialties) price change was +0.55% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was -1.62%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.72%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.29%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was -3.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.63%, and the average quarterly price growth was +42.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
ARAY is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
ILMN is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical/Nursing Services (-1.62% weekly)The medical/nursing services includes companies that provide medical-related services such as ambulance services, dialysis centers, respiratory therapy, blood testing and rehabilitation services. DaVita Inc., Chemed Corporation and Guardant Health, Inc. are examples of companies in this industry.
@Medical Specialties (-3.29% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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ARAY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ARAY has been loosely correlated with ILMN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 41% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if ARAY jumps, then ILMN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ARAY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAY | 100% | -2.19% | ||
| ILMN - ARAY | 41% Loosely correlated | -4.76% | ||
| A - ARAY | 41% Loosely correlated | -2.17% | ||
| ICUI - ARAY | 40% Loosely correlated | +4.66% | ||
| NVST - ARAY | 39% Loosely correlated | +3.36% | ||
| WRBY - ARAY | 38% Loosely correlated | +0.16% | ||
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