GOOGL vs ILMN: Alphabet Inc. vs Illumina, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This GOOGL vs ILMN comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Alphabet Inc. and Illumina, Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Alphabet Inc. and Illumina, Inc. have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2004 to 2025 (22 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 22-year comparison period, Alphabet Inc. outperformed Illumina, Inc. in 13 years, while Illumina, Inc. outperformed Alphabet Inc. in 9 years.
GOOGL - Alphabet Inc.
ILMN - Illumina, Inc.
Overall Winner: GOOGL with an average annual return of 30.42% (vs 22.83% for ILMN)
Understanding GOOGL vs ILMN Performance
When comparing Alphabet Inc. and Illumina, Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Alphabet Inc. grew to $978,142, compared to $77,264 for Illumina, Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | GOOGL Return | GOOGL Cumulative | ILMN Return | ILMN Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2005 | +92.14% | $19,213.68 | +34.09% | $2,729.97 | +58.05% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2006 | +104.66% | $39,322.12 | +52.10% | $4,152.38 | +52.55% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2007 | +5.80% | $41,603.40 | +165.43% | $11,021.61 | -159.63% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2008 | +47.88% | $61,523.82 | +54.28% | $17,004.44 | -6.40% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2009 | -55.10% | $27,624.17 | -12.53% | $14,874.60 | -42.57% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2010 | +92.95% | $53,300.22 | +14.26% | $16,996.38 | +78.68% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2011 | -5.23% | $50,512.54 | +107.33% | $35,238.98 | -112.56% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2012 | +6.88% | $53,985.36 | -52.63% | $16,693.88 | +59.50% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2013 | +6.31% | $57,390.43 | +75.20% | $29,247.17 | -68.89% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2014 | +54.95% | $88,929.18 | +99.55% | $58,362.40 | -44.59% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2015 | -4.75% | $84,705.99 | +67.28% | $97,630.34 | -72.03% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2016 | +46.92% | $124,449.25 | +3.52% | $101,068.63 | +43.40% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2017 | +4.35% | $129,858.61 | -29.37% | $71,385.85 | +33.72% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2018 | +30.37% | $169,296.24 | +66.62% | $118,943.76 | -36.25% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2019 | -2.63% | $164,839.88 | +33.88% | $159,241.19 | -36.51% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2020 | +26.99% | $209,338.25 | +12.64% | $179,365.32 | +14.36% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2021 | +28.05% | $268,064.52 | +13.15% | $202,951.58 | +14.90% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2022 | +67.83% | $449,904.47 | +3.45% | $209,949.15 | +64.39% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2023 | -39.15% | $273,775.22 | -46.91% | $111,459.87 | +7.76% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2024 | +56.74% | $429,125.42 | -30.68% | $77,262.27 | +87.43% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2025 | +37.50% | $590,055.18 | -0.17% | $77,128.44 | +37.68% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
| 2026 | +65.77% | $978,141.75 | +0.18% | $77,263.94 | +65.60% (GOOGL) | GOOGL |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means GOOGL outperformed ILMN that year.
Company Profiles
Alphabet Inc.
GOOGL
Alphabet Inc. is a global technology conglomerate that serves as the parent company of Google and several other 'Other Bets' ventures. As of 2026, Alphabet is a vertically integrated AI powerhouse, leveraging its proprietary Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and Gemini 3 foundational models to dominate digital advertising, cloud infrastructure, and autonomous systems. Its ecosystem revolves around the 'Google Services' segment, which includes the world's most popular search engine, YouTube, and the Android operating system. The company is currently navigating a 'dual-track' reality: unprecedented growth in its AI-native cloud division and the commercial scaling of Waymo, balanced against significant regulatory shifts following U.S. antitrust mandates regarding search data sharing and default agreements.
Key Innovations
- ✓PageRank Algorithm (The foundation of modern search)
- ✓Tensor Processing Units (TPU v6) - Proprietary AI-accelerated silicon
- ✓Gemini 3 - Multi-modal, frontier-scale generative AI model
- ✓Waymo Driver - Level 4 fully autonomous driving technology
- ✓Transformer Architecture - The research breakthrough that enabled the modern LLM era
- ✓AlphaFold - AI-driven protein structure prediction for drug discovery
- ✓Project Suncatcher - Orbital data center technology testing
Business Segments
- Google ServicesThe largest revenue segment, encompassing Google Search, YouTube advertising and subscriptions (YouTube Premium/TV), the Android ecosystem, Chrome, Google Maps, and Google Play. This segment also includes hardware sales for the Pixel smartphone line and Nest smart home devices. In 2026, this division is characterized by the integration of 'Agentic AI' assistants that perform tasks on behalf of users.
- Google CloudProvides enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure (Google Cloud Platform) and productivity tools (Google Workspace). This segment is Alphabet's fastest-growing unit, offering specialized AI training clusters powered by TPU v6 and Axion processors. It serves as a critical partner for major enterprises and AI startups needing scalable compute and sovereignty-focused data residency.
- Other BetsA collection of high-growth, early-stage businesses. This includes Waymo (autonomous ride-hailing), Verily and Calico (health and life sciences), X (the 'moonshot' factory), and Wing (drone delivery). By 2026, Waymo has emerged as a significant top-line contributor following its expansion into dozens of major global metropolitan areas.
Illumina, Inc.
ILMN
Illumina, Inc. is an American biotechnology company that specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. It operates primarily in the life sciences tools and services sector, focusing on genomic sequencing and array-based solutions that are utilized by a wide range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical institutions globally.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneering and continuously advancing DNA Sequencing Platforms (e.g., NovaSeq, HiSeq, MiSeq, MiniSeq, iSeq, NextSeq) utilizing sophisticated technologies like bridge amplification and reversible terminators.
- ✓Introduction of the NovaSeq X Plus in September 2022, a high-throughput sequencing system capable of sequencing up to 20,000 genomes per year.
- ✓Development of a comprehensive bioinformatics suite and software solutions that facilitate the analysis and interpretation of vast amounts of genetic data.
- ✓Maintaining a dominant position in the genomics market, driven by its next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.
Business Segments
- Genomic SequencingProvides DNA sequencing platforms and consumables for various applications, including whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and RNA sequencing.
- Microarray SolutionsOffers microarrays for SNP genotyping, gene expression, and protein analysis, providing a cost-effective way to analyze genetic markers.
- Kits and ReagentsDevelops and supplies a comprehensive range of kits and reagents, including library preparation kits, for diverse DNA and RNA inquiries.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.