SAN DIEGO - Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:ILMN), a leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced the successful completion of the spin-off of GRAIL, Inc., a healthcare company dedicated to early cancer detection. As of today, GRAIL is an independent entity and will commence trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol "GRAL" on Tuesday, June 25.
The distribution of GRAIL shares to Illumina shareholders was completed at 12:01 a.m. ET today, with Illumina retaining a 14.5% stake in GRAIL. For every six shares of Illumina stock held as of June 13, 2024, shareholders received one share of GRAIL common stock. Fractional shares were not distributed but sold on the market, with proceeds going to eligible Illumina shareholders.
Illumina's CEO, Jacob Thaysen, expressed confidence in GRAIL's future, emphasizing the company's continued support through sequencing technology and services. Illumina aims to focus on customer priorities and drive innovation in next-generation sequencing.
The company also announced that it will release its second-quarter 2024 results on August 6, followed by a virtual Strategy Update on August 13, which will outline plans for accelerating growth and operational excellence.
Financing the spin-off, Illumina drew a $750 million senior unsecured term loan on June 20, 2024, with a current borrowing rate of approximately 6.70%. These funds, along with cash reserves, were allocated to GRAIL's balance sheet as part of the divestment process.
Illumina advises shareholders to consult tax advisors regarding the federal, state, local, or foreign tax consequences of the spin-off. The company also plans to file an 8-K/A to provide historical unaudited pro forma financial information and will offer supplemental non-GAAP information on its investor relations website.
This move comes as both companies pursue their respective missions, with Illumina continuing to innovate in genomics and GRAIL focusing on its goal to transform cancer detection.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, Illumina has been the subject of several significant developments. Evercore ISI has adjusted its financial outlook for the company, reducing the price target to $175 from $195, but maintaining an Outperform rating.
The firm projects a standalone earnings per share (EPS) of over $4.50 for the fiscal year 2025, based on an estimated 6% organic growth. Meanwhile, Canaccord Genuity and Jefferies have both maintained a Hold rating on Illumina's shares.
Furthermore, Illumina has announced the spin-off of its healthcare company, GRAIL, which focuses on early cancer detection. This move, scheduled for June 24, will see Illumina shareholders receive one share of GRAIL for every six shares of Illumina they own. Post-spinoff, Illumina will retain a 14.5% stake in GRAIL. This development, however, may incur incremental charges ranging from $35 million to $50 million.
Finally, Illumina has appointed Everett Cunningham as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective from June 10. Cunningham brings over two decades of commercial leadership experience in healthcare technology, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals. This appointment is expected to bolster Illumina's market dominance in next-generation sequencing and enhance their offerings to meet customer demands.
InvestingPro Insights
Amidst the strategic corporate maneuver of spinning off GRAIL, Illumina's financial landscape presents a mixed picture. According to InvestingPro, Illumina is expected to see a growth in net income this year, which aligns with the company's optimistic outlook and could signal a positive trajectory following the spin-off.
This is further supported by analysts' predictions that the company will be profitable this year, a critical factor for investors to consider as they assess the impact of the recent corporate changes on the company's financial health.
On the data front, Illumina's market cap stands at $17.55 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the biotechnology sector. Still, the company has been operating with a negative P/E ratio, currently at -13.52, which indicates that it has not been profitable over the last twelve months. Despite this, the company maintains a strong gross profit margin of 65.72%, showcasing its ability to retain a substantial portion of revenue after accounting for the cost of goods sold.
Investors should note that Illumina operates with a moderate level of debt, which could be an essential factor in understanding the company's financial strategy post-spin-off. For those interested in deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers additional insights and tips, including 5 more InvestingPro Tips related to Illumina's financial metrics and future outlook. To access these valuable insights, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/ILMN and use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
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