Genomics stocks are companies involved in the study of genes to improve people's lives. These companies generally fall into one of three categories: genetic sequencing and analysis, genetic testing and diagnosis, and genetic editing.
With technological advancements dramatically improving the cost, accuracy, and time to map a person’s entire genome, many rapidly growing companies are emerging in the genomics sector. This doesn't always lead to financial rewards for investors, but there are several promising genomics stocks that could be long-term winners.
Best genomics stocks of 2026
1. Natera
NASDAQ: NTRA
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2. Quest Diagnostics
NYSE: DGX
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Quest Diagnostics (DGX -0.09%) isn't strictly a genomics stock. It's a diagnostics company with about 8,000 patient access points, the most extensive network in the U.S., and 2,000 Quest patient service centers. It also offers an extensive menu of over 3,500 tests.
In addition, Quest Diagnostics offers a customizable suite of molecular genetic solutions. These include:
- Disease-state and specialty-based genomic testing.
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS).
- Whole exome sequencing (WES).
One of the advantages of investing in Quest Diagnostics is that it's in a stronger financial position than most genomics stocks. It's profitable, with net income (TTM) of $963 million for the period ending Sept. 30, 2025. Revenue over that same period was $10.9 billion. It also returns some extra cash to investors in the form of a dividend.
3. Exact Sciences
NASDAQ: EXAS
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4. Ionis Pharmaceuticals
NASDAQ: IONS
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Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS +2.12%) develops RNA-targeted medicine to treat serious diseases. Along with Biogen (BIIB +0.98%), it developed Qalsody, the first medicine for the genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The FDA approved Qalsody in April 2023.
In 2025, Ionis successfully executed its first two independent launches. It plans to launch two more independent breakthrough therapies this year, which could lead to substantial revenue growth.
Ionis has taken a net loss (TTM) of $256 million for the period ending Sept. 30, 2025. While it hasn't been profitable so far, Ionis has several promising products in its drug pipeline and partnerships with large pharmaceutical companies, and it expects to achieve cash flow breakeven in 2028.
5. Illumina
NASDAQ: ILMN
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Illumina (ILMN -0.36%) develops DNA sequencing and array-based life sciences technologies. Its sequencing technology, sequencing by synthesis (SBS), uses a proprietary method to detect single bases as they're incorporated into growing DNA strands.
Sequencing volumes are growing for research use and clinical applications, including whole-genome sequencing, cancer testing, and recurrence monitoring. Illumina offers several popular sequencing products, most notably its NovaSeq X platform.
While Illumina's revenue has been flat recently, it's a profitable business, with $703 million in net income (TTM) for the period ending Sept. 30, 2025.
6. CRISPR Therapeutics
NASDAQ: CRSP
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CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -0.60%) develops gene-based medicines using its CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Along with its partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX -0.61%), CRISPR developed Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel), a gene therapy for treating sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. It was the first regulatory-approved cell-based gene therapy.
This is a high-risk, high-reward genomics stock. Revenue is still fairly small at $35 million (TTM), and it has taken a net loss of $488 million (TTM) for the period ending Sept. 30, 2025. However, CRISPR has a large pipeline that includes hemoglobinopathies, in vivo approaches, and regenerative medicine.
7. 10x Genomics
10x Genomics (TXG -3.23%) develops single cell and spatial gene sequencing technology. Its primary product lines are the Chromium Single Cell, Visium Spatial, and Xenium In Situ platforms.
Researchers use these platforms to analyze how cells function, identify rare cell types, and observe how cells interact. 10x Genomics' technology has applications across various fields, including oncology, immunology, and pharmaceutical products.
10x Genomics has been steadily building revenue and getting closer to profitability. It posted a net loss (TTM) of $76 million for the period ending Sept. 30, 2025.
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Investing in genomics stocks
Technological advancements have made genomics an exciting area for investment. All three broad categories encompassing genomics are expected to grow significantly as well. Here are recent forecasts:
- The global gene sequencing market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% and reach $101.9 billion by 2034, according to Towards Healthcare.
- The market for genetic testing services is expected to grow at a 22.6% CAGR and reach $91.3 billion by 2034, according to BioSpace.
- The gene-editing market is forecast to grow at a 17.0% CAGR and hit $45.0 billion by 2034, according to Towards Healthcare.
The rapid growth expected in the genomic segments means there could be many winners. Investors can start by picking a company from the segment they find most attractive. Alternatively, investors can consider a basket strategy of putting money into several companies and watching them closely over several years.
Remember that progress is frequently sporadic with genomics companies. A buy-and-hold strategy is essential to give your holdings time to mature and pay off.
Pros and cons of investing in genomics stocks
Here are the biggest benefits of investing in genomics stocks:
- Genomics as a whole has significant growth potential. As the projections earlier showed, double-digit growth is expected for all three genomics markets.
- Companies that make major breakthroughs in treatments, diagnostics, or gene therapies deliver outsize returns to investors.
- There's always a need for new, innovative medical treatments. Like other healthcare companies, genomics companies typically have a high demand for their products and services.
- In addition to healthcare, genomics also has other applications, including crime scene forensics and the improvement of agricultural products.
However, there are also some notable downsides to know about before you invest:
- Genomics stocks can be highly volatile. Prices often remain stagnant for long periods, then suddenly surge or plummet rapidly in response to a single piece of news, such as the outcome of a clinical trial.
- These aren't the easiest businesses to understand, considering many are founded by serious researchers, including Nobel Prize winners. Investors who want to stick to what they know often avoid this sector, unless they have experience in it themselves.
- Many genomics companies operate at a loss for years during research and development (R&D) phases. This is another reason they're high-risk investments.
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How to buy genomics stocks
When you know which genomics stock you want, here's how to invest in it:
- Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
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Investing in genomics stocks FAQ
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