Gilead Beats Estimates as HIV and Liver Drugs Drive 4Q Growth

The Foster City-based company reported adjusted earnings of $1.86 per share, surpassing the $1.81 consensus estimate from analysts polled by FactSet. This performance marks a significant step up from the $1.42 per share recorded during the same period last year. While total product sales reached $7.9 billion, the growth was primarily anchored by the company's HIV and liver disease franchises. These gains helped mitigate the expected tapering of Veklury, Gilead’s antiviral for Covid-19, which saw lower demand compared to the height of the pandemic.

Pipeline Expansion and 2024 Outlook

Chief Executive Daniel O'Day highlighted a pivotal year ahead, noting that Gilead is positioned to broaden its portfolio with two new cancer therapies and an additional HIV treatment option. This expansion is central to the company’s efforts to diversify its revenue streams beyond its traditional dominance in antiviral medicine.

For the full year, Gilead provided a financial outlook that largely aligns with market expectations:

• Adjusted earnings per share are projected between $8.45 and $8.85.
• Total product revenue is expected to range from $29.6 billion to $30 billion.
• The guidance reflects ongoing investments in oncology and next-generation HIV prevention.

The results underscore Gilead's ability to maintain its market lead in infectious diseases while funding a capital-intensive shift into oncology. With analysts expecting full-year adjusted earnings of $8.79 per share, the company’s narrow guidance range suggests confidence in its operational execution despite the volatile nature of the global biotech market.