Gilead Sciences develops and markets therapies to treat and prevent life-threatening infectious diseases, with the core of its portfolio focused on HIV and hepatitis B and C... Show more
Gilead Sciences has spent recent quarters reshaping its portfolio beyond its legacy HIV and liver disease franchises, pushing deeper into oncology and inflammation through sizable acquisitions. The second quarter of 2026 tested that strategy: a massive acquisition-related charge distorted reported earnings, while underlying demand across the core business remained strong. For investors, the report mattered because it clarified whether the company's base business — led by Biktarvy, Descovy, and the new PrEP therapy Yeztugo — could sustain growth even as cell therapy and COVID-related Veklury sales declined. The results also signaled how quickly Gilead is converting its pipeline investments into commercial momentum.
Gilead reported total second-quarter 2026 revenue of $7.80 billion, a 10% increase from $7.08 billion in the year-ago quarter and above the consensus estimate of roughly $7.37 billion. Total product sales rose 8% to $7.6 billion, while product sales excluding Veklury increased 10%.
Adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted loss per share was $6.75, better than the consensus estimate of a $7.07 loss. The loss was driven almost entirely by $11.2 billion in acquired IPR&D (in-process research and development) expenses related to the acquisitions of Arcellx, Tubulis, and Ouro Medicines. On a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis, Gilead posted a diluted loss of $6.82 per share.
Segment performance highlighted the quarter. HIV product sales increased 12% to $5.7 billion, led by Biktarvy at $3.8 billion (up 7%) and Descovy at $967 million (up 48%). Yeztugo contributed $232 million in its early launch, helping push quarterly PrEP sales above $1 billion for the first time. Liver disease sales grew 10% to $877 million, and Trodelvy rose 26% to $457 million. Offsetting these gains, cell therapy sales fell 14% to $417 million amid competitive pressure, and Veklury sales dropped 81% to $23 million as COVID-related hospitalizations declined.
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Investor reaction to Gilead's report centered on the strength of the underlying base business rather than the headline loss. Because the $11.2 billion acquired IPR&D charge is a non-recurring item tied to deal activity, market participants largely looked through it to assess core operating performance. The revenue beat, driven by HIV and PrEP momentum, plus upwardly revised full-year guidance, supported a constructive tone around the stock. Sentiment also reflected confidence in Yeztugo's early launch, with management noting that more than 70% of users returned for reinjection at six months. At the same time, continued declines in cell therapy and the shrinking Veklury franchise remained areas of scrutiny for investors weighing the durability of growth.
Following the second-quarter report, management raised its full-year 2026 outlook. Product sales excluding Veklury are now expected in the range of $29.8 billion to $30.1 billion, up $350 million at the midpoint, while total product sales guidance was lifted to $30.1 billion to $30.4 billion. HIV sales growth is now projected at 9% to 10%, up from 8%, with Yeztugo still targeted at approximately $1 billion for the year and the PrEP franchise operating at a roughly $4 billion annualized run rate.
Investors will likely watch several catalysts in the coming months. The potential approval and launch of BIC/LEN in HIV treatment and anito-cel in multiple myeloma — the latter with a regulatory decision expected by late December — could add new commercial products. Integration of the recently acquired Arcellx, Tubulis, and Ouro Medicines platforms will also be a key execution focus, with management signaling no additional sizable M&A (mergers and acquisitions) is anticipated in 2026.
On the downside, cell therapy sales are now expected to decline by a mid-teens percentage for the full year, and Veklury expectations were trimmed to approximately $300 million. Cost trends, including higher HIV promotional spending and acquisition-related integration expenses, will also bear watching as investors assess margin trajectory alongside top-line growth.
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a developer of therapeutic products and treatments for life threatening diseases
Industry PharmaceuticalsMajor