In the pharmaceutical industry, GSK ranks as one of the largest firms by total sales... Show more
GSK plc (formerly GlaxoSmithKline) is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical and vaccines companies, and its third-quarter results offer a key read on whether its specialty medicines strategy is offsetting pressure in its legacy vaccines and general medicines franchises. With the company navigating the gradual loss of exclusivity on its dolutegravir-based HIV portfolio between 2028 and 2030, investors are closely watching how newer launches in oncology, respiratory, and hepatitis B perform. This quarter's report also matters because it tests the durability of GSK's 2031 sales target of more than £40 billion and its ability to sustain shareholder returns through dividends.
For the three months ended 30 September 2026, GSK reported total turnover of £8,887 million, up 4% at actual exchange rates and 5% at constant exchange rates. Core operating profit rose 5% at constant exchange rates to £3,076 million, while core EPS (a non-IFRS measure that excludes certain restructuring and other items) increased 1% to 54.6 pence, ahead of the company-compiled analyst consensus of 50.4 pence.
Specialty Medicines delivered sales of £3.9 billion, up 15%, driven by HIV sales of £2.1 billion (+10%), Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation of £1.1 billion (+21%), and Oncology of £0.6 billion (+23%). Vaccines sales declined 2% to £2.6 billion, with Shingrix down 5% to £0.8 billion and Arexvy down 24% to £0.2 billion, partially offset by a 12% rise in meningitis vaccines. General Medicines were broadly stable at £2.4 billion, with Trelegy up 8%.
Reported (total) operating profit fell 16% to £2,127 million and total EPS fell 21% to 38.5 pence, reflecting £328 million of restructuring charges under the Accelerate Growth programme. Cash generated from operations was £3.1 billion, with free cash flow of £2.1 billion. GSK reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance and declared a third-quarter dividend of 17 pence per share.
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Despite a top-and-bottom-line beat, GSK shares traded lower in early activity following the release, suggesting investors focused on the decline in reported profit and the softer performance in the vaccines franchise rather than the stronger core results. The 21% drop in total EPS, driven largely by restructuring charges, and the continued pressure on Arexvy and Shingrix weighed on sentiment even as Specialty Medicines momentum remained robust. The reaffirmed full-year guidance provided reassurance on the operational outlook, but the market's initial response underscores how closely investors are watching the transition toward higher-growth specialty and oncology products.
GSK reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, expecting turnover growth of 3% to 5% and core operating profit and core EPS growth of 7% to 9% at constant exchange rates. Management indicated it is tracking toward the upper half of its turnover and core operating profit ranges, while core EPS growth is expected toward the lower half of the range. The company also reiterated its 2031 sales outlook of more than £40 billion.
Several catalysts warrant attention in the quarters ahead. The launch of Hibsago, a first-of-its-kind finite treatment for chronic hepatitis B approved in the US and Japan, represents a significant long-term growth opportunity. In oncology, Jideytro has now launched in non-small cell lung cancer, and Jemperli gained an expanded indication in locally advanced rectal cancer. GSK is also on track to initiate 22 phase III trials in 2026, with 18 already started.
Investors should also monitor the ongoing decline in Arexvy, pricing pressures in the US, and the gradual impact of dolutegravir loss of exclusivity beginning in 2028. Cost discipline from the Accelerate Growth programme and the trajectory of newer specialty launches will be central to whether GSK can sustain its growth momentum while maintaining its dividend policy, which targets 70 pence per share for the full year 2026.
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a manufacturer of vaccines and other pharmaceutical products
Industry PharmaceuticalsMajor