5 Best Low Volatility Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now

3. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.40

On April 7, Leerink reiterated an Outperform rating on Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD), after the company announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Tubulis in a deal valued at up to $5 billion. The firm views the acquisition positively, pointing to both the strategic fit and the terms of the deal. Gilead is set to gain a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate with potential in ovarian cancer, along with another earlier-stage ADC candidate. The deal also brings access to next-generation ADC technologies. Leerink noted that this goes beyond a typical oncology add-on, seeing broader platform value, including potential use in areas such as virology.

Also on April 7, RBC Capital raised its price recommendation on Gilead to $123 from $118, while keeping a Sector Perform rating. The update came as part of its Q1 preview for the biotech sector. The analyst said Q1 may face some seasonal pressure, including gross-to-net adjustments, reimbursement resets, and fewer selling days. Weather-related disruptions could add to that, especially for in-clinic treatments and new product launches. At the same time, the note pointed to a pickup in M&A activity and more clarity around tariff and Most Favored Nation drug pricing impacts. These factors, in the firm’s view, could help balance near-term pressures and support overall sentiment in the sector.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) develops treatments for serious diseases. Its work spans HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammation.