With a net income margin of 31.00% and upside potential of 24.20%, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) ranks among the best extremely profitable stocks to buy according to Wall Street analysts. The company reported net income of $8.51 billion for the recently completed fiscal year (FY25). That momentum continued into 2026, drawing analyst attention.
A technician testing a newly developed immunotherapy drug in a clinical laboratory.
On May 8, 2026, Truist raised its price target on Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) to $157 from $155, while keeping a “Buy” rating on the shares. The firm pointed to the company’s Q1 top- and bottom-line beat, raised FY26 revenue guide, and continued strength in HIV portfolio, particularly Yeztugo.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)’s first-quarter update, released on May 7, 2026, provided context for Truist’s bullish view.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) earned $2.03 per share on an adjusted basis, $0.12 above the average estimate compiled by LSEG. Revenue moved 4% higher to $6.96 billion, also clearing Wall Street’s $6.91 billion consensus.
The HIV portfolio remained the company’s strongest growth driver.
Biktarvy sales rose 7% to $3.36 billion, modestly above the $3.32 billion estimate, while Descovy, an older HIV pill, saw its sales jump a stronger-than-expected 38% to $807 million. Yeztugo, the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection launched in the U.S. last year, posted first-quarter sales of $166 million, ahead of the $143 million forecast.
Management’s raised guidance reflected that strength. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) now expects Yeztugo sales of $1 billion for full-year 2026, up from its prior $800 million estimate. The company also raised its overall 2026 sales outlook by $400 million, putting the new range at $30 billion to $30.4 billion.
Meanwhile, the updated earnings outlook reflected acquisition-related charges rather than a change in the underlying forecast. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) now projects an adjusted loss of $0.65 to $1.05 per share for 2026, versus its earlier profit forecast of $8.45 to $8.85. CFO Andrew Dickinson said the adjustment incorporates an $11.5 billion second-quarter charge tied to the Arcellx, Ouro Medicines, and Tubulis acquisitions. Excluding that charge, the earnings forecast remains unchanged.
Truist said early Yeztugo persistency signals remain central to the company’s thesis for durable growth toward a $7 billion-plus peak revenue opportunity.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is a drug manufacturer that develops medicines for unmet medical needs. The company provides treatments for HIV-1, chronic hepatitis C, primary biliary cholangitis, chronic hepatitis B, and serious invasive fungal infections. It also offers T-cell and CAR T-cell therapies for adult patients, intravenous injections, and treatments for COVID-19.
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