Gilead buys USD 1.275 billion program: BofA raises target for Gilead Sciences stock to USD 172
Published on 10/23/2026 at 10:59 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSPipeline and earnings
- Gilead agreed to acquire HCXT-2001 for USD 1.275 billion on October 22, 2026.
- Second-quarter revenue reached USD 7.80 billion versus USD 7.40 billion consensus on August 3, 2026.
- Gilead Sciences stock trades at EUR 139.23 at 10:49 a.m. CEST at Lang & Schwarz on October 23, 2026, 0.21 percent above the Xetra close of October 22, 2026.
Gilead Sciences (ISIN US3755581036) agreed to acquire PepStar Therapeutics' oral IL-23R inhibitor program, including HCXT-2001, for USD 1.275 billion in upfront cash on October 22, 2026. The company said the Phase 1 asset expands its inflammation pipeline, while the transaction is expected to reduce fourth-quarter 2026 GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share by USD 0.79 to USD 0.83, according to Gilead Sciences.
Three events reshape the pipeline
On August 3, 2026, Gilead reported second-quarter revenue of USD 7.80 billion versus USD 7.40 billion consensus, according to Investing.com. On October 20, 2026, BofA Securities raised its target from USD 168.00 to USD 172.00 while retaining a Buy rating, the same report said. On October 22, 2026, Gilead announced the USD 1.275 billion PepStar transaction in its release.
What does the deal mean for earnings?
The immediate cost is clear: Gilead expects the acquisition to reduce fourth-quarter 2026 GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share by USD 0.79 to USD 0.83. The offset is strategic rather than near-term, because HCXT-2001 is still in Phase 1 and gives Gilead worldwide rights to an oral IL-23R program for inflammatory bowel disease and potentially psoriasis.
Next reporting date is October 29
Gilead is scheduled to release third-quarter 2026 results and guidance on October 29, 2026, after the market closes, with management's webcast set for 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, according to Gilead Sciences. That update will test whether the second-quarter revenue acceleration is carrying into the next reporting period.
Stock trades near its yearly high
Gilead Sciences stock was trading at EUR 139.23 at Lang & Schwarz on October 23, 2026, at 10:49 a.m. CEST, 0.21 percent above the Xetra close of October 22, 2026 at EUR 138.94. The Xetra quote's 52-week range was EUR 98.96 to EUR 142.80 as of October 23, 2026, placing the reference price EUR 3.57 below the high.
The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of Gilead Sciences stock.
Gilead Sciences market facts
- Company: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
- ISIN: US3755581036
- WKN: 885823
- Ticker: GILD
- Primary exchange: Nasdaq
- Price Lang & Schwarz (as of October 23, 2026, 10:49 a.m. CEST): EUR 139.23
- Change versus Xetra close: plus 0.21 percent
- Xetra close (October 22, 2026): EUR 138.94
- Market capitalization: EUR 173.5 billion (as of October 23, 2026)
- 52-week range: EUR 98.96-EUR 142.80 (as of October 23, 2026)
- Sector / Industry: Healthcare / Drug Manufacturers - General
Market context: Market report S&P 500.
