Pfizer vs. Gilead: Which Drugmaker Has the Stronger Growth Story?

Gilead Sciences reported Q2 2026 revenue of $7.8B, up 10% YoY, driven by HIV, oncology, and liver disease products. Product sales rose 8% to $7.6B. The company recorded a quarterly loss of $8.45 per share due to $11.2B in acquired R&D expenses. Gilead raised its 2026 product-sales guidance to $30.1-30.4B.

Pfizer (PFE) shares dropped 3% on Wednesday despite FDA approval for Ibrance in a new breast cancer treatment, as investors reacted to a failed lung cancer trial. Ibrance's approval is based on a trial showing a 24% reduction in cancer progression or death. PFE stock has fallen 5% year-to-date.

Pfizer (PFE) agreed to a confidential settlement program for 6,289 federal intracranial meningioma lawsuits related to Depo-Provera, with estimated payouts potentially exceeding $1.20 billion. The settlement clarifies legal exposure but does not alter near-term catalysts or long-term risks like pricing pressure. Pfizer projects $54.9 billion revenue and $9.2 billion earnings by 2029, with analysts offering varying outlooks.

Gilead Sciences (GILD) has partnered with Nucleai to use AI for analyzing tissue samples in oncology. The collaboration is seen as a potential boost to Gilead's oncology strategy. Gilead's share price is $146.12, with a 30-day return of 12.11% and a 1-year return of 30.63%. Analysts debate whether the stock is overvalued at $146.12 compared to a fair value of $128.38, or undervalued based on market multiples.

Pfizer (PFE) stock has risen 20.5% in the past year, despite flat revenue. The company faces a patent cliff, with $14B-$15B in revenue at risk, but new drugs like Padcev and NURTEC generated $3.2B in Q2 2026. Pfizer raised its 2026 revenue guidance midpoint by $500M, despite cutting COVID revenue expectations. The company aims for high single-digit revenue growth post-2028, with key trial results pending.

Pfizer (PFE) shares fell 2% after reporting mixed results from a late-stage trial of sigvotatug vedotin for non-small cell lung cancer. The drug did not meet the primary endpoint of overall survival in the overall population but showed positive trends in a key subgroup. The stock closed at $25.08 and dropped to $24.71 after hours.