Reviewed by Kate Leaman, Financial Journalist and Market Analyst. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
Comparative Analysis
Gilead Sciences (GILD) wins this head-to-head comparison against Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), primarily driven by its more attractive valuation and stronger recent earnings performance. While both companies operate in the pharmaceutical sector, GILD presents a more compelling investment case based on current metrics. GILD's ability to consistently beat earnings estimates and its lower forward P/E ratio, despite a negative net profit margin, suggests potential for a turnaround and undervaluation. BMY, while showing higher profitability margins, faces headwinds from a less favorable analyst sentiment and a higher valuation relative to its earnings potential. The technical indicators also lean towards GILD, indicating a potential shift in momentum.
Key Differentiator
The key differentiator between Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) is GILD's superior revenue growth and its more attractive valuation metrics, despite current profitability challenges. GILD's 10.2% revenue growth significantly outpaces BMY's 5.7%, and its technical indicators suggest a stronger upward momentum. While BMY leads in current profitability margins, GILD's ability to generate more revenue and its more positive analyst sentiment, coupled with a price closer to its 52-week high, points to a greater potential for upside and a more compelling turnaround story.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for Gilead Sciences (GILD) appears cautiously optimistic, driven by its strong revenue growth and improving technical momentum. If the company can translate its positive earnings surprises into improved profitability margins, its current valuation could prove to be a significant bargain. A sustained upward trend in price, supported by analyst sentiment, could see GILD challenge its 52-week high and move higher. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) faces a more uncertain outlook. While its profitability is strong, the mixed analyst ratings and current technical weakness suggest potential headwinds. A scenario where BMY meets its earnings expectations and its stock price breaks above its key moving averages could signal a resumption of its uptrend. However, any stumbles in earnings or revenue growth could lead to further downside pressure, especially given its higher dividend yield which may attract income-focused investors.
Price Analysis Comparison
Valuation Metrics i
Valuation Metrics: GILD vs BMY
Metric
GILD
BMY
P/E Ratio
N/A
12.48
Market Cap
190.38B
115.76B
Price/Sales
6.02
2.35
Price/Book
15.52
5.19
EV/EBITDA
14.23
8.01
Dividend Yield
2.12%
4.26%
Gilead Sciences (GILD) trades at a more attractive valuation compared to Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY). GILD's price is currently trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($145.82 and $137.70), indicating positive price action, and its current price of $153.54 is closer to its 52-week high of $157.29 than its low of $114.02. Its revenue growth of 10.2% outpaces BMY's 5.7%. GILD's net profit margin is negative at -10.64%, whereas BMY boasts a strong 18.87% net profit margin. However, GILD's return on assets at 14.09% is higher than BMY's 10.72%, suggesting better asset utilization despite the negative profitability.
Profitability & Efficiency i
Profitability & Efficiency: GILD vs BMY
Metric
GILD
BMY
Rev. Growth (Qtly)
10.20%
5.70%
Profit Margin
-10.64%
18.87%
Return on Equity
-20.68%
46.60%
Return on Assets
14.09%
10.72%
Debt/Equity
2.23
2.02
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) exhibits superior profitability metrics compared to Gilead Sciences (GILD). BMY boasts a net profit margin of 18.87% and a return on equity of 46.6%, indicating strong efficiency in converting revenue into profit and generating returns for shareholders. Its return on assets is also solid at 10.72%. In contrast, GILD is currently operating with a negative net profit margin of -10.64% and a negative return on equity of -20.68%. However, GILD's return on assets stands at a notable 14.09%, suggesting that while overall profitability is challenged, its assets are being utilized effectively. The stark difference in net profit margins and ROE highlights BMY's current advantage in operational profitability.
Earnings Reality Check i
GILD
Last 4 Qs: GILD beat estimates 4x out of 4. Fell 2x after beats. (Sell the news?)
BMY
Last 2 Qs: BMY beat estimates 2x out of 2. Fell 1x after beats. (Sell the news?)
Technical Indicators
Technical indicators: GILD vs BMY
Indicator
GILD
BMY
RSI (14)
61.04
40.83
50-Day MA
$145.82
$63.65
200-Day MA
$137.70
$59.58
Gilead Sciences (GILD) shows stronger technical momentum, with its Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 61.04, indicating firm upward momentum without being overbought. The Commodity Channel Index (CCI) at 95.91 further supports this positive trend. GILD's MACD value of 1.017 suggests a bullish crossover or strengthening upward trend. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), conversely, exhibits weaker technical signals. Its RSI is at 40.83, suggesting soft momentum, and its CCI is negative at -73.74, indicating bearish pressure. The MACD value of -1.571 points to a bearish trend. Both stocks have their stochastic oscillators in different zones; GILD's at 98.03 is in overbought territory, while BMY's at 37.47 is in neutral to soft momentum territory.
AI Analyst Sentiment
AI rating: CleaRank Financial AI's overall score for each asset, the same score shown on its own analysis page. It combines price trend and momentum with valuation, analyst and insider data where they exist.
GILD
Buy
AI Score: 73/100
BMY
Hold
AI Score: 55/100
Analyst sentiment slightly favors Gilead Sciences (GILD) over Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY). The analyst ratings for GILD are predominantly 'Buy' (16) and 'Strong Buy' (6), with only a few 'Hold' ratings and no 'Sell' ratings. BMY's analyst ratings are more mixed, with a significant number of 'Hold' ratings (17) compared to 'Buy' (6) and 'Strong Buy' (4). This suggests that while analysts see some upside for BMY, the conviction is stronger for GILD.
Risk Stratification i
Risk metrics: GILD vs BMY
Metric
GILD
BMY
Beta (Volatility) i
0.33
0.18
Sharpe Ratio
1.22
0.34
For Gilead Sciences (GILD), a primary risk is its negative net profit margin and return on equity, which, if sustained, could signal ongoing operational challenges or a need for significant restructuring. Despite positive earnings surprises, the market reaction has been negative in the most recent quarter, indicating investor skepticism about the sustainability of its recovery. Also, its high stochastic reading suggests it may be due for a pullback. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) faces risks related to its mixed analyst ratings and a higher proportion of 'Hold' recommendations compared to GILD, suggesting less conviction from the analyst community. While its profitability is strong, its current price is trading below key moving averages, indicating potential downward pressure. A significant risk for BMY would be a failure to meet its higher earnings expectations or a slowdown in its revenue growth, which could lead to a re-rating of its valuation.
Comparative ProTips
Monitor GILD's ability to improve its net profit margin and return on equity; a sustained turnaround here would validate the current valuation.
Consider BMY for its strong profitability and higher dividend yield, but be aware of the mixed analyst sentiment and current technical weakness.
For investors prioritizing growth and potential upside based on current momentum, GILD appears to be the more compelling choice, supported by revenue growth and technicals.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
In the median simulated path, $10,000 in GILD grows to about $19,200 and $10,000 in BMY to about $14,600 by 2036. The paths come from each asset's own historical volatility and trend; they are statistical outcomes, not forecasts.
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative3%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
GILD
Current: $153.54
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$145.86
Aggressive
$153.54
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$141.49
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5% from current
$161.22
+10% from current
$168.89
+15% from current
$176.57
BMY
Current: $59.14
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$56.18
Aggressive
$59.14
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$54.50
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. The verdict weighs trend, valuation and risk together. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss.
Note: The AI favored GILD based on relative valuation. This is valid for the specified timeframe only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stock, GILD or BMY, offers a better valuation?+
GILD presents a more attractive valuation with higher revenue growth (10.2% vs 5.7%) and technicals indicating stronger upward momentum. While BMY has superior current profitability, GILD's price action and revenue generation suggest better value.
What are the key profitability differences between GILD and BMY?+
BMY is significantly more profitable, with a net profit margin of 18.87% and ROE of 46.6%, compared to GILD's negative margins (-10.64% net profit, -20.68% ROE). However, GILD's ROA of 14.09% is higher than BMY's 10.72%.
Which stock has stronger technical momentum?+
GILD exhibits stronger technical momentum with an RSI of 61.04 and a positive MACD, indicating firm upward trend. BMY's RSI of 40.83 and negative MACD suggest weaker momentum.
How do the dividend yields compare between GILD and BMY?+
BMY offers a higher dividend yield of approximately 4.26%, compared to GILD's yield of about 2.12%. Investors seeking higher income would favor BMY based on this metric.
How have GILD and BMY performed over the past year?+
Over the 12 months to October 15, 2026, GILD's price rose 29.8% and BMY's rose 35.6%. These are price changes; dividends are not included.
Which is more volatile, GILD or BMY?+
BMY has been more volatile. Over the 30 days to October 15, 2026, GILD's annualized volatility was 24.0% and BMY's 28.1%, measured from daily closing prices.