10-K/APeriod: FY2002

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. Annual Report (Amendment), Year Ended Dec 31, 2002

Filed May 8, 2003For Securities:GILD

Summary

Gilead Sciences, Inc. reported significant revenue growth in 2002, driven primarily by the strong performance of Viread, an HIV treatment launched in late 2001. Total revenues reached $466.8 million, a substantial increase from $233.8 million in 2001, with Viread sales accounting for 53% of product sales. While AmBisome, an antifungal, also contributed significantly, its sales growth slowed, and declining U.S. sales were offset by European growth. The company completed the acquisition of Triangle Pharmaceuticals in January 2003, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its product pipeline, particularly in antivirals. The company ended 2002 with a strong liquidity position, holding $942.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. This was bolstered by a $345 million issuance of convertible senior notes. Despite investments in R&D and sales/marketing to support new product launches and market expansion, Gilead demonstrated improving operational profitability, moving from an operating loss in 2001 to an operating income of $81 million in 2002. The company's financial health appears robust, with a clear focus on growth through its key infectious disease treatments and strategic acquisitions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Viread (HIV treatment) sales surged to $225.8 million in 2002, becoming the company's leading product and representing 53% of total product sales, up from 8% in 2001.
  • 2Total revenues grew by 100% to $466.8 million in 2002, primarily driven by Viread's strong market uptake following its U.S. launch in late 2001.
  • 3The company successfully acquired Triangle Pharmaceuticals in January 2003, signaling a strategic move to enhance its product pipeline and development capabilities.
  • 4Gilead maintained a strong liquidity position, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $942.4 million at the end of 2002, supported by a significant $345 million convertible senior notes issuance.
  • 5Operating income turned positive in 2002, reaching $81 million, a significant improvement from an operating loss of $120.7 million in 2001, reflecting improved sales and cost management.
  • 6AmBisome sales increased 13% to $185.7 million in 2002, though its contribution to total product sales decreased as Viread's share grew.
  • 7The company's gross profit margin improved to 83.6% in 2002, up from 77.1% in 2001, largely due to a favorable shift in product mix towards the higher-margin Viread.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Gilead's revenue growth in 2002 was the strong performance of Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), its HIV treatment, which was launched in the U.S. in October 2001 and the European Union in February 2002. Viread sales reached $225.8 million in 2002, significantly contributing to the company's total revenue of $466.8 million.

Gilead completed the acquisition of Triangle Pharmaceuticals in January 2003. This acquisition is a strategic move to expand Gilead's product pipeline and development capabilities, particularly in antiviral drug candidates. The company anticipates recording a substantial portion of the purchase price as in-process research and development expense, indicating a focus on future growth and innovation.

Gilead's financial position was strong at the end of 2002, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $942.4 million. The company also issued $345 million in 2% convertible senior notes in December 2002, further enhancing its liquidity. The company stated that its existing capital resources, supplemented by operational cash flow, are expected to be adequate for its foreseeable future capital needs.

Gilead faces several risks, including reliance on key products like Viread and AmBisome, competition in the HIV and antifungal markets, risks associated with the integration of acquired companies like Triangle, regulatory approval processes, potential changes in government legislation and reimbursement programs, international credit risks, compulsory licensing and generic competition, and foreign currency fluctuations.