10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2000

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2000

Filed August 14, 2000For Securities:GILD

Summary

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) reported its second quarter and first half results for the period ending June 29, 2000. While the company continues to experience revenue growth, driven primarily by its antifungal drug AmBisome, it remains unprofitable. Total revenues for the second quarter increased by 15% year-over-year to $50.0 million, and for the first half, revenues grew 16% to $95.2 million. This growth was fueled by strong AmBisome sales and increased royalty revenues from Tamiflu, which received FDA approval in late 1999. Despite revenue increases, Gilead's net loss widened in the second quarter to $4.2 million from $11.7 million in the prior year, and for the first half, the net loss was $9.9 million compared to $27.2 million in the prior year, indicating an improvement in loss reduction. The company's cash position remains substantial, bolstered by a recent conversion of convertible subordinated debentures into common stock, which is expected to significantly reduce future interest expenses. Gilead continues to invest heavily in research and development, focusing on treatments for HIV, Hepatitis B, and bacterial infections.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 15% to $50.0 million for the second quarter of 2000 and by 16% to $95.2 million for the first six months of 2000, compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Product sales, driven by AmBisome, saw a 12% increase for the second quarter to $38.0 million and a 13% increase for the first half to $74.3 million.
  • 3Royalty revenues significantly increased, particularly from Tamiflu, contributing $3.7 million in Q2 2000 and $9.1 million in the first half of 2000, compared to no Tamiflu royalties in the prior year.
  • 4Net loss for the second quarter was $4.2 million, an improvement from the $11.7 million loss in Q2 1999. The six-month net loss was $9.9 million, down from $27.2 million in the prior year.
  • 5Research and development expenses remained stable year-over-year at $27.3 million for the second quarter and increased slightly to $53.3 million for the first half, indicating continued investment in pipeline development.
  • 6Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by 8% for the second quarter and 14% for the first half, attributed to merger-related cost savings and discontinuation of certain development programs.
  • 7In a subsequent event, Gilead's $79.5 million in convertible subordinated debentures were converted into approximately 1.78 million shares of common stock, which will eliminate significant future interest expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilead Sciences is currently operating at a loss. While revenue is growing, the company has not yet achieved profitability on a full-year basis. The net loss for the second quarter of 2000 was $4.2 million, an improvement from the $11.7 million loss in the same period of 1999, and the six-month net loss was $9.9 million, down from $27.2 million in the prior year.

Revenue growth is primarily driven by the sales of its antifungal drug, AmBisome, which accounted for the vast majority of product sales. Additionally, royalty revenues have seen a significant increase, particularly from Tamiflu, a drug co-developed with Roche and approved by the FDA in late 1999.

Gilead continues to invest heavily in research and development, with R&D expenses remaining relatively stable year-over-year. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses have decreased due to cost savings from the NeXstar merger and the discontinuation of certain programs. The company is focusing its R&D efforts on key areas like HIV, Hepatitis B, and bacterial infections.

The conversion of $79.5 million in convertible subordinated debentures into common stock is a significant positive development. It will eliminate approximately $5 million in annual interest expenses, thereby improving future profitability and reducing the company's financial leverage.