10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed November 2, 2007For Securities:GILD

Summary

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) reported strong third-quarter and year-to-date results for 2007, demonstrating robust revenue growth driven by its HIV product portfolio. Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, surged to $3.14 billion, a significant increase from $2.13 billion in the prior year period. This growth was primarily fueled by exceptional performance in HIV products, with sales reaching $2.27 billion, up 53% year-over-year, led by strong sales volume of Truvada and the rapidly growing Atripla. The company also saw positive contributions from Hepsera and AmBisome, with respective sales increases of 37% and 18%. Royalty revenue, largely from Tamiflu sales by Roche, also saw a substantial 40% increase for the nine-month period. Despite the strong revenue growth, product gross margin declined from 85% to 80% year-over-year for the nine-month period, largely attributed to a higher proportion of Atripla sales, which have a lower gross margin due to the consolidation of the Sustiva component from a joint venture. Gilead's balance sheet shows a healthy increase in cash and marketable securities to $2.22 billion, supported by strong operating cash flows. The company also completed the acquisition of Nycomed Limited in September 2007, expanding its manufacturing capabilities. The company's ongoing investment in research and development, with R&D expenses rising 49% for the nine-month period, underscores its commitment to pipeline development across various therapeutic areas, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 49% to $3.14 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.
  • 2HIV product sales grew by 53% to $2.27 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, driven by strong performance of Truvada and Atripla.
  • 3Atripla sales showed explosive growth, increasing by 841% to $643.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
  • 4Royalty revenue increased by 40% to $407.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to higher Tamiflu royalties.
  • 5Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was $1.21 billion, a substantial increase from $475.7 million in the prior year, although the product gross margin decreased from 85% to 80%.
  • 6Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities grew by 60% to $2.22 billion as of September 30, 2007, reflecting strong operational cash generation.
  • 7The company acquired Nycomed Limited in September 2007 to enhance its manufacturing operations in Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Gilead Sciences' revenue growth is its strong performance in HIV products, particularly Truvada and Atripla. Sales for these critical drugs have seen significant increases, contributing substantially to the company's overall revenue.

The decrease in product gross margin, from 85% in the prior year to 80% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, is primarily attributed to the increasing proportion of Atripla sales. Atripla's sales are fully consolidated, but its gross margin is impacted by the joint venture structure where the Sustiva component is purchased from Bristol-Myers Squibb at a cost that results in zero gross profit for that portion.

Gilead Sciences maintains a strong liquidity position. As of September 30, 2007, the company held $2.22 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, an increase of 60% from the end of 2006. This growth was fueled by robust operating cash flows, which provided $1.25 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

In September 2007, Gilead Sciences acquired Nycomed Limited, an Irish subsidiary focused on manufacturing and tabletting operations, to expand its global manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, in August 2007, they entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Parion Sciences, Inc., involving a $5.0 million upfront payment and a $5.0 million investment in convertible debt.