GILD
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Drug Manufacturers - General
Market Cap$166.32B
5Y Perf.+75.1%
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Stock Comparison
GILD vs JNJ
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Drug Manufacturers - General
Market Cap$543.64B
5Y Perf.+51.0%
GILD vs JNJ — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | GILD | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Drug Manufacturers - General | Drug Manufacturers - General |
| Market Cap | $166.32B | $543.64B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $29.44B | $92.15B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $8.51B | $25.12B |
| Gross Margin | 80.8% | 68.1% |
| Operating Margin | 37.4% | 26.1% |
| Forward P/E | 15.6x | 19.5x |
| Total Debt | $26.71B | $36.63B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $9.99B | $24.11B |
GILD vs JNJ — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
GILD
JNJ
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilead Sciences, In… (GILD) | 100 | 175.1 | +75.1% |
| Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) | 100 | 151.0 | +51.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: GILD vs JNJ
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: GILD leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Johnson & Johnson is the stronger pick specifically for capital preservation and lower volatility and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
GILD
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
The Growth Play
GILD carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and defensive.
- Rev growth 6.0%, EPS growth -91.6%, 3Y rev CAGR 1.7%
- Beta 0.66, yield 2.3%, current ratio 1.60x
- 6.0% revenue growth vs JNJ's 4.3%
Best for: growth exposure and defensive
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
The Income Pick
JNJ is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 36 yrs, beta 0.06, yield 2.2%
- 136.8% 10Y total return vs GILD's 86.7%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.06, Low D/E 51.2%, current ratio 1.11x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | GILD | 6.0% revenue growth vs JNJ's 4.3% |
| Value | GILD | Lower P/E (15.6x vs 19.5x) |
| Quality / Margins | GILD | 28.9% margin vs JNJ's 27.3% |
| Stability / Safety | JNJ | Beta 0.06 vs GILD's 0.66, lower leverage |
| Dividends | GILD | 2.3% yield, 10-year raise streak, vs JNJ's 2.2% |
| Momentum (1Y) | JNJ | +48.9% vs GILD's +32.9% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | GILD | 14.4% ROA vs JNJ's 13.0%, ROIC 3.2% vs 20.7% |
GILD vs JNJ — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2024
FY 2024
GILD vs JNJ — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLGILDLAGGINGJNJ
JNJJohnson & Johnson
2leads
GILDGilead Sciences, Inc.
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs JNJMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
GILD4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
JNJ5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
GILD4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
JNJ2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GILD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
JNJ is the larger business by revenue, generating $92.1B annually — 3.1x GILD's $29.4B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 28.9% (GILD) to 27.3% (JNJ).
| Metric | GILDGilead Sciences, … | JNJJohnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $29.4B | $92.1B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $12.4B | $31.4B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $8.5B | $25.1B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $9.7B | $19.1B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +80.8% | +68.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +37.4% | +26.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +28.9% | +27.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +32.8% | +20.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.7% | +6.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +22.5% | +91.0% |
GILD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — GILD and JNJ each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 39.0x trailing earnings, JNJ trades at a 89% valuation discount to GILD's 351.3x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, JNJ's 18.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than GILD's 41.3x.
| Metric | GILDGilead Sciences, … | JNJJohnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $166.3B | $543.6B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $183.0B | $556.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 351.26x | 38.96x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 15.62x | 19.47x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 34.64x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 41.33x | 18.86x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 5.78x | 6.12x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 8.70x | 7.67x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 16.14x | 27.40x |
Evenly matched — GILD and JNJ each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
JNJ leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GILD delivers a 37.6% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $38 in annual profit, vs $32 for JNJ. JNJ carries lower financial leverage with a 0.51x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GILD's 1.39x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), GILD scores 7/9 vs JNJ's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | GILDGilead Sciences, … | JNJJohnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +37.6% | +31.7% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +14.4% | +13.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.2% | +20.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +3.4% | +17.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.39x | 0.51x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $16.7B | $12.5B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $10.0B | $24.1B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $26.7B | $36.6B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 10.56x | 48.23x |
JNJ leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
GILD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in GILD five years ago would be worth $22,341 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $14,920 for JNJ. Over the past 12 months, JNJ leads with a +48.9% total return vs GILD's +32.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors GILD at 21.4% vs JNJ's 13.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | GILDGilead Sciences, … | JNJJohnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +10.4% | +9.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +32.9% | +48.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +79.0% | +47.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +123.4% | +49.2% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +86.7% | +136.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +21.4% | +13.9% |
GILD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
JNJ leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
JNJ is the less volatile stock with a 0.06 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than GILD's 0.66 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. JNJ currently trades 89.6% from its 52-week high vs GILD's 84.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | GILDGilead Sciences, … | JNJJohnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.66x | 0.06x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $157.29 | $251.71 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $95.30 | $146.12 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +84.9% | +89.6% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 43.2 | 35.3 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 5.9M | 7.0M |
JNJ leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — GILD and JNJ each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates GILD as "Buy" and JNJ as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 21.3% upside for GILD (target: $162) vs 10.5% for JNJ (target: $249). For income investors, GILD offers the higher dividend yield at 2.34% vs JNJ's 2.16%.
| Metric | GILDGilead Sciences, … | JNJJohnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $161.88 | $249.27 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 58 | 40 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.3% | +2.2% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 10 | 36 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $3.12 | $4.87 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.7% | +0.4% |
Evenly matched — GILD and JNJ each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
GILD leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). JNJ leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Risk & Volatility). 2 tied.
Best OverallGilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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GILD vs JNJ: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is GILD or JNJ a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Gilead Sciences, Inc.
(GILD) is the stronger pick with 6. 0% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 3% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) offers the better valuation at 39. 0x trailing P/E (19. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) a "Buy" — based on 58 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — GILD or JNJ?
On trailing P/E, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the cheapest at 39.
0x versus Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 351. 3x. On forward P/E, Gilead Sciences, Inc. is actually cheaper at 15. 6x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — GILD or JNJ?
Over the past 5 years, Gilead Sciences, Inc.
(GILD) delivered a total return of +123. 4%, compared to +49. 2% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: JNJ returned +136. 8% versus GILD's +86. 7%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — GILD or JNJ?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
06β versus Gilead Sciences, Inc. 's 0. 66β — meaning GILD is approximately 1054% more volatile than JNJ relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 51% versus 139% for Gilead Sciences, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — GILD or JNJ?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Gilead Sciences, Inc.
(GILD) is pulling ahead at 6. 0% versus 4. 3% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Johnson & Johnson grew EPS -57. 8% year-over-year, compared to -91. 6% for Gilead Sciences, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, JNJ leads at 4. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — GILD or JNJ?
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the more profitable company, earning 15.
8% net margin versus 1. 7% for Gilead Sciences, Inc. — meaning it keeps 15. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: JNJ leads at 24. 9% versus 5. 8% for GILD. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — GILD leads at 78. 3%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is GILD or JNJ more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Gilead Sciences, Inc.
(GILD) trades at 15. 6x forward P/E versus 19. 5x for Johnson & Johnson — 3. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for GILD: 21. 3% to $161. 88.
08Which pays a better dividend — GILD or JNJ?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) offers the highest yield at 2. 3%, versus 2. 2% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
09Is GILD or JNJ better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
06), 2. 2% yield, +136. 8% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (JNJ: +136. 8%, GILD: +86. 7%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between GILD and JNJ?
Both stocks operate in the Healthcare sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(GILD: 4.7% · JNJ: 6.8%)Net Margin>
%
(GILD: 28.9% · JNJ: 27.3%)P/E Ratio<
x
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