AstraZeneca (AZN) vs Gilead Sciences (GILD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Gilead Sciences (GILD) has outperformed AstraZeneca (AZN) over the past year, gaining 26.2% versus a loss of 6.5%. Over five years, GILD leads with a +118.0% price change compared with +33.3% for AZN. AstraZeneca is the larger company by market cap ($248.33 billion vs $182.09 billion), about 1.4 times the size.
On valuation, AstraZeneca trades at a lower forward P/E (13.8x vs 14.8x for Gilead Sciences). Gilead Sciences offers the higher dividend yield (2.19% vs 2.02%). Gilead Sciences converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 28.9% versus 17.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AZN | GILD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $160.12 | $146.85 |
| Market cap | $248.33B | $182.09B |
| 1-day change | +0.95% | +1.82% |
| YTD return | -12.66% | +20.10% |
| 1-year return | -6.49% | +26.23% |
| 5-year return | +33.34% | +117.97% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 23.93 | — |
| Forward P/E | 13.85 | 14.85 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.69 | $-2.65 |
| Dividend yield | 2.02% | 2.19% |
| Annual dividend | $3.23 | $3.22 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $58.74B | $29.44B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.63% | +2.40% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $10.22B | $8.51B |
| Gross margin | 81.90% | 78.83% |
| Operating margin | 23.40% | 34.04% |
| Net margin | 17.41% | 28.90% |
| 52-week high | $212.71 | $157.29 |
| 52-week low | $153.41 | $114.02 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -24.72% | -6.64% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +31.99% | +8.46% |
| Average volume | 3.41M | 6.06M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.55B | 1.24B |
| Employees | 96,100 | 17,000 |
| Sector | Healthcare | Healthcare |
| Industry | Drug Manufacturers - General | Drug Manufacturers - General |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- GILD has outperformed AZN by 32.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Gilead Sciences is more profitable, keeping 28.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 17.4 cents for AstraZeneca.
- AstraZeneca grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.63% vs +2.40%).
About AstraZeneca
AZN stock →AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company offers Imjudo, Datroway, Iressa, Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, Calquence, Enhertu, Orpathys, Truqap, Zoladex, Faslodex, Crestor, Andexxa, Onglyza, Symlin, XIGDUO XR, Atacand, Atacand HCT, Atacand Plus, Farxiga/Forxiga, Plendil, Modip, Splendil, Munobal, Flodil, Tenormin, Tenormine, Prenormine, Atenol, Zestril, Brilinta/Brilique, Komboglyze, Qtern, Wainua, Byetta, Lokelma, Seloken ZOK, Toprol-XL, Betaloc ZOK, XIGDUO, Accolate, Accoleit, Vanticon, Bricanyl Respules, Eklira Genuair/Tudorza/Bretaris, Pulmicort Turbuhaler, Symbicort Turbuhaler, Airsupra, Bricanyl Turbuhaler, Fasenra, Rhinocort, Tezspire, Bevespi Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Oxis Turbuhaler, Saphnelo, Breztri Aerosphere, Duaklir Genuair, Pulmicort Respules, and Symbicort pMDI.
Healthcare · Drug Manufacturers - General · 96,100 employees
About Gilead Sciences
GILD stock →Gilead Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines in the areas of unmet medical need in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company provides Biktarvy, Descovy, Genvoya, Odefsey, Sunlenca, Symtuza, and YeztugoFor the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients.
Healthcare · Drug Manufacturers - General · 17,000 employees
AZN vs GILD FAQ
Which is bigger, AstraZeneca or Gilead Sciences?
AstraZeneca (AZN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $248.33B compared with $182.09B for Gilead Sciences (GILD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AZN or GILD?
GILD returned +26.23% over the past 12 months, compared with -6.49% for AZN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, AstraZeneca or Gilead Sciences?
Gilead Sciences has the higher yield at 2.19%, compared with 2.02% for AstraZeneca.
Are AstraZeneca and Gilead Sciences in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Drug Manufacturers - General industry within the Healthcare sector.