Biogen (BIIB) vs Gilead Sciences (GILD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Biogen (BIIB) has outperformed Gilead Sciences (GILD) over the past year, gaining 45.9% versus a gain of 25.7%. Over five years, GILD leads with a +117.1% price change compared with -21.0% for BIIB. Gilead Sciences is the larger company by market cap ($181.43 billion vs $32.41 billion), about 5.6 times the size.
On valuation, Biogen trades at a lower forward P/E (13.3x vs 14.8x for Gilead Sciences). Gilead Sciences pays a dividend yielding 2.20%, while Biogen does not currently pay one. Gilead Sciences converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 28.9% versus 13.1%.
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 | BIIB | GILD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $219.35 | $146.32 |
| Market cap | $32.41B | $181.43B |
| 1-day change | -1.26% | -0.36% |
| YTD return | +26.23% | +19.64% |
| 1-year return | +45.95% | +25.75% |
| 5-year return | -21.00% | +117.14% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 38.96 | — |
| Forward P/E | 13.28 | 14.80 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.63 | $-2.65 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 2.20% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.22 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $9.89B | $29.44B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.22% | +2.40% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.29B | $8.51B |
| Gross margin | 75.69% | 78.83% |
| Operating margin | — | 34.04% |
| Net margin | 13.07% | 28.90% |
| 52-week high | $230.49 | $157.29 |
| 52-week low | $138.00 | $114.02 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -4.83% | -6.97% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +8.58% | +8.85% |
| Average volume | 1.07M | 6.01M |
| Shares outstanding | 147.75M | 1.24B |
| Employees | 7,500 | 17,000 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) | Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) |
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
- Gilead Sciences is about 5.6 times larger than Biogen by market value ($181.43B vs $32.41B).
- BIIB has outperformed GILD by 20.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Gilead Sciences offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.20% vs 0.00%).
- Gilead Sciences is more profitable, keeping 28.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 13.1 cents for Biogen.
About Biogen
BIIB stock →Biogen Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers therapies in the United States, Europe, Germany, Asia, and internationally.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) · 7,500 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.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) · 17,000 employees
BIIB vs GILD FAQ
Which is bigger, Biogen or Gilead Sciences?
Gilead Sciences (GILD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $181.43B compared with $32.41B for Biogen (BIIB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BIIB or GILD?
BIIB returned +45.95% over the past 12 months, compared with +25.75% for GILD (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Biogen or Gilead Sciences?
Gilead Sciences pays a dividend yielding 2.20%, while Biogen does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Biogen and Gilead Sciences in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) industry within the Health Care sector.