Between United Therapeutics and Gilead Sciences, Which Stock Looks Set to Break Out?
Gilead Sciences surged 26% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer United Therapeutics gives you more. United Therapeutics (UTHR) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Gilead Sciences (GILD) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in UTHR
- UTHR’s quarterly revenue growth was 6.8%, vs. GILD’s 3.0%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 13.5%, ahead of GILD’s 2.8%.
- UTHR leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 48.7% and 3-year average of 49.1%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how GILD’s fundamentals stack up against those of UTHR on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| GILD | UTHR | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 16.9 | 13.6 | UTHR |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 3.0% | 6.8% | UTHR |
| Last 12 Months | 2.8% | 13.5% | UTHR |
| Last 3 Year Average | 2.3% | 19.0% | UTHR |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 38.3% | 48.7% | UTHR |
| Last 3 Year Average | 39.2% | 49.1% | UTHR |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 97.1% | 86.8% | GILD |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: GILD Revenue Comparison | UTHR Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: GILD Operating Income Comparison | UTHR Operating Income Comparison
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell UTHR Stock and Buy or Sell GILD Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| GILD Return | 30% | 24% | -2% | 19% | 37% | 24% | 217% | ||
| UTHR Return | 42% | 29% | -21% | 60% | 38% | -0% | 220% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 1% | 85% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| GILD Win Rate | 58% | 33% | 42% | 67% | 67% | 100% | 61% | ||
| UTHR Win Rate | 67% | 42% | 42% | 58% | 50% | 50% | 51% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| GILD Max Drawdown | 0% | -20% | -12% | -21% | -3% | -4% | -10% | ||
| UTHR Max Drawdown | 0% | -23% | -26% | -4% | -22% | -5% | -13% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -1% | -7% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 2/9/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read UTHR Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about GILD or UTHR? Consider portfolio approach.
Why HNI Portfolios Choose Multi-Asset Over Stock Picking
In an environment of fear and greed, individual picks expose you to unnecessary risk. A comprehensive wealth approach positions you effectively to manage risk and capitalize on global trends.
Would a portfolio with 10% commodities, 10% gold, and 2% crypto protect you better if markets crash 20%? In today’s volatile landscape, diversifying beyond stocks is critical. We’ve crunched the numbers and found that multi-asset allocation is key. Our wealth management partner helps HNIs implement these strategies, using tools like the Trefis High Quality Portfolio to optimize the equity portion.