Pharmaceutical giant GSK has upgraded its 2025 guidance after solid growth across all divisions helped lift sales, profit and earnings.
For the three months to the 30th September, the firm reported sales of £8.5 billion, up 7% at actual exchange rates (AER) and 8% at constant exchange rates (CER).
The performance was led by Specialty Medicines, which rose 16% to £3.4bn, pushed by double-digit growth in respiratory, oncology and HIV products.
Respiratory, immunology and inflammation sales reached £1bn, up 15%, while oncology climbed 39% to £500,000 and HIV grew 12% to £1.9bn.
Vaccines also contributed to the company’s momentum, rising 2% to £2.7bn, driven by strong performances from Shingrix, which was up 13%.
Total operating profit for the FTSE 100 constituent climbed to £2.59bn – more than doubling from last year.
This was due to lower significant legal expenses, reduced CCL charges and higher other operating income.
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Outgoing chief executive Emma Walmsley said: “GSK’s momentum continues with another quarter of strong performance, supporting upgraded guidance for 2025 and positioning us well for 2026 and achieving our longer-term growth outlooks.
“Sales grew in all areas, with particularly strong performances in Specialty Medicines driven by double-digit growth in respiratory inflammation and immunology, oncology and HIV.”
This marks Walmsley’s final quarter reporting as CEO after nine years at the helm.
The company announced last month that she would be replaced at the start of next year by current chief commercial officer Luke Miels.
She added: “Together, we have delivered a step-change in operating performance, new prospects for growth and a clear pathway for scale patient impact and sustained shareholder value.
“I am delighted to be passing the baton to Luke and to be leaving all that GSK has to offer in such good hands. I look forward to cheering him and everyone at GSK to further success.”
The business now expects turnover growth of between 6% and 7%, core operating profit growth of 9% to 11%, and core EPS growth of 10% to 12%, all at CER.
Its share price has risen by 1.58% so far today and 22.66% in 2025, now sitting at 1,670p.
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