Our other laggard was Gilead (NASDAQ:GILD), a biotechnology firm that makes therapies for HIV and Hepatitis C. Gilead sliced 98 basis points off the Fund’s return, as its stock declined 29.2%, from $101.19 to $71.61. The stock dropped due to weakness in the Hepatitis C business, as pricing came under pressure due to increased competition, and the patient population fell because Gilead’s drugs cure patients of this damaging disease. The stock is on the bargain table, and the company has a strong balance sheet and a proven track record of innovation, so we increased our position throughout the year.
From the Parnassus Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
