GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) shares soared 5.02% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results that exceeded market expectations.

The pharmaceutical giant reported core earnings of £0.26 per share for Q4, beating the FactSet consensus estimate of £0.24, with sales reaching £8.62 billion, also above the expected £8.47 billion. For 2026, the company issued a growth outlook projecting core EPS to increase 7% to 9% and sales to rise 3% to 5%, reinforcing investor confidence in its future performance.

Additional positive catalysts included a 12.5% increase in the quarterly dividend and a maintained Buy rating from Jefferies with a £21.00 price target. The strong results were driven by double-digit growth in GSK's specialty medicines portfolio, particularly in HIV treatments, oncology, and immunology drugs, highlighting the company's robust operational execution and financial health.