** Shares of GSK GSK.L up 4.5% at 1,442p - top pct gainer on the FTSE 100 index .FTSE

** The British drugmaker lifts 2031 sales target to more than 40 bln pounds from the 38 bln pounds previously expected

** Co beats Q4 earnings with core EPS of 23.2p vs IBES ests of 19.01p, on strength in its HIV and oncology portfolio

** Reports Q4 sales of 8.12 bln pounds ($10.15 bln), above IBES ests of 7.75 bln pounds

** Launches share buyback of 2 bln pounds

** Sets 2025 sales growth target of 3%-5% against analysts' expectations for growth of about 3.5%, according to a company-compiled consensus

** GSK fell about 12% in the last 12 months

($1 = 0.8002 pounds)

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru)

((Yamini.Kalia@thomsonreuters.com;))