Johnson & Johnson Remains an Innovation Powerhouse

Image Source: Johnson & Johnson

By Brian Nelson, CFA

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) recently reported first quarter results that showed revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share exceeding the consensus forecast. First quarter reported sales growth was 2.4%, with operational growth of 4.2% and adjusted operational growth of 3.3%. First quarter earnings per share increased to $4.54, while adjusted earnings per share advanced 2.2%, to $2.77. Management had the following to say about the results:

The power of Johnson & Johnson’s uniquely diversified portfolio was on full display this quarter, with strong operational sales growth reinforcing our confidence in 2025 guidance. During the quarter, we fortified our position as an innovation powerhouse with major advancements across our pipeline, including TREMFYA in IBD, RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE in non-small-cell lung cancer, and OTTAVA, our soft tissue surgical robotic system, and further enhanced our leading neuroscience portfolio with the completion of the Intra-Cellular Therapies acquisition.

J&J generated free cash flow of ~$3.4 billion in the first quarter compared to $2.85 billion in the year-ago period. Looking to full year 2025 guidance, J&J reiterated its adjusted operational sales growth target in the range of 2%-3%, but it raised its operational sales growth expectations to the range of 3.3%-4.3% from 2.5%-3.5% previously and its estimated reported sales growth guidance to the range of 2.6%-3.6% from 0.5%-1.5% previously. It lowered its adjusted operational earnings per share guidance for the year, but it maintained its adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance in the range of $10.50-$10.70, reflecting 6.2% growth at the midpoint. Shares yield 3.5% at the time of this writing.

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