Johnson & Johnson Kicks Off 2016 With Solid Earnings and Guidance

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported its fourth-quarter financial results before the markets opened on Tuesday. The company posted $1.44 in earnings per share (EPS) on $17.8 billion in revenue, which compares to consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters of $1.42 in EPS on revenue of $17.88 billion. The same period from the previous year had $1.37 in EPS on $18.25 billion in revenue.

Operational sales results increased 4.4% and the negative impact of currency was 6.8%. Domestic sales increased 8.0%. International sales decreased 11.7%, reflecting operational growth of 1.2% and a negative currency impact of 12.9%.

Also in the quarter, the acquisition of Novira Therapeutics, a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for curative treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection, was completed.

In terms of 2016 full-year guidance, the company expects EPS in the range of $6.43 to $6.58 and sales of $70.8 billion to $71.5 billion. The consensus estimates that call for $6.18 in EPS on $70.12 billion in revenue for the full year.

Alex Gorsky, chairman and CEO, commented on earnings:

Johnson & Johnson delivered strong underlying growth in 2015, driven by the performance of our Pharmaceutical business and iconic Consumer brands. As we enter 2016, our core business is very healthy, and the recent decisive actions we’ve taken in support of each of our businesses position us well to drive sustainable long-term growth, faster than the markets we compete in.

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He added:

I want to thank all of our colleagues for contributing to these results through their commitment and dedication to the people around the world who rely on our products.

So far in 2016, this company has outperformed the broad markets, with the stock down 6% year to date. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock is only down 3%.

Shares of Johnson & Johnson closed Monday down 0.4% at $96.40, with a consensus analyst price target of $108.00 and a 52-week trading range of $81.79 to $105.49. Following the release of the earnings report, the stock was up 0.8% at $97.15 in early trading indications Tuesday.