Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is showing that some companies can get it right despite tough times. The company has beat earnings and is even raising its fiscal 2008 guidance. The consumer products and health care company posted earnings of $1.17 EPS compared to the First Call consensus of $1.11. It said that revenues rose 6.4% year over year to $15.92 billion, above the $15.69 billion consensus.
As a result of the quarter and as a result of its strength it now seesFiscal EPS of between $4.50 to 4.53 vs. $4.51 consensus and vs. $4.45 to$4.50 prior guidance.
Johnson & Johnson brand products are still selling well despitewhat the company called "the impact that generic products have had onour Pharmaceutical business." The company also said that strong salesperformance of its Consumer segment and solid sales results in MedicalDevices and Diagnostics segments.
There are some additional metrics which are very impressive when youconsider the penny pinching from the consumer. Worldwide Consumersales of $4.1 billion for the third quarter represented a 13.1%increase over the prior year with operational growth of 9.4% and apositive impact from currency of 3.7%. Domestic sales increased 11.2%,while international sales increased 14.7%; 8.1% from operations and6.6% from currency.
Shares closed at $62.68 yesterday and it is indicated around $65.00pre-market. J&J’s 52-week trading range is $52.06 to $72.76.
Jon C. Ogg
October 14, 2008
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