Should Johnson & Johnson Be Getting More Out of Q3 Earnings?

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported its third-quarter financial results before the markets opened on Thursday. The company said that it had $2.05 in earnings per share (EPS) and $20.35 billion in revenue. That compared with consensus estimates of $2.03 in EPS and $20.05 billion in revenue, as well as the $1.90 per share and $19.65 billion posted in the same period of last year.

During the latest quarter, domestic sales increased 3.6%. International sales increased 3.5%, reflecting operational growth of 7.5% and a negative currency impact of 4.0%.

In terms of its segments, the company reported as follows:

• Worldwide Consumer sales of $3.4 billion for the third quarter 2018 represented an increase of 1.8% versus the prior year, consisting of an operational increase of 4.9% and a negative impact from currency of 3.1%.
• Worldwide Pharmaceutical sales of $10.3 billion for the third quarter 2018 represented an increase of 6.7% versus the prior year with an operational increase of 8.2% and a negative impact from currency of 1.5%.
• Worldwide Medical Devices sales of $6.6 billion for the third quarter 2018 represented a decrease of 0.2% versus the prior year consisting of an operational increase of 1.7% and a negative currency impact of 1.9%.

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Looking ahead to the 2018 fiscal full year, the company expects to see EPS in the range of $8.13 to $8.18 and net sales between $81.0 billion and $82.4 billion.

Alex Gorsky, board chair and chief executive, commented:

We are pleased with our strong third-quarter performance, which reflects continued above-market growth in our Pharmaceutical business, accelerating sales momentum in our Consumer business and consistent progress in our Medical Devices business. I’m confident that with our collaborative and inspired J&J colleagues around the world, unique broad-based business model and strategic investments in innovation, we are well positioned for success today and into the future.

Johnson & Johnson shares closed Monday at $133.95, with a consensus analyst price target of $144.53 and a 52-week trading range of $118.62 to $148.32. Following the announcement, the stock was relatively flat at $134.00 in early trading indications Monday.

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