Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) shares jumped nearly 2% in pre-market trading after the healthcare giant reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and raised its full-year outlook. The company reported adjusted earnings of $2.77 per share for the quarter ending June 29, slightly lower than $2.82 a year ago but higher than the $2.68 expected by analysts. Looking ahead, it expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to be between $10.80 and $10.90, up from its earlier estimate of $10.50 to $10.70.
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J&J Sees Brighter Second Half After Solid Q2
Johnson & Johnson second-quarter revenue grew 5.8% year-over-year to $23.7 billion, beating the expected $22.8 billion. Among its segments, Innovative Medicine sales increased by 3.8%, while MedTech grew by 6.1%. The company also raised its full-year sales forecast to between $93.2 billion and $93.6 billion, up from its earlier estimate of $91 billion to $91.8 billion.
This strong performance was supported by solid sales of its heart and cancer treatments, boosting investor confidence. Looking ahead, J&J expects more growth in the second half of the year, driven by upcoming approvals and product launches in areas like lung and bladder cancer, depression, psoriasis, surgery, and heart health.
Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest more than $55 billion in its U.S. operations over the next four years—a 25% increase compared to the past four years. As part of this investment, the company will build a new manufacturing plant in Wilson, North Carolina, focused on making cancer treatments and other medicines. Additionally, the company plans to build three more facilities at undisclosed locations and expand several existing sites as part of its growth strategy.
Is JNJ a Good Stock to Buy?
According to TipRanks, JNJ stock has received a Moderate Buy consensus rating, with seven Buys and eight Holds assigned in the last three months. The average JNJ stock price target is $174.50, suggesting a potential upside of 12.5% from the current level.
