The company reported net sales of $20.35 billion, up 3.6%. Analysts had, on an average expected $20.05 billion. Pharmaceuticals unit posted a better-than-expected sales of $10.35 billion during the quarter, as cancer drugs — Zytiga and Darzalex — made up for the weakness in the blockbuster arthritis drug Remicade.
Buoyed by the higher sales and income, the New Brunswick, New Jersey-based pharma giant raised its earnings outlook for the full year from a range of $8.07 to $8.17 per share to a range of $8.13 to 8.18 per share.
The Q3 results and guidance update sent Johnson & Johnson shares up 0.56% during pre-market trading on Tuesday.
Chief Executive Alex Gorsky said, “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.”
JNJ stock has lost 3.7% of its value so far this year, trailing S&P 500 index, which has gained 2.6%.
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