American healthcare and medical company Johnson & Johnson has reported a slight increase in adjusted earnings for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) said adjusted net earnings rose 1.9% to US$6.706 billion (A$10.52 billion) and diluted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased 2.2% to $2.77 on revenue which rose 2.4% to $21.9 billion in the first three months of 2025.
The New Jersey-based company, which produces products such as Band-Aid adhesive bandages, Tylenol pain relief, Listerine mouthwash and Neutrogena skincare products, said these numbers excluded the amortisation of intangible and special items.
If these were included, net earnings rose 238% to $10.999 billion and EPS rose 239% to $4.54.
Johnson & Johnson maintained its guidance that full-year 2025 adjusted reported EPS would grow 6.2% at the mid-point, including tariff costs, dilution from the Intra-Cellular Therapies acquisition, and updated foreign exchange.
“The power of Johnson & Johnson’s uniquely diversified portfolio was on full display this quarter, with strong operational sales growth reinforcing our confidence in 2025 guidance,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joaquin Duato said in a media release.
In the first quarter, the company’s advancements include its TREMFYA in IBD and RYBREVANT plus LAZCLUZE drug therapies and OTTAVA surgical robotic system, and the acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies.
Duato also said favourable tax policies would be a more effective tool than tariffs on pharmaceuticals to boost U.S. manufacturing capacity for drugs and medical devices, Reuters reported.
“There’s a reason... why pharmaceutical tariffs are zero. It’s because tariffs can create disruptions in the supply chain, leading to shortages,” he said during an earnings call.
Revenue and EPS beat expectations of $21.56 billion and $2.59.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) shares closed 29 cents (0.19%) higher at $153.91 on Thursday, capitalising the company at $370.90 billion.
