Johnson & Johnson Q3 results beat estimates

Johnson & Johnson closed Q3 with profits at $4.27 billion, an increase compared to $3.36 billion a year ago. The result per share in adjusted version, therefore net of extraordinary items, came in at $1.68, + 3c than previously estimated. Better than expected, sales rose by 4.2% to $17.82 billion ($17.74 billion to estimates). Domestic sales increased 6.7% while international sales increased 1.5%, reflecting operational growth of 1.7% and a negative currency impact of 0.2%.

“Our 3rd-quarter results reflect the success of our new product launches and the strength of our core businesses, driven by strong growth in our pharmaceuticals business. With a number of regulatory approvals, several new drug application submissions and new breakthrough therapy designations from the FDA, we are increasingly confident in our pipeline expectation of filing 10 new pharmaceutical products between 2015 and 2019, each with revenue potential over $1 billion,” chairman & CEO Alex Gorsky said in prepared remarks. “Our broad-based business model, strategic investments and talented colleagues position us well for continued leadership in health care.”

The company also raised its profit view for the full year from 6.63 to 6.73 to 6.68 to 6.73 dollars. J&J shares in the Wall Street pre-market trade,  were up 0.3% to $118.80.