JNJ Q1 Earnings: Pipeline Progress and MedTech Execution Drive Guidance Above Expectations

Multinational healthcare company Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 2.4% year on year to $21.89 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $92 billion at the midpoint came in 1.8% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.77 per share was 7.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

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Johnson & Johnson’s latest quarter was shaped by ongoing growth in its innovative medicine and MedTech segments, as highlighted on the company’s earnings call. CEO Joaquin Duato cited 4.2% operational sales growth in innovative medicine, despite the negative impact from biosimilar competition for STELARA, and emphasized the company’s strong product launches and portfolio diversification. MedTech’s growth was supported by contributions from recent acquisitions and new product introductions, offsetting short-term headwinds in orthopedics and procedure volumes.

Looking ahead, management identified 2025 as a catalyst year, focusing on expanding key brands, advancing the pipeline, and executing on recently closed acquisitions. The company reaffirmed its full-year adjusted earnings guidance, while CFO Joe Wolk said the updated revenue outlook incorporates the addition of Caplyta from the IntraCellular acquisition. Management flagged the importance of mitigating new tariffs, navigating the loss of exclusivity for major products, and sustaining growth from its expanding medicine pipeline.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Johnson & Johnson’s management attributed the quarter’s outperformance to both resilience in innovative medicine and robust execution in MedTech. Their remarks underscored the effects of biosimilar competition, new product launches, and strategic investments:

• STELARA biosimilar headwinds managed: Despite anticipated declines from biosimilar competition and U.S. Medicare Part D redesign, management emphasized that operational sales growth in innovative medicine was driven by double-digit expansion in eleven core brands, with Tremfya and DARZALEX noted for strong demand.

• Key launches in immunology and oncology: Tremfya’s new indications in inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease accelerated growth. Meanwhile, expanded European approval and new data for DARZALEX and riboflavin plus LASCRUZ in oncology highlighted the pipeline’s contribution to sales.

• MedTech growth from acquisitions and new products: The acquisitions of Abiomed and Shockwave were cited as meeting expectations and broadening the MedTech portfolio. Newly launched devices, such as the Javelin Peripheral IVL catheter and expanded robotic surgery trials, contributed to segment growth.

• Operational and margin pressures addressed: Management discussed cost pressures from product mix, tariffs, and acquisition-related expenses, but pointed to spending discipline and a restructuring program in surgery as measures to improve profitability by 2027.

• Capital allocation and investment priorities: The company reiterated its commitment to R&D, announcing plans to invest over $55 billion in U.S. manufacturing and technology over four years, alongside a dividend increase for the sixty-third consecutive year.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management’s outlook for 2025 anticipates operational sales growth between 3.3% and 4.3% (midpoint $92 billion) and maintains adjusted earnings per share guidance at a midpoint of $10.60, as the company integrates new assets and navigates market headwinds.

• Pipeline and new indications: The expansion of Tremfya, Caplyta, and upcoming filings for Ichotrochindra in autoimmune diseases are expected to offset the impact of lost exclusivity in other key products, supporting revenue growth.

• Tariffs and margin management: Newly imposed tariffs, particularly affecting MedTech exports to China, present a $400 million headwind; management is pursuing production shifts and advocating for favorable tax policies to mitigate this impact.

• MedTech portfolio optimization: Restructuring and exiting non-strategic product lines, combined with investment in higher-growth devices, are expected to support longer-term margin improvement and segment growth.

Top Analyst Questions

• Larry Biegelsen (Wells Fargo): Asked about the $400 million tariff impact and mitigation strategies; management said tariffs primarily hit MedTech exports to China and are seeking production adjustments rather than price increases.
• Chris Schott (JPMorgan): Inquired about gross margin drivers; CFO Joe Wolk cited product mix, STELARA’s decline, and currency headwinds, and noted that consensus estimates were likely too optimistic.
• Asad Hader (Goldman Sachs): Requested quantitative detail on STELARA biosimilar erosion; management reiterated guidance based on the HUMIRA precedent and emphasized offsetting growth in other brands.
• Joanne Wuensch (Citibank): Questioned the orthopedics segment’s underperformance and recovery timeline; management acknowledged competitive pressures and expected innovation and new launches to drive improvement.
• Matt Miksic (Barclays): Sought clarity on immunology opportunities, especially for Tremfya and Ichotrochindra; executives highlighted strong initial launches and market expansion potential for both products.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In coming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the rollout and uptake of new indications for Tremfya and Caplyta, (2) the pace of MedTech’s margin improvement and execution of the surgery restructuring plan, and (3) progress on upcoming regulatory submissions and product launches, especially for Ichotrochindra in autoimmune diseases. The handling of tariffs and biosimilar competition will also be key themes to watch.

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