Pharmaceutical Business review

J&J Q1 Sales Increase Due To Favourable Currency Exchange Rates

Domestic sales declined 5%, while international sales increased 14.4%, reflecting operational growth of 5.5% and a positive currency impact of 8.9%.

Johnson & Johnson posted a net income of $4.5bn, or $1.62 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2010, compared to $3.5bn, or $1.26 per diluted share, for the prior year period.

Net earnings and diluted earnings per share were $4.5bn and $1.62, respectively. First-quarter 2010 net earnings included an after-tax gain of $910m representing the net impact of litigation matters.

Excluding this special item, net earnings for the current quarter were $3.6bn and diluted earnings per share were $1.29, representing increases of 3.1% and 2.4%, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2009.

William Weldon, chairman and CEO of J&J, said: “Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our people, we were able to deliver solid financial results. This was accomplished despite a major product recall and the continued impact of patent expirations. We are well positioned for future growth.”