Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Wednesday 's key moments. 1. Stocks rose Wednesday following President Donald Trump's address at the World Economic Forum, where he eased investor concerns by saying the U.S. wouldn't use force to acquire Greenland. "We had a remarkable resurgence [this morning]," said Jim Cramer, but he added the rally is being led by "the wrong tech," pointing to Micron , which is heavily tied to ...

U.S. stocks traded mixed midway through trading, with the Nasdaq Composite moving lower on Wednesday.The Dow traded up 0.30% to 48,632.75 while the NASDAQ fell 0.06% to 22,940.77. The S&P 500 also rose, gaining, 0.16% to 6,807.83.Leading and Lagging SectorsEnergy shares gained by 2% on Wednesday.In trading on Wednesday, consumer staples stocks dipped by 0.5%.Top HeadlineJohnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) on Wednesday reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings.The company posted adjusted earnings of $2. ...

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson reported a strong operational sales growth of 5.3% for full-year 2025, reaching $94.2 billion, with U.S. growth at 6.9% and international growth at 3.4% despite challenges from Stelara [1] - The company emphasized a strategic pivot towards higher-growth markets, including plans to separate its Orthopaedics business by mid-2027, and highlighted significant investments in R&D and M&A totaling over $32 billion in 2025 [4] - CEO Joaquin Duato described 2025 as a "catapult year" for accelerated growth, supported by a robust portfolio and pipeline, with expectations for continued growth and improving margins in 2026 [5] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, net earnings were $5.1 billion, with diluted EPS of $2.10, up from $1.41 a year earlier; adjusted net earnings were $6.0 billion, with adjusted diluted EPS of $2.46, reflecting increases of 21.5% and 20.6% respectively compared to Q4 2024 [2] - Full-year net earnings reached $26.8 billion, with diluted EPS at $11.03, including a $7 billion talc reserve reversal; adjusted net earnings were $26.2 billion, with adjusted diluted EPS of $10.79, both up 8.1% from 2024 [6] Business Segments - In Innovative Medicine, Q4 worldwide sales were $15.8 billion, up 7.9% operationally, with both U.S. and international growth at 7.9%; acquisitions contributed 170 basis points, primarily from Intra-Cellular [7] - Oncology products showed strong performance, with Darzalex sales growing 24.1% in Q4 and over $14 billion in full-year sales; Carvykti generated $555 million in Q4 sales, up 63.2% [7] - MedTech sales in Q4 were $8.8 billion, up 5.8% operationally, driven by cardiovascular growth, including Abiomed and Shockwave [8] Margins and Guidance - Adjusted income before tax as a percentage of sales rose to 28.7% in Q4 from 24.1% a year earlier, with Innovative Medicine margin improving to 36.3% and MedTech margin to 17.4% [10] - For 2026, the company expects operational sales growth of 5.7% to 6.7%, with a midpoint of $100 billion; adjusted EPS guidance is set at $11.28 to $11.48, implying 5.5% growth at the midpoint [13][14] Pipeline and Future Outlook - Management highlighted anticipated regulatory events for 2026, including expected approvals for Icotide in psoriasis and Tecvayli in multiple myeloma [15] - The company is also focusing on its multiple myeloma portfolio, with positive early feedback on Inlexo for bladder cancer and plans for a permanent J-code [16]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.46 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.43, with a year-over-year increase of 20.6% [1] - Total sales reached $24.56 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $24.12 billion [1] Sales Performance - Overall sales increased by 9.1% compared to the previous year, driven by a 7.1% operational increase and a 2.0% positive currency impact [2] - Domestic sales rose 7.5% to $14.2 billion, with an adjusted operational increase of 5.7% [2] - International sales grew by 11.3% to $10.4 billion, reflecting a 6.6% operational increase and a 4.7% positive currency impact [3] Segment Performance - The Innovative Medicines segment saw a 10.0% year-over-year sales increase to $15.76 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.43 billion [4] - Key products such as Darzalex, Tremfya, and Erleada contributed significantly to the segment's growth, while new drugs like Carvykti and Tecvayli also played a role [5][6] Oncology Drug Performance - Darzalex sales rose 26.6% to $3.9 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.74 billion [6] - Erleada generated $959 million in sales, up 22.4% year over year, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $936 million [7] - Imbruvica sales declined 6.5% to $684 million due to competitive pressures, although it was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $670 million [6] Immunology Drug Performance - Stelara sales fell 47.7% to $1.23 billion due to biosimilar competition, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.36 billion [10] - Tremfya recorded sales of $1.59 billion, up 67.6% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.36 billion [11] MedTech Segment Performance - MedTech segment sales reached $8.8 billion, up 7.5% from the previous year, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.71 billion [15] - The growth was driven by strong performance in Cardiovascular, Surgery, and Vision segments [15] Full-Year Results and Guidance - For the full year 2025, sales rose 6.0% to $94.2 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $93.73 billion [17] - JNJ expects 2026 sales in the range of $100 billion to $101 billion, indicating growth of 6.2%-7.2% [19] - Adjusted earnings per share for 2026 are projected to be between $11.43 and $11.63, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $11.46 [20] Market Reaction - Despite strong quarterly results and positive guidance for 2026, JNJ shares fell approximately 3% in pre-market trading, likely due to concerns over Stelara's sales decline and broader economic issues [23]

Market Analysis by covering: Johnson & Johnson. Read 's Market Analysis on Investing.com ...

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) stock declined despite the company forecasting 2026 sales and profit above Wall Street expectations, primarily due to ongoing legal concerns related to talc litigation [1][14]. Sales and Profit Forecast - J&J expects operational sales for 2026 to be between $99.5 billion and $100.5 billion, exceeding analysts' estimates of $98.9 billion [2][15]. - The projected profit for the full year 2026 is between $11.43 and $11.63 per share, compared to analysts' expectations of $11.45 per share [2][15]. Legal and Regulatory Concerns - The sales forecast includes a negative impact of "hundreds of millions of dollars" due to a drug pricing agreement with the Trump administration, where J&J is one of 16 pharmaceutical companies agreeing to lower U.S. drug prices [3][4]. - Concerns regarding talc litigation have resurfaced, with a court-appointed special master recommending expert testimony linking J&J's talc products to ovarian cancer, which has contributed to the stock's decline [6][14]. Financial Performance - J&J reported better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter of 2025, with adjusted earnings of $6 billion, or $2.46 per share, surpassing analysts' expectations of $2.44 [10]. - Quarterly revenue reached $24.56 billion, exceeding forecasts of $24.16 billion, driven by strong sales in the Innovative Medicine division and medical devices [10]. Product Performance and Market Position - The Innovative Medicine division saw a 10% increase in sales to $15.76 billion, while medical devices sales grew by 7.5% to $8.80 billion, both surpassing expectations [10]. - CEO Joaquin Duato described 2025 as a "catapult year," highlighting the strength of the company's portfolio and pipeline, with cancer therapy Carvykti achieving over $1 billion in annual sales for the first time [11]. Challenges and Future Outlook - J&J faces challenges such as tariff uncertainties for its medical devices unit and increased competition for its psoriasis drug Stelara from biosimilars, which has seen a decline in sales [12][13]. - Despite the challenges, the broader portfolio is reportedly growing at a rate of 14% to 15% when excluding Stelara [13].

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) stock experienced a decline despite the company providing strong guidance for 2026, primarily due to competitive pressures from Boston Scientific (BSX) and Medtronic (MDT) in the electrophysiology sector [1] Company Summary - Johnson & Johnson's electrophysiology business is facing challenges as competitors Boston Scientific and Medtronic continue to undercut its market position [1] - The company has issued strong guidance for 2026, indicating confidence in its future performance despite current stock fluctuations [1] Industry Summary - Electrophysiology tools, which include pulsed field ablation (PFA), are critical for studying heart rhythms and treating conditions like atrial fibrillation [1] - PFA utilizes high-voltage electrical pulses to eliminate problematic heart tissue, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm [1]

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 21, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsDarren Snellgrove - VP of Investor RelationsJohn Reed - EVP of Innovative Medicine and R and DJoaquin Duato - CEOJoseph Wolk - CFOJennifer Taubert - EVP and Worldwide Chairman of Innovative MedicineConference Call ParticipantsTerence Flynn - AnalystAlexandria Hammond - AnalystVamil Divan - AnalystJoanne Wuensch - AnalystChris Schott - AnalystShagun Singh - AnalystLarry Biegelsen - AnalystAsad Haider - Analyst ...

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 21, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsDarren Snellgrove - VP of Investor RelationsJohn Reed - EVP of Innovative Medicine and R and DJoaquin Duato - CEOJoseph Wolk - CFOJennifer Taubert - EVP and Worldwide Chairman of Innovative MedicineConference Call ParticipantsTerence Flynn - AnalystAlexandria Hammond - AnalystVamil Divan - AnalystJoanne Wuensch - AnalystChris Schott - AnalystShagun Singh - AnalystLarry Biegelsen - AnalystAsad Haider - Analyst ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, worldwide sales reached $24.6 billion, a 7.1% increase despite a 650 basis point headwind from Stelara [17] - For the full year 2025, worldwide sales were $94.2 billion, reflecting a 5.3% increase, with U.S. growth at 6.9% and international growth at 3.4% [18] - Net earnings for Q4 were $5.1 billion, with diluted earnings per share at $2.10, compared to $1.41 a year ago [18] - Full year 2025 net earnings were $26.8 billion, with diluted earnings per share at $11.03, significantly up from $5.79 the previous year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Innovative Medicine reported Q4 sales of $15.8 billion, a 7.9% increase, with notable growth in oncology and immunology [20] - In oncology, Darzalex grew 24.1%, while Carvykti achieved sales of $555 million with a growth of 63.2% [20] - Immunology saw Tremfya grow 65.4%, while Stelara declined 48.6% due to biosimilar competition [21] - MedTech sales for the year were $34 billion, with operational growth of 5.4%, driven by cardiovascular and surgical segments [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. sales growth was 7.5% in Q4, while international sales grew by 6.6% [17] - The cardiovascular segment delivered 15% operational sales growth, with Abiomed and Shockwave showing strong performance [13] - Surgical vision grew 10.8%, driven by new product innovations and demand for premium intraocular lenses [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to separate its orthopedics business by mid-2027, focusing on high-growth areas [30] - Investments of over $32 billion in R&D and M&A were made in 2025, including acquisitions of Intra-Cellular Therapies and HALDA Therapeutics [6] - The company aims for double-digit growth by the end of the decade, supported by a strong portfolio and pipeline [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving faster growth in 2026 compared to 2025, with a line of sight to double-digit growth [6] - The company anticipates operational sales growth in 2026 to be between 5.7% and 6.7%, with a midpoint of $100 billion [31] - Management highlighted the strength of their portfolio and pipeline as key drivers for future growth [41] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with approximately $20 billion in cash and marketable securities, and $48 billion in debt [30] - A net interest expense of $300 million to $400 million is expected for 2026 [33] - The effective tax rate is projected to be between 17.5% and 18.5% for 2026 [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of growth prospects and key levers for double-digit growth - Management highlighted the strength of the portfolio and pipeline, focusing on oncology, immunology, and MedTech as key growth areas [40][41] Question: MedTech market dynamics and growth expectations - Management does not expect the loss of ACA subsidies to materially impact MedTech performance, with a focus on clinical capacity driving growth [48] Question: Margin progression and relationship to top-line growth - Management indicated that margin improvements will align with sales growth, with expectations for at least 50 basis points of improvement in 2026 [55] Question: Vision care market health and performance - Management noted strong underlying demand in the contact lens category, with robust growth driven by new product launches [58][59]