Buy, Sell or Hold J&J Stock? Key Tips Ahead of Q1 Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is set to report its first-quarter 2025 results on April 15, with sales and earnings estimates at $21.66 billion and $2.57 per share respectively. The earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen slight declines over the past 60 days [1]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - JNJ has consistently exceeded earnings expectations in the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 4.43%. The last reported quarter showed a 2.0% earnings surprise [5]. - The company currently has an Earnings ESP of -2.53% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a mixed outlook for the upcoming earnings report [6]. Group 2: Sales Estimates and Drivers - Sales in JNJ's Innovative Medicines segment are expected to be driven by strong performances from key products like Darzalex, Tremfya, and Erleada, with respective sales estimates of $3.13 billion, $939.0 million, and $817.0 million [7][8]. - The sales estimate for the Innovative Medicine unit is $13.46 billion, while the MedTech segment is estimated at $8.14 billion, reflecting challenges in year-over-year comparisons [12][14]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The launch of biosimilars for Stelara is anticipated to impact its sales significantly, with estimates for Stelara sales at $1.64 billion [9][10]. - The MedTech business is facing headwinds in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China, due to government cost containment efforts and competitive pressures [13]. Group 4: Strategic Developments - JNJ's diversified business model has been strengthened by the recent acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies for approximately $14.6 billion, enhancing its presence in the neurological and psychiatric drug market [24]. - The company is making progress with its pipeline and has been active in mergers and acquisitions, which is expected to bolster growth in its Innovative Medicine segment [23]. Group 5: Legal and Market Sentiment - Ongoing legal battles related to talc lawsuits have created a bearish sentiment around JNJ's stock, with a recent bankruptcy court ruling rejecting its proposed settlement plan [26]. - Despite potential challenges, JNJ has shown steady revenue and EPS growth, suggesting a long-term positive outlook for investors [27].