This 2.7%-Yielding Dividend King Remains One of the Healthiest Income Stocks You Can Buy

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson has a strong financial profile and growth prospects, highlighted by its status as a Dividend King with 63 consecutive years of dividend increases [1][2] - The company currently offers a dividend yield of 2.7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average [2] Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Johnson & Johnson reported $24 billion in sales, a nearly 7% increase year-over-year, and adjusted net income of over $6.8 billion, reflecting a 16% rise [4] - The company generated approximately $14.2 billion in free cash flow in the first nine months of the year, nearly matching the $14.5 billion from the same period last year, easily covering its dividend payments of $3.1 billion for the quarter and $9.3 billion year-to-date [5] - Johnson & Johnson ended the quarter with $19 billion in cash and $46 billion in debt, maintaining a AAA bond rating, which is among the best globally [6] Future Outlook - The company has raised its full-year sales outlook, now expecting a 5.7% growth to $93.7 billion, with adjusted earnings growth projected at 8.7% to $10.85 per share [7] - Johnson & Johnson plans to separate its orthopedics business to focus on six priority growth areas: oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular, surgery, and vision, aiming for faster growth and higher margins post-separation [8][9] Strategic Initiatives - A key focus for Johnson & Johnson is its oncology business, with a target of $50 billion in sales by 2030, supported by over $10 billion in R&D investments [10] - The company has made strategic acquisitions, such as the $2 billion purchase of Ambrx, and is reportedly in talks to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, enhancing its oncology pipeline [11] - Continued investments in oncology and other priority areas are expected to support ongoing dividend growth and reinforce the company's commitment to shareholder value [12] Investment Strength - Johnson & Johnson is characterized as a financial fortress with strong free cash flow, enabling it to sustain high dividend payouts while reinvesting in business growth, making it one of the safest high-yielding dividend stocks available [13]