Robotic surgery fuels Johnson & Johnson dividend growth outlook

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) plans to separate its Orthopaedics business into a standalone company named DePuy Synthes, expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months, to focus on higher-growth markets in MedTech [1][9]. MedTech Developments - J&J's MedTech sector is emphasizing its commitment to complex surgeries, with a new robotic surgical system, OTTAVA, designed to support multi-specialty soft-tissue surgery [2][4]. - The OTTAVA system integrates surgical instrumentation with future connectivity to the Polyphonic digital ecosystem, and has received FDA approval for a second clinical trial in inguinal hernia procedures [3][5]. - The company aims for OTTAVA to impact growth starting in 2028, allowing time for FDA approval and market adoption [19]. Financial Performance - J&J generated $14 billion in free cash flow through the first nine months of 2025, with forecasts suggesting an increase to $18.54 billion for the year [15]. - The company has a dividend payout ratio of 68%, with expectations to increase its annual dividend from $5.16 per share in 2025 to $6.32 per share in 2029 [15]. - CFO Joe Wolk indicated that the separation of Orthopaedics could improve MedTech's top-line revenue growth and operating margin by at least 75 basis points [7]. Strategic Focus - The separation of the Orthopaedics business allows J&J to concentrate resources on three core focus areas: cardiovascular, surgery, and vision [8]. - The company is committed to continuous portfolio optimization and value creation, with the separation seen as a step towards faster growth in MedTech [9][22]. - J&J's management has stated that large acquisitions are not necessary to achieve growth targets, focusing instead on smaller deals that leverage scientific expertise [20][21]. Product Launches and Growth - J&J's pharmaceutical business continues to show strong growth, with new product launches expected to position the company well for 2026 and beyond [23]. - The company has launched new products like INLEXZO for bladder cancer and CAPLYTA for major depressive disorder, both with peak sales estimates exceeding $5 billion annually [15]. - The cardiovascular portfolio showed strong performance in Q3, with operational sales growth of over 20% from the acquired Shockwave technology [16][14].