Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported better-than-expected Q3 sales and earnings, raising its full-year revenue guidance while maintaining its adjusted earnings guidance for 2025 [1] - The company plans to spin off its slow-growing orthopedic business within 18 to 24 months to create more growth opportunities for its innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices [1][2] Financial Performance - Q3 revenue reached $24 billion, a 6.7% year-over-year increase, surpassing analysts' average expectation of $23.7 billion [1] - Earnings per share were $2.80, exceeding the expected $2.76 [1] - The company raised the midpoint of its 2025 sales guidance by $300 million to $93.7 billion [1] Orthopedic Business Spin-off - The orthopedic business, primarily involving hip and knee replacements and spinal devices, is projected to generate approximately $9.2 billion in sales in 2024 [2] - The spin-off is seen as a way to enhance value, as the orthopedic segment's growth and profitability are lagging behind other divisions [2] - A senior executive, Namal Navana, has been appointed to lead the orthopedic division and oversee the spin-off process [2] Strategic Transformation - The spin-off is part of a broader strategy to transition to higher growth and profitability markets, especially in light of declining sales from the psoriasis drug, Stelara, due to patent expiration and biosimilar competition [3] - New products, including multiple myeloma drug Daratumumab and other autoimmune disease treatments, are expected to fill the revenue gap [3] - The company is also responding to the Trump administration's "American-made" initiative by investing $55 billion in U.S. manufacturing, research, and technology over the next four years [3] Industry Impact - Johnson & Johnson's financial results serve as a bellwether for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly under the pressure of the Trump administration's pricing policies [4] - The company was one of 17 drug firms that received a letter from Trump, urging them to lower drug prices to levels seen in other wealthy countries [4] - Competitors like Pfizer and AstraZeneca have already agreed to significant price reductions for certain drugs in exchange for tariff exemptions [4]