Company Overview - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is a global healthcare conglomerate with a market cap of $455 billion, headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and founded in 1886. The company operates in innovative prescription medicines, advanced surgical and medical technologies, and legacy consumer brands [1]. Performance Metrics - JNJ has outperformed the broader market in 2025, with stock gains of 30.6% year-to-date and 17.6% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the S&P 500 Index's gains of 16.3% and 17.7% respectively [2]. - In the healthcare sector, JNJ has also outperformed the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV), which has risen 4.9% in 2025 and experienced a 2.6% decline over the past 52 weeks [3]. Financial Results - For Q3 2025, JNJ reported a revenue growth of 6.8% year-over-year to $24 billion and an adjusted EPS increase of 16% to $2.80, indicating solid growth in both top and bottom lines. The company raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance midpoint to approximately $93.2 billion while maintaining its adjusted EPS guidance at around $10.85 [4]. - Analysts project an adjusted EPS of $10.86 for fiscal 2025, reflecting an 8.8% year-over-year increase, with JNJ having exceeded Wall Street's earnings expectations in each of the last four quarters [5]. Analyst Ratings - The stock has a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating, with 25 analysts covering it, including 13 "Strong Buys," two "Moderate Buys," and 10 "Holds" [5]. - A month ago, the configuration was slightly less bullish, with 11 analysts giving "Strong Buy" recommendations. J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott reiterated a "Hold" rating on JNJ with a price target of $205 [6]. - The mean price target for JNJ is $202.35, indicating a modest 7.1% upside potential, while the highest target of $225 suggests a notable 19.1% premium to current price levels [6].

Core Insights - Novartis AG is recognized for its strong market position in branded pharmaceuticals, particularly in oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, and neurology sectors [1] - The company has undergone significant restructuring, including the recent spinoff of its Sandoz generics and biosimilars division, focusing solely on innovative medicines which now represent about 80% of revenue [1] - Novartis generates over 50% of its revenue from the Americas, approximately 30% from Europe, and nearly 20% from other regions [1] Financial Performance - Oncology accounts for 30% of Novartis' revenues, while immunology contributes almost 20%, and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic areas also account for nearly 20% [1] - Mature branded products in non-core therapy areas contribute over 20% of the company's revenues [1] - Prior to the Sandoz spinoff, innovative medicines accounted for 85% of core operating income [1]

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the Best and Cheap Stocks to Buy Right Now. On September 30, Courtney Breen from Bernstein reiterated a Hold rating on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) without disclosing any price target. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is set to announce its fiscal third quarter results on October 30. The company posted mixed results during its second quarter of 2025. The company topped Wall Street estimates with an EPS of $2.13, ahead of the consensus by $0.10. However, the revenue of $1 ...

President Donald Trump, who has long argued that the U.S. pays more than it should for prescription medicines, on Tuesday said Pfizer had agreed to cut prices for drugs it sells to the Medicaid progra... ...

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced a historic agreement with the Trump Administration that will ensure U.S. patients pay lower prices for their prescription medicines while strengthening America's role as the global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. In response to the four points covered in the President's July 31st letter, Pfizer has voluntarily agreed to implement measures designed to ensure Americans receive comparable drug prices to those available in o. ...