10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

JOHNSON & JOHNSON Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 28, 2003

Filed November 12, 2003For Securities:JNJ

Summary

Johnson & Johnson reported strong financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal year 2003. The company demonstrated robust sales growth across all its major segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices & Diagnostics. This growth was driven by both operational improvements and favorable currency exchange rates, particularly in international markets. Net earnings and diluted earnings per share showed significant increases compared to the prior year, reflecting efficient operations and strategic acquisitions. Significant investments in research and development and strategic acquisitions, such as Scios Inc., Orquest, Inc., OraPharma, Inc., and 3-Dimensional Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have expanded the company's product portfolio and technological capabilities. While these investments, particularly In-Process Research & Development (IPR&D) charges, impacted reported earnings for the nine-month period, the company maintained a strong cash flow from operations. J&J also continued its commitment to shareholder returns through increased cash dividends, signaling confidence in its ongoing financial health and future prospects.

Key Highlights

  • 1Worldwide sales increased by 15.2% to $10.5 billion in Q3 2003 and by 13.8% to $30.6 billion for the first nine months of 2003, driven by strong operational growth and positive currency impacts.
  • 2Net earnings grew by 20.1% to $2.1 billion in Q3 2003, with diluted earnings per share rising to $0.69.
  • 3All three business segments (Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices & Diagnostics) reported significant sales growth, with Medical Devices & Diagnostics showing the strongest increase at 20.3% in Q3.
  • 4The company completed several strategic acquisitions during the period, including Scios Inc. for approximately $2.4 billion, significantly enhancing its biopharmaceutical and cardiovascular disease offerings.
  • 5Research and development expenses increased as a percentage of sales, reflecting continued investment in innovation, with notable IPR&D charges associated with acquisitions.
  • 6Shareholders received increased dividends, with a Q3 dividend of $0.24 per share, up 17.1% from the prior year.
  • 7The company maintained a strong financial position, with total assets increasing by 15.0% to $46.7 billion and shareholders' equity growing by 13.3% per share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Johnson & Johnson experienced robust sales growth across all its segments in the third quarter of 2003. The Medical Devices & Diagnostics segment led with a 20.3% increase, followed by the Pharmaceutical segment at 13.0%, and the Consumer segment at 10.8%. This broad-based growth underscores the company's diversified revenue streams.

The company made several strategic acquisitions, notably Scios Inc., which significantly increased intangible assets on the balance sheet. While these acquisitions strengthen future growth prospects, they also resulted in substantial In-Process Research & Development (IPR&D) charges, particularly impacting the nine-month net earnings. For instance, the Scios acquisition alone accounted for $730 million in IPR&D charges.

Total borrowings increased by $1.0 billion to $5.2 billion due to acquisitions, but the company maintained a strong net cash position (cash and marketable securities less debt) of $3.7 billion. Debt represented a manageable 16.7% of total capital. Cash generated from operations continues to be a primary source of funding for operations, investments, and shareholder returns.

Johnson & Johnson is involved in several significant legal matters, including product liability litigation concerning the drug PROPULSID, patent infringement lawsuits related to cardiovascular stents (Cordis Corporation), and litigation against generic drug filers (ANDAs). While the company believes its reserves and insurance will cover potential liabilities, the ultimate outcome of these cases could significantly impact results in any given period. The company is also responding to investigations from governmental bodies regarding marketing practices.