10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2017

JOHNSON & JOHNSON Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 1, 2017

Filed November 2, 2017For Securities:JNJ

Summary

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for fiscal year 2017, showcasing robust sales growth driven significantly by strategic acquisitions, most notably Actelion Ltd. The company's consolidated sales increased by 10.3% year-over-year for the third quarter and 4.6% for the nine-month period, with operational growth contributing substantially alongside positive currency impacts and the net effect of acquisitions and divestitures. Pharmaceutical segment performance was a key driver, with a notable 15.4% increase in third-quarter sales, bolstered by strong contributions from Oncology and Pulmonary Hypertension (following the Actelion acquisition). The Medical Devices segment also demonstrated healthy growth, up 7.1% in the third quarter, primarily due to the inclusion of Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) and growth in Vision Care. While the Consumer segment saw modest growth, the company continues to navigate competitive pressures in certain sub-segments. Financially, JNJ maintained a strong operating cash flow of $15.0 billion for the nine months ended October 1, 2017. However, investing activities showed a significant outflow of $14.4 billion, largely due to the substantial Actelion acquisition. Financing activities utilized $4.1 billion, primarily for dividends and share repurchases, though the previously announced $10 billion share repurchase program was completed in July 2017. The company's balance sheet reflects increased debt and intangible assets/goodwill stemming from recent acquisitions, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its pharmaceutical and medical device portfolios. Investors should note the ongoing legal proceedings and patent litigations across various product lines, which, while currently not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position, could impact future results.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total sales increased by 10.3% to $19.65 billion in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $17.82 billion in the prior year quarter, driven by operational growth and acquisitions.
  • 2The Pharmaceutical segment showed strong performance with a 15.4% increase in third-quarter sales to $9.7 billion, largely due to the Actelion acquisition and growth in Oncology and Pulmonary Hypertension.
  • 3Medical Devices segment sales grew by 7.1% in the third quarter to $6.6 billion, benefiting from the Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) acquisition and growth in Vision Care.
  • 4Net earnings for the third quarter decreased to $3.76 billion ($1.37 per share) from $4.27 billion ($1.53 per share) in the prior year quarter, influenced by higher acquisition-related costs and amortization.
  • 5Operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2017 was strong at $15.0 billion.
  • 6Significant increase in intangible assets and goodwill on the balance sheet, primarily from the Actelion acquisition ($25.0 billion in intangible assets and $5.8 billion in goodwill recognized).
  • 7The company completed its previously announced $10.0 billion share repurchase program in July 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth in Q3 2017 was primarily driven by significant acquisitions, most notably Actelion Ltd., which bolstered the Pharmaceutical segment, and Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), contributing to Medical Devices growth. Operational growth across key segments, particularly Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, also played a crucial role, along with favorable currency movements.

The acquisition of Actelion Ltd., completed in June 2017, significantly increased Johnson & Johnson's intangible assets and goodwill, totaling approximately $25.0 billion and $5.8 billion, respectively. This also contributed to a substantial outflow of cash for investing activities ($34.7 billion in acquisitions for the nine-month period) and an increase in debt to finance the transaction. The acquisition is expected to enhance JNJ's Pulmonary Hypertension portfolio.

The Pharmaceutical segment showed strong double-digit growth in Q3 2017, driven by new acquisitions like Actelion and strong performance from key drugs like Darzalex and Imbruvica. However, the segment faces challenges, including biosimilar competition for REMICADE®, which is impacting sales, and ongoing patent litigation for Zytiga. Investors should monitor patent expiration dates and the success of new drug launches to gauge future performance.

JNJ generated strong operating cash flow of $15.0 billion for the nine months ended October 1, 2017. The company has access to significant credit facilities and capital markets. While investing activities were heavily impacted by acquisitions, and financing activities included dividends and share repurchases (with the $10 billion repurchase program completed), JNJ anticipates sufficient resources to fund its operations and strategic initiatives.