Johnson & Johnson reports net sales of $16.2 billion for first quarter 2011

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced sales of $16.2 billion for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 3.5% as compared to the first quarter of 2010. Operational results increased 1.8% and the positive impact of currency was 1.7%. Domestic sales declined 0.6%, while international sales increased 7.3%, reflecting operational growth of 4.1% and a positive currency impact of 3.2%.

Net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2011 were $3.5 billion and $1.25, respectively. First quarter 2011 net earnings included after-tax charges of $271 million representing expenses due to litigation and additional DePuy ASR™ Hip recall costs.  First quarter 2010 net earnings included an after-tax gain of $910 million representing the net impact of litigation matters. Excluding these special items, net earnings for the current quarter were $3.7 billion and diluted earnings per share were $1.35, representing increases of 3.6% and 4.7%, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2010.

The Company increased its earnings guidance for full-year 2011 to $4.90 - $5.00 per share, reflecting both currency exchange rate changes and recent developments in the business.  The Company's guidance excludes the impact of special items.

"Our pharmaceuticals business demonstrated strong growth this quarter led by the performance of recently launched products. We delivered solid earnings while making the investments necessary to advance the robust pipelines across our businesses," said William C. Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"The innovations we are bringing to the market, the changes we are implementing in manufacturing and quality, and the dedication of the people of Johnson & Johnson, give us great confidence in the future growth prospects of our business," said Weldon.

Worldwide Consumer sales of $3.7 billion for the first quarter represented a decrease of 2.2% versus the prior year consisting of an operational decline of 4.1% and a positive impact from currency of 1.9%. Domestic sales decreased 13.8%; international sales increased 5.9%, which reflected an operational increase of 2.6% and a positive currency impact of 3.3%.

Sales in U.S. over-the-counter medicines were significantly impacted by the suspension of manufacturing at the McNeil Consumer Healthcare facility in Fort Washington, Pa., as well as the impact on production volumes related to ongoing efforts to enhance quality and manufacturing systems. Positive contributors to operational results were international sales of over-the-counter medicines and nutritionals, baby care products, and international sales of oral care products.  

During the quarter, McNeil–PPC, Inc. signed a Consent Decree with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which will govern certain McNeil Consumer Healthcare division manufacturing operations. The Consent Decree allows McNeil to continue the work already initiated under a Comprehensive Action Plan, and identifies procedures that will help provide additional assurance of product quality to the FDA.

Worldwide Pharmaceutical sales of $6.1 billion for the first quarter represented an increase of 7.5% versus the prior year with operational growth of 6.4% and a positive impact from currency of 1.1%. Domestic sales increased 5.8%; international sales increased 9.7%, which reflected an operational increase of 7.3% and a positive currency impact of 2.4%.  

Sales results include the strong performance of recently launched products, including STELARA® (ustekinumab), a biologic approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; SIMPONI® (golimumab), a biologic approved to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; and INVEGA® SUSTENNA™ (paliperidone palmitate) a once-monthly, long-acting, injectable atypical antipsychotic for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Several other products also contributed to the operational sales growth including REMICADE® (infliximab), a biologic approved for the treatment of a number of immune mediated inflammatory diseases; PREZISTA® (darunavir), a treatment for HIV; CAELYX®  (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride), a treatment for certain types of cancer; LEVAQUIN®   (levofloxacin), a treatment for bacterial infections; and international sales of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone), a long-acting injectable for the management of Bipolar I Disorder and schizophrenia.

During the quarter, the European Commission approved XEPLION® (paliperidone palmitate), a once monthly, long-acting injectable, antipsychotic, for the treatment of schizophrenia. In addition, the Company completed its tender offer for Crucell N.V., a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the research & development, production and marketing of vaccines and antibodies against infectious disease worldwide. Crucell now operates as the center for vaccines within the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceuticals group.

In April, the Company announced it had reached an agreement with Merck to amend the distribution rights to REMICADE® (infliximab) and SIMPONI® (golimumab), which treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The agreement concludes the arbitration proceeding initiated in 2009, requesting a ruling related to the distribution agreement following the announcement of the proposed merger between Merck and Schering-Plough.

Worldwide Medical Devices and Diagnostics sales of $6.4 billion for the first quarter represented an increase of 3.3% versus the prior year consisting of an operational increase of 1.3% and a positive currency impact of 2.0%. Domestic sales decreased 0.5%; international sales increased 6.6%, which reflected an operational increase of 3.0% and a positive currency impact of 3.6%.

Primary contributors to operational growth included Biosense Webster's electrophysiology business; LifeScan's blood glucose monitoring products; Vistakon's disposable contact lenses; Ethicon's surgical care products; Ethicon Endo-Surgery's advanced sterilization products and international sales of minimally invasive products; and DePuy's sports medicine and neurovascular business.