By Denny Jacob


Johnson & Johnson posted better-than-expected sales in the latest quarter, buoyed by growth in the United States.

The healthcare company posted earnings of $4.13 billion, or $1.70 a share, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 1, up 28% from $3.23 billion, or $1.22 a share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings were $2.29 a share, above analysts' estimates of $2.28.

Sales grew 7.3% to $21.4 billion from $19.94 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet expected $21 billion.

Sales in the U.S. grew 11% to $12.01 billion, while international sales edged up 2.9% to $9.39 billion.

For 2024, J&J maintained its outlook of operational sales growth in the range of 5% and 6% as well as adjusted operational earnings per-share between $10.55 and $10.75.


Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-23-24 0655ET