J&J Beats Earnings Amid Stelara Drop

Johnson & Johnson reported first-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The company's revenue for the quarter reached $24.1 billion, marking a nearly 10% increase from the previous year and surpassing LSEG data estimates of $23.6 billion.

Adjusted earnings per share were $2.70, beating the consensus estimate of $2.66. This strong performance was largely due to significant demand for its cancer drug Darzalex and psoriasis treatment Tremfya. Darzalex generated $4.0 billion in quarterly sales, while Tremfya brought in $1.6 billion, both exceeding analyst predictions.

These gains helped to offset a sharp decline in sales of Stelara, Johnson & Johnson's former blockbuster autoimmune drug. Following patent expiration last year, Stelara sales fell approximately 60% year-over-year, totaling $656 million for the quarter.

Johnson & Johnson has raised its full-year 2026 revenue forecast, now projecting a midpoint of approximately $100.8 billion, slightly above Wall Street's estimate. The adjusted earnings outlook was also lifted to a midpoint of $11.55 per share. The company's medical technology business also saw growth, with quarterly sales rising 7.7% to $8.6 billion.

Regarding pricing policies, Johnson & Johnson remains against codifying most-favored-nation (MFN) drug pricing deals into legislation. The company believes such policies could lead to price controls, potentially reducing patient access to medicines and hindering innovation.