Johnson & Johnson Stock Price, News & Analysis

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported third-quarter 2020 results showing solid performance with reported sales of $21,082 million, a 1.7% increase from 2019. Net earnings surged 102.7% to $3,554 million, with diluted EPS at $1.33, reflecting a 101.5% growth. The Pharmaceutical segment grew 5.0%, leading overall growth, while Medical Devices faced a 3.6% decline impacted by COVID-19. New regulatory approvals and ongoing vaccine development were highlighted, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced an agreement with the European Commission to supply 200 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate to EU Member States, with the option for an additional 200 million doses. This follows ongoing discussions with stakeholders to improve global access to the vaccine. Johnson & Johnson plans to allocate 500 million doses for lower-income countries, starting mid-next year upon regulatory approval. The vaccine leverages AdVac technology, previously used in other vaccine candidates. The Phase 3 clinical trial is underway, evaluating a single-dose regimen.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has completed its acquisition of Momenta Pharmaceuticals for approximately $6.5 billion in cash. The tender offer for Momenta's shares was for $52.50 per share, with about 79.4% of shares tendered. The acquisition, effective October 1, 2020, allows Momenta to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary, focusing on therapies for rare diseases and autoimmune disorders. The merger is anticipated to enhance patient care and facilitate multiple product launches in areas of significant unmet need.

Johnson & Johnson announced the initiation of its Phase 3 trial (ENSEMBLE) for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate, JNJ-78436735, after positive interim results from earlier studies. This pivotal trial aims to enroll 60,000 volunteers across multiple countries to assess the vaccine's safety and efficacy. The company plans to produce one billion doses annually, aiming for emergency use authorization in early 2021. The trial emphasizes diversity, including significant representation of vulnerable populations, and reflects J&J's commitment to transparency and collaboration with health authorities.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has announced its acquisition of Momenta Pharmaceuticals for approximately $6.5 billion in cash. This strategic move aims to enhance Janssen's position in treating immune-mediated diseases, particularly through the lead asset nipocalimab, an anti-FcRn antibody. The acquisition is expected to provide global rights to nipocalimab, which could expand treatment options for autoantibody-driven diseases affecting 195 million individuals globally. The transaction is projected to close in the second half of 2020 and is anticipated to be modestly dilutive to JNJ's earnings in 2021.

Johnson & Johnson announced an agreement with the U.S. government to manufacture and deliver 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Ad26.COV2.S, pending FDA approval. The U.S. government, through BARDA, is committing over $1 billion for this initiative. Additionally, there is an option for the purchase of 200 million more doses. A Phase 1/2a clinical trial is currently underway in the U.S. and Belgium. The company aims to supply over 1 billion doses globally by 2021, following regulatory approval.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced its lead COVID-19 vaccine candidate demonstrated strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 in pre-clinical studies. The investigational Ad26.COV2.S vaccine showed robust immune responses and near-complete lung protection in non-human primates. Following this success, a Phase 1/2a clinical trial involving over 1,000 healthy adults has commenced in the U.S. and Belgium, with plans for a pivotal Phase 3 trial starting in September. The company aims to produce over one billion doses by 2021, pending safety and efficacy.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced a cash dividend of $1.01 per share for Q3 2020, payable on September 8, 2020. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 25, 2020 will receive this dividend, with an ex-dividend date of August 24, 2020. This announcement reflects the company's commitment to maintaining shareholder returns amidst its extensive healthcare initiatives aimed at improving access and affordability for communities worldwide.