Company Overview - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is a leading company in the multitrillion-dollar global healthcare industry, with total healthcare spending in the U.S. surpassing $5.3 trillion in 2024 and growing at mid- to high single-digit rates [3] - The company develops and sells a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, with over 75% of its sales coming from products that hold top-two market share positions in their respective applications [4] Financial Strength - J&J has a strong financial position, allowing it to invest in new product development, acquire emerging competitors, and consistently raise its dividend [5] - The stock currently yields 2.1%, with management having raised the dividend for 63 consecutive years, making it a reliable income source for investors [6] - J&J is one of only two companies with the highest available credit rating (AAA), ensuring access to debt when needed [6] Market Position and Growth Potential - With a market capitalization approaching $590 billion, J&J is one of the world's largest companies, indicating stability rather than rapid wealth generation [7] - Management believes that the business could accelerate to double-digit growth by the end of this decade, suggesting potential upside for investors [7]

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson is considered a stable investment option, providing steady income and strong total returns, making it a reliable choice for investors seeking long-term growth [1]. Group 1: Dividend Performance - Johnson & Johnson has raised its dividend for 63 consecutive years, qualifying it as a "Dividend King" [3]. - The company has achieved a total dividend increase of 73% over the past decade, with a recent quarterly payout increase of 4.8% to $1.30 per share, resulting in a yield of 2.1% [4]. - The payout ratio stands at 46.3%, indicating sufficient capacity for continued dividend increases, with $12.4 billion paid in dividends against $20 billion in free cash flow in 2025 [5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Over the past year, Johnson & Johnson's total return exceeded 60%, significantly outpacing the S&P 500's return [7]. - The company reported a revenue increase of 6% to $94.2 billion and a remarkable 90.5% growth in earnings per share (EPS) to $11.03, with adjusted EPS rising by 8.1% to $10.79 [8]. Group 3: Future Growth and Innovation - Johnson & Johnson is investing $1 billion in a new cell manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, aiming to enhance domestic production of advanced medicines [9]. - The company plans to allocate $55 billion towards U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029 [10]. - In 2025, Johnson & Johnson invested $14.6 billion in R&D, leading to 28 programs generating over $1 billion in sales and 51 approved therapies in its innovative medicine division [11].

FDA Designation - The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for subcutaneous Rybrevant Faspro as a monotherapy for adults with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [1] - The designation is for patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer that is HPV-unrelated after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy and a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor [2] - Rybrevant Faspro is also approved for multiple settings in locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and is being evaluated in additional solid tumors, including colorectal cancer [2] Clinical Studies - The Breakthrough Therapy Designation is supported by data from the open-label Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 study, which showed promising clinical activity with rapid and durable responses in a heavily pretreated patient population [3] - Subcutaneous amivantamab is being further evaluated in the ongoing Phase 3 OrigAMI-5 study, assessing its combination with Merck's Keytruda and carboplatin versus 5-fluorouracil plus pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy for HPV-unrelated recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [4] New Dosing Schedule - The FDA approved a new, simplified monthly dosing schedule for Rybrevant Faspro in combination with oral Lazcluze for the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer [5] Contract Extension - Trellus Health plc extended its contract with Johnson & Johnson's Health Care Systems unit for six months to continue providing Trellus Elevate for patients with moderate to severely active inflammatory bowel disease [6] - The extension was influenced by the achievement of engagement and satisfaction metrics during the initial pilot phase [6]

Group 1 - The primary goal of the "High Income DIY Portfolios" service is to provide high income with low risk and capital preservation for DIY investors [1] - The service offers seven portfolios designed for income investors, including retirees, featuring three buy-and-hold portfolios, three rotational portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio [1] - The portfolios include two high-income portfolios, two dividend growth investing (DGI) portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio aimed at low drawdowns and high growth [1] Group 2 - The "High Income DIY Portfolios" service includes a total of 10 model portfolios with varying income targets and risk levels, along with buy and sell alerts and live chat support [2] - The investment approach focuses on dividend-growing stocks with a long-term horizon, aiming for 30% lower drawdowns and 6% current income [2] - The service is managed by a financial writer with 25 years of investment experience, emphasizing strategies for stable, long-term passive income [2]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson announced long-term data from the QUASAR study showing that TREMFYA® (guselkumab) maintains clinical and endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis patients over three years, with over 80% of patients in clinical remission and more than 50% in endoscopic remission at Week 140 [1][2]. Group 1: Clinical Efficacy - At Week 140, 80.8% of patients treated with TREMFYA® were in clinical remission, while 53.6% achieved endoscopic remission [1]. - 78.6% of patients experienced histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement (HEMI), indicating significant intestinal healing [1]. - Among those in clinical remission at Week 44, 87.5% maintained remission through Week 140, demonstrating sustained efficacy [1]. Group 2: Study Retention and Safety - Approximately 89% of eligible study participants completed treatment through Week 140, indicating high retention rates [1]. - No new safety concerns were reported during the study, reinforcing the long-term safety profile of TREMFYA® [1][2]. Group 3: Mechanism and Approval - TREMFYA® is the first and only approved dual-acting monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-23 and binds to CD64, targeting immune-mediated diseases [1][2]. - The drug has received FDA and European Commission approval for treating both moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis [1][2]. Group 4: Additional Research and Commitment - Johnson & Johnson presented 30 abstracts at the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2026 conference, highlighting ongoing research and commitment to inflammatory bowel disease treatments [1]. - Two other abstracts from Johnson & Johnson were recognized as Top 10 oral abstracts, showcasing the company's dedication to advancing treatment options [1].

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was up 230.81 (+0.47%) points today, Friday, February 20th, 2026, closing at a record 49,625.97. Similarly, Dow Futures (YM=F) climbed 221.00 (+0.45%) to 49,679.00. The primary narrative driving the market was a favorable economic data release regarding cooling inflation, which bolstered investor confidence in a potential Federal Reserve pivot. This shift in sentiment favored high-growth technology and e-commerce stocks, which led the broader index higher despite loca ...

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) . Shares have added about 13% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Johnson & Johnson due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Johnson & Johnson before we dive into how investors and analysts ...

Core Insights - The biotech industry experienced significant developments this week, including FDA approvals, clinical trial results, and licensing agreements, indicating a dynamic landscape for investment opportunities and advancements in healthcare [1]. FDA Approvals & Rejections - NRx Pharmaceuticals is on track for FDA approval of NRX-100, with existing clinical data and real-world evidence from over 65,000 patients potentially supporting a New Drug Application (NDA) under Fast Track Designation [2][3]. - Kane Biotech received FDA clearance for its Revyve Antimicrobial Skin and Wound Cleanser, which targets wound bacteria and biofilms, with plans for manufacturing scale-up in 2026 [4][5]. - Johnson & Johnson's RYBREVANT FASPRO received FDA approval for a simplified monthly dosing schedule, enhancing treatment options for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer [6][7]. - Spruce Biosciences reported positive feedback from FDA Type B meetings for its enzyme replacement therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type B, with a targeted BLA filing in Q4 2026 [8][9]. - Moderna's seasonal influenza vaccine submission (mRNA-1010) is under FDA review, with a PDUFA date set for August 5, 2026, aiming for availability in the 2026/2027 flu season [10][11]. - Disc Medicine received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for its NDA for Biopertin in erythropoietic protoporphyria, citing insufficient correlation with sunlight exposure endpoints [13][14]. - AbbVie and Genentech's combination regimen of VENCLEXTA and Acalabrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) received FDA approval, showing a 35% reduction in disease progression risk compared to standard treatment [15][16]. Deals - Theriva Biologics entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Rasayana Therapeutics for SYN-020, receiving a $3 million upfront payment and potential milestone payments totaling up to $38 million [17][18]. - Sensei Biotherapeutics acquired Faeth Therapeutics, expanding its oncology portfolio with the investigational asset PIKTOR, and announced a concurrent private placement of $200 million to advance clinical milestones [19][20]. Clinical Trials - Breakthroughs - Eli Lilly's Taltz and Zepbound combination therapy showed positive results in a Phase 3 trial for plaque psoriasis and obesity, achieving superior outcomes compared to Taltz alone [21][22]. - Zealand Pharma reported positive Phase 1a results for ZP9830, a Kv1.3 channel blocker, demonstrating safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers [23][24]. - Novartis' Remibrutinib met primary endpoints in a Phase 3 trial for chronic inducible urticaria, showing significant response rates compared to placebo [26][27]. - Ocular Therapeutix's AXPAXLI demonstrated superiority over aflibercept in a Phase 3 trial for wet age-related macular degeneration, although stock prices fell due to investor disappointment [28][29]. - Rallybio's RLYB116 Phase 1 study showed promising results for immune platelet transfusion refractoriness, with plans for a Phase 2 trial in 2026 [31][32]. - Teva and Sanofi's Duvakitug Phase 2b trial demonstrated durable efficacy in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, reinforcing the rationale for ongoing Phase 3 programs [35][36]. - Genentech's Gazyva met primary endpoints in a Phase III study for primary membranous nephropathy, showing significant remission rates compared to tacrolimus [38][39].

Here's five things to know ahead of the opening bill. President Trump says he's going to decide in the next 10 days whether to launch military strikes against Iran. The US has been building a major military presence uh in the Middle East.Johnson and Johnson is now reportedly looking at selling uh its orthopedics unit. A deal could be worth more than $20 billion. Reports say possible buyers include private equity firms.We talked about that. I had deja vu from this back in October. They didn't say they were g ...

Company Updates - Madrigal Pharmaceuticals experienced a significant drop in shares despite reporting fourth-quarter sales of $321 million for its liver disease drug Rezdiffra, exceeding consensus estimates by $10 million, with all metrics being positive [2] - Daiichi Sankyo appointed former Novartis executive John Tsai as the new global head of research and development, effective April 1, replacing Ken Takeshita [3] - Johnson & Johnson announced an investment of over $1 billion in a new cell therapy manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, part of a broader $55 billion commitment to U.S. production by early 2029 [4] - Johnson & Johnson has temporarily paused enrollment in a mid-stage trial for an Alzheimer's vaccine co-developed with AC Immune, with the halt not related to new safety findings [5] - Novartis is collaborating with biotech startup Unnatural Products to develop a macrocyclic peptide drug, providing $100 million upfront and potentially $1.7 billion if the drug progresses [6] Industry Insights - The pharmaceutical industry is seeing significant investments in manufacturing and research, with companies like Johnson & Johnson committing substantial funds to U.S. production and new drug development initiatives [4][6] - The trend of appointing experienced executives from major pharmaceutical companies to lead research and development efforts indicates a focus on enhancing innovation and drug development capabilities within the industry [3]