Johnson & Johnson JNJ), the bellwether of healthcare companies, has a strong presence in the pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer care markets across the world. This New Jersey-based company is well known for its baby-care products and brands like Tylenol in addition to drugs like Remicade and Concerta.

However, like many of its peers, JNJ is facing generic competition and pricing pressure for some of the products in its pharmaceutical segment. JNJ also had issues with its consumer segment manufacturing facilities.

In this scenario, investor focus remains on late-stage pipeline candidates and their commercial potential as well as the performance of new products apart from the usual top-and bottom-line numbers.

JNJ has a pretty good earnings track record with the company delivering positive earnings surprises in each of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 2.88%. Estimates have however remained stable over the past 60 days.

Currently, JNJ has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could definitely change following the company’s earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:

Earnings Beat: JNJ beat on third quarter earnings - the company reported EPS of $1.68 while our consensus called for EPS of $1.65.

JOHNSON & JOHNS Price and EPS Surprise

JOHNSON & JOHNS Price and EPS Surprise | JOHNSON & JOHNS Quote

Revenues Beat: Revenues were above expectations as well. Johnson & Johnson posted revenues of $17.82 billion, compared to our consensus estimate of $17.72 billion.

Ups Guidance: J&J upped its 2016 earnings guidance to $6.68 - $6.73 compared to $6.63 - $6.73 previously. The revenue guidance was maintained in the range of $71.5 billion - $72.2 billion.

Stock Price Impact: Shares rose 0.43% in pre-market trading.

Check back later for our full write up on this JNJ earnings report later!

Confidential from Zacks

Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
JOHNSON & JOHNS (JNJ): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research