Johnson & Johnson's Latest Talcum Powder Development Could Be Costly

Healthcare conglomerate Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE: JNJ) ongoing litigation over the alleged health effects of its talc-based baby powder continues to hang over the company's head. Recently, an appeals court ruled against Johnson & Johnson's attempt at using bankruptcy protection to shield itself from claims. An analyst from JPMorgan estimated that Johnson & Johnson's potential talc liabilities could approach $8 billion to $10 billion, which is no small pill to swallow.