Johnson & Johnson delivers strong fourth quarter

Johnson & Johnson cited the strength of key brands in its U.S. over-the-counter business as one of the driving factors that led to what chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky called “outstanding” results for the fourth quarter.



The company reported sales of $18.4 billion for the quarter, an increase of 4.5% as compared to the prior-year quarter. Operational results increased 6.3%. Domestic sales increased 7.4%, while international sales increased 2.4%, reflecting operational growth of 5.6%.



"Johnson & Johnson delivered strong results in 2013 led by the outstanding performance in our pharmaceutical business, the strength of key brands in our US OTC and other consumer businesses and continued progress in integrating Synthes into our medical devices and diagnostics business. We also advanced our longer term growth drivers, bringing innovative solutions to the global healthcare market and executing with excellence," said Gorsky.



Worldwide consumer sales of $14.7 billion for the full-year 2013 represented an increase of 1.7% versus the prior year, consisting of an operational increase of 2.8%. Domestic sales increased 2.3%; international sales increased 1.4%, which reflected an operational increase of 3.1%.



Positive contributors to operational results were U.S. sales of Tylenol and Motrin analgesics; upper respiratory over-the-counter products; international sales of baby care products; sales of Neutrogena and Aveeno skin care products; and international sales of Listerine oral care products.