Johnson & Johnson Reports Healthy Growth In 1st Q Sales, Profits

Johnson & Johnson posted a net first quarter profit of $4.7 billion ($1.64 per share) on sales of $18.1 billion, an increase of 3.5 percent over the first quarter of 2013. The company said U.S. sales were up 2.2 percent and international sales increased 4.5 percent, reflecting operational growth of 7.9 percent and a negative currency impact of 3.4 percent. The positive financial  results were driven by “successful new product launches and the continued growth of key products,” according to CEO Alex Gorsky.  The company boosted its earnings guidance for 2014 to $5.80 to $5.90 a share.