Johnson & Johnson Beats Q1 2026 Earnings Estimates

Pharmaceutical sales drive growth, with Darzalex and Tremfya leading the way

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:07am

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An extreme close-up of the complex, interlocking gears and components of a pharmaceutical manufacturing machine, conveying the technical sophistication and industrial might behind Johnson & Johnson's drug production.The heavy, industrial machinery behind Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical success powers the company's continued growth and innovation.New Brunswick Today

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.70 beating the $2.68 analyst estimate. Total sales came in at $24.1 billion, up 9.9% year-over-year and ahead of the $23.6 billion expected. The company's pharmaceutical division was the standout, with sales rising 11.2% to $15.4 billion, driven by robust performance from key drugs like Darzalex and Tremfya.

Why it matters

J&J's solid Q1 results and raised full-year guidance demonstrate the company's ability to navigate industry challenges and maintain growth momentum, particularly in its core pharmaceutical business. The performance of key drugs like Darzalex and Tremfya, as well as the potential of newly approved Icotyde, underscore J&J's strength in the immunology and oncology therapeutic areas.

The details

J&J's pharmaceutical sales rose 11.2% year-over-year to $15.4 billion, beating the FactSet estimate of $15.2 billion. Darzalex, the company's top-selling multiple myeloma drug, brought in $4.0 billion in revenue, up from $3.2 billion a year earlier and ahead of the $3.9 billion estimate. Tremfya, an IL-23 inhibitor used to treat autoimmune conditions, posted $1.6 billion in sales, up sharply from $956 million a year ago and well above the $1.4 billion estimate. The medical devices division posted $8.6 billion in sales, in line with estimates.

  • Johnson & Johnson reported first-quarter 2026 results before the bell on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Johnson & Johnson

A multinational pharmaceutical and medical devices company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Darzalex

J&J's top-selling multiple myeloma drug, which generated $4.0 billion in revenue for the quarter.

Tremfya

J&J's IL-23 inhibitor used to treat autoimmune conditions, which posted $1.6 billion in sales for the quarter.

Icotyde

J&J's new oral IL-23 inhibitor pill for plaque psoriasis, which was recently approved by the FDA and is estimated to potentially reach peak sales of around $10 billion.

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What’s next

J&J's newly approved psoriasis pill Icotyde could be a key growth driver going forward, with analysts estimating it could reach peak sales of around $10 billion. The company's ability to navigate the legal overhang related to talcum powder lawsuits will also be an important factor to monitor.

The takeaway

J&J's strong Q1 performance, driven by its pharmaceutical business, demonstrates the company's ability to adapt and maintain growth momentum in a challenging industry environment. The potential of new products like Icotyde, combined with the continued success of established drugs like Darzalex and Tremfya, position J&J well for future success.