Johnson & Johnson Q4 Profit Decreases, but beats estimates

(RTTNews) - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported earnings for fourth quarter that decreased from the same period last year but beat the Street estimates.

The company's earnings totaled $3.52 billion, or $1.33 per share. This compares with $4.74 billion, or $1.77 per share, in last year's fourth quarter.

Excluding items, Johnson & Johnson reported adjusted earnings of $6.22 billion or $2.35 per share for the period.

Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $2.23 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

The company's revenue for the quarter fell 4.4% to $23.71 billion from $24.80 billion last year.

Johnson & Johnson earnings at a glance (GAAP) :

-Earnings (Q4): $3.52 Bln. vs. $4.74 Bln. last year. -EPS (Q4): $1.33 vs. $1.77 last year. -Analyst Estimates: $2.23 -Revenue (Q4): $23.71 Bln vs. $24.80 Bln last year.