Johnson & Johnson (JNJ - Analyst Report), the bellwether of healthcare companies, has a strong presence in the pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer care markets across the world. This New Jersey-based company is well known for its baby-care products and brands like Tylenol in addition to drugs like Remicade and Concerta.

However, like many of its peers, JNJ is facing generic competition and pricing pressure for some of the products in its pharmaceutical segment. Moreover, growth rates in the medical devices market have tempered due to headwinds in the form of austerity measures, pricing pressure and a slowdown in elective surgeries. JNJ also had issues with its consumer segment manufacturing facilities. Another major headwind is the impact of the strengthening dollar.

In this scenario, investor focus remains on late-stage pipeline candidates and their commercial potential, progress in resuming full supply of consumer segment products that had been recalled and performance of new products apart from the usual top-and bottom-line numbers.

JNJ has a pretty good earnings track record with the company delivering positive earnings surprises in each of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 2.43%. Estimates have, however, been revised downwards for 2016.

Currently, JNJ has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could definitely change following the company’s earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:

Earnings Beat: JNJ beat on third quarter earnings - the company reported EPS of $1.49 while our consensus called for EPS of $1.44.

Revenues Miss: Revenues lagged expectations. Johnson & Johnson posted revenues of $17.1 billion, compared to our consensus estimate of $17.4 billion.

Key Stats: J&J raised its earnings guidance for 2015 to $6.15 - $6.20 per share (guidance provided with second quarter 2015 results: $6.10 - $6.20 per share). The Zacks Consensus Estimate currently stands at $6.16 per share.

The company’s Board also authorized a share buyback program for up to $10 billion.

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