Johnson & Johnson said it is lifting its quarterly dividend
7.1%.
The increase is "in recognition of our 2014 results, strong
financial position and confidence in the future of Johnson &
Johnson," said Chief Executive Alex Gorsky.
The increased dividend, to 75 cents a share from 70 cents a
share, is payable on June 9 to shareholders of record as of the
close of business on May 26, the company said.
Last week, the heath-care giant reported an 8.6% decline in
first-quarter profit on a 4.1% sales drop and cut its outlook
because of a stronger U.S. dollar and weak medical-device sales.
Like many companies that do significant business outside of the
U.S., J&J has felt the pressure of a currency that makes its
products more expensive abroad.
J&J shares, down 4% this year, were little changed in recent
trading.
Write to Lisa Beilfuss at lisa.beilfuss @wsj.com
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires