J&J posts increased sales for 2Q

LANGHORNE, Pa. Johnson & Johnson released its second-quarter results today and sales increased by 8.7 percent to $16.5 billion, according to published reports.

The company earned $3.3 billion compared to $3.08 billion in the same quarter last year. Global sales of prescription drugs and sales of medical devices rose as well. Prescription drug sales rose by 3.1 percent to $6.3 billion, while medical device sales rose 12.1 percent to $6.1 billion.

The company also raised its 2008 earnings forecast, excluding special items, to between $4.45 and $4.50 per share, from its earlier view of $4.40 to $4.45 per share.