Morgan Stanley Cuts Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Price Target to $292

Morgan Stanley has reiterated its Overweight rating on Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) on October 15, 2026, with a revised price target of $292, down from $294. This call comes amid the company's solid performance in the healthcare sector, where it continues to lead in drug manufacturing and medical technology.

Other Institutional Activity in Johnson & Johnson

Several other institutional investors have adjusted their positions in Johnson & Johnson recently. Blackrock Inc. reduced its stake by 1,280,271 shares, ending with 212,098,264 shares valued at about $54.2 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC added 626,400 shares, bringing its total to 157,226,374 shares worth approximately $40.2 billion. State Street Corporation also increased its holdings by 293,661 shares, totaling 133,776,025 shares valued at about $34.2 billion.

Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 0.6%

As of October 16, 2026, Johnson & Johnson shares traded recently at $255.26, which is 12.6% below the analyst's target of $292. The stock is currently 3.8% below its 50-day moving average of $265.26 but remains 4.7% above its 200-day average of $243.87. It is also 9.2% below its 52-week high of $281.07 and 38.2% above its 52-week low of $184.66.

Recent Earnings

In its last reported earnings, Johnson & Johnson generated a revenue of approximately $99.3 billion over the trailing twelve months, with a net margin of 16.2% and an earnings per share (EPS) of $6.59. The company is set to report its next earnings on January 26, 2027.

Dividend

Johnson & Johnson pays an annual dividend yield of 2.12%, with a payout ratio of 60.7%. This consistent dividend policy underscores its financial health and commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Insider Buying and Selling at Johnson & Johnson

Several insiders have sold shares of Johnson & Johnson recently. Elizabeth Forminard, an officer, sold 15,918 shares on August 6, 2026, valued at about $4.1 million. CEO Joaquin Duato sold 123,291 shares on August 13, 2026, totaling approximately $32.2 million. Jennifer L. Taubert, also an officer, sold 15,000 shares on August 17, 2026, at an average price of $263.36, worth around $3.95 million. Timothy Schmid, another officer, sold 33,597 shares on September 2, 2026, valued at about $9.2 million.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On October 15, 2026, Morgan Stanley maintained its Overweight rating on Johnson & Johnson with a price target of $292. Earlier, on October 14, 2026, Wells Fargo also maintained an Overweight rating, adjusting its target to $275 from $282. Guggenheim reiterated a Buy rating with a target of $287, while Leerink Partners and RBC Capital maintained their ratings of Outperform with targets of $272 and $280, respectively.

About Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson, based in New Brunswick, NJ, is a global leader in healthcare, focusing on the research, development, manufacture, and sale of a wide range of products. The company operates in two segments: Innovative Medicine and MedTech, serving millions of customers worldwide.

Bottom Line

Investors should keep an eye on Johnson & Johnson's next earnings report on January 26, 2027, and watch for further analyst ratings and price target updates. Morgan Stanley's reiteration of its Overweight rating suggests confidence in the company's growth potential despite a recent reduction in its price target.