Johnson & Johnson Gears up for Earnings, FDA Decision Looms

An FDA panel is weighing Johnson & Johnson's booster shot data

Jake Scott

Deputy Editor

Oct 13, 2021 at 2:19 PM

Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is in the spotlight today, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) struck a more favorable tone regarding the company's Covid-19 vaccine booster shot, just a few days before an FDA advisory panel is set to vote on whether the data submitted by Johnson & Johnson supports the need for a booster. This also comes ahead of the firm's third-quarter earnings report, which is due out before the open on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Below we will take a look at how JNJ has been faring on the charts, and see what the options market is pricing in for its post-earnings moves.

Johnson & Johnson stock was last seen moving higher, up 1.1% at $159.48 at last check. This bodes well for the equity, as the 20-day moving average has pushed JNJ past its year-to-date breakeven level in recent sessions. The security now sports a roughly 1% lead in 2021, one day removed from its first close below the 320-day moving average since November 2020.

JNJ Chart October 13

Moving onto JNJ's earnings history, the blue chip has closed higher the day after reporting in six of its past eight earnings, including next-day pops following its last three reports. Over the past two years, the shares have swung an average of 1.9% the day after earnings, regardless of direction. This time around, the options market is pricing in a slightly larger, 3.7% swing for tomorrow's trading.

Analyst sentiment surrounding Johnson & Johnson stock is overwhelmingly bullish. Of the 10 analysts in coverage, all but three consider it a “buy” or better. Plus, the 12-month consensus target price of $188.88 is an 18.4% premium to current levels.

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