Johnson & Johnson announced plans to spin off its orthopedics division into a standalone company named DePuy Synthes within 18 to 24 months. The company also raised its full-year 2025 sales forecast by $300 million, expecting revenues between $93.5 billion and $93.9 billion, driven by pharma and med-tech growth.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a global healthcare leader, revealed its strategic decision to separate its orthopedics business into an independent entity, DePuy Synthes, over the next 18 to 24 months. This move marks the company’s second major spinoff since 2023, following the earlier consumer health business split. The orthopedics segment, encompassing implants for hips, knees, and shoulders along with surgical tools, generated $9.2 billion in revenue last year, around 10% of J&J’s total earnings.
Focused Growth through Spin-Off
J&J’s intent is to establish DePuy Synthes as the largest standalone orthopedics company with a comprehensive product range and leading market share globally. The spin-off will allow both J&J and DePuy Synthes to intensify focus on high-growth, high-margin areas; J&J will concentrate on innovative medicine, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular health, surgical operations, and vision care.
Financial Upside and Innovation Outlook
J&J raised its 2025 product sales forecast by approximately $300 million to $93.5 billion-$93.9 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. This growth is powered by strong performances in pharmaceuticals, led by oncology and immunology, and medical devices, particularly cardiovascular and electrophysiology segments.
Strategic Restructuring and Market Position
The orthopedics business restructuring started in 2023 involves rationalizing product portfolios and markets. J&J’s management believes the future of innovation in orthopedics aligns better with a specialized entity, positioning DePuy Synthes for enhanced R&D focus and market agility.
Leadership and Future Prospects
DePuy Synthes will serve over seven million patients annually worldwide. Leadership changes are expected to support a more agile, innovation-driven culture. The separation aims to enhance value for shareholders and improve operating margins for both companies.
J&J remains committed to delivering shareholder value through rigorous capital allocation, including R&D investments, dividends, acquisitions, and share buybacks.
In summary, this strategic spin-off and raised sales guidance reflect J&J’s adaptive growth model and focus on sector leadership, innovation, and stakeholder returns.
Sources: Reuters, MarketScreener, Morningstar, WSJ, Reuters