Claret Asset Management Cuts Johnson & Johnson Stake by 0.6%

Claret Asset Management Corp has reduced its stake in **Johnson & Johnson** (NYSE: JNJ) by **0.6%** during the second quarter of 2023. According to the firm’s latest Form 13F filing with the **U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**, Claret now holds **61,126 shares** of Johnson & Johnson, having sold **364 shares** during the quarter. This stock represents approximately **1.2%** of Claret’s overall portfolio, making it the firm’s **21st largest position**, valued at roughly **$9.34 million**.

Multiple institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Johnson & Johnson in recent months. **W.H. Cornerstone Investments Inc.** increased its holdings by **0.7%**, now owning **7,896 shares** valued at about **$1.21 million**. Similarly, **YANKCOM Partnership** raised its stake by **0.8%**, bringing its total to **7,042 shares** worth approximately **$1.08 million**. Other firms, such as **Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC** and **Ellis Investment Partners LLC**, have also made minor increases in their investments, reflecting a broader interest in the company among institutional investors.

As of now, institutional ownership accounts for **69.55%** of Johnson & Johnson’s stock, indicating strong confidence from large investors.

Insider Transactions and Recent Performance

In recent insider activity, **Jennifer L. Taubert**, Executive Vice President, sold **56,471 shares** on **September 4, 2023**, at an average price of **$177.81** per share, totaling approximately **$10.04 million**. Following this transaction, Taubert retained **178,013 shares** valued at around **$31.65 million**, indicating a **24.08%** decrease in her ownership.

On **August 30, 2023**, Johnson & Johnson announced its earnings for the previous quarter, reporting **$2.26** earnings per share (EPS) and revenues of **$24.02 billion**. The company achieved a net margin of **27.26%** and a return on equity of **32.73%**, demonstrating its robust financial health. Analysts expect Johnson & Johnson to post an EPS of **$10.58** for the current fiscal year.

Dividend Announcement and Analyst Ratings

Johnson & Johnson recently declared a quarterly dividend of **$1.30**, scheduled for payment on **December 9, 2023**, to shareholders on record as of **November 25, 2023**. This represents an annualized dividend of **$5.20** and yields approximately **2.5%**, with a payout ratio of **50.19%**.

Several analysts have recently revisited their price targets for Johnson & Johnson. **HSBC** raised its target from **$210.00** to **$215.00**, maintaining a “buy” rating. Similarly, **Goldman Sachs** increased its target from **$186.00** to **$212.00**, while **Raymond James Financial** also lifted its target from **$174.00** to **$209.00**. Current ratings reflect a consensus of **four “Strong Buy”**, **thirteen “Buy”**, and **nine “Hold”**, leading to an average target price of **$201.05**, according to **MarketBeat.com**.

Johnson & Johnson operates as a holding company focused on research, development, manufacturing, and sales of healthcare products, categorised primarily into the **Innovative Medicine** and **MedTech** segments. The Innovative Medicine segment addresses various critical health areas, including immunology and oncology.

For further details on hedge fund activities and insider trades, visit HoldingsChannel.com for the latest **13F** filings related to Johnson & Johnson.