Johnson and Johnson reports year-on-year growth in 2013

Johnson and Johnson has announced its 2013 fourth quarter and full-year financial results, during which it achieved strong year-on-year growth.

The company's 12-month sales came to $71.3 billion (42.95 billion pounds), up by 6.1 percent compared to 2012, with $18.4 billion earned during the fourth quarter alone.

Key drivers of growth during the year included the strong performance of its pharmaceuticals division, the strength of its over-the-counter and consumer brands in the US, and the successful integration of Synthes into its medical devices and diagnostics business.

The group expects its earnings for the 2014 full-year period to fall in the range of $5.75 to $5.85 per share.

Alex Gorsky, the company's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "I am proud of our exceptional Johnson and Johnson colleagues for their commitment to leading with purpose and advancing health and wellbeing for patients and consumers around the world."

This comes after the firm announced the proposed sale of its Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics business to the Carlyle Group earlier this month, having received an offer of $4.15 billion for the asset.