Johnson & Johnson publishes latest financial results

Johnson & Johnson has published its latest financial results, which include figures for the fourth quarter of 2014, as well as the year as a whole.

During Q4, the pharmaceutical giant recorded sales of $18.3 billion (12 billion pounds), indicating a decrease of 0.6 percent when compared to the final quarter of 2013.

Despite this slight fall, the firm's operational results increased by 3.9 percent over the three-month period, while global sales were up by 6.7 percent. What's more, domestic sales climbed by 10.7 percent.

Alex Gorsky, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, commented: "2014 was a strong year for Johnson & Johnson, as we delivered solid financial results while continuing to make investments to accelerate growth for the long term."

He added that he was "proud" of the company's staff, due to their ongoing commitment to keeping the health and wellbeing of patients and consumers at the forefront of their minds.