Johnson & Johnson stock: Talc-court twist and EU drug nod set up next week

Johnson & Johnson shares closed nearly flat Friday following Michael Shipp’s dismissal of a fraud lawsuit tied to the company’s failed talc-bankruptcy plan. The stock ended at $227.25, slipping just 0.01% after fluctuating between $225.34 and $228.40 throughout the session. Erik Haas labeled the allegations “wholly meritless,” while plaintiffs’ attorney Patricia Kipnis said she’s reviewing the ruling with clients to consider an appeal.

Johnson & Johnson shares held steady in midday trading Friday after a U.S. judge threw out a lawsuit alleging the company committed fraud to route talc claims through bankruptcy. The company also announced that a European drug panel supported a wider label for its AKEEGA prostate cancer treatment.

Johnson & Johnson shares edged down 0.19% to close at $227.29 on Thursday. The drop came after a U.S. judge dismissed a fraud lawsuit targeting the company’s "Texas two-step" strategy, which involves moving talc liabilities into a subsidiary that then files for bankruptcy. U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp ruled the plaintiffs failed to prove they were harmed by the bankruptcy stays that paused cases from October 2021 through March 2025. J&J’s litigation head, Erik Haas, called the claims “wholly meritless.” During the session, the stock hit $230 and last changed hands at $227.98 in after-hours trading.

Johnson & Johnson shares slipped 0.1% to $227.43 by midday Thursday, having peaked at $229.90 earlier. The stock had closed at $227.72 on Wednesday.

Johnson & Johnson shares rose 1.5% on Wednesday, ending the session at $227.72. The jump came after Morgan Stanley upgraded the healthcare giant, highlighting strong momentum from its newer drug portfolio.

Johnson & Johnson shares climbed Wednesday following U.S. regulators’ green light for a new combination use of its blood-cancer drug, Darzalex Faspro, expanding the treatment’s approved indications.

Johnson & Johnson shares barely moved on Friday, edging up less than 0.1% to $218.59 by 11:01 a.m. EST. Upgrades from Wall Street clashed with renewed concerns over the company’s ongoing talc litigation.