Johnson & Johnson in brief
- Rank: #65 of 100 in America's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #2 of 3 in Healthcare & Pharma.
- WCRC Power Score: 71.60 out of 100.
- Founded: 1886, by Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson.
- Owner: Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
- Leadership: Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO.
- Latest revenue: $94.2bn revenue (FY2025, +6.1%), as per company filings.
What makes Johnson & Johnson powerful
Johnson & Johnson is one of the best-known names in American healthcare. It now concentrates on prescription medicines and medical technology, from cancer and immunology drugs to surgical robots and contact lenses. Doctors, hospitals and patients meet the brand at almost every stage of care, which gives it a reach few health companies can match.
Its pipeline keeps that position fresh. In 2026 the company won US Food and Drug Administration approval for IMAAVY in warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and market authorization for OTTAVA, a soft tissue surgical robot built into the operating table. It also completed the purchase of Firefly Bio to strengthen its cancer research and struck a deal with Sail Biomedicines on in vivo CAR-T therapies. That steady flow of new products helps J&J keep the trust of the clinicians who choose its treatments.
Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and worldwide in 2023.
Why Johnson & Johnson ranks #65
Johnson & Johnson sits at #65 with a WCRC Power Score of 71.6. It ranks just behind Target and HP and just ahead of Estée Lauder and Gatorade. J&J scores well on product and innovation and on financial strength. Years of talc lawsuits have weighed on consumer trust, which keeps it slightly behind the retail and tech brands above. Its strong pipeline and global reach keep it ahead of the beauty and drinks brands below.
The Achilles' heel
Talc remains J&J's Achilles' heel. The company faced about 76,000 claims claiming its baby powder was contaminated with asbestos and caused ovarian cancer, claims J&J denies. In December 2025 a Baltimore jury awarded more than $1.5 billion to a woman with peritoneal mesothelioma, reportedly the largest award against J&J for a single plaintiff. J&J called the verdict "egregious" and said it would appeal. The dispute has dented the brand for over a decade.
The 2026 story
In 2026 Johnson & Johnson moved to close its longest legal fight. In late July it committed $5.5 billion to resolve ovarian cancer claims over its talc products, provided lead plaintiff firms representing at least 95% of claims sign on. J&J said it was confident it would have won but wanted to put the matter behind it. Its business kept growing. On 13 October it raised its 2026 earnings guidance, reported FDA approvals for IMAAVY and OTTAVA, and confirmed it was preparing to separate its orthopaedics business.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is Johnson & Johnson in WCRC's America's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
Johnson & Johnson ranks #65 of 100 in WCRC's America's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 71.60 out of 100.
What makes Johnson & Johnson powerful?
J&J is one of the most trusted names in healthcare, with leading drugs and surgical devices.
What is Johnson & Johnson's revenue?
$94.2bn revenue (FY2025, +6.1%), as per company filings.
Who founded and owns Johnson & Johnson?
Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson. It is owned by Johnson & Johnson and based in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Who leads Johnson & Johnson?
Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO.
What is Johnson & Johnson's biggest challenge?
Talc litigation and drug pricing reform.
Also featured in
- Most powerful Healthcare & Pharma brands
- Biggest American Brands by Revenue
- Iconic American Heritage Brands
- Most powerful brands in New Jersey
Key facts
| Brand | Johnson & Johnson |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Johnson & Johnson |
| Headquarters | New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Founder(s) | Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson |
| Leadership | Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO |
| Latest revenue | $94.2bn revenue (FY2025, +6.1%), as per company filings |
| Sector | Healthcare & Pharma |
| Website | jnj.com |
| Country of origin | United States |
Sources
- Annual report (Form 10-K) and financial results of Johnson & Johnson filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
