6. Johnson & Johnson

New Brunswick, NJ

www.jnj.com

Corporate Sales: $67.2 billion

Beauty Sales: $7.4 billion (skin care, baby and oral products)

Key Personnel: Alex Gorsky, chairman and chief executive officer; Sandra E. Peterson, group worldwide chairman; Jesse J. Wu, worldwide chairman, consumer group; Charles E. Austin, vice president, global supply chain; Dominic J. Caruso, vice president, finance, chief financial officer member, executive committee.

Major Products: Baby, skin care and oral product brands including Aveeno, Neutrogena, Lubriderm, Clean & Clear, Johnson’s Baby, Desitin, Listerine, RoC.

New Products: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream Broad Spectrum; Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Cleanser, RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, Lubriderm Men’s 3-in-1 Lotion, Listerine Smart Rinse Anticavity mouthwash.

Gorsky addresses a crowd at J&J’s 2013 shareholders meeting.

Comments: In 2012, Johnson & Johnson continued its track record of consistent performance, with 29 straight years of adjusted earnings increases and 50 consecutive years of dividend increases. J&J says it’s one of only six companies in the Standard & Poor’s 100 Index to achieve that record. Despite problems such as dealing with recalls in divisions other than Consumer, the company came through with solid results in 2012. But while corporate sales rose 3.4% last year, sales of oral, baby and skin care products fell 3%.

Skin care sales fell 2.6% to $3.6 billion, as increased sales of Neutrogena were offset by competition and economic conditions outside the U.S. Sales of baby care products dropped 3.7% to $2.3 billion due to a decline in U.S. sales and the impact of negative currency exchange rates. The decline was partially offset by sales of hair care products and wipes outside the U.S. Oral care sales were flat at $1.5 billion. Increased sales of Listerine products outside the U.S. were offset by competitive pressure inside the U.S.

In April 2012, Alex Gorsky took over as chairman and chief executive, replacing William Weldon who retired in December 2012, after more than 40 years with the company. At the end of the year, Sandra E. Peterson joined J&J, as group worldwide chairman and a member of the company’s executive committee. She is responsible for the Consumer Group of Companies, information technology, and global supply chain.

Johnson’s Baby products continue to gain global ground.

Gorsky said investments for growth in the Consumer area will be based on a focused product portfolio approach to deliver science-based products with local market insights, professional endorsements and commercial excellence. He said they have taken steps to reshape their portfolio and have divested non-strategic products or brands. The company is also investing in growth and expansion in emerging markets through the acquisition of market-specific brands in countries including Russia and China. “We’re also continuing to leverage the strength of our iconic brands like Johnson’s Baby and Neutrogena,” said Gorsky.

At the end of 2012, after four years, Greek skin care specialist Korres Natural Products terminated its licensing deal with J&J, to pursue new directions.

For the first quarter of 2013, J&J reported an 8.5% rise in sales to $17.5 billion. Worldwide consumer product sales rose 2.2% to $3.7 billion, with Johnson’s baby care, Listerine and Neutrogena contributing to the increase. During the quarter, J&J (China) completed the acquisition of Shanghai Elsker Mother & Baby Co., Ltd., which is billed as a well-regarded baby care company with a strong position in the naturals segment.

For the second quarter of 2013, J&J announced overall sales of $17.9 billion, up about 8.5% compared to the second quarter of 2012. Domestic sales increased 8%, while international sales increased 9%. Worldwide Consumer sales of $3.7 billion for the second quarter showed an increase of 1.1% versus the prior. International sales of baby care products and Listerine mouthwash reportedly achieved good results.

During the last year, J&J opened product innovation centers in London and California.

In September, an announcement came that “Modern Family” star Julie Bowen will return as the face of Neutrogena next year. The actress last worked with the brand for eight years, from 2001 to 2008.