Institutional Investors Show Diverging Views on Johnson & Johnson Stock

Johnson & Johnson shares are trading near record highs, yet major institutional investors are sending mixed signals through their recent portfolio adjustments. Fresh regulatory filings reveal significant buying and selling activity among large funds, highlighting a split in sentiment regarding the healthcare giant’s valuation. This comes as the company finalizes a major strategic acquisition.

A Strategic Acquisition and Its Financial Impact

A key development influencing Johnson & Johnson’s current valuation is its completed purchase of Halda Therapeutics. The $3.05 billion all-cash deal, closed on December 29, 2025, brings the biotechnology firm’s targeted cancer therapy platform into J&J’s portfolio.

While the acquisition is expected to bolster the company’s long-term oncology pipeline, it will have a measurable effect on near-term profitability. Company projections indicate the transaction will dilute adjusted earnings per share (EPS) by approximately $0.20, with this impact spread across the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Johnson & Johnson?

Contrasting Moves by Major Holders

The divergence in institutional strategy is clear from recent activity. Diversified Trust Co increased its stake by 6.0% during the third quarter, raising its holding to a value of around $21.3 million. Conversely, Ascent Group LLC moved in the opposite direction, trimming its position by 8.3%. The value of Ascent’s reduced holding is approximately $11.8 million. These opposing trades suggest differing interpretations of the stock’s potential at its elevated price level.

Share Price Performance and Investor Returns

The stock has demonstrated stability around the $207 mark. This follows an all-time high of $215.19 reached in mid-December 2025. Shareholders continue to benefit from consistent income, having recently received a quarterly dividend payment of $1.30 per share on December 9. Based on the current share price, the dividend yield stands at roughly 2.5%.

Market attention is now turning to the upcoming quarterly report scheduled for late January 2026. This earnings release is anticipated to provide the first concrete data on the initial financial effects of the Halda Therapeutics integration.