Johnson & Johnson Boosts Outlook, Thanks to Stents

Updated from 3:37 p.m. EDT

A solid third quarter and the promise of a healthy fourth quarter prompted Johnson & Johnson(JNJ Quote) to raise its full-year earnings prediction Tuesday.

"We look forward to finishing the year with a strong fourth quarter," said Robert J. Darretta, the company's chief financial officer, in a telephone conference call with analysts and investors. The company upped its outlook for the year to $2.64 from $2.62 excluding one-time gains.

J&J's stock closed at $50.93, gaining 2.3%, or $1.14. ...