Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) develops pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products, making it one of the most influential players in global healthcare. The stock recently traded around $179 per share with a market value of about $432 billion. J&J’s diversified model has helped it weather market cycles and remain a cornerstone in defensive investing. In 2025, the stock has gained more than 25%, reflecting steady earnings and investor confidence in its balance sheet strength.
Looking at who owns J&J and how insiders are trading helps show whether big investors are bullish on the stock or staying cautious.
Who Are Johnson & Johnson’s Top Shareholders?
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Johnson & Johnson develops pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products, and its shares are largely held by the world’s biggest asset managers.
Most of its ownership sits with passive index giants, while several active managers have made selective adjustments.
- The Vanguard Group: 236.0M shares (9.8%), ~$42.3B. Added 3.0M shares (+1.3%).
- State Street: 132.8M shares (5.5%), ~$23.8B. Cut 992K shares (-0.7%).
- BlackRock: 129.8M shares (5.4%), ~$23.3B. Added 619K shares (+0.5%).
- Geode Capital: 60.6M shares (2.5%), ~$10.9B. Added 1.2M shares (+2.1%).
- JP Morgan Asset Mgmt.: 36.7M shares (1.5%), ~$6.6B. Added 1.5M shares (+4.1%).
- Norges Bank: 31.9M shares (1.3%), ~$5.7B. Added 1.6M shares (+5.2%).
- Wellington Mgmt.: 24.9M shares (1.0%), ~$4.5B. Added 2.2M shares (+9.9%).
The buying from Wellington, Norges, and JP Morgan may suggest growing confidence among active managers.
See whether Johnson & Johnson’s top shareholders are buying or selling today >>>
What J&J’s Insiders Are Doing With Their Stock
Insider activity at Johnson & Johnson has leaned toward disposals in recent months. Most of the trades appear modest in size, suggesting they may be tied to compensation plans or portfolio diversification rather than bold directional bets.
What stands out is the absence of open market insider buying, which could signal that leadership does not see current valuations as a compelling entry point.
Here are some recent insider sales:
- Joseph Wolk (CFO): Sold ~16,800 shares in August at ~$177. He likely exercised a previously granted stock option, which is why he received 16,820 shares at just $102/share.
- John Reed (Exec): Disposed of ~55,000 shares between April and July at ~$156–163.
- Board Directors: Several small filings in April around 1,300 shares each.
These transactions look like they may be linked to compensation or diversification rather than strong signals about future performance.
The lack of insider buying might suggest management is cautious about adding exposure at current levels, though it does not necessarily imply a bearish outlook.
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What the Ownership & Insider Trade Data Tell Us
Taken together, Johnson & Johnson’s ownership and insider data paint a picture of stability with a cautious undertone. Institutions continue to provide a strong backbone, with passive giants anchoring the shareholder base and active managers like Wellington, Norges, and JP Morgan quietly adding. That kind of steady institutional support helps keep J&J deeply embedded in global portfolios.
Insiders, on the other hand, have leaned toward small disposals without showing any signs of aggressive buying. This may point to a more cautious stance from leadership, or it could simply reflect routine selling tied to compensation plans. Either way, it does not look like insiders are signaling strong conviction at current prices.
J&J remains a steady institutional favorite, with strong long-term support from asset managers. Insider activity looks more neutral, leaving institutions as the stronger signal of confidence in the company’s role as a defensive healthcare leader.
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