NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Boosted by a strong performance by its pharmaceutical business, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)  yesterday reported sales of $18.5 billion for the third quarter of 2014, an increase of 5.1 percent versus third quarter 2013. Operational results increased 5.8 percent and the negative impact of currency was 0.7 percent. Domestic sales increased 11.6 percent, and international sales decreased 0.3 percent, reflecting operational growth of 1.0 percent and a negative currency impact of 1.3 percent. The company posted net earnings of $4.7 billion.

"Our strong third-quarter performance reflects the continued success of our new products and the strength of our core business. We are making deliberate portfolio choices, positioning us well for achieving our near-term priorities and our long-term growth drivers," said Alex Gorsky, chairman and chief executive officer.

Positive contributors to operational results included sales of over-the-counter products, primarily adult upper respiratory brands and Listerine mouthwash in the company’s Oral Care business.

Worldwide pharmaceutical sales of $8.3 billion for the third quarter represented an increase of 18.1 percent versus the prior year with operational growth of 18.7 percent and a negative impact from currency of 0.6 percent. Domestic sales increased 33.1 percent; international sales increased 2.8 percent, which reflected an operational increase of 4.1 percent and a negative currency impact of 1.3 percent.

However, sales results in Johnson & Johnson’s vision care business were negatively impacted by competitive pricing dynamics, the company said. Vision care sales in the third quarter dropped to $704 million, down 5.9 percent from year ago. U.S. sales in the third quarter totaled $232 million, down 12.5 percent from third quarter 2013. International sales fell 2.3 percent, to $472 million.

For the year to date, vision care sales totaled $2,172 million, down 2.1 percent from year ago. U.S. sales totaled 780 million, down 3.5 percent from year ago; international sales totaled $1.4 billion, down 1.3 percent from year ago.