Johnson & Johnson fourth-quarter sales up 1.7 percent, plans to divest diabetes care division

Johnson & Johnson reported a 1.7 percent rise in fourth-quarter sales, due to a strong demand for its newer products.

The diversified healthcare company's sales rose to $18.11 billion in the fourth quarter from $17.81 billion a year earlier.

Net earnings rose to $3.81 billion, or $1.38 per share, from $3.22 billion, or $1.15 per share.

The band-aid maker also said on Tuesday that it was looking to divest its diabetes care division.

(Reporting by Natalie Grover in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)