Novo Nordisk Lowers Growth Outlook and Reports Mixed Results Amid Restructuring and Competition
Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company known for its diabetes and obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, reported a 12% increase in sales in Danish kroner and a 15% rise at constant exchange rates for the first nine months of 2025. However, the company's operating profit was affected by one-off restructuring costs of approximately DKK 9 billion as it seeks to streamline operations and reinvest for future growth.
Despite these costs, Novo Nordisk's underlying operating profit would have grown more strongly. The company also beat quarterly sales forecasts, providing some positive news for its new CEO, Mike Doustdar, during his first quarter in charge.
Novo Nordisk has lowered its full-year profit and sales forecasts for the third time this year, citing increasing competition, pricing pressures, and the emergence of generic versions of its flagship drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. This has unsettled investors, leading to a decline in the company's share price.
Additionally, Novo Nordisk has agreed to accept U.S. Medicare's negotiated prices for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, which will take effect from January 2027 as part of new regulations.
Amid these challenges, the company continues to invest in research and development, presenting positive new data for its experimental obesity pill. The pill has shown benefits for blood sugar control and cardiovascular health, similar to its injectable medicine, ahead of an expected U.S. approval.
The company is facing stronger competition, falling prices, and the introduction of generic versions of its main drugs, which has affected its growth expectations.
One-time restructuring costs reduced operating profits, but without these expenses, profits would have increased more than reported.
Novo Nordisk has agreed to new U.S. Medicare prices for some of its drugs, which will apply from January 2027. This may affect future revenues from those products.
Novo Nordisk presented promising results for its new experimental obesity pill, showing it can improve blood sugar and heart health, similar to its existing injections.
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