Novo Nordisk Faces Second 2025 Forecast Downgrade Amid Competitive Tensions

Novo Nordisk has revised its 2025 sales and profit expectations downward for the second time, facing tough competition from Eli Lilly. The forecast cut is attributed to lowered sales growth predictions for its obesity drug Wegovy in the U.S. market and other regions.

Novo Nordisk, a leading player in the obesity drug industry, announced a second downward revision of its 2025 sales and profit forecast. This move highlights the competitive pressure from U.S. rival Eli Lilly.

The company's shares have plummeted over the last year as it struggles to maintain its competitive edge. The lowered expectations are tied to declining growth projections for Wegovy in the U.S. and reduced forecasts for Ozempic in the U.S. diabetes market, as well as less penetration in select IO markets.

Novo now anticipates a 2025 sales growth of 8% to 14% in local currencies, a significant drop from the previous range of 13% to 21%. Similarly, the outlook for operating profit growth has been trimmed to 10% to 16%, down from the earlier 16% to 24%.