Novo Nordisk(NVO) The Motley Fool·2025-03-27 22:36Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's stock declined over 2% following a downgrade in price target by Morgan Stanley, reflecting concerns over its competitive position in the obesity medication market [1][2]. Group 1: Price Target and Recommendations - Morgan Stanley's analyst Thibault Boutherin reduced Novo Nordisk's price target from 700 Danish kroner (86.67) while maintaining an equalweight (hold) recommendation [2]. - The downgrade is attributed to concerns regarding the subscription rates for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy compared to Eli Lilly's Zepbound [2]. Group 2: Market Competition - Eli Lilly's Zepbound commands 59% of overall weekly prescriptions for weight-loss medications, leaving Novo Nordisk with 41% [3]. - The disparity is even more pronounced for starting doses, with Zepbound at 68% and Wegovy at 32% [3]. - Novo Nordisk faces significant competition not only from Eli Lilly but also from various other companies developing obesity products, necessitating a proactive approach to maintain market success [4]. Group 3: Future Guidance - Due to the competitive pressures, it is anticipated that Novo Nordisk may lower its full-year 2025 guidance, potentially announced during its first-quarter earnings release [3].