Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk A/S reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of 92 cents per ADR, matching expectations, but total revenues of $11.02 billion fell short of the consensus estimate of $11.33 billion, leading to a revision of sales growth guidance for 2025 from 16-24% to 13-21% [1][2][11]. Financial Performance - Revenues increased by 19% year over year in Danish kroner (DKK) and 18% at constant exchange rates, driven by higher sales in Diabetes and Obesity Care, particularly from GLP-1 products and Rare disease sales [2][3]. - The Diabetes and Obesity Care segment reported sales of DKK 73.5 billion, a 19% increase, with notable growth in fast-acting insulin Fiasp (up 44%) and Ozempic (up 15%) [5][6]. - Obesity Care sales surged 65% to DKK 18.4 billion, with Wegovy sales alone reaching DKK 17.4 billion, an 83% increase [7]. - Rare disease segment sales rose 3% to DKK 4.6 billion, with mixed performance across product categories [8]. Cost and Investment - Sales and distribution costs increased by 10% to DKK 14.9 billion, attributed to promotional activities for Wegovy and Ozempic [9]. - Research and development costs rose by 19% to DKK 10.3 billion, driven by increased clinical activities related to Diabetes and Obesity Care [10]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates strong sales growth in the U.S. and international markets, driven by rising demand for GLP-1-based treatments, especially following the FDA's resolution of Wegovy shortages [12][14]. - Novo Nordisk is addressing competition from Eli Lilly by developing new obesity treatments and has a regulatory application for oral semaglutide under review [18]. - The company is also focused on expanding access to Wegovy and curbing illegal compounding practices [14][15]. Competitive Landscape - Novo Nordisk's global diabetes market share declined by 0.6% to 33.3% due to increased competition from Eli Lilly's products [16]. - Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have announced price cuts for their obesity injections to enhance patient access [19].
Novo Nordisk Q1 Earnings Match Estimates, Revenues Rise Y/Y, Stock Up