Novo Nordisk's sales increased by 16% in Danish kroner and by 18% at constant exchange rates to DKK 154.9 billion in the first six months of 2025

Core Insights - The company reported a strong financial performance for H1 2025, with net sales increasing by 16% to DKK 154.9 billion and operating profit rising by 25% to DKK 72.2 billion, although it has lowered its full-year growth outlook due to anticipated slower growth in GLP-1 treatments in H2 2025 [2][4] Financial Performance - Net sales for H1 2025 reached DKK 154,944 million, up from DKK 133,409 million in H1 2024, reflecting a growth of 16% as reported and 18% at constant exchange rates (CER) [2] - Operating profit increased to DKK 72,240 million, a 25% rise from DKK 57,780 million in H1 2024, with a 29% increase at CER [2][4] - Net profit for H1 2025 was DKK 55,537 million, compared to DKK 45,457 million in H1 2024, marking a 22% increase [2] - Diluted earnings per share rose to DKK 12.49, up 23% from DKK 10.17 in H1 2024 [2] Sales Breakdown - Sales in US Operations grew by 16% in Danish kroner and 17% at CER, positively impacted by gross-to-net sales adjustments, including a DKK 3 billion adjustment related to the 340B provision in Q2 2025 [4] - International Operations also saw a 16% increase in sales in Danish kroner and 19% at CER [4] - Sales in Diabetes and Obesity care rose by 16% to DKK 145.4 billion, driven by a 56% increase in Obesity care sales to DKK 38.8 billion and an 8% increase in GLP-1 diabetes sales [4] Research and Development - The company plans to advance subcutaneous and oral amycretin into phase 3 development for weight management and has initiated REDEFINE 11 to investigate the efficacy and safety of CagriSema [4] - A higher dose of Wegovy® (semaglutide 7.2 mg) has been submitted to EU regulatory authorities [4] Outlook - The sales growth outlook for 2025 has been revised to 8-14% at CER, with operating profit growth expected to be 10-16% at CER, reflecting a decrease of 3 and 5 percentage points in reported growth in Danish kroner, respectively [4] - The lowered outlook is attributed to reduced growth expectations for Wegovy® and Ozempic® in the US and select international markets, as well as competition and slower market expansion [4] Leadership Changes - Maziar Mike Doustdar will succeed Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen as president and CEO, effective 7 August 2025, with Martin Holst Lange consolidating R&D areas and Emil Kongshøj Larsen succeeding Doustdar as executive vice president of International Operations [4]