Novo Nordisk(US:NVO) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-10-25 02:58Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk is undergoing a significant leadership change, with the chairman and a majority of the board members resigning amid concerns over the company's performance and strategic direction [3][4][5]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - The chairman Helge Lund and six board members will resign after the special shareholders' meeting on November 14, marking a historic upheaval in the company's governance [4][5]. - The resignation is a response to a power struggle with the controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which demands a complete overhaul of the board rather than gradual changes [5][6]. - Lars Rebien Sørensen, the former CEO, has been nominated to take over as chairman for a term of 2-3 years, indicating a shift towards more aggressive leadership [5][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Novo Nordisk's sales of semaglutide have dropped by 18% year-on-year, with its market share in the U.S. plummeting from 72% to 58% [6]. - The company has revised its 2025 revenue growth forecast down from 13%-21% to 8%-14%, reflecting a significant decline in performance [6]. - The company's market capitalization has fallen from $500 billion to $237 billion, a loss of approximately 1.98 trillion RMB, indicating a severe market reaction to its financial struggles [6]. Group 3: Strategic Challenges - The new leadership faces immediate challenges, including accelerating strategic execution and addressing the impending expiration of key patents in 2026 [8]. - A major cost-cutting initiative has been announced, involving the layoff of 9,000 employees, which represents 11.5% of the workforce, aimed at saving $1.26 billion annually [8]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with Eli Lilly gaining market share and local Chinese companies preparing to launch generic versions of weight-loss drugs [6][8].