Novo Nordisk shares tumble 18% as CEO warns it will get worse before it gets better

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk's stock experienced an 18% drop following a surprise pre-release of its 2026 forecast, indicating a decline in sales and operating profit between 5% and 13%, which was worse than analysts' expectations [1][4] - CEO Mike Doustdar acknowledged the challenges posed by significantly lower U.S. pricing for its weight loss drug Wegovy, suggesting that a recovery may take time [2][6] - The company faces competition from cheaper alternatives and rivals like Eli Lilly, impacting its pricing strategy in the U.S. market [6][7] Financial Guidance - The guidance for 2026 indicates a decline in both sales and operating profit, which has led to significant market reactions, reminiscent of previous guidance cuts that resulted in sharp stock declines [4][8] - Analysts from Barclays noted that the current guidance might be overly conservative, similar to past instances where initial forecasts were not met [4] Market Dynamics - The launch of the Wegovy pill in the U.S. exceeded expectations, with 170,000 people using it within four weeks, showcasing strong initial demand despite pricing pressures [7] - The market is questioning whether the recovery will follow a "Nike swoosh" or a "U-shaped" pattern, indicating uncertainty about the timing and nature of the recovery [8]