Novo Nordisk Projects Slower Growth as Wegovy Demand Moderates

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) forecasted slower sales growth for 2025, reflecting an expected moderation in demand for its blockbuster obesity drug, Wegovy. The Danish pharmaceutical giant projects local currency sales growth between 16% and 24%, down from 26% in 2024 but aligning with analysts' expectations of around 20%.

Novo Nordisk faces increasing competition from Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), a key rival in the weight-loss drug market. Despite this, the company reported strong fourth-quarter results, with operating profit surging 37% to 36.7 billion Danish crowns ($5.12 billion), surpassing analysts' estimates of 33.6 billion. For 2025, the company expects operating profit growth between 19% and 27%, compared to last year's 26%.

Wegovy sales more than doubled in Q4, reaching 19.9 billion crowns, up from 9.6 billion a year earlier and exceeding the 17.3 billion recorded in Q3. The sustained demand underscores the drug’s strong market position, although future growth is expected to decelerate.

As the weight-loss drug market evolves, Novo Nordisk continues to navigate supply constraints and rising competition. Investors remain focused on the company’s long-term outlook as it balances expansion efforts with growing market challenges.