By Dominic Chopping
Novo Nordisk is scheduled to report results for the second quarter on Wednesday. Here is what you need to know:
PROFIT FORECAST: The company pre-released preliminary second-quarter numbers last week, announcing operating profit growth of 40% in constant exchange rates, which is broadly in line with Sydbank's forecast of 41% growth. The high earnings growth in the quarter reflects a light basis of comparison as last year included a 5.7 billion Danish kroner ($884 million) impairment related to an unsuccessful drug trial.
SALES FORECAST: The company also pre-released second-quarter sales growth of 18% in constant exchange rates, versus the 17% expected by Sydbank.
Shares have fallen 64% in the past 12 months to around 310.10 kroner.
WHAT TO WATCH:
--Novo Nordisk cut its sales and earnings forecasts for the year last week amid headwinds for its blockbuster Ozempic and Wegovy drugs. The continuing availability of copycat versions of its Wegovy weight-loss drug in the U.S., and slower sales growth of its Ozempic diabetes drug due to competition in the country is dragging on results. Compounding pharmacies and telehealth companies were allowed to sell compounded versions of semaglutide, the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, while the drug was in short supply and have continued to sell them even after the FDA declared an end to the shortage.
--Following the downgrade, the company now guides for 8%-14% sales growth at constant exchange rates, down from a prior forecast of 13%-21%. Operating profit growth is expected at 10%-16%, down from 16%-24%.
--Eyes on Wednesday will be on the full details surrounding second-quarter data for Ozempic and Wegovy and any further comments around the outlook.
--The second-quarter report will be the final results of outgoing chief executive Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen's tenure, who will be replaced later this week by the company's current head of international operations Maziar Mike Doustdar.
Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 05, 2025 08:20 ET (12:20 GMT)
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