Novo Nordisk stock gets outlook lift as Wegovy pill sales grow

Novo Nordisk raised its 2026 outlook on Wednesday, November 4, after a stronger-than-expected third quarter led by continued GLP-1 volume growth. The company said adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit are now expected to range from a 2 percent decline to 2 percent growth at constant exchange rates, compared with the previous range of a 6 percent decline to zero growth.

The figures come from Novo Nordisk's announcement on Nasdaq Copenhagen, published at 07:30 CET. The report covers the nine months through September 30, 2026, and identifies stronger GLP-1 product expectations as the reason for the improved outlook.

Wegovy pill drives obesity momentum

Third-quarter net sales reached DKK 79.195 billion, up 4 percent at constant exchange rates. Adjusted operating profit increased 27 percent at constant exchange rates to DKK 31.720 billion. The company attributed the improvement to GLP-1 sales growth and a favorable comparison with the third quarter of 2025, when DKK 9 billion of company-wide transformation costs were recognized.

The obesity portfolio remained the main growth engine. Wegovy pill sales reached DKK 5.394 billion in the quarter after launches in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Germany. Novo said the product had since reached eight markets. The company also reported encouraging early momentum for the Ozempic pill, launched in the United States in May.

Impairments temper reported earnings

Reported operating profit fell 9 percent at constant exchange rates to DKK 23.011 billion. The decline reflected DKK 8.7 billion of non-cash impairment charges, including DKK 4.6 billion related to ziltivekimab and DKK 4.1 billion linked to the right-sizing of the manufacturing network.

That contrast makes the adjusted measure important for investors: underlying operating momentum improved, but pipeline and manufacturing decisions reduced reported profitability. The company also said the outlook assumes continued growth in International Operations while pricing pressure, competition and market-access changes remain factors for the business.

Pipeline keeps 2027 in focus

Novo highlighted progress for CagriSema, which delivered 21 percent weight loss at week 68 in the REDEFINE 9 trial. In the REIMAGINE 5 diabetes study, the treatment achieved 12.4 percent weight loss compared with 9.1 percent for tirzepatide 5 mg, while showing non-inferior HbA1c reduction. Novo is preparing for a potential US launch of CagriSema in early 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

Novo Nordisk stock traded at 37.11 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 12:30 CET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The price provides a live market reference ahead of the company's earnings call scheduled for 13:00 CET, when investors can hear management discuss the outlook and the next steps for the obesity portfolio.

For investors tracking the security, the real-time quote of Novo Nordisk stock offers the latest trading reference.

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More news and analyses on Novo Nordisk stock remain available as the company moves toward the next regulatory and commercial milestones.