Novo Nordisk beats top-line and bottom-line estimates; updates FY26 outlook

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) reported Q3 sales of $11.9B, up 4%, and raised its full-year outlook. Obesity drug sales surged 22%, but the company declined to provide 2027 guidance. Shares rose 5%. Key factors include Wegovy's strong U.S. sales, Medicare coverage, and new product launches, offset by patent expirations and pricing pressures. Novo's CFO is also departing.

Novo Nordisk's shares rose 5.36% after Q3 results beat estimates, driven by strong Wegovy pill sales of 5.39 billion kroner. The company raised its 2026 outlook for the third time this year, citing higher demand for obesity treatments. Novo plans to launch the pill in over 20 countries by mid-2027, aiming to compete with Eli Lilly in the growing obesity drug market.

Eli Lilly (LLY) and Regeneron (REGN) led gains in the VettaFi Weight Loss Drug & Treatment Index, which rose 3.28% in October. Lilly's Q3 revenue of $24.4B beat estimates, and it raised its 2026 forecast. Regeneron's revenue jumped 36%. AstraZeneca (AZN) and Roche also contributed to the index's gains, while CSPC Pharmaceutical Group and Structure Therapeutics fell.

Novo Nordisk reported Q3 2026 sales up 4% to DKK 79.2B, driven by obesity drug Wegovy. U.S. sales grew 1%, facing pricing pressures and Medicare program impacts. International sales surged 22%. Guidance raised to -2% to +2% sales growth. CEO highlighted growth drivers like Wegovy pill uptake and potential 2027 launches, but noted challenges like exclusivity losses and payer resistance.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) shares rose 5.65% after raising its annual outlook for adjusted sales and operating profit, with ranges indicating potential for a weaker year. Q3 adjusted operating profit grew 27% to DKK31.72B, while reported profit fell 9% due to impairments. Wegovy revenue hit DKK5.394B, up 53% from the prior quarter, signaling demand momentum.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) reported Q3 2026 sales of DKK 79.2B (+4% YoY) and operating profit of DKK 32B (+27% YoY). Full-year guidance was upgraded, with sales and profit expected to grow -2% to +2%. Wegovy's U.S. market share reached 80% for new prescriptions, and obesity sales grew 22%. The company faces pricing headwinds in Canada and China but plans to expand its obesity and diabetes portfolios.