Novo Nordisk reporta un aumento del 29% en ganancias del cuarto trimestre gracias a la demanda del medicamento Wegovy
Danish pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk achieves a remarkable profit surge, driven by skyrocketing demand for its obesity drug, Wegovy.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk reported a remarkable 29% increase in its fourth-quarter profit, reaching 28.23 billion Danish crowns (approximately $3.784 billion), surpassing the consensus forecast of 26.09 billion Danish crowns. This surge in profit was primarily driven by the rising demand for its obesity drug Wegovy. For the entire year of 2024, the company's net profit amounted to 100.988 billion Danish crowns ($13.537 billion), reflecting a 21% growth.
Furthermore, total sales increased by 30% in the fourth quarter, amounting to 85.683 billion Danish crowns ($11.485 billion), mainly fueled by robust demand across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Overall sales for the year improved by 25%, reaching 290.403 billion Danish crowns ($38.928 billion).
Looking ahead, Novo Nordisk has projected a slower sales growth rate for 2025, estimating an increase between 16% and 24% at constant exchange rates, down from the anticipated range of 18% to 26% for 2024. This forecast is attributed to intensified competition and ongoing pricing pressures in the diabetes and obesity treatment markets.
Wegovy sales surged by 107% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, reaching 19.870 billion Danish crowns ($2.663 billion), although this figure was slightly below the analysts' forecast of 20.020 billion Danish crowns.
The company's operating profit also saw a substantial rise of 37% in the fourth quarter, totaling 36.737 billion Danish crowns ($4.924 billion), while annual growth was recorded at 25%, amounting to 128.339 billion Danish crowns ($17.203 billion). These results were positively influenced by adjustments in gross-to-net sales in the U.S., despite facing negative impacts from impairment losses.
Sales in North America grew by 30% in Danish crowns, while sales in International Operations rose by 17%. Additionally, at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for March 27, 2025, the Board of Directors will propose a final dividend of 7.90 Danish crowns per share for 2024 ($1.06). The total expected dividend for 2024 is set to increase by 21%, reaching 11.40 Danish crowns per share, with 3.50 Danish crowns already paid as an interim dividend in August 2024.