NVO stock crashes 14%: Why Novo Nordisk shares are down today? 2026 sales forecast and Eli Lilly competition explained

NVO Novo Nordisk stock today: Novo Nordisk shares took a sharp hit on Tuesday after the drugmaker warned that both sales and profit are set to decline in 2026, rattling investors who are already wary of mounting competition in the weight-loss market.

NVO Stock Slides as Novo Nordisk Warns of Sales and Profit Decline

The company’s US-listed shares plunged more than 13% on Tuesday. The selloff came after Novo released its outlook from Copenhagen, ahead of its scheduled earnings publication, as per a report.

Novo Nordisk Sees 5% to 13% Decline in Sales and Profit in 2026

For 2026, Novo said it expects both sales and operating profit to fall between 5% and 13% at constant exchange rates, as per a CNBC report. The company pointed to lower prices in the US and the loss of market exclusivity for its blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic in key markets including China, Brazil and Canada.


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Novo Nordisk 2025 Performance Steady Despite US Market Pressure

The guidance overshadowed otherwise steady performance in 2025, when sales rose 10% and operating profit increased 6%, in line with targets that had already been trimmed during the year due to pressure in the US market.

Novo Nordisk CEO Flags Pricing Headwinds Amid Rising Competition

Novo’s warning underscores how challenging the environment has become for the Danish drugmaker as competition intensifies in obesity treatments. Chief executive Mike Doustdar said thaat, “In 2026, Novo Nordisk will face pricing headwinds in an increasingly competitive market,” adding, “However, we are very encouraged by the promising early uptake from the US launch of Wegovy pill, and we remain confident in our ability to drive volume growth over the coming years," as quoted by CNBC.

Novo Nordisk Bets on Wegovy Pill and CagriSema to Regain Momentum

While Novo expects sales in its biggest market, the US, to decline in 2026, it said growth outside the US should continue. The company also noted that the global GLP-1 market is still expanding, which it believes will allow it to increase patient reach and volumes over time.

Investors are closely watching Novo’s strategy to regain momentum. The company is rolling out Wegovy in more countries next year and plans to introduce a higher 7.2 mg dose in several markets. It is also betting on its oral Wegovy pill and next-generation injectable CagriSema to help claw back market share in the US and stabilize its share price.

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Novo Nordisk Stock Struggles After 46% Drop in 2025

Novo’s stock has been under pressure for much of the past year, falling more than 46% in 2025 amid repeated guidance cuts, leadership changes and tougher competition. Shares had recently recovered some ground after Novo became the first company to launch an oral GLP-1 obesity drug in the US, but Tuesday’s outlook reversed that optimism.

Eli Lilly Competition Adds Pressure on NVO Stock

The market is also weighing the growing threat from US rival Eli Lilly, whose weight-loss drug tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, has delivered stronger weight-loss results and overtaken Novo in US market share. Lilly is expected to launch its own weight-loss pill in the first half of 2026, adding to investor anxiety.

FAQs

Why did NVO stock fall today?
Shares dropped after Novo Nordisk warned that sales and profit could decline in 2026.

What is Novo Nordisk’s outlook for 2026?
The company expects sales and operating profit to decline between 5% and 13%.