Novo Nordisk AS (NVO) reports a strong 26% increase in sales and operating profit, with significant growth in obesity care and strategic acquisitions enhancing future market supply.

KEY TAKEAWAYSNovo Nordisk's U.S.-listed shares rose 5% in intraday trading after the Ozempic and Wegovy maker's better-than-estimated quarterly results offset slower 2025 sales growth projections amid "intensifying competition.

Obesity drug maker Novo Nordisk forecast slower growth this year after Wegovy sales more than doubled in the final quarter of 2024, with analysts and investors describing the results as "good enough" to ease nerves about stiff competition from rival Eli Lilly.