Novo Nordisk Pushes Wegovy Pill Into New Markets While Buyback Passes Two-Thirds Mark
Published on 11/11/2026 at 15:01 | Editorial boerse-global.de
Novo Nordisk's share repurchase programme has crossed the two-thirds threshold, with the Danish drugmaker disclosing cumulative buybacks of roughly 42.6 million B shares since the programme began on 4 February — a position measured as of last Friday. The holdings now represent about 56.6 million B shares, or 1.3% of the company's share capital, according to the mandatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
The company has deployed around DKK 11.8 billion on the purchases so far, against a total programme envelope of up to DKK 15 billion. In its latest weekly disclosure, Novo Nordisk reported buying 890,000 B shares for DKK 243.6 million, with those trades executed between 3 and 6 November.
Guidance Raised as Third-Quarter Earnings Beat Prior Range
The buyback updates arrive alongside a brighter earnings picture. On 4 November the company lifted its outlook for adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit growth, now guiding to a range of -2% to +2% at constant exchange rates for 2026. The prior forecast had stood at -6% to 0% for both metrics — meaning the new band still leaves room for either contraction or expansion.
For the third quarter of 2026, Novo Nordisk posted sales of DKK 79.2 billion and adjusted operating profit of DKK 31.7 billion. At constant currencies, the operating result represented a 27% increase. Shares climbed following the results and the upgraded guidance.
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Oral Wegovy Reaches Four More Countries
The tablet version of Wegovy generated DKK 5.39 billion in revenue during the third quarter. By the end of that period it had launched in the US, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and Germany, with rollouts in four additional countries following thereafter.
Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration approved the Wegovy pill in four dosage strengths on 3 November, clearing it for weight management as well as for reducing cardiovascular risk in eligible adults. Novo Nordisk expected the product to be available before year-end.
The German market, however, has been slower to gain traction. Citing Handelsblatt, reports on Monday said the Wegovy tablet had made only a sluggish start there — a contrast with the more rapid uptake seen elsewhere.
Novo Nordisk at a turning point? This analysis reveals what investors need to know now.
Diabetes Foundation Pledge and a CFO Change
Separately, Novo Nordisk said it will provide USD 200 million to the World Diabetes Foundation over ten years, covering the 2027–2036 period. The funding is earmarked for diabetes prevention and care for people living with the condition in low- and middle-income countries.
On the executive front, the company named Luigi La Corte as its next chief financial officer on 4 November. La Corte was CFO of Galderma at the time of his appointment. Karsten Munk Knudsen is set to leave the company at the end of the year.
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Novo Nordisk Stock: New Analysis - 11 November
Fresh Novo Nordisk information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
