8% sales growth in local currencies driven by Levemir® and Victoza®
Sales increased by 8% in local currencies and by 4% in Danish kroner to DKK 64.2 billion during the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.
- Sales of modern insulin increased by 13% (8% in Danish kroner).
- Sales of Victoza® increased by 15% (12% in Danish kroner).
- Sales in North America increased by 11% (7% in Danish kroner).
- Sales in International Operations increased by 13% (1% in Danish kroner).
- Sales in Region China increased by 14% (11% in Danish kroner).
Gross margin improved by 1.0 percentage point in Danish kroner to 83.6% driven by a favourable price development as well as a positive impact from product mix and productivity.
Operating profit increased by 11% in local currencies and by 5% in Danish kroner to DKK 25.3 billion.
Net profit increased by 4% to DKK 20.0 billion. Diluted earnings per share increased by 7% to DKK 7.56.
The roll-out of Tresiba® continues. In Japan, Tresiba® now represents 24% of the basal insulin market measured in monthly value market share.
In September, the European Commission granted marketing authorisation for Xultophy® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. Xultophy® is a fixed combination of insulin degludec (Tresiba®) and liraglutide (Victoza®).
For 2014, sales growth measured in local currencies is now expected to be 7-9% and operating profit growth measured in local currencies is still expected at around 10%.
The preliminary outlook for 2015 indicates high single-digit sales growth and around 10% operating profit growth, both measured in local currencies.
Lars Rebien Sørensen, CEO: "We are satisfied with the financial results for the first nine months of 2014. In the US, Levemir® continues to perform well, and with the approval of Xultophy® in Europe we now look forward to launching this product in the first half of 2015."
Contacts for further information
Media: | ||
Mike Rulis | +45 4442 3573 | mike@novonordisk.com |
Ken Inchausti (US) | +1 609 514 8316 | kiau@novonordisk.com |
Investors: | ||
Kasper Roseeuw Poulsen | +45 3079 4303 | krop@novonordisk.com |
Jannick Lindegaard Denholt | +45 3079 8519 | jlis@novonordisk.com |
Daniel Bohsen | +45 3079 6376 | dabo@novonordisk.com |
Melanie Raouzeos | +45 3075 3479 | mrz@novonordisk.com |
Frank Daniel Mersebach (US) | +1 609 235 8567 | fdni@novonordisk.com |
Company announcement No 66 / 2014