UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ------------ FORM 6-K ------------ REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 JANUARY 31 2005 ------------ NOVO NORDISK A/S (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) NOVO ALLE DK-2880, BAGSVAERD DENMARK (Address of principal executive offices) ------------ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes [ ] No [X] If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g-32(b):82-_____________________ FINAL RESULTS FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 2004 STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT NO 3 / 2005 Novo Nordisk's operating profit grew by 9% in 2004 An underlying operating profit growth of 15% expected for 2005 * Sales in 2004 increased by 15% measured in local currencies. * Sales of insulin analogues increased by 84% * Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 19% * Sales in North America increased by 32% * Measured in Danish kroner sales increased by 11%. * Underlying operating profit increased by more than 20%, and measured in Danish kroner operating profit increased by 9% to DKK 6,980 million. * Net profit increased by 4% to DKK 5,013 million and earnings per share (diluted) increased by 5% to DKK 14.83. * At the Annual General Meeting on 9 March 2005, the Board of Directors will propose a 9% increase in dividend to DKK 4.80 per share of DKK 2. * Lars Rebien Sorensen, president & CEO, said: "We're proud of the results that we achieved in 2004. The increasing demand for our portfolio of insulin analogues and NovoSeven(R), coupled with a strong performance in North America, makes us confident that we will be able to deliver solid growth also in 2005." * In 2005, the underlying operating profit is expected to grow by 15% in local currencies. Measured in Danish kroner the growth in operating profit is expected to be around 5%, reflecting a significant, negative currency impact and no major non-recurring income in 2005. Contents PAGE Financial statement 2004 3 Results for 2004 compared to previous expectations 4 Sales development by segments 4 Diabetes care 4 Biopharmaceuticals 6 Costs, licence fees and other operating income 7 Net financials and tax 7 Capital expenditure 7 Free cash flow and financial resources 7 Outlook 2005 8 Research and development update 9 Equity 10 Corporate governance 10 Sustainability issues 11 Legal issues 11 Conference call details 12 Forward-looking statement 12 Financial calendar and contact details 13 APPENDICES: Appendices 1-3: Income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement 14 Appendix 4: Statement of changes in equity 17 Appendices 5-6: Quarterly numbers in DKK and EUR 18 Appendix 7: Incentive programmes 20 Appendix 8: Adoption of IFRS 22 Financial statement 2004 As of 1 January 2004, the accounting policies have been changed to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Appendix 8 describes the changes from historically applied Danish GAAP to IFRS. In the fourth quarter of 2004, IFRS 2 'Share-based payment' has been applied retrospectively to all grants of employee shares and share option schemes from 1997 to 2004. In line with the development in international practice, cash discounts are now classified as a deduction from sales. Previously cash discounts were reported as Sales and distribution costs. (Amounts below in DKK million except earnings per share, dividend per share and number of employees) % CHANGE 2003 PROFIT AND LOSS 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 TO 2004 ---------------- SALES 29,031 26,158 24,866 23,385 20,485 11% GROSS PROFIT 20,981 18,749 18,268 17,349 15,469 12% Gross margin 72.3% 71.7% 73.5% 74.2% 75.5% Sales and distribution costs 8,280 7,451 7,187 6,951 6,013 11% Percent of sales 28.5% 28.5% 28.9% 29.7% 29.4% Research and development costs 4,352 4,055 3,952 3,872 3,407 7% Percent of sales 15.0% 15.5% 15.9% 16.6% 16.6% Administration costs 1,944 1,857 1,960 1,931 1,917 5% Percent of sales 6.7% 7.1% 7.9% 8.3% 9.4% Licence fees and other operating income 575 1,036 758 815 571 (44%) OPERATING PROFIT 6,980 6,422 5,927 5,410 4,703 9% Operating margin 24.0% 24.6% 23.8% 23.1% 23.0% Net financials 477 954 401 285 181 (50%) PROFIT BEFORE TAX 7,457 7,376 6,328 5,695 4,884 1% NET PROFIT 5,013 4,833 4,116 3,620 3,154 4% Net profit margin 17.3% 18.5% 16.6% 15.5% 15.4% OTHER KEY NUMBERS Depreciation and amortisation 1,892 1,581 1,293 1,043 1,010 20% Capital expenditure 2,999 2,273 3,893 3,829 2,123 32% Free cash flow 4,278 3,846 497 186 2,712 11% Equity 26,504 24,776 22,477 19,700 16,620 7% Total assets 37,433 34,564 31,612 28,662 24,597 8% Equity ratio 70.8% 71.7% 71.1% 68.7% 67.6% Diluted earnings per share (in DKK) 14.83 14.15 11.85 10.45 9.03 5% Dividend per share (in DKK) 4.80 4.40 3.60 3.35 2.65 9% (proposed dividend for 2004) Average number of full-time employees 19,520 18,381 17,073 14,771 12,698 6% PERFORMANCE AGAINST LONG-TERM 5 YEARS' FINANCIAL TARGET RATIOS AVERAGE Operating profit growth 8.7% 8.4% 9.6% 15.0% 32.6% 14.9% Operating margin 24.0% 24.6% 23.8% 23.1% 23.0% 23.7% Return on invested capital 20.6% 19.5% 20.5% 22.7% 22.3% 21.1% Cash to earnings 85.3% 79.6% 12.1% 5.1% 86.0% 53.6% RESULTS FOR 2004 COMPARED TO PREVIOUS EXPECTATIONS The realised performance for 2004 exceeded the expectations communicated with the financial results for the first nine months of 2004 on 27 October 2004: * the realised growth in sales of 11% measured in Danish kroner exceeded the expectation of growth around 10%; * the 9% growth in reported operating profit exceeded the previously announced expectations of growth in operating profit of slightly more than 5%; and * the realised net profit was higher than expected as net financial income was above expectations, and the effective tax rate was in line with expectations. Operating profit for 2004 includes costs of approximately DKK 100 million related to the implementation of IFRS 2 'Share-based payment', which has also been adjusted in historical figures. Sales development by segments Sales increased by 15% measured in local currencies. Growth was realised both within diabetes care and biopharmaceuticals - primarily driven by strategically important products such as the insulin analogues NovoRapid(R) and NovoMix(R) 30 as well as NovoSeven(R). SALES SHARE OF 2004 GROWTH GROWTH DKK GROWTH IN LOCAL IN LOCAL MILLION AS REPORTED CURRENCIES CURRENCIES THE DIABETES CARE SEGMENT Insulin analogues 4,507 77% 84% 55% Human insulin and insulin-related products 14,383 (1%) 2% 7% Oral antidiabetic products 1,643 15% 21% 8% DIABETES CARE - TOTAL 20,533 11% 15% 70% THE BIOPHARMACEUTICALS SEGMENT NovoSeven(R) 4,359 13% 19% 19% Growth hormone therapy 2,317 9% 11% 6% Other products 1,822 7% 11% 5% BIOPHARMACEUTICALS - TOTAL 8,498 11% 15% 30% TOTAL SALES 29,031 11% 15% 100% Sales growth was realised in all regions, with the primary growth driver being North America, constituting 26% of total sales, but also International Operations, constituting 17% of total sales, showed solid growth rates. Diabetes care Sales of diabetes care products grew by 15% measured in local currencies compared to 2003 and by 11% measured in Danish kroner to DKK 20,533 million. Novo Nordisk remains the global market leader in diabetes care (insulin and oral antidiabetic products) with an overall market share of 20%. Insulin analogues, human insulin and insulin-related products Sales of insulin analogues, human insulin and insulin-related products increased by 14% measured in local currencies and by 11% measured in Danish kroner to DKK 18,890 million. All regions contributed to growth both measured in local currencies and in Danish kroner. Novo Nordisk is the global leader in the insulin market with a worldwide insulin volume market share of 50%, and within the analogue segment Novo Nordisk continues to gain market share, now holding close to 30% of the world market. Sales of insulin analogues increased by 84% measured in local currencies and by 77% in Danish kroner to DKK 4,507 million in 2004. Solid growth rates were realised in all regions, and North America continues to be the primary growth driver. Sales of insulin analogues contribute with 55% of the overall growth in local currencies and now constitute 24% of Novo Nordisk's total sales of all insulin products. Levemir(R), Novo Nordisk's long-acting insulin analogue, continues to gain market share in Europe and now holds 9% of the market for long-acting insulin analogues, less than a year after introduction in the first market. A continued roll-out of Levemir(R) in additional countries in 2005 is expected to underpin the solid development seen in the early launch phase. Europe Sales in Europe increased by 6% measured in both local currencies and in Danish kroner, with growth being driven by the portfolio of insulin analogues, including Levemir(R). Growth in insulin sales continues to be negatively impacted by price-focused healthcare reforms in some countries, while insulin sales in Germany in the fourth quarter were positively affected by an acceleration of purchasing by patients, primarily motivated by reimbursement considerations. North America Sales in North America increased by 34% in local currencies in 2004 and by 22% measured in Danish kroner. The solid sales growth reflects underlying market growth and market share gains. The increased market share is driven by a solid penetration of the insulin analogues NovoLog(R) and NovoLog(R) Mix. Novo Nordisk now holds more than one-third of the US insulin market and 20% of the analogue market. In December, Novo Nordisk's US affiliate Novo Nordisk Inc, was again awarded a national contract to provide the US Veterans Administration and Department of Defense (VA/DoD) with human insulin, now also including analogue insulin in both vials and delivery devices. The new contract is initially for one year with an option of prolongation for four additional option years, at the discretion of the VA/DoD. The VA/DoD announced the potential five-year value of the contract at just under USD 250 million. International Operations Sales within International Operations increased by 20% in local currencies and by 14% measured in Danish kroner. The key growth driver continues to be sales of human insulin, driven especially by China. However, insulin analogues also continue to add to growth, driven especially by Turkey, and Novo Nordisk remains the overall market leader in the analogue segment in the International Operations region. Japan & Oceania Sales in Japan & Oceania increased by 11% in local currencies and by 9% measured in Danish kroner. Growth is primarily due to increased sales of NovoRapid(R) and NovoRapid(R) Mix 30, supported by a continued conversion from durable to prefilled devices, with NOVO Nordisk now holding more than 80% of the prefilled device market. Oral antidiabetic products Sales of oral antidiabetic products increased in all regions and in total by 21% measured in local currencies and 15% measured in Danish kroner to DKK 1,643 million, with growth primarily driven by North America but also by International Operations. Biopharmaceuticals Sales of biopharmaceutical products increased by 15% in local currencies compared to 2003 and by 11% measured in Danish kroner to DKK 8,498 million. NovoSeven(R) Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 19% in local currencies compared to 2003. Measured in Danish kroner sales increased by 13% to DKK 4,359 million, with all regions contributing to growth, but with North America, Europe and International Operations as the major growth drivers. In the fourth quarter, sales were positively affected by a timing-related increase in sales to a number of countries in International Operations. The sales growth of NovoSeven(R) was driven by several factors in 2004. Due to the high penetration within spontaneous bleeds in congenital inhibitor patients, the predominant part of the growth within the inhibitor segment has been generated by treatment of acquired haemophilia patients and usage of NovoSeven(R) in connection with elective surgery. Furthermore, the marketing approval in Europe in the first quarter of 2004 of NovoSeven(R) for the control of bleeding in patients with factor VII deficiency and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia added to growth. Treatment of spontaneous bleeds for congenital inhibitor patients remains the largest area of use. In addition, sales are perceived to have been positively affected by increased investigational use of NovoSeven(R) influenced by data froM clinical trials from the NovoSeven(R) expansion programme. Growth hormone therapy (Norditropin(R) and Norditropin(R) SimpleXx(R)) In local currencies sales of Norditropin(R) and Norditropin(R) SimpleXx(R) products increased by 11% compared to 2003. Measured in DanISH kroner sales increased by 9% to DKK 2,317 million and were driven by Europe and North America. The prefilled delivery device NordiFlex(R) was launched in Japan and selected European countries during 2004 as well as in the US market in January 2005. In Japan, the launch of NordiFlex(R) in July 2004 contributed to the positive development in Novo Nordisk's market share during the second half of 2004; however, the government-mandated reduction in reimbursement prices in April 2004 impacted sales negatively. Other products Sales of other products within the biopharmaceuticals segment, which predominantly consists of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) related products, grew by 11% in local currencies and by 7% in Danish kroner to DKK 1,822 million. The sales growth in 2004 was positively impacted by the change in July 2003 of the US distribution set-up for Novo Nordisk's HRT products and by the continued market penetration of the low-dose continuous-combined product Activella(R) and the topical oestrogen product Vagifem(R). However, global sales in 2004 were negatively impacted by the overall contraction of the HRT market. Costs, licence fees and other operating income The cost of goods sold increased by 9% to DKK 8,050 million, representing a gross margin of 72.3%, an increase from 71.7% in 2003. Gains from an improved product mix as well as productivity increases, totalling slightly above 1 percentage point, were only partially offset by a negative currency impact. Total non-production-related costs increased by 9% to DKK 14,576 million. The increase reflects especially costs related to sales and distribution, which increased in line with the growth in sales. The main drivers of sales and distribution costs in 2004 were, respectively, launch activities for Levemir(R) in Europe; an increased US sales force, primarily focusing on promotion of insulin products but also related to the changed set-up for HRT products; and costs related to an impairment charge on intangible assets in Brazil. As a consequence of the implementation of IFRS 2 'Share-based payment', Novo Nordisk in 2004 expensed costs related to share-based programmes amounting to DKK 104 million. The comparable expense included in the IFRS-based statements for 2003 was DKK 76 million. Total costs related to depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses in 2004 were DKK 1,892 million compared to DKK 1,581 million in 2003. The costs for 2004 include DKK 326 million in non-recurring impairment charges, compared to DKK 178 million in 2003. Total income related to licence fees and other operating income was DKK 575 million in 2004 compared to DKK 1,036 million in 2003, primarily reflecting a lower level of non-recurring income in 2004. Net financials and tax Net financials showed a net income of DKK 477 million in 2004 compared to DKK 954 million in 2003, reflecting a lower level of hedging income in 2004. The foreign exchange hedging gains, primarily related to the hedging of the US dollar, were DKK 663 million compared to DKK 1,195 million in 2003. Foreign exchange hedging gains in the fourth quarter of 2004 were positively impacted by unrealised gains from the mark-to-market valuation of foreign exchange options, primarily related to the US dollar. Novo Nordisk has currently hedged expected net cash flows in relation to US dollars, Japanese yen and British pounds for 14, 11 and 8 months, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2004 was 33%, down from 34% in 2003, corresponding to a total tax expense of DKK 2,444 million in 2004. Capital expenditure Net capital expenditure for property, plant and equipment for 2004 was realised at DKK 3.0 billion, compared to DKK 2.3 billion for 2003. The main investment projects in 2004 were the expansion of purification capacity for Levemir(R), as well as expansion of filling capacity for insulin products, including FlexPen(R). Free cash flow and financial resources Free cash flow for 2004 was realised at DKK 4,278 million compared to DKK 3,846 million for 2003. This is higher than previously anticipated and is primarily related to a reduction in the average number of credit days for trade receivables. Novo Nordisk's financial resources at the end of 2004 were DKK 10.2 billion compared to DKK 11.4 billion in 2003. Included in the financial resources are undrawn committed credit facilities of close to DKK 6.7 billion. Outlook 2005 Novo Nordisk expects a 10-15 percentage-point growth in SALES for 2005 measured in local currencies based on expectations of a strong market for insulin products in general and the continued market penetration of Novo Nordisk's insulin analogue portfolio, combined with expectations of increasing NovoSeven(R) and Norditropin(R) SimpleXx(R) sales. However, as a consequence of the continued challengING currency environment, primarily related to the US dollar and related currencies, the sales growth measured in Danish kroner is expected to be around 10%. For 2005, OPERATING PROFIT growth measured in local currencies and excluding the impact from non-recurring items is expected to be in line with Novo Nordisk's long-term target of growing operating profit by 15%. Measured in Danish kroner the growth in operating profit is expected to be around 5%, reflecting a significant, negative currency impact and no major non-recurring income in 2005. Novo Nordisk expects a NET FINANCIAL EXPENSE of DKK 100 million, reflecting * a financial income, net of around DKK 100 million (excluding Novo Nordisk's share of loss & profit in associated companies), primarily related to expected gains from foreign exchange hedging contracts; and * a negative impact from losses in associated companies of around DKK 200 million, primarily reflecting Novo Nordisk's share of the expected loss in ZymoGenetics, Inc. Given the prevailing Danish corporation tax regime, Novo Nordisk expects the TAX RATE to be 32%, 1 percentage point lower than the tax rate realised for 2004. Novo Nordisk plans CAPITAL EXPENDITURES of close to DKK 4 billion in 2005, primarily related to the construction of production plants for Levemir(R) as well as additional filling capacity for insulin products. Capital expenditure will include purchase of fixed assets from Aradigm Corporation of approximately DKK 300 million related to the transfer of the AERx(R) iDMS project to Novo Nordisk. DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES are expected to be around DKK 1.9 billion and the FREE CASH FLOW to be more than DKK 2 billion. All of the above expectations are provided that currency exchange rates remain at the current level for 2005. All other things being equal, movements in key invoicing currencies will impact Novo Nordisk's operating profit in 2005 as illustrated below. INVOICING ANNUAL IMPACT ON NOVO NORDISK'S OPERATING PROFIT IN 2005 CURRENCY OF A 5% MOVEMENT IN CURRENCY USD DKK 280 million JPY DKK 130 million GBP DKK 80 million USD-related DKK 70 million Note: USD-related currencies include CNY, CAD, ARS, BRL, MXN, CLP, SGD, TWD and INR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE DIABETES CARE In December, Novo Nordisk filed the amended New Drug Application related to Levemir(R) with the US regulatory authorities (FDA), anD Novo Nordisk expects a US marketing approval around mid-2005, following an expected six months' review period by the FDA. The liraglutide phase 2b study was, as expected, initiated in January 2005 and Novo Nordisk still expects to initiate the phase 3 clinical trial around the turn of the year 2005/6. Novo Nordisk and the diabetes business unit of Medtronic Inc entered into an agreement in November, covering the US and Puerto Rico, to develop the world's first prefilled cartridge for use with Paradigm(R), Medtronic's external insulin pumps. Prefilled cartridges containing NovoLog(R) are expected to offer a convenient treatment option for people using Paradigm(R) pump therapy. Novo Nordisk has completed the restructuring transaction with Aradigm Corporation related to the AERx(R) insulin Diabetes Management System (iDMS), giving Novo Nordisk full development and manufacturing rights to the programme as of 26 January 2005. Following the fulfilment of closing conditions, including approval by the US competition authorities as well as approval by Aradigm's shareholders, Novo Nordisk's wholly-owned affiliate Novo Nordisk Delivery Technologies, Inc now employs approximately 130 former Aradigm employees who have been dedicated to the AERx(R) iDMS programme. In November, The University of Oxford Diabetes Trials Unit, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, initiated the 4-T study (Treating To Target in Type 2 Diabetes). The study compares safety and efficacy of three different insulin treatment regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes, who are inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic agents. The objective of this three-year study is to provide evidence and guidance on 'how best to treat people with type 2 diabetes with insulin', with the aim of preventing long-term complications and preserve quality of life. Initial results from the study, which includes approximately 700 patients, are expected during 2006, with final results expected during 2008. BIOPHARMACEUTICALS Novo Nordisk submitted the regulatory dossier for marketing approval of the use of NovoSeven(R) for treatment of blunt trauma to the European Medicines Agency in early January 2005. The application is a supplemental new drug application with an expected six months' review time. Novo Nordisk still expects to initiate a US trauma trial in the second quarter of 2005. The study is expected to comprise some 600 blunt and penetrating trauma patients. Following recent consultations with the FDA, Novo Nordisk expects to initiate a confirmatory clinical trial in the US and Europe as well as in other countries for the use of NovoSeven(R) in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) mid-2005, involving some 450 patients. Novo Nordisk expects this trial to generate further clinical documentation for filing with the FDA for regulatory approval in the US of NovoSeven(R) in connection with ICH. Novo Nordisk still expects to file an application by mid-2005 for marketing approval in Europe foR the use of NovoSeven(R) in connection with ICH. In November, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare granted approval of NovoSeven(R) for treatment of bleeding episodes iN patients with acquired haemophilia, in addition to the existing approval for treatment of congenital haemophilia patients with inhibitors. Also in November, Novo Nordisk was granted marketing authorisation in the US for Norditropin(R) for treatment of severe growth hormone deficiency in adults. Following analysis of the phase 2 data on the use of human growth hormone in complicated fractures, further clinical development has been discontinued. The phase 2 data showed a significant acceleration of fracture healing; however, pharma-economic analysis did not justify further clinical development. Novo Nordisk will continue to develop human growth hormone for other new therapeutic indications. Equity Total equity was DKK 26,504 million at the end of 2004, equal to 70.8% of total assets, compared to 71.7% at the end of 2003. Please refer to appendix 4 for further elaboration of changes in equity during 2004. Proposed dividend At the Annual General Meeting on 9 March 2005, the Board of Directors will propose a 9% increase in dividend to DKK 4.80 per share of DKK 2, corresponding to a pay-out ratio of 31.8%, compared to 30.8% for the financial year 2003. No dividend will be paid on the company's holding of own shares. Treasury shares and share repurchase programme As per 28 January 2005, Novo Nordisk A/S and its wholly-owned affiliates owned 22,585,129 of its own B shares, corresponding to 6.37% of the total share capital. During 2004, Novo Nordisk purchased 6,480,000 B shares at a cash value of DKK 2 billion, which is in line with the share repurchase programme as announced in April 2004. Novo Nordisk still expects to purchase additional B shares during 2005 equivalent to a cash value of DKK 2 billion, with the remaining shares under the total DKK 5 billion share repurchase programme to be acquired during 2006. Corporate governance Long-term share-based incentive programme As from 2004, Novo Nordisk's Executive Management and Senior Management Board (26 in total) participate in a performance-based incentive programme where Novo Nordisk B shares are annually allocated to a bonus pool when certain predefined business-related targets have been achieved. The annual maximum allocation of shares to the bonus pool is capped at the equivalent of eight months of salary per participant. The shares in the bonus pool are locked up for a three-year period before they are transferred to the executives at the expiry of the three-year lock-up period. Based on an assessment of the economic value generated in 2004 as well as the performance of the R&D portfolio and key sustainability projects, the Board of Directors on 27 January 2005 approved the establishment of a bonus pool for 2004 by allocating a total of 126,344 Novo Nordisk B shares, corresponding to a cash value of DKK 33.7 million. This allocation amounts to seven months of salary on average per participant. For further information on incentive programmes for senior management and other employees in Novo Nordisk, please refer to appendix 7. Audit Committee The Audit Committee, which was established by the Board of Directors in March 2004, continues to be responsible, on behalf of the Board, for a number of predefined tasks. These include overseeing the internal and external auditors, accounting policies and internal controls, as well as procedures for handling complaints regarding financial reporting matters. Sustainability issues At the end of 2004, through Novo Nordisk's global health programme, 150,000 people with diabetes were trained or treated at diabetes clinics in the eight countries that were selected as key priorities when the programme was launched in 2001. A recent agreement with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, to establish a national diabetes care programme in Tanzania and improve education and training of doctors and nurses, marks a shift of strategy. Whereas the first initiatives began as partnerships with local diabetes associations providing diabetes awareness, education and treatment, focus in future will be on partnerships with governments. Novo Nordisk's investments to improve diabetes diagnosis and care in Tanzania have proved successful with tangible benefits to the country. In 2004, Novo Nordisk developed a strategy for addressing the climate change challenge, one of the most pressing environmental risks facing industry. In November 2004, Novo Nordisk and WWF entered into an agreement according to which Novo Nordisk will set a target to have reduced its net CO2 emissions by 2014. By setting the target for absolute reduction, which we consider ambitious and achievable, Novo Nordisk will demonstrate environmental leadership and corporate responsibility. Setting such a target will enable Novo Nordisk to become part of the WWF Climate Savers programme. As part of the agreement Novo Nordisk's greenhouse gas emissions inventory will be verified by independent technical experts against the GHG protocol, and the agreement will be tailored to the circumstances and operating sector of the company. In 2004, CO2 emissions were 253,000 tons, which will serve as the basis for evaluation of the target achievement. In a global survey of corporate sustainability reports, released in November 2004 by SustainAbility, UNEP and Standard & Poor's, Novo Nordisk was ranked second in the world for its ability to identify and manage social and environmental issues as part of 'how we do business'. The benchmark study 'Risk & Opportunity: Best Practice in Non-Financial Reporting', gives Novo Nordisk a score of 69% - a solid improvement from 2002. The survey highlights Novo Nordisk's reporting: the Novo Nordisk Way of Management is seen as "a convincing approach to embedding sustainable development in the company's culture and corporate governance", and the company's ability to report robustly and transparently on commitments, targets and activities is "leading edge". LEGAL ISSUES As of 27 January 2005, Novo Nordisk Inc, together with the majority of hormone therapy product manufacturers, is a defendant in 16 product liability lawsuits. Since the initiation of the lawsuits in July 2004, three cases against Novo Nordisk Inc have been dismissed by the courts. Novo Nordisk's hormone therapy products (Activella(R) and Vagifem(R)) have been sold and marketed in the US since 2000. Until July 2003, the products were sold and marketed exclusively in the US by Pharmacia & Upjohn Corporation (now Pfizer). The proceedings are in their preliminary stages; however, Novo Nordisk is not expecting the claims to impact Novo Nordisk's financial outlook. In January 2005, Novo Nordisk, Teva and Savient (formerly known as Bio-Technology General) have agreed to a partial settlement of their disputes over human growth hormone (hGH) intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, the three parties have granted each other cross-licences to any patents covering the hGH-active ingredient. An appeal of a District Court judgment regarding one portion of the dispute will continue, as will an interference proceeding in the US Patent and Trademark Office. The financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed, but the financial impact has been included in this stock exchange announcement. Conference call details At 10:00 CET today, corresponding to 9:00 am London time and 4:00 am New York time, a conference call will be held. Investors will be able to listen in via a link on novonordisk.com. This link can be found under 'Investors - Conference call'. Presentation material for the conference call will be made available approximately one hour before on the same page. Forward-looking statement The above sections contain forward-looking statements as the term is defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of events such as new product introductions, product approvals and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. This may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that may affect future results include interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, delay or failure of development projects, production problems, unexpected contract breaches or terminations, government-mandated or market-driven price decreases for Novo Nordisk's products, introduction of competing products, Novo Nordisk's ability to successfully market both new and existing products, exposure to product liability and other lawsuits, changes in reimbursement rules and governmental laws and related interpretation thereof, and unexpected growth in costs and expenses. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by Novo Nordisk with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including the company's Form 20-F, which was filed on 27 February 2004. Please also refer to the section 'Risk Management' in the Annual Report 2004. Novo Nordisk is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements or to conform such statements to actual results, unless required by law. Bagsvaerd 28 January 2005 The Board of Directors Financial calendar 1 February 2005 - PDF version of the Annual Report available on novonordisk.com 14 February 2005 - Printed and online versions of the Annual Report 9 March 2005 - Annual General Meeting 28 April 2005 - Financial statement for the first quarter of 2005 11 August 2005 - Financial statement for the first half of 2005 27 October 2005 - Financial statement for the first nine months of 2005 27 January 2006 - Financial statement for 2005 Contacts for further information MEDIA: INVESTORS: Outside North America: Outside North America: Mike Rulis Mogens Thorsager Jensen Tel (direct): (+45) 4442 3573 Tel (direct): (+45) 4442 7945 E-mail: mike@novonordisk.com E-mail: mtj@novonordisk.com Palle Holm Olesen Tel (direct): (+45) 4442 6175 E-mail: phoo@novonordisk.com In North America: In North America: Susan T Jackson Christian Kanstrup Tel (direct): (+1) 609 919 7776 Tel (direct): (+1) 609 919 7937 E-mail: stja@novonordisk.com E-mail: cka@novonordisk.com Further information on Novo Nordisk is available on the company's internet homepage at the address novonordisk.com Appendix 1: Income statement DKK million 2004 2003 2002 Sales 29,031 26,158 24,866 Cost of goods sold 8,050 7,409 6,598 GROSS PROFIT 20,981 18,749 18,268 Sales and distribution costs 8,280 7,451 7,187 Research and development costs 4,352 4,055 3,952 Administrative expenses 1,944 1,857 1,960 Licence fees and other operating income (net) 575 1,036 758 OPERATING PROFIT 6,980 6,422 5,927 Share of profit/(loss) in associated companies (117) (59) 72 Financial income 898 1,482 1,046 Financial expenses 304 469 717 PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAXES 7,457 7,376 6,328 Income taxes 2,444 2,543 2,212 NET PROFIT 5,013 4,833 4,116 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (DKK) 14.89 14.17 11.87 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (DKK) 14.83 14.15 11.85 SEGMENT SALES: Diabetes care 20,533 18,475 17,458 Biopharmaceuticals 8,498 7,683 7,408 SEGMENT OPERATING PROFIT: Diabetes care 3,404 3,142 2,346 Operating margin 16.6% 17.0% 13.4% Biopharmaceuticals 3,576 3,280 3,581 Operating margin 42.1% 42.7% 48.3% Appendix 2: Balance sheet DKK million 31 DEC 2004 31 Dec 2003 ASSETS Intangible assets 314 331 Property, plant and equipment 17,559 16,342 Investments in associated companies 883 1,040 Deferred tax assets 769 579 Long-term financial assets 159 80 TOTAL LONG-TERM ASSETS 19,684 18,372 Inventories 7,163 6,531 Trade receivables 4,062 3,785 Tax receivables 710 134 Other receivables 1,855 2,652 Marketable securities 526 1,828 Cash at bank and in hand 3,433 1,262 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 17,749 16,192 TOTAL ASSETS 37,433 34,564 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Share capital 709 709 Treasury shares (45) (33) Share premium account 2,565 2,565 Retained earnings 22,671 20,925 Other comprehensive income 604 610 TOTAL EQUITY 26,504 24,776 Long-term debt 1,188 753 Deferred tax liabilities 1,853 1,510 Provision for pensions 250 222 Other long-term provisions 358 271 TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 3,649 2,756 Short-term debt 507 975 Trade payables 1,061 1,008 Tax payables 631 643 Other current liabilities 3,721 3,366 Other short-term provisions 1,360 1,040 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 7,280 7,032 TOTAL LIABILITIES 10,929 9,788 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 37,433 34,564 Appendix 3: Cash flow statement DKK million 2004 2003 2002 NET PROFIT 5,013 4,833 4,116 Reversals with no effect on cash flow: Income taxes 2,444 2,543 2,212 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses 1,892 1,581 1,293 Interest income and interest expenses (128) (101) (54) Other reversals with no effect on cash flow 1,018 365 291 Income taxes paid (2,866) (1,804) (2,266) Interest received and interest paid (net) 109 67 120 CASH FLOW BEFORE CHANGE IN WORKING CAPITAL 7,482 7,484 5,712 CHANGE IN WORKING CAPITAL: (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables and other receivables 211 (721) 312 (Increase)/decrease in inventories (623) (571) (1,131) Increase/(decrease) in trade payables and other liabilities 519 (43) (26) CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 7,589 6,149 4,867 INVESTMENTS: Divestment of subsidiaries - - 52 Acquisition of subsidiaries - 10 (448) Purchase of intangible assets and long-term financial assets (312) (40) (81) Sale of property, plant and equipment 140 185 50 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3,139) (2,458) (3,943) Net change in marketable securities (over three months) 1,310 (1,516) 1,085 CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (2,001) (3,819) (3,285) FINANCING: New long-term debt 505 476 - Repayment of long-term debt (574) (23) (18) Purchase of treasury shares (1,982) (1,619) (386) Sale of treasury shares 87 15 39 Dividends paid (1,488) (1,243) (1,161) CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (3,452) (2,394) (1,526) NET CASH FLOW 2,136 (64) 56 Unrealised gain/(loss) on exchange rates and marketable securities in cash and cash equivalents (14) (14) (22) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 2,122 (78) 34 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 841 919 885 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR 2,963 841 919 Bonds with term to maturity exceeding three months 508 1,810 301 Undrawn committed credit facilities 6,694 8,701 7,961 FINANCIAL RESOURCES AT THE END OF THE YEAR 10,165 11,352 9,181 FREE CASH FLOW 4,278 3,846 497 Appendix 4: Statement of changes in equity Other comprehensive income Deferred gain/ Share Exchange loss on Share Treasury premium Retained rate cash flow Other DKK million capital shares account earnings adjustments hedges adjustments TOTAL 2004 Balance at the beginning of the year 709 (33) 2,565 20,925 (79) 513 176 24,776 Exchange rate adjustment of investments in subsidiaries 39 39 Deferred (gain)/loss on cash flow hedges at the beginning of the year recognised in the Income statement for the year (513) (513) Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges at the end of the year 461 461 Other adjustments 7 7 Net income recognised directly in - - - - 39 (52) 7 (6) equity Net profit for the year 5,013 5,013 Total income for the year - - - 5,013 39 (52) 7 5,007 Cost of share-based payment 104 104 Purchase of treasury shares (13) (1,969) (1,982) Sale of treasury shares 1 86 87 Dividends (1,488) (1,488) BALANCE AT THE END OF THE YEAR 709 (45) 2,565 22,671 (40) 461 183 26,504 At the end of the year proposed dividends of DKK 1,594 million are included in retained earnings. No dividend is declared on treasury shares. 2003 Balance at the beginning of the year 709 (19) 2,565 18,849 (85) 391 67 22,477 Exchange rate adjustment of investments in subsidiaries 6 6 Deferred (gain)/loss on cash flow hedges at the beginning of the year recognised in the Income statement for the year (391) (391) Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges at the end of the year 513 513 Other adjustments 109 109 Net income recognised directly in equity - - - - 6 122 109 237 Net profit for the year 4,833 4,833 Total income for the year - - - 4,833 6 122 109 5,070 Cost of share-based payment 76 76 Purchase of treasury shares (14) (1,605) (1,619) Sale of treasury shares - 15 15 Dividends (1,243) (1,243) BALANCE AT THE END OF THE YEAR 709 (33) 2,565 20,925 (79) 513 176 24,776 At the end of the year proposed dividends of DKK 1,488 million are included in retained earnings. No dividend is declared on treasury shares. 2002 Balance at the beginning of the year 709 (16) 2,565 16,200 - 116 126 19,700 Exchange rate adjustment of investments in subsidiaries (85) (85) Deferred (gain)/loss on cash flow hedges at the beginning of the year recognised in the Income statement for the year (116) (116) Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges at the end of the year 391 391 Other adjustments (59) (59) Net income recognised directly in equity - - - - (85) 275 (59) 131 Net profit for the year 4,116 4,116 Total income for the year - - - 4,116 (85) 275 (59) 4,247 Cost of share-based payment 38 38 Purchase of treasury shares (4) (382) (386) Sale of treasury shares 1 38 39 Dividends (1,161) (1,161) BALANCE AT THE END OF THE YEAR 709 (19) 2,565 18,849 (85) 391 67 22,477 At the end of the year proposed dividends of DKK 1,243 million are included in retained earnings. No dividend is declared on treasury shares. Appendix 5: Quarterly numbers in DKK (Amounts in DKK million, except number of employees, earnings per share and number of shares outstanding.) % change 2004 2003 Q4 2003- Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 2004 SALES 7,944 7,408 7,164 6,515 7,111 6,603 6,435 6,009 12% Gross profit 5,783 5,318 5,219 4,661 4,982 4,793 4,633 4,341 16% Gross margin 72.8% 71.8% 72.9% 71.5% 70.1% 72.6% 72.0% 72.2% Sales and distribution costs 2,364 2,039 1,991 1,886 2,059 1,837 1,821 1,734 15% Percent of sales 29.8% 27.5% 27.8% 28.9% 29.0% 27.8% 28.3% 28.9% Research and development costs 1,243 1,086 983 1,040 1,128 1,015 972 940 10% Percent of sales 15.6% 14.7% 13.7% 16.0% 15.9% 15.4% 15.1% 15.6% Administrative expenses 534 502 431 477 487 490 420 460 10% Percent of sales 6.7% 6.8% 6.0% 7.3% 6.8% 7.4% 6.5% 7.7% Licence fees and other operating income (net) 213 59 71 232 423 216 226 171 -50% OPERATING PROFIT 1,855 1,750 1,885 1,490 1,731 1,667 1,646 1,378 7% Operating margin 23.4% 23.6% 26.3% 22.9% 24.3% 25.2% 25.6% 22.9% Share of profit in associated R&D companies (32) 7 (44) (38) 78 (45) (41) (63) -141% Share of profit in other associated companies 12 5 4 (31) 7 (2) (2) 9 71% Financial income 491 125 104 178 438 177 446 421 12% Financial expenses 186 52 44 22 117 103 116 133 59% Profit before taxation 2,140 1,835 1,905 1,577 2,137 1,694 1,933 1,612 0% NET PROFIT 1,462 1,226 1,272 1,053 1,395 1,111 1,271 1,056 5% Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses 549 576 387 380 553 363 356 309 -1% Capital expenditure 1,092 873 642 392 905 383 519 466 21% Cash flow from operating activities 2,103 2,426 1,710 1,350 221 2,317 1,437 2,174 852% Free cash flow 903 1,533 956 886 (703) 1,932 910 1,707 -228% Equity 26,504 25,557 24,827 23,942 24,776 23,587 22,692 21,712 7% Total assets 37,433 35,587 34,248 33,838 34,564 35,140 33,103 31,382 8% Equity ratio 70.8% 71.8% 72.5% 70.8% 71.7% 67.1% 68.5% 69.2% Full-time employees at the end of the period 20,285 20,001 19,631 19,179 18,756 18,664 18,465 18,221 8% Diluted earnings per share (in DKK)* 4.37 3.63 3.74 3.10 4.11 3.26 3.72 3.06 6% Average number of shares outstanding (million)* - used for diluted earnings per share 334.7 338.2 339.8 339.8 339.1 340.7 342.0 344.6 -1% Sales by business segments: Insulin analogues 1,332 1,252 1,037 886 792 705 572 484 68% Human insulin and insulin-related sales 3,944 3,593 3,640 3,206 3,936 3,526 3,642 3,388 0% Oral antidiabetic products (OAD) 403 445 379 416 388 384 298 360 4% DIABETES CARE TOTAL 5,679 5,290 5,056 4,508 5,116 4,615 4,512 4,232 11% NovoSeven(R) 1,170 1,086 1,084 1,019 933 1,002 990 918 25% Growth hormone therapy 651 559 557 550 584 516 534 499 11% Hormone replacement therapy 364 396 389 339 397 358 290 277 -8% Other products 80 77 78 99 81 112 109 83 -1% BIOPHARMACEUTICALS TOTAL 2,265 2,118 2,108 2,007 1,995 1,988 1,923 1,777 14% Sales by geographic segments: Europe 3,364 3,057 3,106 2,884 3,153 2,909 2,923 2,712 7% North America 1,816 2,098 1,837 1,727 1,584 1,634 1,471 1,530 15% International Operations 1,559 1,171 1,134 980 1,233 1,026 1,058 910 26% Japan & Oceania 1,205 1,082 1,087 924 1,141 1,034 983 857 6% Segment operating profit: Diabetes care 1,047 746 936 675 953 742 770 677 10% Biopharmaceuticals 808 1,004 949 815 778 925 876 701 4% *) For Q4 2004 diluted earnings per share/ADR of a nominal value of DKK 2, which include options on Novo Nordisk's treasury shares with an exercise price below current market value, have been based on an average number of shares of 334,689,470. Appendix 6: Quarterly numbers in EUR (Amounts in EUR million, except number of employees, earnings per share and number of shares outstanding.) Key figures are translated into EUR as supplementary information - the translation is based on average exchange rate for income statement and exchange rate at the balance sheet date for balance sheet items. % change 2004 2003 Q4 2003- Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 2004 SALES 1,068 997 962 875 956 889 866 809 12% Gross profit 778 715 701 626 670 645 624 584 16% Gross margin 72.8% 71.8% 72.9% 71.5% 70.1% 72.6% 72.0% 72.2% Sales and distribution costs 318 274 268 253 277 247 246 233 15% Percent of sales 29.8% 27.5% 27.8% 28.9% 29.0% 27.8% 28.3% 28.9% Research and development costs 167 146 132 140 152 137 130 127 10% Percent of sales 15.6% 14.7% 13.7% 16.0% 15.9% 15.4% 15.1% 15.6% Administrative expenses 72 67 58 64 64 67 56 62 10% Percent of sales 6.7% 6.8% 6.0% 7.3% 6.8% 7.4% 6.5% 7.7% Licence fees and other operating income (net) 28 8 10 31 56 30 30 23 -50% OPERATING PROFIT 249 236 253 200 233 224 222 185 7% Operating margin 23.4% 23.6% 26.3% 22.9% 24.3% 25.2% 25.6% 22.9% Share of profit in associated R&D companies (3) (1) (5) (5) 10 (6) (6) (8) -141% Share of profit in other associated companies 2 1 - (4) 1 - - 1 71% Financial income 65 17 14 24 60 23 60 57 12% Financial expenses 25 7 6 3 16 13 16 18 59% Profit before taxation 288 246 256 212 288 228 260 217 0% NET PROFIT 197 165 171 141 187 150 171 142 5% Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses 74 77 52 51 75 48 48 42 -1% Capital expenditure 147 117 86 53 122 52 70 63 21% Cash flow from operating activities 283 326 230 181 30 312 193 293 852% Free cash flow 121 207 128 119 (95) 260 122 230 -228% Equity 3,563 3,434 3,340 3,216 3,328 3,176 3,054 2,924 7% Total assets 5,033 4,782 4,608 4,545 4,643 4,732 4,455 4,226 8% Equity ratio 70.8% 71.8% 72.5% 70.8% 71.7% 67.1% 68.5% 69.2% Full-time employees at the end of the period 20,285 20,001 19,631 19,179 18,756 18,664 18,465 18,221 8% Diluted earnings per share (in EUR)* 0.58 0.49 0.50 0.42 0.55 0.44 0.50 0.41 6% Average number of shares outstanding (million)* - used for diluted earnings per share 334.7 338.2 339.8 339.8 339.1 340.7 342.0 344.6 -1% Sales by business segments: Insulin analogues 179 169 139 119 107 95 77 65 68% Human insulin and insulin-related sales 531 483 489 430 530 474 490 456 0% Oral antidiabetic products (OAD) 54 60 51 56 52 51 41 48 4% DIABETES CARE TOTAL 764 712 679 605 689 620 608 569 11% NovoSeven(R) 157 147 145 137 125 135 133 124 25% Growth hormone therapy 87 75 75 74 78 70 72 67 11% Hormone replacement therapy 49 53 52 46 53 49 39 37 -8% Other products 11 10 11 13 11 15 14 12 -1% BIOPHARMACEUTICALS TOTAL 304 285 283 270 267 269 258 240 14% Sales by geographic segments: Europe 452 411 418 387 424 392 392 366 7% North America 244 282 247 232 213 220 198 206 15% International Operations 210 157 152 132 166 138 143 122 26% Japan & Oceania 162 147 145 124 153 139 133 115 6% Segment operating profit: Diabetes care 141 101 125 91 128 100 104 91 10% Biopharmaceuticals 109 135 128 109 105 124 118 94 4% *) For Q4 2004 diluted earnings per share/ADR of a nominal value of DKK 2, which include options on Novo Nordisk's treasury shares with an exercise price below current market value, have been based on an average number of shares of 334,689,470. Appendix 7: Incentive programmes 1. LONG-TERM SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE PROGRAMME FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT As from 2004, the six members of Executive Management and 20 members of the Senior Management Board are no longer included in Novo Nordisk's share option plan. The option plan has been replaced by a share-based incentive programme. This incentive programme is based on an annual calculation of shareholder value creation compared to the planned performance for the year. In line with Novo Nordisk's long-term financial targets, the calculation of value creation is based on reported operating profit after tax reduced by a WACC-based return requirement on average invested capital. A proportion of the marginal value creation will be transferred to a bonus pool for participating executives. The calculated bonus pool may, subject to the Board of Directors' assessment, be reduced by a lower than expected performance on significant research and development projects and key sustainability projects. The bonus pool will operate with a maximum contribution per participant equal to eight months of salary. Once the performance-based bonus pool has been approved by the Board of Directors, the bonus pool is converted into Novo Nordisk B shares at the market price prevailing when the financial results for the year prior to the bonus year were released. The bonus pool of shares will be established when approved by the Board of Directors, but will be locked up for three years before it is transferred to the participants at the end of the three-year period. In the lock-up period, the bonus pool may potentially be reduced due to lower than planned value generation in subsequent years. The participant will have to be employed by Novo Nordisk at the end of the lock-up period to be eligible for the transfer of shares from the bonus pool. In 2004, the allocation to the bonus pool amounts to DKK 33.7 million, corresponding to seven months of salary. This amount was expensed in 2004. The cash amount has been converted into 126,344 Novo Nordisk B shares using a share price of DKK 267, equal to the average trading price for Novo Nordisk B shares on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange from 6 to 20 February 2004. Based on the split of participants at the establishment of the bonus pool, approximately 40% of the pool will be allocated to the members of Executive Management and 60% to the members of the Senior Management Board. As the long-term share-based incentive programme is evaluated by the Board of Directors to have worked successfully in 2004, it will continue in 2005 with an unchanged structure. 2. SHARE OPTION PROGRAMME FOR 2004 The grant of share options to approximately 400 employees, excluding the members of Executive Management and the Senior Management Board, in accordance with Novo Nordisk's share option programme is subject to the achievement of shareholder value-based targets as determined by the Board of Directors. For 2004, targets were established for Operating Profit and Return on Invested Capital, respectively. As the two financial targets for 2004 were achieved, a total of 809,416 share options will be granted at an exercise price of DKK 267 per option. The options can be exercised in the period 31 January 2008 - 30 January 2013. The value of the share option programme is estimated to be DKK 84 million, based on the Black-Scholes model. The company's holding of its own shares will cover this commitment. Appendix 8: Adoption of IFRS As of 1 January 2004, the accounting policies have been changed to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The date of transition is 1 January 2002 and all comparative figures for 2000 - 2003 have been restated. Following IFRS 1 all standards and interpretations effective at 31 December 2004 have been applied. The following standards with effective date after 31 December 2004 have also been applied: - IFRS 2 'Share-based Payment' (issued February 2004) IFRS 2 has been applied retrospectively to all grants of employee shares and share options from 1997 to 2004. - The revised standards IAS 32 'Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation' and IAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement' - All the revised standards in the IASB's improvement project, ie: IAS 1, IAS 2, IAS 8, IAS 10, IAS 16, IAS 17, IAS 21, IAS 24, IAS 27, IAS 28, IAS 31, IAS 33 and IAS 40. The standard IFRS 5 'Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations' with effective date 1 January 2005 has not been applied. IFRS 5 will be applied in accordance with the effective date 1 January 2005. The standard will be applied prospectively and only affect future transactions. The impact of application is not expected to be significant. The adoption of IFRS results in changes to the accounting policies in the following areas: a) ACCOUNTING FOR ASSOCIATED R&D COMPANIES - Novo Nordisk's share of profit or loss in associated research and development companies, including impairment losses, is included in share of profit and loss in associated companies and is therefore no longer included in research and development costs. Novo Nordisk's capital gains on dilution or sale of investments in associated research and development companies is included in share of profit or loss in associated companies and therefore no longer in Licence fees and other operating income (net). The method of calculating Novo Nordisk's share of profit or loss in an associated company is slightly changed. b) MARKET VALUE OF CURRENCY OPTIONS - currency options hedging future cash flow are measured at market value at the balance sheet date. As a consequence of the detailed IFRS requirements for allowing hedge accounting for currency options, the current use does not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. Value adjustments are therefore recognised in the Income statement under financial income or financial expenses. c) SHARE-BASED PAYMENT - in accordance with IFRS 2 'Share-based payment' the fair value of employee services received in exchange for the grant of share-based compensation plans is recognised as an expense, and allocated over the vesting period. d) PROVISION FOR PENSIONS - provisions for pension commitments and similar obligations are calculated in accordance with IAS 19. All actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the balance sheet at 1 January 2002 in accordance with IFRS 1. e) BORROWING COSTS - all interest expenses are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. Interest expenses on loans financing construction of major investments are no longer included in the cost of the assets. f) CASH DISCOUNTS AND CERTAIN REBATES - in line with the development in international practice, cash discounts are now classified as a deduction from sales. Previously cash discounts were reported as Sales and distribution costs. Certain rebates are reclassified from Sales and distribution costs to sales. g) LONG-TERM BONDS - cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and marketable securities which at the date of acquisition had a maturity not exceeding three months. The cash flow from marketable securities, which at the date of acquisition had a maturity exceeding three months, is included in cash flow from investing activities. h) DEFERRED TAX ASSETS are presented as long-term assets and are no longer offset in provisions for deferred tax. i) SOFTWARE - development costs of software in relation to major IT projects for internal use are reclassified from property, plant and equipment to intangible assets. j) In the income statement gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are no longer offset in the gains and losses of the hedged items. This has the effect that a foreign exchange loss of DKK 229 million in 2003 (DKK 510 million in 2002) is reclassified from financial income to financial expenses. k) LONG-TERM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - provisions are recognised for certain long-term employee benefits. l) DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE - are calculated in accordance with IAS 33, which causes a change in the calculation of the dilutive effect. m) OTHER minor effects from adopting IFRS. The changes regarding share-based payment, cash discounts and long-term employee benefits were not included in the unaudited reconciliations to IFRS included in the Annual Financial Report 2003 and the Stock Exchange Announcement for the first three quarters of 2004. To illustrate the effect of adopting IFRS in the Novo Nordisk Group the following reconciliations of the reported figures for 2002 and 2003 under previous Danish GAAP to the IFRS figures have been prepared. The letters a) to m) in the tables below refer to descriptions of the changes in accounting policies due to IFRS adoption mentioned above. RATIOS 2003 2002 PREVIOUS PREVIOUS GAAP IFRS GAAP IFRS Growth in operating profit 6.8% 8.4% 6.5% 9.6% Operating profit margin 24.1% 24.6% 23.7% 23.8% Return on invested capital (ROIC) 19.1% 19.5% 20.1% 20.5% Cash/earnings, three-year average 32.0% 32.3% 34.9% 43.1% Basic earnings per share (DKK) 14.24 14.17 11.81 11.87 Diluted earnings per share (DKK) 14.14 14.15 11.72 11.85 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 2003 2002 PREVIOUS PREVIOUS DKK million GAAP IFRS IFRS GAAP IFRS IFRS EFFECT EFFECT Sales 26,541 (383) 26,158 25,187 (321) 24,866 Cost of goods sold 7,439 (30) 7,409 6,633 6,598 (35) GROSS PROFIT 19,102 (353) 18,749 18,554 (286) 18,268 Sales and distribution costs 7,799 (348) 7,451 7,479 (292) 7,187 Research and development costs 4,193 (138) 4,055 4,139 (187) 3,952 Administrative expenses 1,847 10 1,857 1,951 9 1,960 Licence fees and other operating income (net) 1,121 (85) 1,036 994 (236) 758 OPERATING PROFIT 6,384 38 6,422 5,979 (52) 5,927 Share of profit/(loss) in associated companies 12 (71) (59) 27 45 72 Financial income 1,214 268 1,482 475 571 1,046 Financial expenses 227 242 469 181 536 717 PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAXES 7,383 (7) 7,376 6,300 28 6,328 Income taxes 2,525 18 2,543 2,205 7 2,212 NET PROFIT 4,858 (25) 4,833 4,095 21 4,116 DKK million 2003 2002 OPERATING PROFIT - PREVIOUS GAAP a) Accounting for associated R&D companies - reclassification of share of profit or loss 6,384 5,979 a) Accounting for associated R&D companies - reclassification of capital gain 150 194 (85) (236) c) Share-based payment (76) (38) d) Provisions for pensions 10 (11) e) Borrowing costs - depreciation 38 38 m) Other 1 1 OPERATING PROFIT - IFRS 6,422 5,927 NET PROFIT - PREVIOUS GAAP 4,858 4,095 a) Accounting for associated R&D companies - increased share of profit or loss (9) (9) b) Market value of currency options 30 50 c) Share-based payment (69) (28) d) Provision for pensions 6 (7) e) Borrowing costs - depreciation 38 38 e) Borrowing costs - interest expenses as incurred (10) (14) m) Other (11) (9) NET PROFIT - IFRS 4,833 4,116 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 2003 2002 PREVIOUS IFRS PREVIOUS IFRS DKK million GAAP EFFECT IFRS GAAP EFFECT IFRS Intangible assets 220 111 331 240 111 331 Property, plant and equipment 16,828 (486) 16,342 16,205 (524) 15,681 Investments in associated companies 1,009 31 1,040 1,202 47 1,249 Deferred income tax assets - 579 579 - 559 559 Other financial assets 80 - 80 77 2 79 Inventories 6,531 - 6,531 5,919 - 5,919 Trade receivables 6,636 (65) 6,571 6,115 (91) 6,024 Marketable securities 1,828 - 1,828 315 - 315 Cash at bank and in hand 1,262 - 1,262 1,423 - 1,423 TOTAL ASSETS 34,394 170 34,564 31,496 116 31,612 Equity 25,224 (448) 24,776 22,928 (451) 22,477 Total liabilities 9,170 618 9,788 8,568 567 9,135 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 34,394 170 34,564 31,496 116 31,612 DKK million 2003 2002 TOTAL ASSETS - PREVIOUS GAAP 34,394 31,496 a) Accounting for associated R&D companies 31 47 d) Provisions for pensions - (43) e) Borrowing costs (382) (410) h) Deferred tax assets 548 559 m) Other (27) (37) TOTAL ASSETS - IFRS 34,564 31,612 TOTAL LIABILITIES - PREVIOUS GAAP 9,170 8,568 i) Deferred tax assets 548 559 Changes to deferred tax as a result of the other changes to accounting policies (201) (234) d) Provisions for pensions 52 14 j) Long-term employee benefits 211 211 m) Other 8 17 TOTAL LIABILITIES - IFRS 9,788 9,135 1 Jan 2003 2002 2002 EQUITY - PREVIOUS GAAP 25,224 22,928 20,137 a) Accounting for associated R&D companies 47 31 57 b) Market value of currency options - deferred tax effect (35) (22) (22) c) Share-based payment - deferred tax effect 100 92 82 d) Provisions for pensions (36) (42) (15) e) Borrowing costs (268) (287) (297) k) Long-term employee benefits (211) (211) (211) m) Other (29) (28) (31) EQUITY - IFRS 24,776 22,477 19,700 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 2003 2002 PREVIOUS IFRS PREVIOUS IFRS DKK million GAAP EFFECT IFRS GAAP EFFECT IFRS Cash flow from operating activities 6,159 (10) 6,149 4,881 (14) 4,867 Cash flow from investing activities*) (2,313) (1,506) (3,819) (4,384) 1,099 (3,285) Cash flow from financing activities (2,394) - (2,394) (1,526) - (1,526) NET CASH FLOW 1,452 (1,516) (64) (1,029) 1,085 56 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,435 (1,513) (78) (1,053) 1,087 34 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 1,234 (315) 919 2,287 (1,402) 885 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR 2,669 (1,828) 841 1,234 (315) 919 Free cash flow **) 3,846 - 3,846 497 - 497 DKK million 2003 2002 CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES - PREVIOUS GAAP 6,159 4,881 e) Borrowing costs - cash flow effect of interest expenses (10) (14) CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES - IFRS 6,149 4,867 CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES - PREVIOUS GAAP (2,313) (4,384) e) Borrowing costs - cash flow effect of interest expenses 10 14 g) Long-term bonds (1,513) 1,087 g) Long-term bonds - unrealised gains/losses (3) (2) CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES - IFRS (3,819) (3,285) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR - PREVIOUS GAAP 2,669 1,234 g) Long-term bonds - at the end of the year (1,828) (315) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR - IFRS 841 919 *) According to IFRS the cash flow from investments in long-term bonds (>three months) is included in cash flow from investing activities. Excess liquidity is primarily invested in non-callable, liquid bonds with solid credit rating. **) Free cash flow is not included as a subtotal in the cash flow statement according to IFRS. Free cash flow is calculated as the sum of Cash flow from operating activities and investing activities excluding Net change in marketable securities (>three months). This leaves Free cash flow unaffected by the IFRS adoption. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: JANUARY 31 2005 NOVO NORDISK A/S --------------------------------------------------- Lars Rebien Sorensen, President and Chief Executive Officer