AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and Novo Nordisk A/S across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$161.85HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
$42.53HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AZN vs NVO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAZN +229.2% (+12.7%/yr)NVO +135.8% (+9.0%/yr)AZN compounded faster over this window
AZN NVO
AZN vs NVO: by the numbers
- •AZN is the larger company ($251.01B vs $188.86B market cap).
- •NVO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.48 vs 24.30 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NVO converts more revenue to profit (35.33% vs 17.02% net margin).
- •NVO grew revenue faster over the past five years (19.76% vs 15.76% CAGR).
- •NVO pays the higher dividend yield (4.17% vs 2.02%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AZN | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 24.30 | 10.48 |
| Forward P/E | 15.80 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 4.09 | 3.70 |
| P/B ratio | 5.00 | 5.60 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.69 | 7.76 |
| FCF yield | 3.48% | 3.94% |
Profitability
| Metric | AZN | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 81.88% | 80.64% |
| Operating margin | 22.77% | 43.10% |
| Net margin | 17.02% | 35.33% |
| ROE | 20.79% | 53.50% |
| ROIC | 12.83% | 30.21% |
Dividends
| Metric | AZN | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.02% | 4.17% |
| Payout ratio | 48.50% | 44.27% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AZN | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.76% | 19.76% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 22.02% | 19.59% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 14.53% | -1.45% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 9.52% | -0.65% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AZN or NVO?
- NVO has the lower trailing P/E: AZN trades at 24.30 and NVO at 10.48. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AZN or NVO?
- Over the past five years, NVO grew revenue faster — AZN at a 15.76% CAGR versus NVO at 19.76%.
- Does AZN or NVO pay a bigger dividend?
- AZN yields 2.02% and NVO yields 4.17% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AZN or NVO more profitable?
- NVO runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.02% versus NVO at 35.33%.
- How have AZN and NVO total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AZN delivered 12.88% and NVO delivered 9.46% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
AstraZeneca P/E ratioNovo Nordisk A/S P/E ratioAstraZeneca dividend yieldNovo Nordisk A/S dividend yieldAstraZeneca ROENovo Nordisk A/S ROEAstraZeneca operating marginNovo Nordisk A/S operating marginAstraZeneca revenue growthNovo Nordisk A/S revenue growthAstraZeneca free cash flowNovo Nordisk A/S free cash flow
AstraZeneca & Novo Nordisk A/S appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.