AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs Novartis AG (NVS)

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and Novartis AG across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — AZN vs NVS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AZN +236.6% (+12.9%/yr)NVS +219.0% (+12.3%/yr)AZN compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$337$319
AZN NVS

AZN vs NVS: by the numbers

  • •NVS is the larger company ($267.83B vs $243.21B market cap).
  • •NVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.25 vs 23.55 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •NVS converts more revenue to profit (22.93% vs 17.02% net margin).
  • •AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.76% vs 1.53% CAGR).
  • •NVS pays the higher dividend yield (3.38% vs 2.05%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNNVS
P/E ratio23.5521.25
Forward P/E15.2816.01
PEG ratio1.081.38
P/S ratio3.964.81
P/B ratio4.846.45
EV / EBITDA13.3113.84
FCF yield3.59%5.91%

Profitability

MetricAZNNVS
Gross margin81.88%74.44%
Operating margin22.77%30.54%
Net margin17.02%22.93%
ROE20.79%30.71%
ROIC12.83%13.93%

Dividends

MetricAZNNVS
Dividend yield2.05%3.38%
Payout ratio48.50%71.50%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNNVS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.76%1.53%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%15.42%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.53%8.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.29%16.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AZN or NVS?
NVS has the lower trailing P/E: AZN trades at 23.55 and NVS at 21.25. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AZN or NVS?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 15.76% CAGR versus NVS at 1.53%.
Does AZN or NVS pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 2.05% and NVS yields 3.38% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or NVS more profitable?
NVS runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.02% versus NVS at 22.93%.
How have AZN and NVS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AZN delivered 12.28% and NVS delivered 11.99% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 October 2, 2026.