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.
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$156.82HealthcareDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 3:50 PM EDT
NVS
Novartis AG
$140.91HealthcareDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 3:50 PM EDT
Total return — AZN vs NVS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAZN +236.6% (+12.9%/yr)NVS +219.0% (+12.3%/yr)AZN compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | AZN | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.55 | 21.25 |
| Forward P/E | 15.28 | 16.01 |
| PEG ratio | 1.08 | 1.38 |
| P/S ratio | 3.96 | 4.81 |
| P/B ratio | 4.84 | 6.45 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.31 | 13.84 |
| FCF yield | 3.59% | 5.91% |
Profitability
| Metric | AZN | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 81.88% | 74.44% |
| Operating margin | 22.77% | 30.54% |
| Net margin | 17.02% | 22.93% |
| ROE | 20.79% | 30.71% |
| ROIC | 12.83% | 13.93% |
Dividends
| Metric | AZN | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.05% | 3.38% |
| Payout ratio | 48.50% | 71.50% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AZN | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
AstraZeneca P/E ratioNovartis AG P/E ratioAstraZeneca dividend yieldNovartis AG dividend yieldAstraZeneca ROENovartis AG ROEAstraZeneca operating marginNovartis AG operating marginAstraZeneca revenue growthNovartis AG revenue growthAstraZeneca free cash flowNovartis AG free cash flow
AstraZeneca & Novartis AG 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 October 2, 2026.