Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) vs Novartis AG (NVS)

A side-by-side comparison of Novo Nordisk A/S 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 — NVO vs NVS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NVO +132.7% (+8.8%/yr)NVS +209.2% (+12.0%/yr)NVS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$233$309
NVO NVS

NVO vs NVS: by the numbers

  • •NVS is the larger company ($268.00B vs $165.72B market cap).
  • •NVO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.20 vs 21.27 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •NVO converts more revenue to profit (35.33% vs 22.93% net margin).
  • •NVO grew revenue faster over the past five years (19.76% vs 1.53% CAGR).
  • •NVO pays the higher dividend yield (4.80% vs 3.38%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNVONVS
P/E ratio9.2021.27
Forward P/EN/A16.02
PEG ratio0.471.38
P/S ratio3.254.82
P/B ratio4.916.45
EV / EBITDA6.8813.85
FCF yield4.49%5.90%

Profitability

MetricNVONVS
Gross margin80.64%74.44%
Operating margin43.10%30.54%
Net margin35.33%22.93%
ROE53.50%30.71%
ROIC30.21%13.93%

Dividends

MetricNVONVS
Dividend yield4.80%3.38%
Payout ratio44.27%71.50%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNVONVS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)19.76%1.53%
EPS CAGR (5Y)19.59%15.42%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.45%8.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.68%16.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, NVO or NVS?
NVO has the lower trailing P/E: NVO trades at 9.20 and NVS at 21.27. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, NVO or NVS?
Over the past five years, NVO grew revenue faster — NVO at a 19.76% CAGR versus NVS at 1.53%.
Does NVO or NVS pay a bigger dividend?
NVO yields 4.80% and NVS yields 3.38% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NVO or NVS more profitable?
NVO runs the higher net margin — NVO at 35.33% versus NVS at 22.93%.
How have NVO and NVS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, NVO delivered 8.54% 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.