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.
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
$37.32HealthcareDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NVS
Novartis AG
$141.00HealthcareDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — NVO vs NVS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yNVO +132.7% (+8.8%/yr)NVS +209.2% (+12.0%/yr)NVS compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | NVO | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 9.20 | 21.27 |
| Forward P/E | N/A | 16.02 |
| PEG ratio | 0.47 | 1.38 |
| P/S ratio | 3.25 | 4.82 |
| P/B ratio | 4.91 | 6.45 |
| EV / EBITDA | 6.88 | 13.85 |
| FCF yield | 4.49% | 5.90% |
Profitability
| Metric | NVO | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 80.64% | 74.44% |
| Operating margin | 43.10% | 30.54% |
| Net margin | 35.33% | 22.93% |
| ROE | 53.50% | 30.71% |
| ROIC | 30.21% | 13.93% |
Dividends
| Metric | NVO | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 4.80% | 3.38% |
| Payout ratio | 44.27% | 71.50% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | NVO | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Novo Nordisk A/S P/E ratioNovartis AG P/E ratioNovo Nordisk A/S dividend yieldNovartis AG dividend yieldNovo Nordisk A/S ROENovartis AG ROENovo Nordisk A/S operating marginNovartis AG operating marginNovo Nordisk A/S revenue growthNovartis AG revenue growthNovo Nordisk A/S free cash flowNovartis AG free cash flow
Novo Nordisk A/S & 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.