Free Trial

Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) Competitors

Novo Nordisk A/S logo
$41.13 +0.43 (+1.06%)
Closing price 11/11/2026 03:59 PM Eastern
Extended Trading
$40.85 -0.28 (-0.69%)
As of 11/11/2026 07:58 PM Eastern
Extended trading is trading that happens on electronic markets outside of regular trading hours. This is a fair market value extended hours price provided by Massive. Learn more.

NVO vs. JNJ, MRK, NVS, AZN, and PFE

Should you buy Novo Nordisk A/S stock or one of its competitors? Novo Nordisk A/S's main competitors and comparable companies include Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), Novartis (NVS), AstraZeneca (AZN), and Pfizer (PFE). Companies are selected based on similarities in market, industry, and size. These companies are all part of the "pharmaceuticals" industry.

How does Novo Nordisk A/S compare to Johnson & Johnson?

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability and media sentiment.

Novo Nordisk A/S has a net margin of 33.99% compared to Johnson & Johnson's net margin of 16.20%. Novo Nordisk A/S's return on equity of 53.52% beat Johnson & Johnson's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Johnson & Johnson16.20% 31.64% 13.04%
Novo Nordisk A/S 33.99%53.52%19.49%

Johnson & Johnson has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk A/S is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Johnson & Johnson, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Johnson & Johnson$94.19B7.17$26.80B$6.6042.50
Novo Nordisk A/S$333.65B0.55$15.51B$3.9710.36

In the previous week, Johnson & Johnson had 59 more articles in the media than Novo Nordisk A/S. MarketBeat recorded 92 mentions for Johnson & Johnson and 33 mentions for Novo Nordisk A/S. Johnson & Johnson's average media sentiment score of 1.04 beat Novo Nordisk A/S's score of 0.53 indicating that Johnson & Johnson is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Johnson & Johnson
56 Very Positive mention(s)
13 Positive mention(s)
16 Neutral mention(s)
4 Negative mention(s)
3 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Novo Nordisk A/S
14 Very Positive mention(s)
5 Positive mention(s)
6 Neutral mention(s)
7 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

69.6% of Johnson & Johnson shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 11.5% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Johnson & Johnson shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Johnson & Johnson has a beta of 0.22, suggesting that its share price is 78% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Novo Nordisk A/S has a beta of 0.7, suggesting that its share price is 30% less volatile than the broader market.

Johnson & Johnson currently has a consensus target price of $275.92, indicating a potential downside of 1.64%. Novo Nordisk A/S has a consensus target price of $59.44, indicating a potential upside of 44.52%. Given Novo Nordisk A/S's higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Novo Nordisk A/S is more favorable than Johnson & Johnson.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Johnson & Johnson
0 Sell rating(s)
8 Hold rating(s)
17 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.73
Novo Nordisk A/S
5 Sell rating(s)
16 Hold rating(s)
5 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.00

Johnson & Johnson pays an annual dividend of $5.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Novo Nordisk A/S pays an annual dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Johnson & Johnson pays out 81.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Novo Nordisk A/S pays out 20.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividend for 64 consecutive years. Novo Nordisk A/S is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Summary

Johnson & Johnson beats Novo Nordisk A/S on 12 of the 20 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Novo Nordisk A/S compare to Merck & Co., Inc.?

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, media sentiment, dividends, profitability, valuation and risk.

Novo Nordisk A/S pays an annual dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Merck & Co., Inc. pays an annual dividend of $3.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Novo Nordisk A/S pays out 20.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Merck & Co., Inc. pays out 350.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Merck & Co., Inc. has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. Merck & Co., Inc. is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Merck & Co., Inc. has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk A/S is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Merck & Co., Inc., indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Novo Nordisk A/S$333.65B0.55$15.51B$3.9710.36
Merck & Co., Inc.$65.01B5.58$18.25B$0.97151.83

Novo Nordisk A/S has a net margin of 33.99% compared to Merck & Co., Inc.'s net margin of 3.64%. Novo Nordisk A/S's return on equity of 53.52% beat Merck & Co., Inc.'s return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Novo Nordisk A/S33.99% 53.52% 19.49%
Merck & Co., Inc. 3.64%16.73%5.88%

11.5% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 76.1% of Merck & Co., Inc. shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.2% of Merck & Co., Inc. shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Novo Nordisk A/S has a beta of 0.7, meaning that its stock price is 30% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Merck & Co., Inc. has a beta of 0.13, meaning that its stock price is 87% less volatile than the broader market.

In the previous week, Merck & Co., Inc. had 9 more articles in the media than Novo Nordisk A/S. MarketBeat recorded 42 mentions for Merck & Co., Inc. and 33 mentions for Novo Nordisk A/S. Merck & Co., Inc.'s average media sentiment score of 0.92 beat Novo Nordisk A/S's score of 0.53 indicating that Merck & Co., Inc. is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Novo Nordisk A/S
14 Very Positive mention(s)
5 Positive mention(s)
6 Neutral mention(s)
7 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Merck & Co., Inc.
28 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
3 Negative mention(s)
3 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Novo Nordisk A/S currently has a consensus target price of $59.44, indicating a potential upside of 44.52%. Merck & Co., Inc. has a consensus target price of $155.74, indicating a potential upside of 5.75%. Given Novo Nordisk A/S's higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Novo Nordisk A/S is more favorable than Merck & Co., Inc..

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Novo Nordisk A/S
5 Sell rating(s)
16 Hold rating(s)
5 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.00
Merck & Co., Inc.
1 Sell rating(s)
11 Hold rating(s)
16 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.59

Summary

Merck & Co., Inc. beats Novo Nordisk A/S on 12 of the 20 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Novo Nordisk A/S compare to Novartis?

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) and Novartis (NYSE:NVS) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, profitability, dividends, media sentiment and institutional ownership.

Novo Nordisk A/S pays an annual dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Novartis pays an annual dividend of $3.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Novo Nordisk A/S pays out 20.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Novartis pays out 58.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Novo Nordisk A/S is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Novo Nordisk A/S has a beta of 0.7, suggesting that its stock price is 30% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Novartis has a beta of 0.4, suggesting that its stock price is 60% less volatile than the broader market.

11.5% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 13.1% of Novartis shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Novartis shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Novo Nordisk A/S has a net margin of 33.99% compared to Novartis' net margin of 18.11%. Novo Nordisk A/S's return on equity of 53.52% beat Novartis' return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Novo Nordisk A/S33.99% 53.52% 19.49%
Novartis 18.11%41.04%14.45%

Novo Nordisk A/S currently has a consensus target price of $59.44, indicating a potential upside of 44.52%. Novartis has a consensus target price of $152.25, indicating a potential downside of 5.08%. Given Novo Nordisk A/S's higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Novo Nordisk A/S is more favorable than Novartis.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Novo Nordisk A/S
5 Sell rating(s)
16 Hold rating(s)
5 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.00
Novartis
3 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
6 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.17

In the previous week, Novo Nordisk A/S had 12 more articles in the media than Novartis. MarketBeat recorded 33 mentions for Novo Nordisk A/S and 21 mentions for Novartis. Novartis' average media sentiment score of 0.71 beat Novo Nordisk A/S's score of 0.53 indicating that Novartis is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Novo Nordisk A/S
14 Very Positive mention(s)
5 Positive mention(s)
6 Neutral mention(s)
7 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Novartis
7 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
1 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Novo Nordisk A/S has higher revenue and earnings than Novartis. Novo Nordisk A/S is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Novartis, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Novo Nordisk A/S$333.65B0.55$15.51B$3.9710.36
Novartis$54.53B5.61$13.98B$5.2430.61

Summary

Novo Nordisk A/S beats Novartis on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Novo Nordisk A/S compare to AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, media sentiment, profitability and valuation.

20.4% of AstraZeneca shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 11.5% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Novo Nordisk A/S has a net margin of 33.99% compared to AstraZeneca's net margin of 17.68%. Novo Nordisk A/S's return on equity of 53.52% beat AstraZeneca's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
AstraZeneca17.68% 31.85% 13.62%
Novo Nordisk A/S 33.99%53.52%19.49%

In the previous week, Novo Nordisk A/S had 19 more articles in the media than AstraZeneca. MarketBeat recorded 33 mentions for Novo Nordisk A/S and 14 mentions for AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca's average media sentiment score of 1.25 beat Novo Nordisk A/S's score of 0.53 indicating that AstraZeneca is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
AstraZeneca
10 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Novo Nordisk A/S
14 Very Positive mention(s)
5 Positive mention(s)
6 Neutral mention(s)
7 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Novo Nordisk A/S has higher revenue and earnings than AstraZeneca. Novo Nordisk A/S is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than AstraZeneca, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
AstraZeneca$58.74B4.90$10.23B$7.0726.24
Novo Nordisk A/S$333.65B0.55$15.51B$3.9710.36

AstraZeneca pays an annual dividend of $2.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Novo Nordisk A/S pays an annual dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. AstraZeneca pays out 30.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Novo Nordisk A/S pays out 20.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Novo Nordisk A/S is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

AstraZeneca has a beta of 0.24, indicating that its share price is 76% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Novo Nordisk A/S has a beta of 0.7, indicating that its share price is 30% less volatile than the broader market.

AstraZeneca currently has a consensus price target of $206.67, indicating a potential upside of 11.38%. Novo Nordisk A/S has a consensus price target of $59.44, indicating a potential upside of 44.52%. Given Novo Nordisk A/S's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Novo Nordisk A/S is more favorable than AstraZeneca.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
AstraZeneca
0 Sell rating(s)
3 Hold rating(s)
16 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.84
Novo Nordisk A/S
5 Sell rating(s)
16 Hold rating(s)
5 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.00

Summary

Novo Nordisk A/S beats AstraZeneca on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Novo Nordisk A/S compare to Pfizer?

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, media sentiment, valuation and profitability.

Novo Nordisk A/S has a net margin of 33.99% compared to Pfizer's net margin of 6.34%. Novo Nordisk A/S's return on equity of 53.52% beat Pfizer's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Novo Nordisk A/S33.99% 53.52% 19.49%
Pfizer 6.34%19.88%8.52%

Novo Nordisk A/S has a beta of 0.7, meaning that its share price is 30% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Pfizer has a beta of 0.31, meaning that its share price is 69% less volatile than the broader market.

In the previous week, Pfizer had 35 more articles in the media than Novo Nordisk A/S. MarketBeat recorded 68 mentions for Pfizer and 33 mentions for Novo Nordisk A/S. Pfizer's average media sentiment score of 0.64 beat Novo Nordisk A/S's score of 0.53 indicating that Pfizer is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Novo Nordisk A/S
14 Very Positive mention(s)
5 Positive mention(s)
6 Neutral mention(s)
7 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Pfizer
30 Very Positive mention(s)
7 Positive mention(s)
23 Neutral mention(s)
3 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

11.5% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 68.4% of Pfizer shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.6% of Pfizer shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Novo Nordisk A/S has higher revenue and earnings than Pfizer. Novo Nordisk A/S is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Pfizer, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Novo Nordisk A/S$333.65B0.55$15.51B$3.9710.36
Pfizer$62.58B2.68$7.77B$0.7042.03

Novo Nordisk A/S presently has a consensus target price of $59.44, indicating a potential upside of 44.52%. Pfizer has a consensus target price of $30.39, indicating a potential upside of 3.30%. Given Novo Nordisk A/S's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Novo Nordisk A/S is more favorable than Pfizer.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Novo Nordisk A/S
5 Sell rating(s)
16 Hold rating(s)
5 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.00
Pfizer
2 Sell rating(s)
13 Hold rating(s)
6 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.19

Novo Nordisk A/S pays an annual dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Pfizer pays an annual dividend of $1.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.8%. Novo Nordisk A/S pays out 20.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Pfizer pays out 245.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Pfizer has increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years. Pfizer is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Summary

Novo Nordisk A/S beats Pfizer on 10 of the 19 factors compared between the two stocks.

Get Novo Nordisk A/S News Delivered to You Automatically

Sign up to receive the latest news and ratings for NVO and its competitors with MarketBeat's FREE daily newsletter.

Subscribe Now
SMS is currently available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. By entering your phone number and clicking the sign-up button, you agree to receive periodic text messages from MarketBeat at the phone number you submitted, including texts that may be sent using an automatic telephone dialing system. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. Messages will consist of stock alerts, news stories, and partner advertisements/offers. Consent is not a condition of the purchase of any goods or services. Text HELP for help/customer support. Unsubscribe at any time by replying "STOP" to any text message that you receive from MarketBeat or by visiting our mailing preferences page. Read our full terms of service and privacy policy.

New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

This chart shows the number of new MarketBeat users adding NVO and its top 5 competitors to their watchlist. Each company is represented with a line over a 90 day period.
Skip Chart

Media Sentiment Over Time

This chart shows the average media sentiment of NYSE and its competitors over the past 90 days as caculated by MarketBeat. The averaged score is equivalent to the following: Very Negative Sentiment <= -1.5, Negative Sentiment > -1.5 and <= -0.5, Neutral Sentiment > -0.5 and < 0.5, Positive Sentiment >= 0.5 and < 1.5, and Very Positive Sentiment >= 1.5.
Skip Chart

NVO vs. The Competition

MetricNovo Nordisk A/SPharmaceuticals IndustryHealthcare SectorNYSE Exchange
Market Cap$181.73B$13.79B$7.89B$23.43B
Dividend Yield1.97%2.55%2.45%3.75%
P/E Ratio10.3625.9934.2725.47
Price / Sales0.558.078.793.25
Price / Cash8.6815.6822.0815.86
Price / Book5.485.044.453.73
Net Income$15.51B$2.87B$3.50B$1.08B
7 Day Performance2.09%2.86%2.54%2.53%
1 Month Performance6.55%-4.51%-3.20%1.23%
1 Year Performance-18.16%-6.37%1.02%6.57%

Novo Nordisk A/S Competitors List

CompanyMarketRankShare PriceAnalysts' Price Target1Y Price PerformanceMarket CapRevenueP/E RatioEmployee CountIndicator(s)
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
4.03 of 5 stars
$41.13
+1.1%
$59.44
+44.5%
-16.4%$181.73B$333.65B10.3669,505
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
3.6661 of 5 stars
$272.10
+2.2%
$275.92
+1.4%
+44.8%$654.53B$94.19B41.20138,200
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
4.4228 of 5 stars
$148.05
+2.3%
$155.74
+5.2%
+62.0%$365.06B$65.01B152.5575,000
NVS
Novartis
4.0343 of 5 stars
$163.61
+2.7%
$152.25
-6.9%
+22.9%$312.03B$54.53B31.2175,267
AZN
AstraZeneca
4.7414 of 5 stars
$188.56
+2.5%
$206.67
+9.6%
+4.1%$292.35B$58.74B26.6696,100

Related Companies and Tools


This page (NYSE:NVO) was last updated on 11/12/2026 by MarketBeat.com Staff.
From Our Partners