GSK (GSK) vs Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
GSK (GSK) has outperformed Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) over the past year, gaining 7.4% versus a loss of 36.0%. Over five years, GSK leads with a +19.3% price change compared with -25.4% for NVO. Novo Nordisk A/S is the larger company by market cap ($170.57 billion vs $93.16 billion), about 1.8 times the size.
On valuation, GSK trades at a lower forward P/E (9.4x vs 11.7x for Novo Nordisk A/S). Novo Nordisk A/S offers the higher dividend yield (30.28% vs 1.46%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | GSK | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $46.50 | $38.64 |
| Market cap | $93.16B | $170.57B |
| 1-day change | -0.09% | +1.20% |
| YTD return | -5.10% | -24.96% |
| 1-year return | +7.36% | -35.95% |
| 5-year return | +19.30% | -25.39% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 14.67 | 9.45 |
| Forward P/E | 9.41 | 11.67 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.17 | $4.09 |
| Dividend yield | 1.46% | 30.28% |
| Annual dividend | $0.68 | $11.70 |
| 52-week high | $61.70 | $64.16 |
| 52-week low | $42.85 | $35.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -24.64% | -39.78% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.59% | +19.23% |
| Average volume | 3.85M | 12.64M |
| Shares outstanding | 2.00B | 3.34B |
| Employees | 66,841 | 66,700 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations | Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- GSK has outperformed NVO by 43.3 percentage points over the past year.
- GSK trades at a higher earnings multiple (14.7x vs 9.4x trailing P/E).
- Novo Nordisk A/S offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (30.28% vs 1.46%).
About GSK
GSK stock →GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, and manufacture of vaccines, specialty medicines, and general medicines to prevent and treat disease in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through Commercial Operations and Total R&D segments.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations · 66,841 employees
About Novo Nordisk A/S
NVO stock →Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products. It operates through two segments, Obesity and Diabetes Care, and Rare Disease.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations · 66,700 employees
GSK vs NVO FAQ
Which is bigger, GSK or Novo Nordisk A/S?
Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $170.57B compared with $93.16B for GSK (GSK).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GSK or NVO?
GSK returned +7.36% over the past 12 months, compared with -35.95% for NVO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, GSK or NVO?
NVO has the lower trailing P/E at 9.4, versus 14.7 for GSK. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSK or Novo Nordisk A/S?
Novo Nordisk A/S has the higher yield at 30.28%, compared with 1.46% for GSK.
Are GSK and Novo Nordisk A/S in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations industry within the Health Care sector.