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Stock Comparison · Industry comparison · Drug Manufacturers - General

AstraZeneca vs Novartis: Which Stock Looks Stronger in 2026?

The structural profiles are close, with Novartis carrying a narrow edge on growth. AstraZeneca still has the edge on growth, which keeps the comparison from looking entirely one-sided. The market setup is broadly comparable for both — no clear directional signal from price behavior. The market is not adding a decisive signal either way — the structural read carries the weight.

The comparison is based on similar long-term financial trajectories, not sector labels.

Updated 2026-04-05

The page question resolves through growth, where AstraZeneca PLC holds the stronger read even though the broader score still favours Novartis AG.

INDUSTRY COMPARISON

Both operate in: Drug Manufacturers - General

This comparison is based on industry proximity, not on functional trajectory similarity. AZN and NOVN.SW share the same industry classification.

For a similarity-based comparison, see how AstraZeneca and Novartis each position within their functional peer groups in AssetNext.

Peer-Relative Score
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
52
Peer-Score
Signal qualityHigh
vs
NOVN.SW
Novartis AG
55
Peer-Score
Signal qualityHigh

Scores reflect position relative to comparable companies with similar long-term financial trajectories.

The clearest separation appears in growth.

Dimension spread: AZN vs NOVN.SW Profitability 35 60 Stability 61 78 Valuation 60 55 Growth 56 22 AZN NOVN.SW
Gap Ranking
#1 Growth +34
#2 Profitability +25
#3 Stability +17
#4 Valuation +5
Price Setup

Left means cheaper relative valuation. Higher means stronger structure.

Price setup map for AZN and NOVN.SW Stronger + cheaper Stronger + richer Weaker + cheaper Weaker + richer AZNNOVN.SW Relative valuation Structural strength

Structure stays fairly close here, while current pricing still looks more supportive for AstraZeneca PLC.

Valuation position uses peer-relative PE percentile (idx_pct_pe) where available.

Relative Position vs Comparable Companies
Growth
On growth, AstraZeneca PLC is positioned higher in the group, while Novartis AG is closer to the middle.
Profitability
Novartis AG sits in the stronger part of the group on profitability, while AstraZeneca PLC is closer to mid-pack.
Growth — Dominant Gap
AZN
56
NOVN.SW
22
Gap+34in favour of AZN

The clearest distance comes from a stronger growth profile.

What keeps the gap from being one-sided

AstraZeneca PLC still shows lower market-fundamental divergence, which keeps the wider picture mixed rather than completely one-sided.

What this means for the comparison

Growth is the clearest driver of the lead, with profitability adding further support — though growth still provides a real counterweight.

Explore full peer positioning in AssetNext

Break down the AZN vs NOVN.SW comparison across all dimensions with the full interactive tool.

Explore full breakdown →
Other comparisons with conflicting dimension signals

Explore how AZN and NOVN.SW each compare against other companies in their peer groups.

Rule-based, descriptive analysis only. Derived from peer percentile dimensions. Not investment advice. Peer groups are determined algorithmically based on structural similarity — not by sector classification alone.

How AssetNext Peer Scores Work

AssetNext scores reflect each company's structural position within its functional peer group — not a ranking against all stocks simultaneously. Peers are identified by similarity across eight financial dimensions, including revenue growth trajectory, margin structure, capital intensity, and earnings stability. A score of 75 means the company ranks in the top quartile within its own peer group, not the entire market.

Four dimension scores drive the overall peer score: Growth (revenue trajectory and expansion dynamics), Quality (margin structure and capital efficiency), Valuation (peer-relative pricing on standard multiples), and Stability (earnings consistency and financial predictability). Each dimension is scored 0–100 relative to the peer group, then combined into an overall peer score using equal weighting.

Scores are recalculated periodically as underlying financial data is updated. All analysis is descriptive and rule-based — AssetNext describes structural realities and never issues buy, sell or hold recommendations.