Novo Nordisk vs Stryker (NVO vs SYK)
Novo Nordisk (NVO) vs Stryker (SYK) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Novo Nordisk (NVO) and Stryker (SYK) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Novo Nordisk and Stryker side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Novo Nordisk or Stryker.
Novo Nordisk vs Stryker: the figures
| Figure | Novo Nordisk | Stryker |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $42.18 (November 4, 2026) | $339.65 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $186.0 billion | $129.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 10.3x | 36.2x |
| Forward P/E | 1.8x | 20.8x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +2.1% | +7.6% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 35.3% | 13.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.5x | 1.6x |
| Dividend yield | 4.47% | 1.13% |
| Beta | 0.37 | 0.77 |
Novo Nordisk and Stryker figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Novo Nordisk or Stryker figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Novo Nordisk and Stryker
- Valuation: Stryker trades at 36.2x its annual earnings and Novo Nordisk at 10.3x; the market pays more for each dollar of Stryker profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Novo Nordisk keeps 35.3 as net profit and Stryker keeps 13.8.
- Dividend: Novo Nordisk yields 4.47% at today's price and Stryker yields 1.13%.
Novo Nordisk or Stryker: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Stryker is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Novo Nordisk pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Novo Nordisk has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Novo Nordisk trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Novo Nordisk nor Stryker wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Novo Nordisk and Stryker make money
Novo Nordisk (NVO)
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk reports two segments: Diabetes and Obesity care, its largest, with insulins and the drugs Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy; and Rare Disease, with treatments for hemophilia and growth disorders. The United States is its biggest market, ahead of Europe, China and the rest of the world. Its ADRs trade in New York. Full Novo Nordisk analysis.
Stryker (SYK)
Stryker sells medical equipment to hospitals through two segments. MedSurg and Neurotechnology covers surgical instruments, emergency equipment, hospital beds and neurovascular devices, while Orthopaedics includes hip and knee implants and the Mako surgical robot. The United States is its largest market, followed by Europe and Asia. Full Stryker analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Novo Nordisk vs Stryker
Is Novo Nordisk or Stryker the better stock?
Choosing between Novo Nordisk and Stryker depends on what you are looking for. Stryker is growing faster right now, and Novo Nordisk trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Novo Nordisk or Stryker: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Novo Nordisk or Stryker?
As of November 4, 2026, Novo Nordisk yields 4.47% and Stryker yields 1.13%. Also check how much of their profit Novo Nordisk and Stryker pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Novo Nordisk or Stryker?
On P/E, Stryker (36.2x) is more expensive than Novo Nordisk (10.3x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Novo Nordisk and Stryker?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Novo Nordisk and Stryker, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Novo Nordisk or Stryker.
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More companies like Novo Nordisk and Stryker: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Novo Nordisk and Stryker, not investment advice.