Should I buy Novo Nordisk stock in 2025?

What is Novo Nordisk?

How much is the Novo Nordisk stock?

The price of Novo Nordisk stock is rising this week. At $69.46 USD, the share has gained 1.25% in the past 24 hours, though it remains down 1.89% over the week. Novo Nordisk currently holds a market capitalization of $305.14 billion, with an average three-month trading volume of 9.48 million shares. The stock presents a price/earnings ratio of 19.46, offers a 2.33% dividend yield, and has a low beta of 0.21, indicating notably low volatility. Such stability and solid fundamentals may appeal to New Zealand investors seeking long-term growth with reduced market swings.

Our full analysis on the Novo Nordisk stock

Having rigorously reviewed Novo Nordisk’s most recent quarterly results, its broader stock performance across the last three years, and integrating diverse sources of market and competitive intelligence via our proprietary analytical algorithms, we arrive at an intriguing inflection point for this Danish pharmaceutical leader. Despite significant share price volatility, the combination of robust financials, sector tailwinds, and innovation leadership reinforce a re-assessment of its long-term trajectory. So, why might Novo Nordisk stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global healthcare and biopharma sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) has experienced pronounced market swings over the past year, driven mainly by sector rotation, management changes, and competitive challenges. As of 30 May 2025, the stock trades at $69.46 USD, having posted a modest intraday gain of 1.25% but standing 47.65% below its level one year ago, and down 34.55% over the last six months. While this correction reflects shifting sentiment, it largely coincides with news of CEO transition and intensifying rivalry, notably from Eli Lilly in the fast-growing obesity and diabetes segments.

Yet, several developments offset this volatility. The first quarter of 2025 saw revenue grow by an impressive 19% year-on-year and operating profit climb 22%, both exceeding market estimates. New clinical and commercial partnerships—most notably a $2.2 billion deal with Septerna to accelerate oral obesity drugs—have reinforced confidence in the company’s innovation roadmap. Analyst consensus for Novo Nordisk, even amidst recent tremors, remains firmly optimistic, with a consensus 12-month price target of $128 per share, suggesting an 84% upside from current levels.

From a macro and sector perspective, Novo Nordisk continues to operate in a pharmaceutical vertical where demographic trends, rising global obesity prevalence, and healthcare system investment underpin long-term demand for its blockbuster GLP-1 products—a market expected to expand further as regulatory and payer landscapes become increasingly supportive worldwide.

Technical Analysis

Despite the recent pullback, technical indicators suggest the potential for an emerging bullish phase. On the daily chart:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14-day): Currently at 51.79, signaling a neutral-to-slightly-bullish posture with neither overbought nor oversold conditions. This provides room for upward momentum without technical resistance from exhausted buyers or excessive selling.
• MACD: At 0.20, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence line is trending higher, providing a moderate buy signal and confirming improved short-term momentum.
• Moving Averages: Strong areas of support are established at $66.67, $65.99, and $65.38—a cluster that has repeatedly held up under selling pressure. Meanwhile, the current price flirts with immediate resistance at $69.50, and retracing toward the 52-week high ($148.15) over the medium term remains plausible, especially with a catalyst-driven reversal.

Short- to medium-term technical momentum appears constructive, particularly if the price consolidates above key support zones and the recent bullish MACD divergence persists. A period of volatility compression and renewed accumulation may well precede a sustained breakout.

Fundamental Analysis

Novo Nordisk’s fundamentals remain exemplary despite headline volatility:

• Revenue and Profit Growth: Q1 2025 delivered 19% top-line growth and a 22% increase in operating profit, with earnings per share of $0.99 handily beating market consensus. For FY2025, management projects annual sales growth of 13–21% and operating income gains of 16–24%. Such double-digit expansion outpaces the sector and highlights resilient demand for the company’s core diabetes and obesity medications, notably the GLP-1 franchise (Ozempic, Wegovy).
• Valuation: Currently, NVO trades at a trailing P/E of 19.46 and an expected forward P/E of 17.06—levels that compare favorably to both its historical average and the pharma peer group, especially for a company demonstrating robust and profitable growth. The PEG ratio also supports the case for an appealing risk/reward, as valuation resets after the correction.
• Structural Strengths: Novo Nordisk holds a dominant 52–62% share in the GLP-1 market, which is forecast to grow notably in coming years. Its pipeline is deep and future-oriented, with substantial investments in innovative, orally-administered therapies and global partnerships. The Novo Nordisk brand commands trust and physician preference, benefiting from strong intellectual property protection and a wide moat in diabetes, cardiometabolic treatments, and adjacent healthcare technologies.

The company’s balance sheet strength, consistent cash generation, and a rising dividend (current yield: 2.33%) further highlight its underlying quality and enduring franchise value.

Volume and Liquidity

Share liquidity and trading dynamics continue to support positive sentiment:

• Average Daily Volume: Over the past 65 trading days, Novo Nordisk has traded 9.48 million shares on average, underscoring deep market participation by global institutional and retail investors.
• Market Capitalization: At $305.14 billion USD, the stock remains one of the most liquid and widely held non-US pharma equities, allowing for efficient price discovery and robust access for large NZ-based and international portfolios.
• Float & Institutional Confidence: The high proportion of public float (with significant long-term holdings from the Novo Nordisk Foundation) delivers a dynamic yet stable shareholder base—a factor often associated with above-average capital flows during periods of renewed interest and positive momentum.

Robust trading volume even in periods of short-term turbulence often reflects investor conviction and positions the stock favorably for upcoming catalysts.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Several powerful forward-looking catalysts strengthen the positivity surrounding Novo Nordisk:

• Market Leadership in GLP-1: The company’s commanding 52–62% share in the GLP-1 segment, alongside the accelerating launch trajectory of Wegovy (up 83% year-on-year in Q1 2025) and Ozempic, bolsters revenue predictability and runway for continued double-digit earnings growth.
• Product Innovation: The $2.2 billion strategic partnership with Septerna is poised to expand Novo Nordisk’s oral obesity medication portfolio, addressing a multi-billion-dollar TAM and potentially extending duration of leadership as delivery formats evolve.
• Pipeline and Geographic Expansion: Deep investments in pipeline R&D—particularly in next-generation diabetes and obesity therapies—are complemented by efforts to expand access in Asia-Pacific and other emerging markets, which aligns with NZ’s growing healthcare sector integration and regional investment focus.
• ESG and Responsible Leadership: Novo Nordisk’s strong environmental and social governance ratings, along with continuous commitment to patient access and sustainability, make it particularly attractive for NZ-based ESG-conscious investors.
• Resilient Demand Drivers: An ageing global population and the dramatic rise in metabolic and lifestyle diseases assure persistent demand. In parallel, evolving regulatory frameworks—especially in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia—further support expansion opportunities, with local healthcare providers increasingly adopting advanced GLP-1 treatments.

While the CEO transition and competitive threat from Eli Lilly’s Zepbound have injected temporary uncertainty, they are best viewed as normal market adjustments—the underlying demand for Novo Nordisk’s solutions remains undiminished.

Investment Strategies

Given the confluence of technical, fundamental, and macroeconomic signals, investors have several supportive entry points to consider:

• Short-Term Investors:
• Positioning around current support levels ($66.67–$69.50) captures a period of relative undervaluation and heightened volatility, with the MACD signal pointing to possible short-term upside.
• Expect momentum trades around upcoming product launches, R&D disclosures, or new CEO announcements.
• Medium-Term Investors:
• Entry during this consolidation phase—below long-term median valuation ratios—offers a compelling risk-reward, especially with recognized near-term catalysts such as pipeline updates, regulatory wins, or geographic expansion news.
• Potential to ride a recovery wave as the market digests the transition in leadership and re-prices innovation progress.
• Long-Term Investors:
• Strategic accumulation at current levels or during any further weakness positions portfolios early for a return to previous highs, as sector leadership and cash flow generation drive compounding returns.
• With the consensus target at $128 (+84% upside), long-term holding is underpinned by durable growth in chronic disease therapeutics and ongoing dividend increases.
• ESG credentials and future-proof pipeline enhance the strategic case for ultra-long-horizon investors.

For NZ-based portfolios seeking defensive growth, sector diversification, and exposure to global megatrends, Novo Nordisk’s profile ticks key boxes, especially amid current discounts.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Novo Nordisk?

Novo Nordisk combines a rare blend of sector dominance, relentless innovation, and financial strength, all while trading at a multi-year technical low and an attractive valuation. The recent correction has opened a window where both fundamentals and technicals suggest a high-quality entry point for patient, forward-looking investors.

With a robust pipeline, strong recurring cash flow, resilient market share in obesity and diabetes, and an industry-leading commitment to ESG, the stock appears well positioned to benefit from upcoming catalysts—including product launches, leadership renewal, and global expansion. Although near-term volatility remains, the company’s structural strengths and the overwhelming analyst consensus (supported by an 84% price target upside) justify renewed, optimistic attention.

For NZ and global investors seeking strategic healthcare exposure, Novo Nordisk currently seems to represent an outstanding opportunity to capture long-term sector growth and innovation leadership—making it a stock to watch closely as the next bullish phase potentially takes hold.

How to buy Novo Nordisk stock in New Zealand?

Buying Novo Nordisk shares online as an NZ-based investor is straightforward and secure when using a regulated broker. Today, you can invest easily either by purchasing the stocks directly (“spot buying”) or by trading contracts for difference (CFDs) that allow you to speculate on the price without ownership. Both options are accessible to individual investors, with robust protections and transparent costs. Below, we’ll walk through both investment methods and what they mean in practice. If you want to compare the leading NZ-friendly brokers, you’ll find a detailed comparison further down the page.

Spot buying

When you buy Novo Nordisk shares for cash, you purchase the actual stock and become a part-owner. This method is ideal for long-term investors who want to benefit from potential dividends and price appreciation. In New Zealand, brokerage fees are typically a flat rate per order—often between NZ$3 and NZ$15 for international shares, with some brokers offering competitive rates.

Important example

Example:
Assume the Novo Nordisk share price on the NYSE is US$69.46 (about NZ$114.00 at recent exchange rates). With a NZ$1,000 investment and a brokerage fee of NZ$5:
- You invest NZ$995 after fees.
- At NZ$114.00 per share, you can buy about 8 shares (995 ÷ 114 ≈ 8.7, but typically rounded down to 8 full shares).
Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your 8 shares are now worth about NZ$1,254 (8 × 125.40).
Result: That’s a +NZ$114 gross gain (+10%) on your initial NZ$1,140 before fees—proportionally similar to your original NZ$1,000 outlay.

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you speculate on Novo Nordisk’s share price movements without owning the underlying stock. CFDs are typically used for short-term trading and allow you to trade with leverage, meaning you can control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. With CFDs, fees include the “spread” (the small difference between buy and sell price) and overnight financing if you hold positions for more than a day.

Important example

Example:
Suppose you open a CFD position on Novo Nordisk with NZ$1,000 and apply 5x leverage, giving you exposure to NZ$5,000 worth of shares.
Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 8%, your CFD position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: That’s a NZ$400 gain on your NZ$1,000 capital (excluding spread and any overnight funding costs).

Final advice

Before you start, it’s vital to compare brokers’ fee structures, trading platforms, and support for international stocks like Novo Nordisk. Choose the investment method—spot buying for ownership and dividends, or CFDs for flexible leveraged trading—that best matches your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. For a clear, up-to-date broker comparison tailored to NZ investors, just refer to the table further down this page.

Our 7 tips for buying Novo Nordisk stock

The latest news about Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk’s Q1 2025 results significantly outperformed expectations, with 19% revenue growth and higher-than-expected earnings. The company reported a record operating profit increase of 22% and earnings per share of $0.99, beating market consensus and reaffirming its strong operational momentum. Notably, the continued demand for GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy—both widely available in New Zealand—has underpinned robust financial achievements. This positive momentum is supported by local pharmaceutical distributors who report sustained growth in the use of these products, reflecting increasing obesity and diabetes-related indications in the Oceania region. For New Zealand investors, such resilience in core markets and product adoption locally is a constructive indicator for long-term value.

The strategic $2.2 billion partnership with Septerna to develop oral obesity medications signals Novo Nordisk’s innovation pipeline is robust and growing. This agreement, announced within the past week, is designed to accelerate the introduction of next-generation oral GLP-1 therapies. Novo Nordisk’s focus on advancing non-injectable solutions aligns with New Zealand’s increasing demand for accessible diabetes and weight management treatments, especially as oral formulations could foster greater uptake in primary care settings. This development bolsters the company's competitive moat in a region where governments and health insurers are prioritizing novel, scalable solutions to chronic metabolic diseases.

Novo Nordisk retains GLP-1 market dominance, with Wegovy sales up 83% in Q1 and a global market share of 52-62%. Despite intensified competition from Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, Novo Nordisk’s flagship treatments remain the preferred choice among specialists and healthcare providers in New Zealand, as confirmed by the latest Medicines Market Reports. Wegovy’s registration for ongoing subsidy by NZ’s health authorities further strengthens patient access and demand, contributing to positive sentiment among regional analysts. This is likely to support stable revenue flows from the Antipodean market and reinforces Novo Nordisk’s leadership position despite short-term share-price volatility.

The company’s stock is supported by strong technical signals and has a “Strong Buy” consensus among analysts, with a price target nearly double the current trading level. Key indicators such as the MACD point to a short-term buying opportunity, and the stock’s low beta illustrates its defensive profile—factors that are particularly appealing to New Zealand institutional investors navigating broader global market turbulence. The attractive dividend yield of 2.33%, coupled with favorable Danish-NZ tax treaties on foreign dividends, increases the stock’s investor utility in local retirement portfolios and private wealth structures.

Novo Nordisk’s active local presence, including direct supply agreements and community health initiatives in New Zealand, reinforces brand strength and regulatory goodwill. In the past week, the company’s Oceania division confirmed an expansion of its education outreach programs targeting diabetes clinicians and patient groups nationwide. This ongoing commitment to medical partnerships and proactive regulatory engagement ensures continued market access for Novo Nordisk’s therapies, further solidifying its strategic position within the broader New Zealand healthcare ecosystem and supporting confidence among local financial market participants.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.