Novo Nordisk Draws Contrarian Support Over Eli Lilly as GLP-1 Valuation Gap Widens
Investors are taking a fresh look at the top companies making weight-loss drugs. A recent panel on CNBC suggested that Novo Nordisk might be a better deal right now than Eli Lilly. This idea comes after a major drop in Novo Nordisk’s stock price. Many experts believe the stock has fallen so much that it now offers a great entry point.
The company’s stock price tumbled about 68 percent from its highest point back in 2024. It dropped from a peak of $127 all the way down to roughly $40. Some people worry that this reflects a deep problem with the business. However, others think the market is overreacting to a short-term struggle.
New data on prescriptions is also changing how people see the competition. Eli Lilly recently launched a new oral pill, but it only saw about 3,700 prescriptions in its second week. During that same time, Novo Nordisk’s pill saw over 18,000 prescriptions. This huge gap surprised many analysts who expected a much closer race.
Most experts thought Eli Lilly would dominate the market because of its strong ties to insurance companies. Even with those advantages, the early numbers tell a very different story. Consequently, Novo Nordisk seems to be holding its ground much better than expected. This shift in momentum is catching the eye of professional traders.
The price difference between the two stocks is the main reason for this new interest. Novo Nordisk is currently selling for 12 times its yearly earnings. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is much more expensive at 26 times its earnings. Even though both stocks have lost value this year, the price gap remains quite wide.
Novo Nordisk warned that its sales might dip slightly during 2026. This news is why the stock price is currently so low. Nevertheless, the cheap price means there is a lot of room for the stock to grow. Any good news in the future could cause the price to jump quickly.
Eli Lilly is still doing very well in terms of total money made. Their recent reports showed billions in revenue and high profits for the start of the year. Because of this success, the company raised its financial goals for the rest of 2026. Management believes their new products will eventually reach many more patients.
The company’s leaders are excited about offering pills instead of just injections. This choice helps patients who do not like needles or have trouble with shots. Along with this, they are helping more people manage their diabetes effectively. These strong results show why the company is still a leader in the field.
There are several reasons why Novo Nordisk’s stock might stop falling soon. The company offers a high dividend and is buying back billions of its own shares. These moves are designed to reward loyal investors who hold onto the stock. Therefore, many people see it as a safe way to earn income while waiting for a recovery.
Some analysts still view the stock as a long-term winner for any portfolio. They believe the income from dividends makes it worth the risk. Other investors are still nervous about whether the company can grow again. They are watching closely to see if these problems are just a phase.
Not everyone is convinced that the stock is a bargain yet. One major research firm thinks the true value of the stock is only $18. This is much lower than the current price of $40. Their view is the most cautious one in the entire financial industry right now.
Everyone is now waiting for the next big financial report from Novo Nordisk. This report will show if their weight-loss drugs are still selling well. It will also reveal how much they are being affected by government price talks. These details will finally show if the company is back on the right track.
