AZN vs NVS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 16, 2026, NVS (Novartis AG) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NVS offers the higher yield at 3.15%, AZN has the higher dividend-safety score, and NVS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price).
Key facts: AZN vs NVS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 16, 2026, Novartis AG (NVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.15%, versus 1.92% for AstraZeneca PLC (AZN).
- As of Oct 16, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AZN's dividend safety B (78/100) and NVS's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 16, 2026, AZN has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and NVS for 3.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, AZN pays out 47% of its earnings as dividends and NVS pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, AZN's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and NVS's fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price, so NVS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AZN vs NVS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 16, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/azn-vs-nvs
| Metric | AZN | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.92% | 3.15% |
| Annual dividend | $3.23 | $4.67 |
| Payout ratio | 47% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.3% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 28% | 74% |
| Dividend safety score | 78 (B) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $131.28 | $172.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +14% |
| Frequency | semiannual | annual |
| Market cap | $258.5B | $285.8B |
| P/E ratio | 24.9 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
NVS
3.15%
Safer dividend
AZN
Grade B
Faster growth
NVS
5.6%
Better value
NVS
+14% upside
AZN vs NVS — FAQ
Is AZN or NVS a better dividend stock?
On the data, NVS wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NVS offers the higher yield (3.15%), while AZN has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AZN or NVS?
NVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.15%, versus 1.92% for AZN.
Is AZN or NVS safer?
AZN has the higher dividend-safety score (78/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AZN or NVS better value right now?
As of Oct 16, 2026, NVS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price (fairly valued). For AZN, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.