Novo-NordiskNVODON'T BUYOct 11, 2016Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Sep 04, 2026. Market Open.
It was a past winner in diabetes treatment, but has lot some edge in the obesity space. They are losing market share to LLY. Only 5% of obese people use GLP-1 drugs, so the pie will grow much larger but more competitors will appear. He likes that there's some insider buying, through the foundation, but it's indirect ownership. The PE is only 11x PE and pays a 4% dividend. The downside is limited, but the upside is big.
Weight-loss drug was a huge launch for it, yet LLY has been surpassing them on clinical trials and pipeline in the therapeutic area. Drug launch does not equal pipeline. NVO is behind, hence the 10x PE. If you buy, you're signing up for the dividend yield and the hope that it doesn't lose too much market share along the way.
Screaming buy? No. Touchstone, cornerstone, foundation? Absolutely not. Makes sense as a very small part of a broad, diversified portfolio? OK.
On valuation, it is really not that exciting. Not cheap nor expensive. The key moving part that creates concern is long-acting insulin pricing in the US. Up until 18-24 months ago, they and Santa Fe (?) were in kind of a cooperative duopoly and inflating prices and did about a 20% gain in one year. The insurers finally had enough, and instead of covering both drugs, they would throw it off to whoever gave the lowest bid. It is not clear where this is going to really end. Until this is decided, there is just no reason to catch a falling knife.