AstraZeneca Surpasses Novo Nordisk in Market Capitalization for First Time Since 2011

Novo Nordisk's stock has plummeted, causing AstraZeneca to surpass it in market capitalization for the first time since 2011. Novo Nordisk's shares fell 2-3% while AstraZeneca rose slightly, with AstraZeneca now trading at a market value of approximately 2,230 billion SEK, about 25 billion more than Novo Nordisk. Analyst firms have cut their price targets for Novo Nordisk, while AstraZeneca received positive comments following its latest earnings report.

AstraZeneca has recently surpassed Novo Nordisk in market capitalization for the first time since 2011. This shift occurred as Novo Nordisk's shares fell by 2-3% while AstraZeneca's stock appreciated slightly. As of July 2, 2025, AstraZeneca's market value stands at approximately 2,230 billion SEK, which is about 25 billion more than Novo Nordisk's market value.

The decline in Novo Nordisk's stock can be attributed to the company's recent earnings report, where it cut its full-year sales and profit forecasts. The Danish pharmaceutical giant now expects 2025 sales growth at constant exchange rates of 8% to 14%, down from its earlier forecast of 13% to 21%. This adjustment was primarily due to lower growth expectations for its weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, in the U.S. market, as well as slower-than-expected market expansion and competition [2].

In contrast, AstraZeneca has been receiving positive comments following its latest earnings report. The company reported robust earnings results, with significant year-over-year increases in sales, revenue, and net income. AstraZeneca also declared a dividend increase, which further bolstered its stock performance. These developments occurred within a generally optimistic market climate, where the S&P 500 has been recording new highs on strong corporate results and economic data [1].

AstraZeneca's performance resonates well with the broader positive economic sentiment, aligning its advancements with the market uptrends. The company's sBLA acceptance for IMFINZI® and substantial investment plans in the U.S. may have contributed to its stock price appreciation. Analysts anticipate revenue growth driven by strong pipeline momentum and international expansion, projecting a 6% annual growth rate over the next three years [1].

However, analysts have cut their price targets for Novo Nordisk, while AstraZeneca received positive comments following its latest earnings report. This shift in market capitalization highlights the differing market perceptions of the two companies' prospects. As Novo Nordisk faces challenges in its core markets and AstraZeneca continues to perform strongly, investors may be reassessing their positions in these pharmaceutical giants.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/astrazeneca-lse-azn-reports-strong-174432849.html
[2] https://www.investopedia.com/novo-nordisk-cut-its-outlook-and-named-a-new-ceo-its-stock-is-plummeting-11780762