Novo Nordisk (NVO 2.05%) and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG 2.76%) are both healthcare leaders, but they operate in different corners of this vast sector. The former markets pharmaceutical drugs, while the latter develops and sells robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) devices, with its da Vinci system being the leader in its category.
They do have one thing in common, though: Novo Nordisk and Intuitive Surgical have both faced challenges this year that have led to below-average stock-market performances. They could also bounce back next year. But which one is the better option heading into 2026? Let's find out.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Novo Nordisk has a lot riding on its pipeline
Novo Nordisk's financial results haven't matched investors' expectations this year. Top-line growth declined, and the company was forced to lower its outlook as it lost ground in the all-important GLP-1 market for weight loss and diabetes medications, where it generates almost all of its revenue. However, several things could help Novo Nordisk bounce back and perform well over the next five years.
First, it should launch brand-new products. While CagriSema didn't quite meet management's target of a mean weight loss of 25% in a phase 3 study, the 22.7% its record is still highly competitive. This medication could help Novo Nordisk navigate an increasingly crowded GLP-1 market. The company should also make progress with other late-stage candidates, including amycretin, which is being investigated in type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Newer products will help boost sales growth.
NYSE: NVO
Key Data Points
In the meantime, Novo Nordisk will benefit from recent (and pending) label expansions for its most important compound, semaglutide. It has earned new approvals in the U.S. and Europe for helping reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, and for treating patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), an area with a high unmet need.
The company could also see more regulatory nods soon for an oral version of semaglutide in weight loss, and for a higher dose of the medicine, which induced even stronger weight loss in clinical trials.
Even if they've fallen short of expectations, Novo Nordisk's financial results haven't been terrible. Through the first nine months of the year, sales jumped 12% year over year to 229.9 billion Danish kroner ($36.2 billion). Net profit climbed 4% year over year to 75.5 billion DKK ($11.9 billion).
And as new indications and approvals roll in, these results could improve and allow Novo Nordisk's stock to bounce back.
Can Intuitive Surgical protect its market share?
Intuitive Surgical is the undisputed top player in the RAS market. However, it's now facing competition like never before. Medtronic, another medical device maker, has earned clearance for its Hugo system in urologic procedures, a market where Intuitive's da Vinci system is also used.
But this issue will hardly sink Intuitive Surgical's prospects. The da Vinci system is approved across many more uses than just urologic procedures. It will take a while for any single company -- or even more than one -- to challenge Intuitive Surgical's dominance in every corner of the vast number of indications its product is used in. And throughout it all, the company should maintain its lead.
NASDAQ: ISRG
Key Data Points
The da Vinci system has been on the market for more than 20 years and has generated a substantial amount of clinical data from real-world use, which helps inform changes based on feedback from surgeons. Intuitive Surgical launched the fifth generation of its device last year, and it's already seeing significant success thanks to several innovative features, including Force Feedback technology. This allows physicians to feel the pressure they are applying to patients' body tissues during procedures and make adjustments as needed, thereby avoiding significant damage.
The RAS market is also underpenetrated. As Medtronic pointed out a few years ago, fewer than 5% of eligible procedures are performed robotically. So there should be a vast addressable market for Intuitive Surgical, even with potential competition from new market entrants.
Meanwhile, its financial results remain strong. Third-quarter revenue grew 23% year over year to $2.51 billion, while adjusted net income increased about 30% to $867 million.
With a solid economic moat, a vast growth runway, and long-term tailwinds like the aging of the world's population, Intuitive Surgical's future still looks bright.
Which is the better buy?
One argument against Novo Nordisk is that its only growth driver has lost momentum. Even with label expansions for semaglutide, the competition will remain fierce. By contrast, Intuitive Surgical's core market, even with new launches in RAS, remains stable given its extensive list of indications and large installed base.
There's also an argument in Novo Nordisk's favor. It generates higher revenue and earnings, has comparable profit margins, and looks more reasonably valued:
NVO Revenue (Quarterly) data by YCharts.
Intuitive Surgical's higher valuation makes sense -- for the foreseeable future, its top and bottom lines should grow faster. However, its shares could also be more volatile.
So, which stock should you choose? My view is that both could generate strong returns over the long run, and the choice today depends on your investment style. Value investors seeking dividend payers at a bargain should opt for Novo Nordisk. Those seeking aggressive growth potential should consider buying Intuitive Surgical's shares.
