Better Buy in 2026: Novo Nordisk or Intuitive Surgical?

Group 1 - Novo Nordisk and Intuitive Surgical are both leaders in the healthcare sector but operate in different areas, with Novo Nordisk focusing on pharmaceutical drugs and Intuitive Surgical on robotic-assisted surgery devices [1] - Both companies have faced challenges this year, resulting in below-average stock-market performances, but there is potential for recovery in the coming years [2] Group 2 - Novo Nordisk's financial results have not met investor expectations, with a decline in top-line growth and a lowered outlook due to losing ground in the GLP-1 market, which is crucial for its revenue [4] - The company is expected to launch new products, including CagriSema, which, despite not meeting the target of 25% mean weight loss, achieved a competitive 22.7%, potentially aiding its position in the crowded GLP-1 market [5] - Recent and pending label expansions for semaglutide, including new approvals for reducing cardiovascular event risks and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, could enhance Novo Nordisk's sales growth [6] - Novo Nordisk's sales increased by 12% year over year to 229.9 billion Danish kroner ($36.2 billion) in the first nine months of the year, while net profit rose by 4% to 75.5 billion DKK ($11.9 billion) [7] Group 3 - Intuitive Surgical is expected to maintain its leadership in the robotic-assisted surgery niche despite facing increased competition [8] - Both Novo Nordisk and Intuitive Surgical have the potential to be long-term winners, with investment choices depending on individual risk tolerance [8]