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Viking Therapeutics (VKTX)
NASDAQ:VKTX

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) AI Stock Analysis

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Viking Therapeutics

(NASDAQ:VKTX)

42Neutral
Viking Therapeutics' stock score is driven by its strong equity position and successful clinical trial results, which provide a foundation for future growth. However, the lack of revenue, persistent losses, and bearish technical indicators weigh heavily on the stock's current valuation. The company's robust cash reserves offer some security, but the high risk associated with its unprofitable status and negative market momentum results in a lower overall score.
Positive Factors
Manufacturing Agreement
The manufacturing agreement with CordenPharma secures future supply for VK2735, which is crucial for Viking Therapeutics as it prepares for potential commercialization.
Market Positioning
Securing large-scale production capacity early strengthens Viking’s positioning in the obesity treatment space, a market that continues to expand in the U.S. and globally.
Negative Factors
Clinical Trials and Funding
Factors that could impede reaching the price target include failed or inconclusive clinical trials or the inability of the company to secure adequate funding to progress its drugs.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Viking Therapeutics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionViking Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company is engaged in research and development activities aimed at advancing its portfolio of drug candidates, which target conditions such as liver disease, muscle wasting, and other metabolic disorders. Viking Therapeutics' strategy involves leveraging its expertise in drug discovery and development to address unmet medical needs with its innovative small molecule therapeutics.
How the Company Makes MoneyViking Therapeutics makes money primarily through the development and potential commercialization of its drug candidates. The company generates revenue through strategic partnerships, collaborations, and licensing agreements with other pharmaceutical companies. These partnerships may involve upfront payments, milestone payments, and royalties based on the success and commercialization of its drug candidates. Currently, Viking Therapeutics does not have commercialized products on the market, so its revenue largely depends on funding from investors and partnerships with other companies in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Viking Therapeutics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Viking Therapeutics shows a strong equity position and low leverage, indicating financial stability. However, the absence of revenue and persistent losses highlight significant operational challenges, and the company relies heavily on financing activities due to negative cash flows.
Income Statement
20
Very Negative
Viking Therapeutics has consistently reported zero revenue across multiple years, indicating no commercial product sales yet. The company operates at a loss, with a deteriorating net income from -$25.7 million in 2019 to -$110 million in 2024. The lack of revenue growth is a significant concern, along with negative EBIT and EBITDA margins, reflecting operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
The company's balance sheet shows a strong equity position with a high equity ratio, indicating financial stability. However, the absence of revenue raises concerns about the sustainability of operations without external financing. The debt-to-equity ratio is low, suggesting minimal leverage, which mitigates financial risk. The high cash reserves further bolster the balance sheet.
Cash Flow
30
Negative
Viking Therapeutics exhibits negative operating and free cash flows, indicative of ongoing cash burn due to lack of revenue. The company relies heavily on financing activities, as evidenced by substantial cash inflows from financing in recent years. However, the inability to generate positive cash flow from operations is a critical weakness.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
0.000.000.000.000.00
Gross Profit
0.00-292.00K-291.00K-296.00K-277.00K
EBIT
-150.92M-100.83M-70.36M-55.68M-42.66M
EBITDA
-150.92M-100.83M-70.36M-55.39M-42.66M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-109.96M-85.89M-67.38M-54.00M-36.05M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
902.61M362.08M155.49M202.10M248.39M
Total Assets
908.32M368.49M168.53M210.66M256.50M
Total Debt
1.12M1.26M1.56M29.00K359.00K
Net Debt
-25.56M-54.26M-35.07M-26.34M-28.76M
Total Liabilities
28.04M20.07M23.21M8.78M12.16M
Stockholders Equity
880.28M348.42M145.32M201.88M244.34M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-87.79M-73.38M-48.40M-47.59M-21.78M
Operating Cash Flow
-87.79M-73.38M-48.40M-47.59M-21.78M
Investing Cash Flow
-553.37M-179.09M54.75M37.96M41.57M
Financing Cash Flow
612.46M271.38M4.16M6.88M950.00K

Viking Therapeutics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price26.52
Price Trends
50DMA
33.28
Negative
100DMA
45.07
Negative
200DMA
51.78
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.73
Negative
RSI
38.63
Neutral
STOCH
56.16
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VKTX, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 26.52 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 29.17, below the 50-day MA of 33.28, and below the 200-day MA of 51.78, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.73 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 38.63 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 56.16 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for VKTX.

Viking Therapeutics Risk Analysis

Viking Therapeutics disclosed 72 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Viking Therapeutics reported the most risks in the “Tech & Innovation” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Viking Therapeutics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (49)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$11.05B33.6914.16%24.81%33.67%
60
Neutral
$3.32B-39.22%-31.37%
54
Neutral
$7.41B-80.35%-10.89%
49
Neutral
$6.90B-0.08-53.01%2.43%24.84%-3.06%
45
Neutral
$4.67M-194.84%48.91%
ALALT
45
Neutral
$405.09M-59.86%-95.31%18.58%
42
Neutral
$2.98B-17.90%-10.27%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
VKTX
Viking Therapeutics
26.52
-40.58
-60.48%
NBIX
Neurocrine
107.22
-30.52
-22.16%
ALT
Altimmune
5.26
-5.61
-51.61%
MDGL
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals
335.39
72.72
27.68%
AKRO
Akero Therapeutics
43.82
15.36
53.97%
PRTG
Portage Biotech Inc
4.17
-7.03
-62.77%

Viking Therapeutics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 5, 2025 | % Change Since: -20.84% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 23, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a strong focus on successful clinical trial results and a solid financial position, despite increased expenses and net loss. The company is advancing its lead programs with significant progress in pipeline development.
Highlights
Successful Clinical Trials Across Multiple Programs
Viking reported successful results from four studies across its pipeline, including VK2735 for obesity and VK2809 for NASH, achieving primary and secondary endpoints.
Strong Financial Position
Viking closed 2024 with over $900 million in cash, providing resources to advance its pipeline programs.
Positive Phase 2 VENTURE Trial Results for VK2735
The VENTURE trial achieved primary and secondary endpoints, with significant reductions in mean body weight from baseline up to 14.7%.
Advancement of VK2735 to Phase 3 Development
VK2735 advanced to Phase 3 development for obesity, with trials expected to initiate in the second quarter of 2025.
Positive Phase 1b Results for VK0214 in X-ALD
VK0214 demonstrated significant reductions in plasma levels of very long chain fatty acids and was safe and well tolerated.
Lowlights
Increased Net Loss for 2024
Viking reported a net loss of $110 million for 2024, compared to $85.9 million in 2023, due to increased R&D and administrative expenses.
Increased Expenses
R&D expenses increased to $101.6 million from $63.8 million in 2023, and general administrative expenses rose to $49.3 million from $37 million in 2023.
Company Guidance
During the Viking Therapeutics Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results Conference Call, key guidance was provided on several metrics related to their development programs and financial results. The company reported a net loss of $110 million for the full year 2024 compared to $85.9 million in 2023, with research and development expenses increasing to $101.6 million from $63.8 million the previous year. Viking also highlighted significant progress in their pipeline, including successful results from trials such as the VK2735 Phase 2 VENTURE trial for obesity, which showed up to 14.7% reduction in body weight, and the VK2809 Phase 2b VOYAGE trial for NASH, demonstrating reductions in liver fat and improvements in fibrosis. Additionally, they raised over $630 million through a public stock offering, bolstering their financial position with $903 million in cash and equivalents as of year-end. The company plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in obesity in the second quarter of 2025 and advance other programs in its portfolio.

Viking Therapeutics Corporate Events

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Viking Therapeutics’ Promising Results for Obesity Treatment
Positive
Nov 4, 2024

Viking Therapeutics has presented promising data from its VK2735 obesity program at ObesityWeek® 2024, showcasing up to 8.2% weight loss from baseline with an oral formulation over 28 days. The treatment demonstrated strong tolerability, with mild GI-related side effects, and the potential for longer-term weight loss. These findings are significant for those exploring innovative solutions in metabolic disorder treatments, with both oral and subcutaneous forms of VK2735 showing durable effects.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.