Should You Buy Viking Therapeutics Stock in the UAE in 2025?
Is Viking Therapeutics stock a buy right now?
ScoreViking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) stands out as a compelling player in the US biotechnology sector, focusing on clinical-stage therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. As of the end of May 2025, VKTX trades near $28.16 with average daily volume around 4 million shares—a healthy level of liquidity for a developing biotech. Although the stock has experienced notable short-term volatility, it continues to attract attention thanks to a series of promising recent developments, including robust Phase 2 results for its obesity drug candidate VK2735 (demonstrating up to 14.7% weight reduction) and the completion of patient enrollment in the VENTURE-Oral trial. The company’s well-timed $150 million manufacturing deal and strong cash position (over $900 million) underpin resilience and ongoing innovation. Market sentiment, while prudent due to typical biotech risks, increasingly views Viking as a differentiated contender in the expanding obesity treatment landscape—an area of intense commercial interest globally. Analysts from more than 35 national and international banks now set a consensus target price of $36.60 for VKTX, reflecting broad recognition of the company’s transformative pipeline and strategic positioning. Within the context of a healthcare sector pivoting toward metabolic disease solutions, current conditions may reward patient investors looking to participate in long-term growth.
- ✅Strong cash reserves ($903 million) ensure funding for ongoing clinical trials and expansion.
- ✅Positive Phase 2 results for VK2735, demonstrating high efficacy in weight loss.
- ✅Diversified pipeline in metabolic and liver disorders, reducing reliance on a single product.
- ✅Potential for first-in-class oral therapy in obesity, a multi-billion dollar market.
- ✅Management team with deep biotech and clinical development expertise.
- ❌No current revenues and ongoing losses typical for a clinical-stage biotech.
- ❌Regulatory and competitive pressures may delay or challenge commercialization timelines.
Score- ✅Strong cash reserves ($903 million) ensure funding for ongoing clinical trials and expansion.
- ✅Positive Phase 2 results for VK2735, demonstrating high efficacy in weight loss.
- ✅Diversified pipeline in metabolic and liver disorders, reducing reliance on a single product.
- ✅Potential for first-in-class oral therapy in obesity, a multi-billion dollar market.
- ✅Management team with deep biotech and clinical development expertise.
Is Viking Therapeutics stock a buy right now?
- ✅Strong cash reserves ($903 million) ensure funding for ongoing clinical trials and expansion.
- ✅Positive Phase 2 results for VK2735, demonstrating high efficacy in weight loss.
- ✅Diversified pipeline in metabolic and liver disorders, reducing reliance on a single product.
- ✅Potential for first-in-class oral therapy in obesity, a multi-billion dollar market.
- ✅Management team with deep biotech and clinical development expertise.
- ❌No current revenues and ongoing losses typical for a clinical-stage biotech.
- ❌Regulatory and competitive pressures may delay or challenge commercialization timelines.
Score- ✅Strong cash reserves ($903 million) ensure funding for ongoing clinical trials and expansion.
- ✅Positive Phase 2 results for VK2735, demonstrating high efficacy in weight loss.
- ✅Diversified pipeline in metabolic and liver disorders, reducing reliance on a single product.
- ✅Potential for first-in-class oral therapy in obesity, a multi-billion dollar market.
- ✅Management team with deep biotech and clinical development expertise.
- What is Viking Therapeutics?
- How much is the Viking Therapeutics stock?
- Our full analysis of the Viking Therapeutics stock
- How to buy Viking Therapeutics stock in the UAE?
- Our 7 tips for buying Viking Therapeutics stock
- The latest news about Viking Therapeutics
- FAQ
What is Viking Therapeutics?
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🏳️ Nationality | United States | US-based, regulated under strict FDA standards; aligns with global biotech industry norms. |
| 💼 Market | NASDAQ | Listed on NASDAQ, which enhances liquidity and investor access globally. |
| 🏛️ ISIN code | Not specified | ISIN is not public; investors should use NASDAQ ticker VKTX for transactions. |
| 👤 CEO | Brian Lian | Brian Lian is the co-founder, bringing deep knowledge and stability to the company’s vision. |
| 🏢 Market cap | $3.16 billion | Medium cap, reflects high growth potential but also notable biotech volatility. |
| 📈 Revenue | $0 | No revenue yet; business is in the clinical development stage before product commercialization. |
| 💹 EBITDA | Not reported | EBITDA is negative due to high R&D expenses and no product sales so far. |
| 📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | N/A | No P/E as there are no earnings; future re-rating depends on clinical and regulatory success. |
How much is the Viking Therapeutics stock?
The price of Viking Therapeutics stock is rising this week. As of now, VKTX is trading at $28.16, showing a 3.80% gain over the last 24 hours but a slight decrease of 4.37% over the past week. The company holds a market capitalization of $3.16 billion, with an average 3-month trading volume of 4.02 million shares.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Price | $28.16 |
| 24h Change | 3.80% |
| 7d Change | -4.37% |
| Market Cap | $3.16 billion |
| 3-month Avg Volume | 4.02 million |
| P/E Ratio | N/A |
| Dividend Yield | N/A |
| Beta | 0.75 – 1.22 |
No P/E ratio or dividend yield is available, reflecting its developmental stage, and the stock’s beta ranges from 0.75 to 1.22.
Investors in AE should note that, while Viking Therapeutics exhibits notable potential in the biotech sector, its price tends to remain volatile amid ongoing clinical developments.
Discover the best brokers in the United Arab Emirates!Compare brokersOur full analysis of the Viking Therapeutics stock
Having rigorously reviewed Viking Therapeutics’ most recent financial results and evaluated the stock’s performance trajectory over the past three years, our team has conducted a multifaceted analysis leveraging both proprietary algorithms and a comprehensive synthesis of financial indicators, technical signals, competitive benchmarks, and market sentiment. This balanced, data-driven approach aims to identify emerging opportunities and quantify both risk and upside in the current market environment. So, why might Viking Therapeutics stand out once again as a strategic entry point into the dynamic biopharmaceutical sector as we approach 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) currently trades at $28.16 as of 30 May 2025, reflecting a resilient intraday jump of +3.8% (+$1.03). However, the broader picture shows a correction from late-2023 highs—with a 6-month decline of 46.8% and a one-year drawdown of 55.9%. This volatility is intrinsic to development-stage biotech stocks, particularly those awaiting pivotal clinical milestones. Yet, the recent positive performance and stabilization above support highlight renewed investor confidence following a period of digestion after earlier surges.
The environment for Viking and its peers is experiencing a marked uptrend due to the intensifying focus on metabolic disorders, especially obesity—a market projected to expand into tens of billions of dollars globally. The company’s access to the NASDAQ, robust trading liquidity, and increasing analyst coverage underscore its growing relevance on international investor radars, including in the MENA region where appetite for US biotechnology and healthtech assets remains strong.
Noteworthy positive events underpinning current sentiment include:
- February 2024: VK2735 Phase 2 VENTURE clinical trial showcased up to a 14.7% reduction in body weight within 13 weeks, exceeding market expectations.
- March 2025: Full enrollment of 280 patients in the key VENTURE-Oral study, de-risking the clinical pipeline and validating trial design.
- Manufacturing Partnership: Viking secured a $150 million agreement with CordenPharma for large-scale production of VK2735, reinforcing capacity for commercial-scale rollout should regulatory approval be attained.
Overall, while volatility persists, recent developments have both buttressed the investment case for VKTX and re-energized sector-wide confidence in next-generation metabolic therapeutics.
Technical Analysis
The technical backdrop for VKTX is evolving constructively. The stock’s Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14-day) fluctuates between 54.29 and 63.50—comfortably within neutral to mildly bullish territory, signifying ample headroom for upward moves without evidence of overextension.
Momentum indicators are similarly encouraging:
- MACD (12,26,9): Recent crossovers at 0.29 and 0.124 emit clear buy signals, confirming momentum that is favorable for short- to medium-term positioning.
Moving averages paint a nuanced picture:
- 20-Day MA ($27.82) & 50-Day MA ($26.23–$27.53): VKTX currently trades above both, indicating a resumption of short-term upward momentum.
- 100-Day ($29.20) & 200-Day ($43.87) MAs: The stock remains below these longer-term averages, plotting a pathway for a possible bullish reversal if resistance at these levels is decisively breached.
Key support has held firm at $27.11, with near-term resistance established at $28.32. The wide 52-week range ($18.92–$81.73) underscores the stock’s explosive upside potential should catalysts align favorably.
Structurally, the pivot back above short-term moving averages following a deep correction often signals the beginning of a new accumulation phase—a technical dynamic frequently indicative of optimal entry levels for conviction-driven investors.
Fundamental Analysis
Viking Therapeutics remains a classic example of a high-potential, clinical-stage biotech story. While the company does not yet generate revenues and posted a net loss of $128.24 million in Q4 2024 (–$1.16 EPS), its fundamentals exhibit notable strengths:
- Cash Position: With $903 million in cash and cash equivalents at year-end 2024 (up sharply from $362 million a year prior), Viking possesses a formidable runway to advance multiple clinical programs through 2026 and beyond, mitigating dilution concerns.
- Valuation Metrics: With a $3.16 billion market capitalization and no price-earnings ratio (given the absence of product revenues at this stage), valuation is primarily pipeline- and catalyst-driven. The consensus analyst price target stands at an impressive $90.26, suggesting a +220% appreciation potential from current levels—a testament to the risk/reward on offer.
- Pipeline and Innovations: VKTX’s program is anchored by VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for obesity, with robust Phase 2 data (up to 88% of patients achieved ≥10% weight loss). Secondary assets like VK2809 (NASH, Phase IIb) and VK5211 (androgen receptor modulator, Phase II) provide diversified optionality.
- Strategic Positioning: Viking is capitalizing on a tectonic shift in healthcare priorities toward chronic metabolic disorders, positioning itself alongside—but distinct from—dominant incumbents like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly via differentiated mechanisms and a strong focus on oral formulation.
Collectively, these factors establish VKTX as a highly attractive candidate for growth-focused portfolios, as its fundamentals justify renewed attention and potential re-rating as pipeline milestones approach.
Volume and Liquidity
Viking’s liquidity profile strengthens the bull case. A robust average daily volume of 4.02 million shares confirms high institutional engagement and ease of trade execution, both essential for sophisticated and retail investors alike.
The free float—at nearly 109 million out of 112.3 million shares—maximizes transparency in price discovery and adds to potential for dynamic valuation. Such liquidity provides flexibility for investors seeking both quick tactical entries and steady, long-term positioning, reinforcing confidence in the stock’s resilience and responsiveness to catalysts.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Several imminent and powerful catalysts foster a highly optimistic outlook for VKTX:
- Up next in 2025: Readouts from the VENTURE-Oral trial and additional VK2735 clinical milestones represent inflection points closely watched by the market.
- Potential regulatory progress: As VK2735 and VK2809 advance, the likelihood of partnership discussions or out-licensing opportunities (a frequent scenario in the biotech sector) increases, which could unlock non-dilutive funding or even spark M&A interest.
- ESG Alignment: The company’s focus on combating obesity and metabolic diseases aligns with global sustainability and public health priorities, a factor not to be overlooked as ESG mandates become increasingly prominent in portfolio allocation strategies.
- Technological innovation: Viking is at the forefront of a move toward oral, next-generation GLP-1/GIP therapies, an advancement that could unlock new patient populations, enhance compliance, and outpace injectable alternatives.
Moreover, the overall regulatory and investment climate remains broadly supportive: the strong US market, accommodative fiscal policy, and growing appetite for breakthrough therapies continue to propel the healthcare innovation cycle. In this scenario, platforms like VKTX—poised for clinical-to-commercial transition—can experience significant re-ratings if milestones are met.
Investment Strategies
VKTX provides compelling arguments for entry across varying investment horizons:
- Short-Term:
- Technical structure suggests a potential “buy-the-dip” scenario, as the stock consolidates near strong support and displays bullish momentum signals.
- Proximity to key news flows (trial readouts, partnership announcements) can catalyze rapid gains and increased trading interest.
- Medium-Term:
- As VK2735’s oral formulation trial progresses and secondary pipeline assets approach new clinical phases, the opportunity exists for a measured recovery and re-rating.
- Accumulating at or below current levels allows for significant upside should pipeline news prove favorable, with well-defined stop loss levels for risk management.
- Long-Term:
- Investors positioned ahead of regulatory inflection points, commercialization milestones, or strategic transactions (e.g., partnerships, licensing, or M&A) could benefit from multi-fold value creation.
- The structural tailwinds in the metabolic and endocrinology sector, combined with Viking’s robust balance sheet and differentiated R&D, make the company a worthy contender for multi-year growth-focused allocations.
Ideal strategy may involve entry at current technical lows, with staggered accumulation as milestones approach—optimizing both risk and return against an exceptionally asymmetric payoff profile.
Is it the Right Time to Buy Viking Therapeutics?
Bringing together the data, Viking Therapeutics offers a compelling blend of robust pipeline potential, solid financial flexibility, and outsized analyst support—a synthesis rarely observed with such favorable timing. The stock’s technical setup, strong liquidity profile, and clear near-term catalysts further reinforce the investment case. While biotech inevitably involves inherent volatility and regulatory risk, VKTX’s advancements and market context signal a transition toward a new bullish phase.
Given these factors, Viking Therapeutics seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors aiming to participate in the next wave of metabolic disease solutions, with potential for significant upside as the company continues to deliver on its innovative promise. As the biopharma sector pivots toward addressing critical global health priorities, VKTX stands out as a strategic vehicle for growth-oriented portfolios seeking both innovation and value.
Investors attuned to breakthrough science and long-term healthcare trends will appreciate the window of opportunity presented by Viking Therapeutics—a company poised at the threshold of transformative value creation.
How to buy Viking Therapeutics stock in the UAE?
Buying Viking Therapeutics stock online is simple, convenient, and highly secure when using a regulated broker serving investors in the UAE. Whether you're new to investing or experienced, you can easily invest by purchasing shares directly (spot buying) or by trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which open the door to leveraged strategies. Both methods can be executed fully online, with strong safeguards for your funds and personal data. Below, we explain the two main approaches, so you can choose the one best suited to your goals—followed by a detailed comparison of leading brokers further down this page.
Spot Buying
A cash or spot purchase means you buy Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) shares outright, becoming a shareholder with ownership rights. With most online brokers in the UAE, you can hold these US-listed shares in your account for as long as you wish. Typical fees involve a fixed commission per order—commonly around AED 18-25 (about $5-7 USD).
Important example
Example: Assume Viking Therapeutics shares are trading at $28.16 (approx. AED 103.5) per share.
With an investment of $1,000 (about AED 3,673), you could buy around 35 shares after accounting for a typical brokerage fee of $5.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your shares would be worth $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your original investment.
Trading via CFD
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on the price of Viking Therapeutics shares without owning the underlying stock. This approach is popular for short-term strategies, as it offers the potential for leveraged gains—meaning you can control a larger position with a smaller initial outlay. With CFDs, brokers charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell price) and overnight fees if you keep the position open beyond the trading day.
Important example
Example: You open a CFD position on Viking Therapeutics with a $1,000 (AED 3,673) deposit and select 5x leverage. Your market exposure is now $5,000.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the VKTX stock price rises by 8%, your CFD position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +$400 profit on your $1,000 investment (excluding spreads and overnight financing costs).
Final Advice
Before getting started, always compare the fees, product features, and local investor protections offered by different brokers, as these can impact your returns and investing experience. Whether you choose to buy shares outright or trade via CFDs depends entirely on your financial objectives and risk profile. For a full overview of the best brokerages for UAE investors, refer to our comparative table further down the page. Stay informed, and enjoy your investment journey!
Discover the best brokers in the United Arab Emirates!Compare brokersOur 7 tips for buying Viking Therapeutics stock
| Step | Specific tip for Viking Therapeutics |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Assess the strong long-term outlook of the obesity treatment sector and recent positive clinical data for VK2735, placing Viking Therapeutics in a key growth segment. |
| Choose the right trading platform | Opt for a reputable UAE-friendly broker offering direct access to US markets like NASDAQ, ensuring low fees and efficient trade execution for VKTX. |
| Define your investment budget | Allocate only a portion of your capital to VKTX, keeping in mind its high volatility and the speculative nature typical of biotech stocks in development. |
| Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Focus on a long-term investment horizon to benefit from possible major breakthroughs and upside driven by upcoming clinical milestones and analyst price targets. |
| Monitor news and financial results | Regularly track updates on Phase 2 trial results for VK2735 and news about new strategic agreements, as these are key triggers for stock movement. |
| Use risk management tools | Implement stop-loss orders and consider position sizing to manage downside risk, especially given biotech sector swings. |
| Sell at the right time | Consider selling part of your position when the stock reaches technical peaks or after significant positive price movements, while staying alert to news on FDA decisions. |
The latest news about Viking Therapeutics
Viking Therapeutics stock shows a strong short-term technical rebound with an intraday gain of 3.80%. On May 30, 2025, VKTX closed at $28.16, reversing part of a weekly decline and positioning itself above both the 20- and 50-day moving averages, indicative of a positive short-term sentiment. Technical signals such as a RSI in the 54–63 range and a bullish MACD further support this upward momentum, which may attract momentum-based investors, especially as the stock maintains a healthy trading volume averaging over 4 million shares daily—enhancing liquidity for UAE institutional and sophisticated investors.
Analyst consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, with a price target median above $90, implying substantial upside. As of the latest market data, 35 out of 36 analysts rate VKTX as a buy, and consensus price objectives give potential for over +220% appreciation from current levels. This remarkable analyst sentiment is grounded in the company’s differentiated pipeline, particularly the progress on VK2735 for obesity, and should be highlighted to investors in the UAE where demand for biotech diversification and healthcare innovation is robust.
The company’s robust financial position secures ongoing R&D and future strategic options. Viking Therapeutics reports an unusually strong cash position for a clinical-stage biotech, ending 2024 with $903 million in cash and no debt, according to official filings. This financial foundation enables the company to self-fund critical Phase II and III studies over the coming quarters without dilutive capital raises, strengthening its bargaining power for potential licensing or regional distribution deals, such as those that could be of interest to leading UAE healthcare groups seeking novel metabolic therapies.
Recent clinical milestones reinforce confidence in the lead obesity pipeline, a therapeutic area of high relevance to the UAE market. Viking has completed enrollment in the pivotal VENTURE-Oral Phase II trial of VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, and previously reported up to 14.7% mean body weight reduction and 88% of patients achieving at least 10% loss in the injectable formulation. Given the rising prevalence of metabolic and obesity-related disorders in the Middle East, these results position VKTX as a potential future partner or supplier for regional health authorities and private care providers.
Strategic manufacturing partnerships and a focus on innovative oral formulations create significant commercial leverage for future global and regional expansion. Viking entered a $150 million contract with CordenPharma in March 2025 to ensure scalable production of VK2735. The oral delivery platform directly addresses a major barrier for widespread obesity treatment and could support future commercialization in the UAE, where patient adherence and convenience are driving healthcare purchasing decisions. This manufacturing readiness, alongside a differentiated product profile, supports sustained stockholder confidence and medium-term re-rating potential.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Viking Therapeutics stock?
Viking Therapeutics does not currently pay any dividend to its shareholders. As a clinical-stage biotech company, it focuses its resources on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders rather than distributing earnings. Investors typically seek capital appreciation with this stock rather than income, following a common trend in the biotechnology sector.
What is the forecast for Viking Therapeutics stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price, the projected value is $36.61 at the end of 2025, $42.24 at the end of 2026, and $56.32 at the end of 2027. The outlook remains supported by strong analyst consensus and positive clinical trial results for key pipeline candidates, especially VK2735 targeting obesity—a rapidly growing market with high long-term potential.
Should I sell my Viking Therapeutics shares?
Given Viking Therapeutics’ robust cash position, diversified late-stage pipeline, and leadership in metabolic therapy innovation, holding on to shares may be a sound mid- to long-term strategy. The company's fundamentals—alongside optimistic analyst targets and advances in obesity treatments—provide a solid case for patient investors. As always, investment decisions should align with your overall financial goals and risk tolerance.
How are Viking Therapeutics shares taxed or treated for UAE investors?
In the UAE, there is no tax on capital gains or dividends for individuals, since the country does not levy personal income tax. Viking Therapeutics shares are not eligible for any UAE-specific investment savings schemes but benefit from a favorable local tax climate for investors. Note that U.S. withholding tax may apply on any U.S.-source dividends, though currently Viking Therapeutics pays none.
What is the latest dividend for Viking Therapeutics stock?
Viking Therapeutics does not currently pay any dividend to its shareholders. As a clinical-stage biotech company, it focuses its resources on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders rather than distributing earnings. Investors typically seek capital appreciation with this stock rather than income, following a common trend in the biotechnology sector.
What is the forecast for Viking Therapeutics stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price, the projected value is $36.61 at the end of 2025, $42.24 at the end of 2026, and $56.32 at the end of 2027. The outlook remains supported by strong analyst consensus and positive clinical trial results for key pipeline candidates, especially VK2735 targeting obesity—a rapidly growing market with high long-term potential.
Should I sell my Viking Therapeutics shares?
Given Viking Therapeutics’ robust cash position, diversified late-stage pipeline, and leadership in metabolic therapy innovation, holding on to shares may be a sound mid- to long-term strategy. The company's fundamentals—alongside optimistic analyst targets and advances in obesity treatments—provide a solid case for patient investors. As always, investment decisions should align with your overall financial goals and risk tolerance.
How are Viking Therapeutics shares taxed or treated for UAE investors?
In the UAE, there is no tax on capital gains or dividends for individuals, since the country does not levy personal income tax. Viking Therapeutics shares are not eligible for any UAE-specific investment savings schemes but benefit from a favorable local tax climate for investors. Note that U.S. withholding tax may apply on any U.S.-source dividends, though currently Viking Therapeutics pays none.
