NVAX vs. VKTX

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

NVAX (Novavax, Inc.) and VKTX (Viking Therapeutics, Inc.) are both stocks. Both operate in the Biotechnology industry within the Healthcare sector. Over the past 10 years, NVAX returned -23.23%/yr vs 36.76%/yr for VKTX. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

NVAX vs. VKTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) and Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NVAX achieves a 34.37% return, which is significantly higher than VKTX's -18.68% return. Over the past 10 years, NVAX has underperformed VKTX with an annualized return of -23.23%, while VKTX has yielded a comparatively higher 36.76% annualized return.

NVAX

• 1D: 5.49%
• 1M: -6.13%
• YTD: 34.37%
• 6M: 34.98%
• 1Y: 27.36%
• 3Y*: 5.09%
• 5Y*: -46.69%
• 10Y*: -23.23%

VKTX

• 1D: 3.10%
• 1M: -8.65%
• YTD: -18.68%
• 6M: -23.11%
• 1Y: -1.17%
• 3Y*: 6.42%
• 5Y*: 36.31%
• 10Y*: 36.76%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NVAX vs. VKTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NVAX Novavax, Inc.	34.37%	-16.42%	67.50%	-53.31%	-92.81%	28.30%	2,701.76%	-89.18%	48.39%	-1.59%
VKTX Viking Therapeutics, Inc.	-18.68%	-12.57%	116.23%	97.98%	104.35%	-18.29%	-29.80%	4.84%	88.42%	241.18%

Correlation

The correlation between NVAX and VKTX is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2015	0.24

Fundamentals

Market Cap NVAX : $1.47B VKTX : $3.31B
EPS NVAX : -$0.52 VKTX : -$4.16
Total Revenue (TTM) NVAX : $596.34M VKTX : $0.00
Gross Profit (TTM) NVAX : $504.72M VKTX : -$208.00K
EBITDA (TTM) NVAX : -$57.01M VKTX : -$501.77M

Return for Risk

NVAX vs. VKTX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NVAX

NVAX Risk / Return Rank: 59
NVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
NVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
NVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
NVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
NVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VKTX

VKTX Risk / Return Rank: 44
VKTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VKTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VKTX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VKTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VKTX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NVAX vs. VKTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) and Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NVAX	VKTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.40	-0.02	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	0.52	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.08	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.76	-0.03	+0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.49	-0.05	+1.54

NVAX vs. VKTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NVAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.40, which is higher than the VKTX Sharpe Ratio of -0.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NVAX and VKTX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NVAX vs. VKTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NVAX drawdown since its inception was -98.82%, which is greater than VKTX's maximum drawdown of -90.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NVAX and VKTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NVAX	VKTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.82%	-90.41%	-8.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.94%	-45.14%	+9.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-74.11%	-78.86%	+4.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-98.61%	-78.86%	-19.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-98.82%	-89.26%	-9.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-97.18%	-69.72%	-27.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.76%	-60.01%	-10.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.46%	22.80%	-4.34%

Volatility

NVAX vs. VKTX - Volatility Comparison

Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) has a higher volatility of 23.98% compared to Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) at 15.32%. This indicates that NVAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VKTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NVAX	VKTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	23.98%	15.32%	+8.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	52.24%	40.84%	+11.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.90%	74.00%	-5.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	106.10%	101.60%	+4.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	115.50%	97.02%	+18.48%

Dividends

NVAX vs. VKTX - Dividend Comparison

Neither NVAX nor VKTX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Financials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NVAX and VKTX in my portfolio?

NVAX and VKTX have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NVAX or VKTX?

NVAX has higher volatility (23.98%) compared to VKTX (15.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NVAX dropped -98.82% vs VKTX's -90.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.40 vs -0.02), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.