$VKTX

Raymond James reiterated a 'Strong Buy' rating and $118 price target for Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), implying 258% upside. Consensus expects a GAAP loss of $1.03 per share, wider than last year. Investors focus on the Phase 3 Vanquish obesity program, with a maintenance-dose study expected in Q3. VKTX shares outperformed peers like LLY and ALT over the past month.

Wolfpack Research reported Flotek Industries (FTK) lost a $400M contract, potentially halving its backlog. Fugazi Research criticized Aeva Technologies (AEVA) as a struggling startup. Bristlemoon Research argued Macy's (M) is overvalued. L3Harris (LHX) CEO departed over conduct violations. Ameresco (AMRC) CFO and GC resigned. Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) COO and Merit Medical (MMSI) COO departed. Boston Beer (SAM) CFO is stepping down. Edwin Dorsey predicts long-term trouble for DraftKings (DKNG)

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) shares rose 7% after the company initiated a human trial for its obesity drug VK3019. The study will assess safety, tolerability, and weight effects. VK3019 targets amylin and calcitonin receptors, potentially offering a new weight management option. Raymond James maintains a 'Strong Buy' rating, citing pipeline expansion and near-term catalysts. Analysts' average price target is $92.58, implying 166% upside.

Multiple outlets discuss GLP-1 competition and recent updates for Viking Therapeutics (VKTX). Zacks reports VKTX Q2 results beat loss estimates despite higher R&D costs. Stocktwits says VKTX launched a $500M shelf after full enrollment of a Phase 3 obesity study, with proceeds for VK2735 development. Other items cover NVO and LLY outlooks.

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) shares fell 18.6% in July as investors focused on cash burn and potential dilution. The company reported Q2 cash use of about $96 million and ended with $502 million cash, down from $706 million. It also filed an SEC registration for up to $500 million in common stock. Phase 3 trials for VK2735 are enrolled, with VK2736 maintenance results expected this quarter.

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) shares fell 18.6% in July, with investors citing concerns about funding for its pipeline. In late July, the company reported Q2 results and said phase 3 VK2735 (subcutaneous) is fully enrolled, phase 3 (oral) starts in Q4, and phase 1 VK2736 maintenance reports this quarter. Cash burn was about $96M, ending with $502M cash, down from $706M, and the company filed an SEC registration to sell up to $500M common stock.

Raymond James updated its August healthcare top picks, adding Aveanna Healthcare (AVAH) ahead of its Aug. 13 earnings, and Carriage Services (CSV) after a ~20% decline since April, citing stabilizing funeral trends and valuation around 8x 2027 estimated EBITDA. It also added Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) for upcoming clinical readouts.

The article highlights three biotech stocks for August and later catalysts. Regeneron (REGN) is cited as down about 11% YTD despite Q1 2026 revenue of $3.605B and non-GAAP EPS $9.47, plus a $3.0B buyback. Moderna (MRNA) is noted for a Q1 2026 revenue jump to $389M and an Aug. 5 FDA PDUFA for flu vaccine mRNA-1010. Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is pre-revenue with Phase 3 obesity trials and a $92.58 analyst target.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) reported a wider Q2 2026 net loss of $128.02 million and filed a universal shelf registration plus a $500 million at-the-market common stock offering, expanding funding options. The article links these moves to investor expectations for VK2735 obesity drug development, noting dilution and cash burn risks and citing forecasts of $118.5 million revenue and $12.9 million earnings by 2029.

U.S. stock futures edged lower ahead of PCE inflation and jobless claims. Big Tech earnings were mixed as AI capex plans rose, with Meta, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Qualcomm, Intel, and Apple highlighted. Oil jumped on reports of potential U.S. strike options against Iran, lifting USO about 128% YTD. VKTX and HOOD also drew attention.