Viking Therapeutics Q4 Earnings Miss Expectations Amid R&D Spending Surge
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy VKTX?
Source: Benzinga
- Earnings Miss: Viking Therapeutics reported a Q4 loss of $1.38 per share, significantly worse than the expected $0.89 loss, indicating pressure on profitability amid rising R&D costs.
- Surge in R&D Spending: The company's R&D expenses skyrocketed to $153.5 million from $31 million a year ago, reflecting a substantial investment in its obesity drug portfolio, which may impact short-term financial performance despite long-term potential.
- VK2735 Rapid Progress: The Phase 3 VANQUISH program for VK2735 is advancing quickly, with enrollment for VANQUISH-1 complete and VANQUISH-2 nearing completion, with data expected in Q3 2026, potentially driving future growth for the company.
- Mixed Technical Outlook: Viking's stock is trading above the 20-day SMA but below the 50-day and 100-day SMAs, indicating potential struggles for momentum, with key support at $29.50 and resistance at $36.00, suggesting careful monitoring of future price movements.
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Analyst Views on VKTX
Wall Street analysts forecast VKTX stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 30.490
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 30.490
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
About VKTX
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is focused on the development of therapies for the treatment of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its clinical programs include VK2735, a novel dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders. It is evaluating an oral formulation of VK2735 in a Phase II trial. It is also developing VK2809, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders. Its newest program is evaluating a series of internally developed dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. In the rare disease space, it is developing VK0214, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Market Trend Analysis: The global health and wellness sector is projected to reach $6 trillion in consumer spending by 2026, driven by rising demand for functional products, compelling companies to adapt to the FDA's updated 'Healthy' labeling framework to meet market needs.
- New Product Launch: Doseology Sciences launched caffeine-based energy pouches in January 2026, marking the entry of its Feed That Brain brand into the rapidly growing oral pouch market, utilizing a sugar-free, non-carbonated, portable design to cater to consumer demand for healthier alternatives.
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- Strategic Acquisition: Doseology acquired the Feed That Brain brand for $400,000 in August 2025, leveraging its strengths in functional product design to drive compliant new product development and further expand market share.
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- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in Q3 2026, with encouraging mid-stage data showing patients lost up to 12.2% of their body weight in just 13 weeks, providing strong support for the drug's market potential.
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See More
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