Viking Therapeutics reports Q2 milder-than-expected net loss as obesity trials advance
VKTX•Q2 loss beats estimates
Viking Therapeutics reported a second-quarter net loss that was smaller than analysts expected, with loss per share also beating estimates.
The U.S. biopharma company said its net loss widened year over year because of higher research and development expenses and higher administrative costs.
Cash position and trial outlook
The company ended the second quarter with $502 million in cash and short-term investments.
Viking expects to initiate a Phase 3 trial of oral VK2735 in the fourth quarter of 2026, and it expects data from a maintenance dosing study of VK2735 in the third quarter of 2026. A Phase 1 study of the amylin agonist VK3019 is underway.
Expense drivers and analyst context
Research and development spending rose on increased clinical study activity, salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and third-party consultants.
General and administrative expenses increased due to higher spending on consultants, legal and patent services, and salaries and benefits.
The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy," with 18 "strong buy" or "buy" ratings, two "hold" ratings and no "sell" or "strong sell" ratings. The average consensus recommendation for the biotechnology and medical research peer group is "buy."
Wall Street's median 12-month price target for Viking Therapeutics Inc is $97.50, about 188% above its July 28 closing price of $33.86.
