Viking Therapeutics Shares Jump 9% on Q4 EPS Miss and Pipeline Advances
Viking Therapeutics missed Q4 EPS at a $1.38 loss versus $0.89 expected as R&D spending surged to $153.5M from $31M, yet shares rallied over 9%. Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 enrollment is complete and the oral VK2735 tablet is on track for Phase 3 in Q3 2026, offering a dual-format obesity therapy edge.
1. Q4 Earnings Performance
Viking Therapeutics reported a fourth-quarter EPS loss of $1.38 versus analyst expectations of an $0.89 loss, driven by R&D expenses rising to $153.5 million from $31 million year-over-year.
2. Pipeline Advancements
The Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 trial for injectable VK2735 has completed enrollment and VANQUISH-2 is nearing full enrollment, with data expected in Q3 2026; the oral VK2735 tablet is on track to begin Phase 3 in Q3 2026, creating a unique dual-format obesity treatment platform.
3. Market Reaction and Outlook
Shares surged 9.35% on the earnings report, trading above the 20-day SMA but below the 50-day and 100-day SMAs, with an RSI of 40.6 indicating neutral momentum; key technical levels sit at $29.50 support and $36.00 resistance, and the stock has gained 11.8% over the past 12 months.