Viking Therapeutics에 대한 매도 수량은 투자자에게 Viking Therapeutics의 주식 하락에 베팅하는 정도를 알려줍니다. 매도 수량 데이터는 2주마다 업데이트됩니다.

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) 주식, 공매도 수량 보고

Viking Therapeutics

Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.

Biotech

Technicals

Trading Ideas

General

VKTX

바이킹 테라퓨틱스(NASDAQ:VKTX)의 주가가 금요일 개장 전 잠재적인 데스 크로스 바로 위에서 맴돌고 있어 중요한 순간을 맞이하고 있다. 50일 이동평균선이 200일 이동평균선 아래로 떨어지는 이 불길한 기술적 패턴은 종종 약세 신호로 간주된다. 아직 확정되지는 않았지만, 주식의 궤적은 최근 몇 달 동안 이전의 상승에도 불구하고 주가에 대한 압박이 증가하고 있음을 시사한다.

바이킹 테라퓨틱스 주식, 체중 감량 흥분이 둔화되며 데스 크로스 형성 직전

Mid Cap

News

Movers

ASTS

BEAM

CLDX

GSHD

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

IOVA

PEGA

PTGX

VSAT

다음은 지난주 큰 폭의 상승세를 보인 6개의 중형주 주식이다. 이 주식들은 여러분의 포트폴리오에 있나요? AST 스페이스모바일(NASDAQ:ASTS)의 주가는 회사가 첫 5개의 상용 위성을 성공적으로 완료하면서 47.88% 상승했다.

비아샛 및 AST 스페이스모바일은 지난주 최고 성과를 보여준 6개 중형주 중 일부 (7월 21일-7월 27일)

Equities

Markets

NVDA

TSLA

수요일 미국 주요 지수는 크게 하락세로 마감했다. 다우존스 산업평균지수는 1.25% 하락한 39,853.87에, S&amp;P 500 지수는 2.3% 하락한 5,427.13에, 나스닥 지수는 3.6% 하락한 17,342.41에 마감했다. 이들은 하루 동안 소매 거래자와 투자자들의 주목을 받은 주요 종목들이다:

수요일 주목받은 주식 5종목: 엔비디아, 포드, 치폴레, 바이킹 테라퓨틱스, 테슬라

Viking Therapeutics Inc

Viking Therapeutics's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NYSE">VKTX</a>) short percent of float has risen 6.35% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 18.07 million shares sold short, which is 21.78% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 5.08 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734711319_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Viking Therapeutics has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Viking Therapeutics's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Viking Therapeutics's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 13.65%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into Viking Therapeutics's Recent Short Interest

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Joseph Pantginis reiterates Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Buy and maintains $102 price target.

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Viking Therapeutics, Maintains $102 Price Target

On Wednesday, Merck&nbsp;&amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) and Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, entered into an exclusive global license agreement for HS-10535, an investigational preclinical oral small <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42549621/merck-enters-into-exclusive-global-license-agreement-with-hansoh-pharma-for-investigational-oral-g" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist</a>.
Under the agreement, Hansoh Pharma has granted Merck an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HS-10535. Hansoh Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $112 million and is eligible to receive up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments associated with the candidate&#8217;s development, regulatory approval, and commercialization, as well as royalties on sales.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42096338/viking-therapeutics-garners-analyst-support-for-nash-and-metabolic-programs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Therapeutics Garners Analyst Support For NASH And Metabolic Programs</a>
Hansoh Pharma may co-promote or solely commercialize HS-10535 in China. Merck will record a pre-tax charge of $112 million, or $0.04 per share, to be included in GAAP and non-GAAP results in the fourth quarter of 2024.
William Blair writes that Merck is seen as a strong candidate to acquire Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), leading to an expected sell-off in Viking shares. However, the analyst notes that the licensing agreement with Hansoh will not hinder Merck from pursuing additional external business development opportunities in the obesity space.
The licensing deal highlights Merck&#8217;s commitment to obesity, potentially driving further growth through additional partnerships. While the focus on Viking increases investment volatility, data from competitors or new licensing deals could significantly affect its stock.
William Blair remains confident that Viking offers a valuable asset with VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist that could become a major player in obesity treatment due to its potential for monthly maintenance <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41712739/viking-therapeutics-reveals-early-stage-from-experimental-oral-obesity-drug-showing-weight-loss-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">dosing and oral formulation options</a>.
This asset could strengthen an acquiring company&#8217;s obesity portfolio, with additional potential from Viking&#8217;s amylin program.
Overall, the analyst is optimistic about Viking&#8217;s prospects, maintaining the stock as a top pick for 2025 and an Outperform <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VKTX/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">rating on its shares</a>.
Price Action: VKTX stock is down 11.4% at $41.37 at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42559199/renewable-energy-company-orsted-sells-50-stake-in-us-solar-and-battery-projects-for-572m" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renewable Energy Company Ørsted Sells 50% Stake In US Solar And Battery Projects For $572 Million: Details</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Health Care

Contracts

What's Going On With Viking Therapeutics Stock On Wednesday?

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CRDF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$56.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$51.9K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>687</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
<td>$34.4K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>648</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
<td>$47.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>321</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$52.2K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>223</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NMRA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$36.0K</td>
<td>13.7K</td>
<td>104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$97.00</td>
<td>$25.8K</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$29.8K</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
<td>$127.8K</td>
<td>238</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding CRDF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDF#NASDAQ">CRDF</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 663 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.3K, with a price of $88.0 per contract. There were 1040 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 21 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $51.9K, with a price of $2480.0 per contract. There were 2415 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 687 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 128 contract(s) at a $32.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.4K, with a price of $279.0 per contract. There were 2000 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 648 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $37.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 41 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.5K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 1897 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 321 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PEN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEN#NYSE">PEN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 212 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $280.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.2K, with a price of $2090.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 223 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NMRA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NMRA#NASDAQ">NMRA</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.0K, with a price of $360.0 per contract. There were 13769 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 394 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $500.0 per contract. There were 3611 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 50 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 22 contract(s) at a $97.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.8K, with a price of $1175.0 per contract. There were 28 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 46 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 120 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 15 contract(s) at a $290.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.8K, with a price of $1990.0 per contract. There were 26 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 42 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 184 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 18 contract(s) at a $780.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $127.8K, with a price of $7105.0 per contract. There were 238 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 27 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

CRDF

NMRA

10 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in VKTX usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 9 extraordinary options activities for Viking Therapeutics. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 22% leaning bullish and 77% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $53,630, and 7 are calls, amounting to $255,390.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $45.0 and $65.0 for Viking Therapeutics, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Viking Therapeutics stands at 1159.25, with a total volume reaching 3,361.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Viking Therapeutics, situated within the strike price corridor from $45.0 to $65.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734536723_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td align="right">829</td>
<td align="right">273</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td align="right">829</td>
<td align="right">173</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$35.6K</td>
<td align="right">271</td>
<td align="right">280</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$33.6K</td>
<td align="right">271</td>
<td align="right">822</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td align="right">271</td>
<td align="right">578</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Viking Therapeutics, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Viking Therapeutics</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,362,736, the price of VKTX is down by -9.27%, reaching $42.37.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 49 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $97.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler has revised its rating downward to Overweight, adjusting the price target to $74. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from B. Riley Securities lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $109. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $102. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Viking Therapeutics options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In VKTX Options

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TEVA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$167.5K</td>
<td>17.1K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$29.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$292.5K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRDN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$27.0K</td>
<td>458</td>
<td>599</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MCK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PRAX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$32.6K</td>
<td>615</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$25.1K</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TEVA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 2500 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $167.5K, with a price of $67.0 per contract. There were 17104 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2970 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 38 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.9K, with a price of $788.0 per contract. There were 1381 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2262 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 205 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 25 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.7K, with a price of $267.0 per contract. There were 6605 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1828 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 760 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $292.5K, with a price of $11700.0 per contract. There were 6297 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1688 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRDN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRDN#NASDAQ">VRDN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $22.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.0K, with a price of $135.0 per contract. There were 458 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 599 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MCK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 56 contract(s) at a $580.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.1K, with a price of $1020.0 per contract. There were 475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PRAX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRAX#NASDAQ">PRAX</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 98 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.0K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 14 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 99 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 95 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $40.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.6K, with a price of $1630.0 per contract. There were 615 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 151 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.1K, with a price of $2517.0 per contract. There were 42 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

PRAX

TEVA

VRDN

9 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 30.12% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 43.71%. Currently, Viking Therapeutics has a market capitalization of $5.24 billion. 
Buying $100 In VKTX: If an investor had bought $100 of VKTX stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $596.07 today based on a price of $47.00 for VKTX at the time of writing.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734363908_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/ozempic-craze-appears-to-be-curbing-us-obesity-epidemic" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/ozempic-craze-appears-to-be-curbing-us-obesity-epidemic">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/ozempic-craze-appears-to-be-curbing-us-obesity-epidemic</a>

AMGN

DRIO

LFVN

TERN

VANI

"Weight-Loss Drug Craze Appears To Be Curbing U.S. Obesity Epidemic; Obesity Is Down In The U.S. For The First Time In A Decade. A New Study Suggests Weight-Loss Drugs May Explain Why" - Bloomberg News

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>XRAY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RXRX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$9.00</td>
<td>$30.0K</td>
<td>8.4K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$86.8K</td>
<td>9.6K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LFST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$33.0K</td>
<td>536</td>
<td>281</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$44.7K</td>
<td>439</td>
<td>161</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$26.1K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ELV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$470.00</td>
<td>$33.2K</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$29.1K</td>
<td>278</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$470.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For XRAY (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRAY#NASDAQ">XRAY</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 128 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 225 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.5K, with a price of $180.0 per contract. There were 3202 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2122 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RXRX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 38 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 400 contract(s) at a $9.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 17 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.0K, with a price of $75.0 per contract. There were 8401 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1738 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 101 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 482 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.8K, with a price of $180.0 per contract. There were 9650 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1214 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LFST (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LFST#NASDAQ">LFST</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 38 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $7.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $70.0 per contract. There were 1847 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1000 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 38 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 314 contract(s) at a $42.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.0K, with a price of $105.0 per contract. There were 536 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 281 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 101 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $95.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.7K, with a price of $895.0 per contract. There were 439 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 161 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding JNJ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 101 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 67 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.1K, with a price of $390.0 per contract. There were 2061 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 95 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ELV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 283 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $470.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.2K, with a price of $1660.0 per contract. There were 22 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 20 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 402 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 11 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.1K, with a price of $2654.0 per contract. There were 278 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 11 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 45 day(s) on January 24, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $470.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $2900.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

LFST

RXRX

VRTX

XRAY

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Viking Therapeutics. Our analysis of options history for Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 66% of traders were bullish, while 22% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $176,679, and 4 were calls, valued at $135,200.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $45.0 to $70.0 for Viking Therapeutics during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Viking Therapeutics options trades today is 844.0 with a total volume of 917.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Viking Therapeutics's big money trades within a strike price range of $45.0 to $70.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733417246_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$49.5K</td>
<td>371</td>
<td align="right">121</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$17.3</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$17.13</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$41.4K</td>
<td>331</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td>91</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$32.0K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.19</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$31.9K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">251</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.
In light of the recent options history for Viking Therapeutics, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is Viking Therapeutics Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 623,928, the VKTX's price is up by 1.21%, now at $51.86. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 62 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $96.75.
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&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B. Riley Securities downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $109. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $74. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Viking Therapeutics, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

<a href="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-advises-against-using-compounded-glp-1-ra-medications-2024a1000m0u?form=fpf" title="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-advises-against-using-compounded-glp-1-ra-medications-2024a1000m0u?form=fpf">https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-advises-against-using-compounded-glp-1-ra-medications-2024a1000m0u?form=fpf</a>

'ADA Advises Against Using Compounded GLP-1 RA Medications' - Medscape

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>D. Boral Capital analyst Jason Kolbert initiated coverage on MediciNova, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNOV#NASDAQ">MNOV</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $9. MediciNova shares closed at $2.07 on Friday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Patrick Wood initiated coverage on PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRCT#NASDAQ">PRCT</a>) with an Overweight rating and announced a price target of $105. PROCEPT BioRobotics shares closed at $95.59 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PRCT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Biren Amin initiated coverage on Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with an Overweight rating and announced a price target of $74. Viking Therapeutics shares closed at $52.94 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VKTX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>UBS analyst Taylor McGinnis initiated coverage on Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADSK#NASDAQ">ADSK</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $350. Autodesk shares closed at $291.90 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ADSK/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst Daniel Clark initiated coverage on Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZTS#NYSE">ZTS</a>) with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $215. Zoetis shares closed at $175.25 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ZTS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying ADSK stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="544" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-1024x544.png" alt="" class="wp-image-672368" style="width:572px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-1024x544.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-300x159.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-768x408.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3.png 1187w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/12/42265024/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-marvell-technology-stock-ahead-of-q3-earnings">How To Earn $500 A Month From Marvell Technology Stock Ahead Of Q3 Earnings</a></li>
</ul>

Initiation

Pre-Market Outlook

ADSK

MNOV

PRCT

This Autodesk Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 5 Initiations For Monday

Piper Sandler analyst Biren Amin initiates coverage on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Overweight rating and announces Price Target of $74.

Piper Sandler Initiates Coverage On Viking Therapeutics with Overweight Rating, Announces Price Target of $74

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) is nearing a pivotal moment as its stock hovers just above a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/death-cross">potential death cross</a>.
This ominous technical pattern, where the 50-day moving average moves below the 200-day moving average, is often seen as a bearish signal. While not confirmed yet, the trajectory suggests growing pressure on the stock, which has struggled in recent months despite earlier rallies.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent112924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="628" height="490" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29072648/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-5.05.57-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670051" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29072648/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-5.05.57-PM.png 628w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29072648/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-5.05.57-PM-300x234.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px" /></a></figure>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent112924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42192091/biden-proposes-medicare-medicaid-access-for-popular-weight-loss-drugs">Biden Proposes Medicare, Medicaid Access For Popular Weight-Loss Drugs</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VKTX Stock: From Rally To Retreat</h2>
VKTX stock surged earlier this year, buoyed by optimism surrounding its weight-loss drug program. However, the exuberance has faded, with shares plummeting 25.69% over the past month and 14.57% over six months. 
Trading at $54.51, the stock remains below its 20-day and 50-day simple moving averages ($58.72 and $63.04, respectively), signaling a bearish trend.
Meanwhile, Viking's 200-day simple moving average sits at $62.73, creating a narrow gap that brings the death cross closer. This technical weakness is further underscored by the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator at a negative 3.68, and a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 42.11, hinting at a market losing its bullish momentum.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Weighty Challenges</h2>
Analysts have raised concerns about Viking's ability to compete in the highly lucrative obesity drug market, dominated by heavyweights like Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Novo Nordisk AS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>).
While Viking's weight-loss drug candidates have shown promise, scaling production for both oral and injectable versions could be <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/viking-therapeutics-stock-slips-after-obesity-drug-trial-results-8738997">costly</a> and time-consuming, limiting short-term prospects.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outlook: A Technical Test</h2>
The looming death cross reflects broader headwinds for Viking, as investor confidence wanes amid sector-wide challenges. However, the stock could regain its footing if Viking unveils favorable clinical updates or strategic progress in its weight-loss pipeline.
All eyes are on the charts now as VKTX teeters on the edge of a critical technical breakdown.
Will it find support or confirm the dreaded death cross? Investors are watching closely.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42241785/us-futures-signal-gains-on-the-truncated-trading-day-will-december-witness-a-santa-claus-rally-analysts-decode">US Stocks Likely To Open In The Green To End November On A High: Are Markets Set For A Santa Claus Rally In December? Analysts Decode</a></li>
</ul>

Viking Therapeutics Stock On Brink Of Death Cross As Weight Loss Hype Loses Momentum

The Biden-Harris Administration has proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications, aiming to address the high costs that have drawn criticism. In the U.S., Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) has faced backlash for the steep prices of Wegovy and Ozempic, two popular <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40534249/novo-nordisks-ozempic-might-be-among-2027-medicare-price-negotiation-targets">drugs in this category.</a>
While Novo Nordisk&#8217;s CEO&nbsp;Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen&nbsp;has defended the high U.S. prices of the company&#8217;s blockbuster drugs,&nbsp;Ozempic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wegovy, stating that these medications are reducing the economic burden of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40550961/novo-nordisk-does-not-operate-as-drug-cartel-ceo-defends-us-pricing-of-ozempic-against-criticism-" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity-related health issues</a>.
Recent advancements in anti-obesity medications have demonstrated the potential to prevent Type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular-related mortality by up to 20%.
However, the steep cost of these medications—often as high as $1,000 per month without insurance—places them beyond reach for many Americans.
The proposed rule <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/11/26/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-takes-latest-step-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs-by-proposing-expanded-coverage-of-anti-obesity-medications-for-americans-with-medicare-and-medicaid/" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeks</a> to make these treatments more accessible, benefiting an estimated 3.4 million Medicare recipients and 4 million Medicaid enrollees. For some, the expanded coverage could cut out-of-pocket expenses by up to 95%.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted the disparity between U.S. and international drug prices, with Americans paying significantly more for anti-obesity medications.
The proposed expansion aligns with broader efforts to lower drug costs through negotiations and increased competition, aiming to ensure life-saving treatments are affordable and accessible.
According to some analysts, Novo Nordisk&#8217;s blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic might be included in the next round of Medicare <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40534249/novo-nordisks-ozempic-might-be-among-2027-medicare-price-negotiation-targets" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug price negotiations</a>.
Most recently, Novo Nordisk said it will officially launch its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China. A four-injection pack costs around $194 (CNY 1,400) compared to around $1,349 per patient&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42041147/novo-nordisk-to-offer-wegovy-in-china-at-fraction-of-usa-cost" rel="noreferrer noopener">per month in the U.S</a>.
In the third quarter, Wegovy sales reached 17.30 billion Danish kroner, up 81%, and Ozempic sales increased 26% at constant currency to 29.80 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41775675/ozempicwegovy-maker-maintains-q3-sales-growth-on-booming-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">billion Danish kroner</a>.
&#8220;The sales growth is driven by increasing demand for our GLP-1-based diabetes and obesity treatments,&#8221; Jørgensen said.
As per a report in August, several older Americans are having little success getting prescriptions for Wegovy, covered by Medicare, despite the federal healthcare program&#8217;s decision to pay for&nbsp;patients with obesity&nbsp;at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40422798/doctors-struggle-to-secure-medicare-coverage-for-heart-patients-on-novo-nordisks-wegovy" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of heart disease</a>.
Price Action: NVO stock is up 1.7% at $106.41 at last check Tuesday.
The stocks of several pharmaceutical companies involved in developing or marketing weight-loss medications showed mixed performance as of Tuesday&#8217;s publication.
<ol>
<li>Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) was up 3.9% to $785.49.</li>
<li>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) was down 11.4% to $260.84.</li>
<li>Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) was down 1.3% to $25.81.</li>
<li>Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) was up 5.2% to $54.74.</li>
</ol>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42187787/intel-to-receive-nearly-8-billion-in-federal-funding-under-chips-act-for-us-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel To Receive Nearly $8 Billion In Federal Funding Under CHIPS Act for US Expansion</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by lev radin on Shutterstock

Politics

Biden Proposes Medicare, Medicaid Access For Popular Weight-Loss Drugs

Viking Therapeutics's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NYSE">VKTX</a>) short percent of float has fallen 7.72% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 13.28 million shares sold short, which is 16.01% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.94 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732292122_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Viking Therapeutics has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Viking Therapeutics's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Viking Therapeutics's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 12.47%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

How Is The Market Feeling About Viking Therapeutics?

B. Riley Securities analyst Mayank Mamtani initiates coverage on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $109.

B. Riley Securities Initiates Coverage On Viking Therapeutics with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $109

Viking Therapeutics: Holiday Gift

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BTIG reiterates Buy on Viking Therapeutics after Novo's CagriSema 'underwhelms'

BUZZ Investing: Optimism Fuels Continued Rally

Novo Nordisk (NVO) on Friday announced 68-week efficacy and safety data from its REDEFINE 1 study, a Phase 3 trial evaluating once-weekly subcutane...

Viking gains ground as Novo Nordisk stumbles, says H.C. Wainwright

Why is Novo Nordisk crashing after data for next-gen weight loss drug?

These names in the biotech sector are seeing a substantial increase in search activity today, as determined by InvestingChannel. They include:&nbsp...

Biotech Alert: Searches spiking for these stocks today

B.Riley Financial analyst Mayank Mamtani maintained a Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX – Research Report) today and set a price target of $1...

B.Riley Financial Reaffirms Their Buy Rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX)

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Opinion

Press Releases

Health and Wellness Industry Embraces Surge in Demand for Weight Loss Drugs

Viking Therapeutics to Highlight Clinical Data from VK2735 Obesity Program in Presentations at ObesityWeek® 2024

Viking Therapeutics to Participate at Upcoming Investor Conferences

Viking Therapeutics Reports New Data from VK2735 Obesity Program at ObesityWeek® 2024

Ligand Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Raises 2024 Guidance

Small Cap

Viking Therapeutics to Present Data from Phase 2b VOYAGE Study of VK2809 in Patients with Biopsy-Confirmed NASH/MASH at the 75th Liver Meeting® 2024

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. - VKTX

Viking Therapeutics Presents Results from Phase 2b VOYAGE Study of VK2809 in Biopsy-Confirmed NASH/MASH at the 75th Liver Meeting® 2024

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