Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) Stock

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.

Viking Therapeutics Inc

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.

News

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

VKTX

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

WIIM

Viking Therapeutics shares are trading higher after Pfizer discontinued the development of danuglipron.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>),&nbsp;&nbsp;Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) stocks are trading higher on Monday.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) announced on Monday that it will discontinue the development of danuglipron (PF-06882961), an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist being investigated for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic weight management</a>.
A single asymptomatic participant in one of the dose-optimization studies experienced potential drug-induced liver injury, which resolved after discontinuation of danuglipron.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/42827918/viking-therapeutics-structure-therapeutics-positioned-as-key-pharma-partners-for-weight-loss-products-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics Positioned As Key Pharma Partners For Weight Loss Products: Analyst</a>
Pfizer is one of several drugmakers working to develop an alternative to injectable weight loss drugs. Still, it&#8217;s far behind rivals like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, who already lead the market with weekly injections.
Eli Lilly is developing orforglipron, which could be the first small-molecule weight-loss pill when it launches in 2026. This would give Eli Lilly a two-year lead <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41137681/eli-lilly-nears-first-trillion-pharma-title-but-investors-caution-amid-sky-high-valuation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">before rivals catch up</a>.
In March, Viking Therapeutics completed subject enrollment in its Phase 2 clinical trial of the oral tablet formulation of VK2735, the company&#8217;s dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucose-dependent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/n44490486/viking-therapeutics-announces-completion-of-enrollment-in-phase-2-venture-oral-dosing-trial-of-vk2" rel="noreferrer noopener">insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors</a>.
VK2375 is being developed in oral and subcutaneous formulations for various metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Viking expects to report data from the study in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41712739/viking-therapeutics-reveals-early-stage-from-experimental-oral-obesity-drug-showing-weight-loss-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the second half of 2025</a>.
Viking plans to initiate Phase 3 development with the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 in the first half of 2025.
In June 2024, Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPCR#NASDAQ">GPCR</a>) unveiled 12-week topline obesity data from its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39144875/structure-therapeutics-obesity-candidate-is-very-competitive-to-eli-lillys-orforgli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phase 2a study of GSBR-1290</a>.
In the Phase 2a obesity study, GSBR-1290 demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant placebo-adjusted mean decrease in weight of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/06/g39133591/structure-therapeutics-reports-positive-topline-data-from-its-phase-2a-obesity-study-and-capsule-t" rel="noreferrer noopener">6.2% at 12 weeks</a>.&nbsp;
In July 2024, Roche Holdings AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>) announced topline results from two arms of an ongoing multi-part Phase 1 clinical trial for CT-996 for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39812408/roche-highlights-encouraging-data-from-newly-acquired-second-weight-loss-drug-candidate-in-early-" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes and obesity</a>.
The data showed that treatment with CT-996 in participants with obesity and without type 2 diabetes resulted in a clinically meaningful placebo-adjusted mean weight loss of -6.1% within four weeks.
This data is better compared <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39817857/obesity-drugs-focused-stocks-tumble-on-wednesday-whats-going-on-with-eli-lilly-novo-nordisk-vikin" rel="noreferrer noopener">to existing competitors</a>.
In June 2023, Pfizer discontinued the clinical development of another GLP-1-RA candidate, lotiglipron (PF-07081532), due to pharmacokinetic data from Phase 1 studies and laboratory measurements of elevated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/11/35757948/what-are-pfizers-prospects-in-obesity-pill-market-analysts-say-optimism-cautiousness-surround-wit" rel="noreferrer noopener">transaminases (liver enzymes)</a>.
In March, Altimmune Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>) unveiled the first disclosure of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Alcohol Liver Disease (ALD) as potential developments&nbsp;for its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44330443/altimmune-expands-weight-loss-drug-pemvidutides-potential-to-alcohol-related-disorders" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity drug, pemvidutide</a>.
Phase 2 trials for pemvidutide in AUD and ALD are expected to start in the second and third quarters of 2025, respectively.
Price Action: LLY stock is up 1.14% at $739.26, NVO stock is up 1.68% at $65.82, ALT stock is up 3.40% at $4.56, VKTX stock is up 13.5% at $25.21
GPCR stock is up 8.36% at $17.23 at the last check on Monday.
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Biotech

Large Cap

Health Care

Movers

Trading Ideas

General

GPCR

RHHBY

What's Going On With Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics Stock On Monday?

Editor's Note: The headline has been updated to reflect that the stocks are moving higher.
U.S. stock futures were higher this morning, with the Dow futures gaining around 400 points on Friday.
Shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) rose sharply in today's pre-market trading after the Trump administration announced tariff <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL">exemptions for smartphones</a>.
Apple shares gained 5.8% to 209.56 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving higher in pre-market trading.
<ul>
<li>Third Harmonic Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THRD#NASDAQ">THRD</a>) shares jumped 36.8% to $4.98 in pre-market trading after the company announced a plan of liquidation and dissolution.</li>
<li>Theratechnologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THTX#NASDAQ">THTX</a>) gained 32.5% to $2.57 in pre-market trading. Future Pak, on Friday, proposed to acquire the company for $255 million.</li>
<li>TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMC#NASDAQ">TMC</a>) gained 20% to $2.34 in pre-market trading following a 5% gain on Friday.</li>
<li>Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) rose 14.5% to $25.45 in pre-market trading after gaining 3% on Friday.</li>
<li>MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>) rose 12% to $25.40 in pre-market trading. MP Materials will release its financial results for the first quarter, after the closing bell on Thursday, May 8.</li>
<li>Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>) gained 8.8% to $65.76 in pre-market trading after the Trump administration excluded a range of technology products, including consumer electronics from the 145% reciprocal tariffs bucket.</li>
<li>Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>) climbed 5.8% to $86.73 in pre-market trading &nbsp;after the Trump administration excluded a range of technology products, including consumer electronics from the 145% reciprocal tariffs bucket.</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) rose 3% to $114.17 in pre-market trading after the Trump administration excluded a range of technology products, including consumer electronics from the 145% reciprocal tariffs bucket.</li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/04/44759831/top-3-industrials-stocks-that-may-explode-in-april">Top 3 Industrials Stocks That May Explode In April</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

AAPL

DELL

NVDA

THRD

THTX

Third Harmonic Bio, Apple, Dell And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher In Monday's Pre-Market Session (CORRECTED)

Goldman Sachs analyst Richard Law initiates coverage on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $30.

Initiation

Goldman Sachs Initiates Coverage On Viking Therapeutics with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $30

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with VKTX, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 8 uncommon options trades for Viking Therapeutics.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 37% bullish and 62%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $342,498, and 2 are calls, for a total amount of $63,900.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $20.0 to $70.0 for Viking Therapeutics over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Viking Therapeutics's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Viking Therapeutics's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $20.0 to $70.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743191131_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</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>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$102.0K</td>
<td align="right">495</td>
<td align="right">213</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$69.6K</td>
<td align="right">495</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$20.65</td>
<td>$20.45</td>
<td>$20.65</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$61.9K</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td align="right">495</td>
<td align="right">262</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$44.0</td>
<td>$42.9</td>
<td>$44.0</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">9</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>Current Position of Viking Therapeutics</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,390,322, the price of VKTX is down by -2.51%, reaching $25.48.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 26 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $102.0.
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;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $102. 
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://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

A Closer Look at Viking Therapeutics's Options Market Dynamics

Viking Therapeutics Completes Enrollment In Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial Of VK2735 Tablet Formulation For Patients With Obesity

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>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
<td>$50.5K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$60.2K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/28/25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$473.7K</td>
<td>609</td>
<td>602</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HCA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$312.3K</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>502</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AKRO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$27.50</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>469</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GERN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$1.00</td>
<td>$33.7K</td>
<td>413</td>
<td>397</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EWTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$32.2K</td>
<td>5.4K</td>
<td>332</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$53.6K</td>
<td>6.9K</td>
<td>295</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$44.2K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>188</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$57.50</td>
<td>$64.9K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
<td>167</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding PFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 56 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $24.00 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 $50.5K, with a price of $253.0 per contract. There were 2012 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2073 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 bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 300 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $60.2K, with a price of $201.0 per contract. There were 2865 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1625 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMGN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on March 28, 2025. Parties traded 600 contract(s) at a $320.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 57 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $473.7K, with a price of $779.0 per contract. There were 609 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 602 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HCA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 27 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 474 contract(s) at a $320.00 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 $312.3K, with a price of $660.0 per contract. There were 43 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 502 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AKRO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AKRO#NASDAQ">AKRO</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $27.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $1750.0 per contract. There were 2499 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 469 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GERN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GERN#NASDAQ">GERN</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 210 day(s) on October 17, 2025. Parties traded 397 contract(s) at a $1.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.7K, with a price of $85.0 per contract. There were 413 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 397 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding EWTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWTX#NASDAQ">EWTX</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 27 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 104 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.2K, with a price of $310.0 per contract. There were 5479 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 332 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 91 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 198 contract(s) at a $230.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 35 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.6K, with a price of $271.0 per contract. There were 6965 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 295 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CAH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAH#NYSE">CAH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, is expiring today. Parties traded 137 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.2K, with a price of $325.0 per contract. There were 2600 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 188 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 sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 91 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 116 contract(s) at a $57.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $64.9K, with a price of $560.0 per contract. There were 9548 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 167 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.

ABBV

AKRO

AMGN

EWTX

GERN

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with VKTX, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 8 uncommon options trades for Viking Therapeutics.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 37% bullish and 62%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $315,085, and 2 are calls, for a total amount of $67,318.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $25.0 to $32.5 for Viking Therapeutics over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Viking Therapeutics's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Viking Therapeutics's whale trades within a strike price range from $25.0 to $32.5 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742577436_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>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$100.2K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
<td>262</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$2.02</td>
<td>$1.71</td>
<td>$2.02</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$60.6K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>966</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.78</td>
<td>$1.35</td>
<td>$1.78</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$48.9K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$1.44</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$40.9K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$2.06</td>
<td>$1.57</td>
<td>$1.88</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$37.6K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>366</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.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Viking Therapeutics, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Viking Therapeutics Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,145,610, the VKTX's price is down by -1.23%, now at $28.0. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 33 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Over the past month, 1 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $102.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting 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://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on VKTX Options

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bullish on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in VKTX often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 8 options trades for Viking Therapeutics. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 37% bullish and 37% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $25,535, and 7 calls, totaling $353,860.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $15.0 to $77.5 for Viking Therapeutics during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Viking Therapeutics stands at 531.67, with a total volume reaching 1,808.00. 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 $15.0 to $77.5, 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/2025/1741794336_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>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$9.8</td>
<td>$9.35</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$96.0K</td>
<td>218</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$1.89</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$70.0K</td>
<td>534</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$0.98</td>
<td>$1.32</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$44.4K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">802</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$2.75</td>
<td>$2.98</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$44.4K</td>
<td>534</td>
<td align="right">376</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$0.97</td>
<td>$1.31</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$44.1K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">465</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>Viking Therapeutics's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 4,579,799, the price of VKTX is up by 8.18%, reaching $28.69.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 42 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $102.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank has revised its rating downward to Sector Outperform, adjusting the price target to $102. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
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://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Behind the Scenes of Viking Therapeutics's Latest Options Trends

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>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$43.0K</td>
<td>680</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/14/25</td>
<td>$815.00</td>
<td>$26.5K</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>268</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$62.50</td>
<td>$125.9K</td>
<td>90</td>
<td>253</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SYK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$119.2K</td>
<td>472</td>
<td>203</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$95.5K</td>
<td>290</td>
<td>193</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IQV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$200.2K</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>111</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$99.7K</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>6.1K</td>
<td>56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$80.8K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$101.9K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• 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 bullish, expiring in 37 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 426 contract(s) at a $35.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.0K, with a price of $101.0 per contract. There were 680 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1750 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 call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 3 day(s) on March 14, 2025. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $815.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.5K, with a price of $1325.0 per contract. There were 38 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 268 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 192 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 221 contract(s) at a $62.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 13 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $125.9K, with a price of $570.0 per contract. There were 90 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 253 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SYK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYK#NYSE">SYK</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 10 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $360.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $119.2K, with a price of $596.0 per contract. There were 472 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 203 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 31 day(s) on April 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 193 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $95.5K, with a price of $495.0 per contract. There were 290 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 193 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IQV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IQV#NYSE">IQV</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 283 day(s) on December 19, 2025. Parties traded 110 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $200.2K, with a price of $1820.0 per contract. There were 31 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 111 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 bullish, expiring in 192 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 23 contract(s) at a $490.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $99.7K, with a price of $4335.0 per contract. There were 92 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 77 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 call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 101 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 35 contract(s) at a $165.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $760.0 per contract. There were 6139 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 56 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 put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 192 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 26 contract(s) at a $330.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.8K, with a price of $3110.0 per contract. There were 14 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 29 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TMO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 464 day(s) on June 18, 2026. Parties traded 10 contract(s) at a $600.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $101.9K, with a price of $10193.0 per contract. There were 0 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 about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CordenPharma And Viking Therapeutics Sign Partnership, CordenPharma To Provide Development And Manufacturing Services For Clinical And Commercial Demand Of VK2735

Viking Therapeutics Signs Manufacturing Agreement With CordenPharma For The Active Pharmaceutical Agreement And Final Finished Product Supply For VK2735 Program; Viking Will Make Prepayments Totaling $150M Between 2025-2028

U.S. stocks were lower, with the Dow Jones falling over 500 points on Thursday.
Shares of BJ&#8217;s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BJ#NYSE">BJ</a>) rose sharply during Thursday's session after the company reported better-than-expected <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44165337/bjs-wholesale-club-posts-q4-earnings-above-street-view-due-to-strong-membership-fee">fourth-quarter financial results</a>.
The company reported a fourth-quarter revenue decline of 1.4% year-on-year to $5.28 billion, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $5.27 billion. Adjusted EPS of 93 cents beat the consensus estimate of 87 cents.
Workday shares jumped 13.1% to $113.15 on Thursday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MYE#NYSE">MYE</a>) shares surged 25.3% to $12.20 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly financial results.</li>
<li>LendingTree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TREE#NASDAQ">TREE</a>) shares jumped 25% to $50.35 after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results.</li>
<li>Studio City International Holdings Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSC#NYSE">MSC</a>) gained 18.6% to $3.2750.</li>
<li>America&#8217;s Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRMT#NASDAQ">CRMT</a>) rose 16.9% to $44.85 after the company reported upbeat quarterly financial results.</li>
<li>John Wiley &amp; Sons, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WLY#NYSE">WLY</a>) gained 13.5% to $43.03 following better-than-expected quarterly financial results.</li>
<li>Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BURL#NYSE">BURL</a>) rose 9.9% to $260.50 after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results.</li>
<li>Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEEV#NYSE">VEEV</a>) gained 9% to $239.73 after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results and issued first-quarter guidance above estimates.</li>
<li>Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) rose 6.8% to $29.84.</li>
<li>Polaris Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PII#NYSE">PII</a>) gained 4.9% to $43.25.</li>
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Intraday Update

BURL

CRMT

TREE

VEEV

BJ's Wholesale Club Posts Better-Than-Expected Earnings, Joins Burlington Stores, Veeva Systems And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Thursday

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 55% of traders were bullish, while 44% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $353,060, and 7 were calls, valued at $317,256.
<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 $20.0 to $50.0 for Viking Therapeutics during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Viking Therapeutics's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Viking Therapeutics's whale trades within a strike price range from $20.0 to $50.0 in 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/2025/1741018562_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>08/15/25</td>
<td>$2.89</td>
<td>$2.56</td>
<td>$2.7</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$270.2K</td>
<td>183</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$2.34</td>
<td>$1.93</td>
<td>$1.93</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$91.3K</td>
<td>345</td>
<td align="right">501</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$11.35</td>
<td>$9.3</td>
<td>$9.74</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$82.7K</td>
<td>821</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.68</td>
<td>$1.5</td>
<td>$1.5</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$56.5K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td align="right">410</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$6.5</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$51.5K</td>
<td>755</td>
<td align="right">86</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.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Viking Therapeutics</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,697,510, the VKTX's price is down by -6.69%, now at $26.94. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 51 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $99.2.
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;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Piper Sandler continues to hold a Overweight rating for Viking Therapeutics, targeting a price of $71. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank downgraded its action to Sector Outperform with 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; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Raymond James keeps a Strong Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics with a target price of $125. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B. Riley Securities downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $96. 
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://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Viking Therapeutics Unusual Options Activity

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Viking Therapeutics.
Looking at options history for Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) we detected 13 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 69% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 30% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $453,915 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $500,554.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $20.0 to $100.0 for Viking Therapeutics over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Viking Therapeutics's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Viking Therapeutics's whale trades within a strike price range from $20.0 to $100.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740513710_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>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$7.2</td>
<td>$7.0</td>
<td>$7.2</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$160.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>297</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.43</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$142.1K</td>
<td>216</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.85</td>
<td>$1.43</td>
<td>$1.44</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$141.6K</td>
<td>216</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$0.99</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$105.0K</td>
<td>6.0K</td>
<td>199</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.85</td>
<td>$1.46</td>
<td>$1.46</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>216</td>
<td>2.6K</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.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Viking Therapeutics, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Viking Therapeutics's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 4,281,250, the price of VKTX is down by -3.94%, reaching $28.05.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 57 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $81.2.
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;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Maxim Group has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics, which currently sits at a price target of $70. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup downgraded its action to Neutral with a price target of $38. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Raymond James has decided to maintain their Strong Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics, which currently sits at a price target of $125. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank downgraded its action to Sector Outperform with a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler persists with their Overweight rating on Viking Therapeutics, maintaining a target price of $71. 
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://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Legal

Drug Compounders Sue U.S. Drug Regulator Over Removal Of Novo Nordisk Diabetes, Weight Loss Drugs From Shortage List

Viking Therapeutics shares are trading higher amid unconfirmed M&A rumors.

Press Releases

Viking Therapeutics Announces Initiation of Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial of VK2735 Tablet Formulation in Patients with Obesity

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

Small Cap

Viking Therapeutics to Report Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 on February 5, 2025

Earnings

Viking Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Viking Therapeutics to Participate at Upcoming Investor Conferences

Viking Therapeutics Signs Broad Manufacturing Agreement With CordenPharma to Support Commercialization of VK2735

Contracts

CordenPharma and Viking Therapeutics Sign Long-Term Strategic Partnership for Integrated Supply of GLP-1 Peptides, Injectables and Oral Formulations

Viking Therapeutics Announces Completion of Enrollment in Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial of VK2735 Tablet Formulation in Patients with Obesity

Viking Therapeutics to Report Financial Results for First Quarter 2025 on April 23, 2025

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