Group 1 - Stone Fox Capital is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) based in Oklahoma, led by Mark Holder, a CPA with extensive experience in investing and portfolio management [1] - Mark Holder has 30 years of investing experience, including 15 years as a portfolio manager, and leads the investing group Out Fox The Street [1] - The investing group provides stock picks, deep research, model portfolios, daily updates, real-time alerts, and community chat for readers [1] Group 2 - The article does not contain any stock, option, or similar derivative positions in the companies mentioned, but there is a potential for initiating a long position in VKTX within the next 72 hours [2] - The information is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell securities [3] - Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no specific investment recommendations are provided [4]

Core Viewpoint - Stone Fox Capital is an RIA based in Oklahoma, led by Mark Holder, a CPA with extensive experience in investing and portfolio management [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Stone Fox Capital provides investment research and analysis services, focusing on uncovering potential multibaggers while managing portfolio risk through diversification [1] - Mark Holder has 30 years of investing experience, including 15 years as a portfolio manager, and leads the investing group Out Fox The Street [1] Group 2: Services Offered - The company offers various model portfolios, stock picks with identifiable catalysts, daily updates, and real-time alerts [1] - Subscribers have access to community chat and direct communication with Mark for inquiries [1]

Group 1 - The article highlights the potential for above-average market returns by identifying underperforming stocks that may rebound, particularly in the context of a strong overall market performance [1] - Viking Therapeutics and Zoetis are identified as two healthcare stocks that have underperformed in 2025 but may see significant improvements in 2026 [2] - Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company with promising developments in weight management, specifically its investigational GLP-1 anti-obesity medicine VK2735, which is currently in phase 3 studies [4][5] Group 2 - Viking Therapeutics has faced challenges due to profit-taking by investors and high patient dropout rates in mid-stage trials, but the efficacy of VK2735 remains strong, suggesting potential for recovery [6][7] - The company is developing an oral formulation of VK2735, which could enhance its market position in the growing weight loss drug sector [5][6] - Positive clinical and regulatory progress for Viking Therapeutics could lead to a rebound in its stock price as early as next year, making it a stock worth considering [7]

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is positioned to become a significant player in the biotech sector, focusing on next-generation obesity treatments, particularly with its lead drug VK2735 [1] - The company has made notable advancements in its clinical pipeline and financial positioning, which may lead to multiple future catalysts [1] Company Overview - Viking Therapeutics is valued at $4.2 billion and specializes in developing treatments for metabolic and endocrine diseases, with a primary focus on obesity [4] - VK2735, the lead drug, is a dual agonist targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which are crucial in the obesity treatment landscape [4] - The company is advancing both subcutaneous and oral formulations of VK2735, potentially minimizing safety risks during patient transitions [4] Clinical Progress - Recent clinical data from a Phase 2 oral dosage study showed statistically significant weight loss over 13 weeks, with higher doses resulting in double-digit percentage reductions [5] - VK2735 was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events being mild or moderate, and gastrointestinal issues decreasing over time [5] - Viking has progressed VK2735 to Phase 3 development through the Vanquish Registration Program, focusing on weekly subcutaneous dosages for obese individuals and those with Type 2 diabetes [6] Future Developments - The company is exploring innovative maintenance strategies, including monthly injections and oral dosing regimens to help patients maintain weight loss [7] - Results from these maintenance studies are expected by mid-2026, which could be pivotal for the stock's performance [7] Financials - Viking currently generates no commercial revenue and incurs significant research and development expenses, leading to a net loss of $90.8 million, up from $24.9 million the previous year [7] - The increase in losses is attributed to aggressive investments in late-stage trials and manufacturing rather than operational weaknesses [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough personal research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect the views of any affiliated organization [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock, option, or similar derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses that past performance does not guarantee future results, underscoring the uncertainty in investment outcomes [4].

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett is set to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, marking the end of an era for the company and the investment community [1][3]. Group 1: Buffett's Investment Philosophy - Buffett is recognized as the ultimate investor, known for his long-term approach and focus on quality investments rather than day-to-day operations [2][3]. - His trading philosophy has rewarded investors significantly, emphasizing the importance of buying quality at a cheap price [2][3]. Group 2: Impact of Buffett's Departure - The departure of Buffett signifies a major transition for Berkshire Hathaway, with expectations that the company's investment philosophy will remain largely unchanged [6]. - There is curiosity about the new team's investment strategy, especially as Berkshire has shown a more "risk on" approach with recent investments in companies like UnitedHealth Group and Alphabet Inc [7]. Group 3: Recent Investments by Berkshire Hathaway - Berkshire Hathaway has continued to invest in quality companies, with notable recent investments in UnitedHealth Group and Alphabet Inc, indicating a shift towards more technology names [7]. - The ongoing investment in Occidental Petroleum raises questions about Berkshire's commitment to the energy sector and its long-term strategy [8].

Core Viewpoint - Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) is identified as a promising mid-cap healthcare stock with significant upside potential, projected at nearly 190% from its current price, with a target of $102 per share [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - H.C. Wainwright analyst Joseph Pantginis has reaffirmed a Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics, forecasting a price target of $102 per share [1]. - Consensus estimates indicate a potential upside of over 176% for Viking Therapeutics, with a forecasted target price of $97.27, supported by all 13 analysts assigning Buy ratings [3]. Group 2: Product Development and Market Position - Viking Therapeutics focuses on differentiated VK2735 oral and injectable formulations, which are bolstered by positive outcomes from a Phase 3 study conducted by competitor Eli Lilly, showing oral therapies can effectively maintain weight loss previously associated with injections [2]. - The results from Eli Lilly's study validate Viking's ongoing oral obesity program, reducing commercial risks and increasing investor interest in the company [3]. - Viking Therapeutics specializes in therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, particularly targeting obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes through small-molecule drugs [4].

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics is focused on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, gaining attention in the anti-obesity drug sector with a promising product pipeline [1][6] - The company's dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735, is in late-stage trials and has attracted interest from major pharmaceutical companies [2][6] - VK2735 has shown impressive efficacy but faces challenges, including a 20% discontinuation rate in phase 2 trials due to adverse events [3][6] Company Pipeline - VK2735 is available in both oral and subcutaneous forms, making it an attractive acquisition target [2] - The oral version of VK2735 has achieved unmatched double-digit weight loss within just 13 weeks, positioning Viking as a potential leader in the oral obesity drug market [4] - Viking is also expanding its pipeline with a promising amylin agonist program [4] Financial Overview - Currently, VKTX is trading at $34.52, reflecting a slight increase of 0.63% [5] - The stock has a market capitalization of approximately $3.9 billion and a strong cash reserve of $714 million [5][6] - Despite the strong cash position, the company faces risks such as potential dilution and high costs associated with advancing its pipeline [5][6]

Company Overview - Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders, particularly in obesity, diabetes, and NASH [2] - The company is advancing both injectable and oral dual-agonist therapies, positioning itself as a strategically scarce asset within the GLP-1/GIP treatment revolution [2] Key Programs - The lead program, VK2735, targets obesity and type-2 diabetes, showing a mean weight loss of approximately 14–15% over 13 weeks in Phase 2 trials, with strong tolerability [3] - Viking is advancing two pivotal programs: VANQUISH (injectable) and VENTURE-Oral, with the oral formulation potentially expanding patient reach significantly if efficacy is maintained [3] - The second major asset, VK2809, is aimed at NASH and lipid disorders, demonstrating up to 55% median liver-fat reduction in Phase 2 trials, indicating a favorable safety profile [4] Financial Position - As of Q3 2025, Viking had approximately $715 million in cash and no debt, providing a strong balance sheet and sufficient runway to fund Phase 3 programs without near-term dilution [5] - Commercialization of VK2735 is anticipated around 2028, with profitability expected by 2029–2030 [5] Market Potential and Valuation - The base-case valuation suggests an enterprise value of roughly $11.5 billion, translating to approximately $110 per share, indicating significant upside potential [5] - The company is positioned at the intersection of two multi-billion-dollar markets, balancing near-term visibility with longer-term growth opportunities [4] Investor Sentiment - The stock price has appreciated approximately 27.64% since previous coverage due to increased investor optimism around clinical progress [6] - The current bullish thesis emphasizes balance sheet strength, NASH optionality, and potential for mergers and acquisitions from larger pharmaceutical players [6]