Core Viewpoint - Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is expected to report a loss of 70 cents per share for Q3 2025, with no revenues anticipated due to the absence of marketed drugs in its portfolio [2][5]. Financial Performance - The company's earnings have consistently missed estimates, with a negative average surprise of 15.65% over the past four quarters, including a 31.82% miss in the last reported quarter [3][4]. - Loss estimates for 2025 have increased from $2.39 to $2.45 per share in the last 60 days, indicating ongoing operational challenges [2][5]. Pipeline Updates - The upcoming investor call is expected to focus on updates regarding three key candidates: VK2735 for obesity, VK2809 for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) [7]. - VKTX has initiated a late-stage program for VK2735, which includes two phase III studies (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2) targeting different obesity patient groups [8]. - Investors are looking for updates on the oral version of VK2735, which showed mixed results in a mid-stage study, particularly concerning patient dropout rates due to adverse effects [9]. Competitive Landscape - VKTX is facing intense competition in the obesity treatment market from established players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which are advancing their own oral treatments [18][19]. - The company is exploring partnership opportunities to support the clinical development of its NASH and X-ALD programs due to limited resources [19]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, VKTX's stock has declined nearly 14%, underperforming both the industry and the broader market [12]. - The stock is trading at a premium valuation, with a price/book ratio of 4.91 compared to the industry average of 3.41, indicating a higher valuation relative to its peers [15]. Financial Position - VKTX maintains a strong financial position with $808 million in cash and no outstanding debt, providing sufficient liquidity for ongoing operations and research and development [17].

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk is viewed as a speculative buy, with contrasting opinions from analysts regarding its future performance and stock potential [1][4]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings - Morgan Stanley has downgraded Novo Nordisk to underweight due to disappointing growth in key prescriptions in the U.S. [1] - HSBC Holdings has upgraded its rating to buy, citing the potential of the company's pipeline [1]. Group 2: Stock Performance - Novo Nordisk shares have experienced a nearly 50% decline, attributed to market disappointment over Wegovy's share loss in the weight loss market to Eli Lilly's Zepbound [1]. Group 3: Upcoming Events - The company is leading the race for FDA approval of an oral weight loss pill (oral Wegovy), with a decision expected this year [2]. - Novo Nordisk is conducting a phase 3 trial of its next-generation weight loss drug, CagriSema, against Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, with results expected by mid-January [2]. - Results from a phase 3 trial of semaglutide in Alzheimer's patients are anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026, aiming to slow cognitive decline [3]. Group 4: Investment Considerations - While there are no guarantees regarding the outcomes of these trials, the potential upside from the upcoming events should not be overlooked, especially if oral Wegovy receives FDA approval in 2025 [4].