Analyst Confidence Fuels Viking Therapeutics Stock Rebound

After a challenging week, shares of Viking Therapeutics staged a significant recovery on Friday, breaking a six-day losing streak. The turnaround was largely attributed to a bullish research note from a prominent analyst firm, which reiterated strong conviction in the stock's long-term potential.

The stock closed Friday's session at $35.19, marking a gain of approximately 3.65%. This advance ended a consecutive period of declines that had pressured the share price. Market participants noted the rebound occurred amidst broader market volatility, with traders suggesting that value-oriented buyers entered positions, viewing the prior weakness as a buying opportunity.

H.C. Wainwright Reaffirms Strong Buy Stance

The primary catalyst for the positive shift in sentiment was a refreshed analysis from H.C. Wainwright & Co. Analyst Joseph Pantginis confirmed his "Buy" rating on the stock and maintained a price target of $102 per share.

Key takeaways from the firm's update include:

• Rating: Buy (Reiterated)
• Price Target: $102.00
• Upside from Friday's Close: ~190%
• Rationale: Strong confidence in the company's metabolic disease pipeline, particularly its anti-obesity drug candidates.

The report highlights that growing investor interest is centered on Viking's metabolic portfolio. The development of anti-obesity therapeutics is identified as a core value driver for the company.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Viking Therapeutics?

Broader Obesity Sector Momentum Provides Tailwinds

The company-specific news is set against a backdrop of intense activity across the weight-loss drug sector. Competition in the development of GLP-1 and GIP agonists continues to intensify, drawing investor attention to biotechnology firms with promising clinical data in this field.

Industry-wide, recent transactions—including bidding contests for comparable metabolic assets like those of Metsera—demonstrate the substantial premiums large pharmaceutical companies are willing to pay. For Viking, the dual agonist VK2735 remains a central focus for speculation, supporting the company's valuation despite recent share price volatility.

Technical Picture Shows Signs of Stabilization

From a chart perspective, Friday's price action was notable. By reclaiming the $35 zone, the stock defended a key psychological support level. The reversal following six down days suggests selling pressure may have temporarily subsided, allowing buyers to become more active at current levels.

However, the trading range remains susceptible to swings. While the move above a short-term downtrend line is viewed as an initial signal for a potential shift in momentum, analysts caution that this needs confirmation in subsequent trading sessions.

Current Status and Near-Term Outlook

Viking Therapeutics shares now stand at $35.19. The convergence of a strongly positive analyst call with significant projected upside, a bolstered support level around $35, and a persistently dynamic obesity drug market creates a constructive short-term setup. The critical test in the coming week will be whether the stock can build on this fresh momentum and solidify its technical foundation.