Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) shares tumbled 8.20% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following the release of disappointing second-quarter 2025 financial results after Wednesday's market close. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company reported wider-than-expected losses and increased expenses, raising concerns among investors.

For the quarter ended June 30, Viking Therapeutics reported a loss per share of $0.58, significantly missing the consensus estimate of $0.45. This represents a substantial increase in losses compared to the same period last year when the company reported an EPS of -$0.20. The company's net loss widened to $65.561 million, far exceeding the expected loss of $51.6 million. Operating expenses also surged to $74.574 million, surpassing analyst projections of $59.1 million.

Despite the disappointing financial results, Viking Therapeutics highlighted progress in its development pipeline. The company has initiated Phase 3 VANQUISH trials for VK2735 in obesity and type 2 diabetes and completed enrollment for its Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial. Viking maintains a strong cash position of $808 million to support ongoing clinical trials, which is expected to fund the advancement of the VK2735 program through Phase 3 trials. However, the market's immediate reaction focused on the earnings miss and increased expenses, resulting in the pre-market stock price decline.