Altimmune, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing treatments for obesity and liver diseases. The company's lead product candidate, pemvidutide, a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist that is in Phase 2 trial for the treatment of obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. It is also developing HepTcell, an immunotherapeutic product candidate, which is in Phase 2 clinical trial for patients chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus. The company was formerly known as Vaxin Inc. and changed its name to Altimmune, Inc. in September 2015. Altimmune, Inc. was founded in 1997 is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Altimmune, Inc.

(RTTNews) - PainReform Ltd.'s (PRFX) solar energy business unit, developing next-generation AI-driven solar analytics, DeepSolar, has been accepted into the NVIDIA Connect Program. This gives DeepSolar access to NVIDIA's AI frameworks, development tools, and engineering support to advance DeepSolar Predict, the nextgen, AI-driven, solar forecasting platform to improve weather prediction accuracy by up to 50% and optimize energy asset performance.
PRFX is up 70% at $2.33.
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.'s (IOVA) Amtagvi has received Health Canada approval for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The market authorization is conditional, pending the results of trials to confirm its clinical benefit. The drug was approved in the U.S. last February. The drug generated U.S. sales of $54.1 million in Q2, 2025.
IOVA is up over 12% at $2.81.
Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc.'s (ALDX) investigational drug ADX-2191 has been granted fast-track designation by the FDA for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. ADX-2191 is expected to advance to a Phase 2/3 clinical trial in retinitis pigmentosa this year. Retinitis pigmentosa, characterized by retinal cell death and loss of vision, affects more than one million people worldwide.
ALDX is down 1% at $5.38.
Delcath Systems, Inc.'s (DCTH) global Phase 2 Clinical Trial evaluating HEPZATO in combination with standard of care (SOC) treatment for liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer has dosed the first patient. The trial is designed to enrol 90 patients. Results from the trial's primary endpoint, hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS), are anticipated by mid-2028, while overall survival (OS), a secondary endpoint, is expected in late 2028.
DCTH is up over 1% at $10.83.
Altimmune, Inc.'s (ALT) lead drug candidate, Pemvidutide, has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. A Phase 2 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Pemvidutide in Alcohol Use Disorder, dubbed RECLAIM, is currently enrolling. The trial, which began enrolling in May 2025, is designed to enrol 100 participants.
ALT is up over 5% at $3.76.
OS Therapies Inc. (OSTX) expects to initiate BLA submission in late Q3 2025 for OST-HER2, targeting the prevention of recurrent, fully resected, lung metastatic pediatric osteosarcoma following the End of Phase 2 Meeting with the FDA. The End of Phase 2 Meeting with the FDA is scheduled for August 27, 2025.
OSTX is up 0.92% at $2.20.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Stocks To Watch: IOVA Soars On Regulatory Approval, FDA Fast Tracks Aldeyra's Drug

In trading on Thursday, drugs shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.4%. Helping drag down the group were shares of Inmune Bio, down about 12.5% and shares of Edgewise Therapeutics off about 12% on the day.
Also lagging the market Thursday are biotechnology shares, down on the day by about 0.3% as a group, led down by Altimmune, trading lower by about 54.9% and Cellectar Biosciences, trading lower by about 15.7%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Thursday Sector Laggards: Drugs, Biotechnology Stocks

The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is up 95.31 to 22,333.05. The total Pre-Market volume is currently 155,943,518 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the pre-market session:
Altimmune, Inc. (ALT) is -4.56 at $3.15, with 21,157,349 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ALT is in the "buy range".
Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL) is +0.06 at $12.64, with 10,767,047 shares traded. This represents a 100.95% increase from its 52 Week Low.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +2.36 at $156.67, with 7,203,843 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 9 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jul 2025. The consensus EPS forecast is $0.93. , following a 52-week high recorded in prior regular session.
Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) is +0.21 at $41.30, with 5,024,292 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for GLNG is in the "strong buy range".
Surf Air Mobility Inc. (SRFM) is +0.3599 at $2.90, with 3,339,882 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for SRFM is in the "strong buy range".
BigBear.ai, Inc. (BBAI) is +0.12 at $4.93, with 3,262,293 shares traded. BBAI's current last sale is 98.6% of the target price of $5.
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is -0.28 at $20.42, with 3,100,249 shares traded., following a 52-week high recorded in prior regular session.
Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) is +2.5987 at $129.85, with 3,061,527 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for MU is in the "buy range".
NIO Inc. (NIO) is +0.0097 at $3.48, with 2,249,331 shares traded. NIO's current last sale is 86.99% of the target price of $4.
Circle Internet Group, Inc. (CRCL) is +6.98 at $205.60, with 2,165,674 shares traded. CRCL's current last sale is 93.45% of the target price of $220.
QuantumScape Corporation (QS) is -0.05 at $5.62, with 1,679,782 shares traded. QS's current last sale is 112.4% of the target price of $5.
J P Morgan Chase & Co (JPM) is +1.05 at $285.11, with 1,257,747 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun 2025. The consensus EPS forecast is $4.47. , following a 52-week high recorded in prior regular session.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Pre-Market Most Active for Jun 26, 2025 : ALT, TSLL, NVDA, GLNG, SRFM, BBAI, SQQQ, MU, NIO, CRCL, QS, JPM

(RTTNews) - Altimmune, Inc. (ALT) Thursday announced positive topline results from the IMPACT Phase 2b study of pemvidutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The study met its primary goal.
In the Phase 2b study, participants were randomized to receive either pemvidutide at 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg doses or placebo for 24 weeks. In an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, in which participants with missing biopsies were considered non-responders, MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis was achieved in 59.1% and 52.1% of participants treated with pemvidutide 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg, respectively, compared with 19.1% of participants treated with placebo. The effects on fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH in an ITT analysis were 31.8% and 34.5% for pemvidutide 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg, respectively compared with 25.9% for placebo.
An AI-based analysis showed statistically significant reductions in fibrosis, including 30.6% of participants receiving pemvidutide 1.8 mg achieving a 60% or more reduction in fibrosis compared to 8.2% receiving placebo.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Altimmune Announces Positive Topline Data From IMPACT Phase 2b Study Of Pemvidutide In MASH

Altimmune will present Phase 2b trial data on pemvidutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis on June 26, 2025.
Quiver AI Summary
Altimmune, Inc. will host an investor webcast on June 26, 2025, at 8:30 am ET to present topline data from its Phase 2b IMPACT trial, which evaluated the efficacy of pemvidutide in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The conference call will feature remarks from company management and Dr. Mazen Noureddin. The IMPACT trial included 212 patients and aimed to assess the resolution of MASH or improvement in liver fibrosis after 24 weeks of treatment with either pemvidutide or a placebo. Pemvidutide, a dual receptor agonist, has shown promising results in previous trials, leading to its Fast Track designation by the FDA. The company anticipates a complete readout of the trial by the end of 2025.
Potential Positives
Altimmune is presenting topline data from its IMPACT Phase 2b trial, highlighting the progress of pemvidutide in treating a significant metabolic condition, MASH.
The U.S. FDA has granted Fast Track designation to pemvidutide, which could expedite its development and regulatory review process.
Results from previous trials indicate pemvidutide's potential for significant health benefits, including MASH resolution and notable weight loss, enhancing the company's prospects in the biopharmaceutical market.
Potential Negatives
No data is presented in this release from the ongoing IMPACT Phase 2b trial, which may lead to uncertainty among investors about the efficacy of pemvidutide.
The reliance on forward-looking statements raises concerns regarding potential delays and risks that could significantly impact the company's operational and financial performance.
The press release does not address the timeline for when the ongoing Phase 2 trials for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease will yield results, which could affect investor confidence.
What is the date and time of the Altimmune investor webcast?
The Altimmune investor webcast will be held on June 26, 2025, at 8:30 am E.T.
What will be presented during the webcast?
The webcast will present topline 24-week data from the IMPACT Phase 2b trial evaluating pemvidutide for MASH treatment.
How can I access the conference call and webcast?
You can access the conference call and webcast on Altimmune’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.altimmune.com/investors.
What is pemvidutide being developed for?
Pemvidutide is being developed for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), obesity, AUD, and ALD.
How many patients were enrolled in the IMPACT trial?
The IMPACT trial enrolled 212 patients with biopsy-confirmed MASH and fibrosis stages F2/F3.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
$ALT Insider Trading Activity
$ALT insiders have traded $ALT stock on the open market 1 times in the past 6 months. Of those trades, 1 have been purchases and 0 have been sales.
Here’s a breakdown of recent trading of $ALT stock by insiders over the last 6 months:
GREGORY L WEAVER (Chief Financial Officer) purchased 10,000 shares for an estimated $51,996
$ALT Hedge Fund Activity
We have seen 85 institutional investors add shares of $ALT stock to their portfolio, and 96 decrease their positions in their most recent quarter.
Here are some of the largest recent moves:
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL INC removed 3,810,966 shares (-72.5%) from their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $19,054,830
MARSHALL WACE, LLP added 1,102,821 shares (+1683.3%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $5,514,105
MILLENNIUM MANAGEMENT LLC added 765,662 shares (+221.5%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $3,828,310
CAPITAL FUND MANAGEMENT S.A. removed 726,829 shares (-100.0%) from their portfolio in Q4 2024, for an estimated $5,240,437
CITADEL ADVISORS LLC removed 675,044 shares (-100.0%) from their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $3,375,220
SUSQUEHANNA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, LLP added 575,145 shares (+114.8%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $2,875,725
TWO SIGMA INVESTMENTS, LP added 542,513 shares (+89.6%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $2,712,565
To track hedge funds' stock portfolios, check out Quiver Quantitative's institutional holdings dashboard.
Full Release
GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Altimmune, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ALT), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel peptide-based therapeutics for liver and cardiometabolic diseases, will host an investor webcast on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 8:30 am E.T. to present topline 24 week data from its IMPACT Phase 2b trial evaluating pemvidutide in the treatment of patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Conference Call Information
The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 am E.T. on June 26, 2025. The call will include remarks from Altimmune management and Dr. Mazen Noureddin, Professor of Medicine at the Houston Methodist Hospital and Co-Chairman of the Board for Summit Clinical Research and Pinnacle Clinical Research. Following the conclusion of the call, the webcast will be available for replay on the Investor Relations page of the Company’s website at
www.altimmune.com
.
Date:
Thursday, June 26, 2025
About the IMPACT Study
The IMPACT (
NCT05989711
) trial enrolled 212 patients with biopsy-confirmed MASH and fibrosis stages F2/F3 with and without diabetes randomized 1:2:2 to receive either weekly subcutaneous pemvidutide at 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg doses or placebo for 24 weeks. Key efficacy endpoints were MASH resolution or fibrosis improvement at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included weight loss and non-invasive tests. Patients will receive a total of 48 weeks of treatment, and a final readout is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025.
About Pemvidutide
Pemvidutide is a novel, investigational, peptide-based 1:1 GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist in development for the treatment of MASH, obesity, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease (ALD). Activation of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors is believed to mimic the complementary effects of diet and exercise on weight loss, with GLP-1 suppressing appetite and glucagon increasing energy expenditure. Glucagon is also recognized as having direct effects on hepatic fat metabolism, which is believed to lead to rapid reductions in levels of liver fat and serum lipids. In clinical trials to date, once-weekly pemvidutide has demonstrated statistically significant MASH resolution and liver fibrosis improvement, compelling weight loss with class-leading lean mass preservation, and robust reductions in liver fat content, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. The U.S. FDA has granted Fast Track designation to pemvidutide for the treatment of MASH. Pemvidutide completed the MOMENTUM Phase 2 obesity trial in 2024 and the ongoing IMPACT Phase 2b MASH trial, for which data will be reported on tomorrow’s call. IND applications in AUD and ALD have received FDA clearance, with a Phase 2 trial in AUD underway and a Phase 2 trial in ALD scheduled to commence in Q3 2025.
About Altimmune
Altimmune is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel peptide-based therapeutics for liver and cardiometabolic diseases. The Company’s lead program is pemvidutide, a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist for the treatment of MASH, obesity, AUD and ALD. For more information, please visit
www.altimmune.com
.
Forward-Looking Statement
Any statements made in this press release related to the development or commercialization of product candidates and other business and financial matters, including without limitation, trial results and data, the timing of key milestones for our clinical assets, and the prospects for the utility of regulatory approval, commercializing or selling any product or drug candidates, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words "may," "could," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "predict" and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to Altimmune, Inc. may identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements or historical experience include risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to: delays in regulatory review, manufacturing and supply chain interruptions, access to clinical sites, enrollment, adverse effects on healthcare systems and disruption of the global economy; the reliability of the results of studies relating to human safety and possible adverse effects resulting from the administration of the Company's product candidates; the Company's ability to manufacture clinical trial materials on the timelines anticipated; and the success of future product advancements, including the success of future clinical trials. Further information on the factors and risks that could affect the Company's business, financial conditions and results of operations are contained in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, which are available at
www.sec.gov
.
Company Contact:
Greg Weaver
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 240-654-1450
ir@altimmune.com
Investor Contact:
Lee Roth
Burns McClellan
Phone: 646-382-3403
lroth@burnsmc.com
Media Contact:
Jake Robison
Inizio Evoke, Biotech
Phone: 619-849-5383
jake.robison@inizioevoke.com
This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
This article was originally published on Quiver News, read the full story.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Altimmune, Inc. to Host Investor Webcast Presenting Topline Data from IMPACT Phase 2b Trial of Pemvidutide for MASH Treatment

Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Zeta Global Holdings Corp (Symbol: ZETA), where a total of 31,827 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 3.2 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 82.1% of ZETA's average daily trading volume over the past month of 3.9 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $15 strike call option expiring July 18, 2025, with 2,634 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 263,400 underlying shares of ZETA. Below is a chart showing ZETA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $15 strike highlighted in orange:
Altimmune Inc (Symbol: ALT) saw options trading volume of 27,652 contracts, representing approximately 2.8 million underlying shares or approximately 79.6% of ALT's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.5 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $7 strike call option expiring June 20, 2025, with 2,728 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 272,800 underlying shares of ALT. Below is a chart showing ALT's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $7 strike highlighted in orange:
And Rocket Lab Corp (Symbol: RKLB) saw options trading volume of 165,017 contracts, representing approximately 16.5 million underlying shares or approximately 79.3% of RKLB's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 20.8 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $30 strike call option expiring June 20, 2025, with 14,099 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.4 million underlying shares of RKLB. Below is a chart showing RKLB's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ZETA options, ALT options, or RKLB options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
Also see:
MFSF YTD Return
SPLK Price Target
ETFs Holding PSDV
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Friday Option Activity: ZETA, ALT, RKLB

Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Altimmune Inc (Symbol: ALT), where a total volume of 19,162 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.9 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 93.1% of ALT's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $7 strike put option expiring July 18, 2025, with 2,650 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 265,000 underlying shares of ALT. Below is a chart showing ALT's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $7 strike highlighted in orange:
Matson Inc (Symbol: MATX) options are showing a volume of 5,457 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 545,700 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 89.5% of MATX's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 609,660 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $120 strike call option expiring June 20, 2025, with 3,052 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 305,200 underlying shares of MATX. Below is a chart showing MATX's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $120 strike highlighted in orange:
And Victorias Secret & Co (Symbol: VSCO) options are showing a volume of 24,337 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.4 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 89% of VSCO's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.7 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $22 strike call option expiring June 20, 2025, with 7,446 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 744,600 underlying shares of VSCO. Below is a chart showing VSCO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ALT options, MATX options, or VSCO options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
MUSA Dividend Growth Rate
HLIX Options Chain
Institutional Holders of GACQ
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Noteworthy Monday Option Activity: ALT, MATX, VSCO

Keysight Technologies, Inc. KEYS is scheduled to report second-quarter fiscal 2025 results on May 20, after the closing bell. It pulled off a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.63%, on average.
Based in Santa Rosa, CA, the leading electronic design company is expected to report higher year-over-year revenues, backed by strength in both segments. Management’s focus on expanding its business through collaborations with established players in various sectors is a positive.
Factors at Play
In the to-be-reported quarter, Keysight announced that it has collaborated with Coherent Corp., a leading provider of advanced illumination solutions for 3D sensing applications, to enable tuning, validation and 200G characterization of the latter’s new vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser technology. By enabling higher data rates, the state-of-the-art multimode technology promises to facilitate the deployment of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning services while reducing both power consumption and capital expenditure for short-reach data interconnects. This will likely help large-scale data centers reduce operational expenses and minimize their environmental impact.
In the April quarter, Keysight unveiled a broad array of innovative products, underscoring its commitment to advancing next-generation test and design solutions. Among these was the Next-Generation Embedded Security Testbench, a solution engineered to address growing security challenges of modern chips and embedded devices. Built on a modular framework, the solution combines major components into a consolidated system which speeds up and streamlines the testing process, augmenting the reliability of security assessments.
The company also launched an innovative photonic design automation software solution as part of its Advanced Design System suite of tools. Dubbed Photonic Designer, this cutting-edge solution is tailored to streamline workflows from initial concept to simulation, emulation, and manufacturing, enhancing design accuracy and simplifying compliance-driven validation. These developments are likely to have a positive impact on the company’s upcoming results.
In the to-be-reported quarter, Keysight further strengthened its radio frequency (RF) and microwave instrument portfolio with the launch of six new analog signal generators, two vector signal generators, eight RF synthesizers and three signal source analyzers. Designed to support frequencies up to 54 GHz across both single- and multi-channel platforms, these compact, high-performance instruments enable RF engineers to conduct more precise component and device characterization. All these advancements are poised to drive incremental demand and contribute to revenue growth in the upcoming quarter.
Overall Expectations
Our estimate for revenues from the Communications Solutions Group segment is pegged at $870.2 million, suggesting 3.6% year-over-year growth. Revenues from the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group vertical are projected to be $409.2 million, up 8.8% year over year. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.)
For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.28 billion, indicating year-over-year growth from $1.22 billion. The consensus estimate for adjusted earnings per share is pegged at $1.65, suggesting an improvement from the $1.41 per share reported a year ago.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Keysight in the fiscal second quarter. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. This is not the case here.
Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is -0.37%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Keysight Technologies Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Keysight Technologies Inc. price-eps-surprise | Keysight Technologies Inc. Quote
Zacks Rank: Keysight has a Zacks Rank #3.
Stocks to Consider
The Earnings ESP for Altimmune ALT is +6.60% and carries a Zacks Rank of 2 currently. The company is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on May 13. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Stantec STN has an Earnings ESP of +6.87% and carries a Zacks Rank of 2 currently. The company is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on May 14.
Capital Southwest CSWC has an Earnings ESP of +3.23% and carries a Zacks Rank of 2 currently. The company is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on May 14.
Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock
It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom.
With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
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Altimmune, Inc. (ALT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Stantec Inc. (STN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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Capital Southwest Corporation (CSWC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Will Healthy Y/Y Revenue Growth Boost Keysight's Q2 Earnings?

Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Altimmune Inc (Symbol: ALT), where a total of 15,292 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 74.3% of ALT's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $10 strike call option expiring June 20, 2025, with 2,588 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 258,800 underlying shares of ALT. Below is a chart showing ALT's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $10 strike highlighted in orange:
Duolingo Inc (Symbol: DUOL) saw options trading volume of 6,373 contracts, representing approximately 637,300 underlying shares or approximately 69.7% of DUOL's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 913,750 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $300 strike put option expiring May 16, 2025, with 516 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 51,600 underlying shares of DUOL. Below is a chart showing DUOL's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $300 strike highlighted in orange:
And Advanced Micro Devices Inc (Symbol: AMD) saw options trading volume of 318,678 contracts, representing approximately 31.9 million underlying shares or approximately 69.2% of AMD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 46.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $100 strike call option expiring May 02, 2025, with 47,030 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 4.7 million underlying shares of AMD. Below is a chart showing AMD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $100 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ALT options, DUOL options, or AMD options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
Blackstone DMA
BKE Dividend Growth Rate
Funds Holding HLT
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: ALT, DUOL, AMD

The market for obesity drugs presents one of the most lucrative targets for biopharmaceutical companies. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are already raking in billions of dollars in sales with their weight-loss drugs. Other drugmakers are eyeing the market as well.
Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) is certainly in that group. However, the company finds itself at a distinct disadvantage after it recently threw in the towel on experimental obesity pill danuglipron because of safety concerns. Could Pfizer solve the issue by acquiring an up-and-coming biotech with a promising obesity drug in clinical development?
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Two great acquisition targets
The good news for Pfizer is that it shouldn't have any problems finding an acquisition candidate if it chooses to go that route. I can think of two great targets off the top of my head.
Let's start with Altimmune (NASDAQ: ALT). The company has what it calls "a pipeline in a product" with experimental GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist pemvidutide.
Altimmune met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2024 at the end of successful phase 2 testing of the drug in treating obesity. It expects to report results from a phase 2 study of pemvidutide in liver disorder metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in the second quarter of 2025. Altimmune also plans to advance the drug into phase 2 studies later this year as a potential treatment of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease.
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) stands out as another potential acquisition target for Pfizer. The company expects to begin phase 3 testing of a subcutaneous version of GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist VK2735 in treating obesity this year. It's conducting a phase 2 study of an oral formulation of the drug, with results anticipated in the second half of 2025.
Like Altimmune, Viking has a promising pipeline candidate targeting MASH, which is also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The company reported positive phase 2 results for its MASH drug, VK2809, last year. In addition, Viking is developing VK0214 as a potential treatment for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).
Evaluating Pfizer's ability to fund a deal
Pfizer's cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled nearly $20.5 billion at the end of 2024. The big pharmaceutical company raked in revenue of $63.6 billion last year with a profit of over $8 billion. The main negative for the company is its huge debt load of around $64 billion.
Still, Pfizer appears to be in a good financial position to move forward with a bolt-on acquisition. I think buying either Altimmune or Viking would be a relatively painless deal for Pfizer.
Altimmune's market cap is currently below $400 million. Even if we assumed a hefty premium to close a takeover of the company, Pfizer should be able to fund the transaction without taking on additional debt.
Acquiring Viking wouldn't be quite as cheap, with its market cap of almost $3 billion. However, Pfizer should be able to finance a buyout of Viking with its cash stockpile without breaking a sweat if it wanted to make a deal.
Will Pfizer acquire one of these smaller drugmakers?
But will Pfizer choose to acquire either Altimmune or Viking? I'm not sure. Although danuglipron is no longer a contender, Pfizer still has another experimental oral obesity drug in phase 2 testing -- PF-07976016.
I wouldn't be surprised if Pfizer waited to get a better feel for how PF-07976016 fares in clinical development before making a decision on potentially pursuing an acquisition. However, the company probably can't wait too long. Other big drugmakers seeking to enter the obesity market could have their sights set on Altimmune and Viking, too.
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Keith Speights has positions in Pfizer. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Pfizer. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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