3 Monster Stocks in the Making to Buy Right Now
CRISPR Therapeutics is still in its early growth stage.
Summit Therapeutics has plenty of upside potential remaining.
Viking Therapeutics is targeting two monster markets.
10 stocks we like better than CRISPR Therapeutics ›
Where can you find the next monster stocks? Check out the biotech space. It's not easy, but investors can sometimes find highly promising biotech stocks that are only in their early innings.
Three Motley Fool contributors think they've identified monster stocks in the making. Here's why they picked CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP), Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SMMT), and Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX).
Image source: Getty Images.
A promising company in its early growth stage
David Jagielski (CRISPR Therapeutics): Biotech company CRISPR Therapeutics has a market cap of around $5 billion, but it has the potential to be much more valuable in the long run. The gene editing market is still fairly small, but it has a lot of room to grow. Analysts from Grand View Research project that it will expand at a compound annual growth rate of more than 16% between now and 2030, when it will be worth $25 billion. As a leading company in the space, CRISPR Therapeutics is well positioned to benefit from future growth in this area of healthcare.
The company, and its key development partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), already have an approved gene therapy treatment in Casgevy, which regulators have approved for both sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. The companies will share in the profits on the treatment (CRISPR will take 40%). Casgevy is still in its early growth stages. CRISPR is also working on developing treatments for type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While CRISPR remains unprofitable today, its future does look bright.
It's a long road ahead for CRISPR Therapeutics, but with an encouraging pipeline and a lot of growth potential, this could be a monster healthcare stock in the making. The business is well funded with its cash and marketable securities as of the end of March totaling nearly $1.9 billion, putting it in an excellent position to continue investing in its research and development efforts.
CRISPR can make for an excellent investment, but it's also one you'll need to be patient with.
Still plenty of upside left for this stock
Prosper Junior Bakiny (Summit Therapeutics): Few biotech companies have performed better than Summit Therapeutics over the past three years. The company's shares have soared by more than 2,000%, making early investors who held on significantly wealthier in the process. Here's the good news for those who are still considering the stock: There could be a massive upside left for Summit Therapeutics. Though the biotech generates no revenue and is unprofitable, it has one of the more promising pipeline products in the industry.
Summit Therapeutics' leading candidate is a cancer medicine called ivonescimab, which it licensed out from Akeso Biopharma (OTC: AKES.F), a China-based drug developer.
The medicine has been extensively tested in China, where it has already received approval in certain indications. One of ivonescimab's most promising markets is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a phase 3 study in China, it went head-to-head against the market leader and the world's best-selling drug: Merck 's (NYSE: MRK) Keytruda. Ivonescimab emerged victorious, leading to a greater decrease in the risk of recurrence or death among NSCLC patients with a PD-L1 protein overexpression.
Summit Therapeutics is conducting clinical studies to support approval in the U.S. and other regions. Furthermore, the biotech is likely to seek a series of approvals and label expansions over the years, based on the number of clinical trials and indications Akeso is targeting in China. Ivonescimab should easily become a blockbuster and generate strong sales for years. That's why it's not too late to invest in Summit Therapeutics. If ivonescimab achieves its full potential, Summit could deliver market-beating returns in the next five to 10 years and establish itself as a prominent player in the biotech industry.
Targeting two monster markets
Keith Speights (Viking Therapeutics): The big story for Viking Therapeutics is its experimental obesity drug VK2735. The company recently advanced a subcutaneous formulation of this candidate into late-stage clinical testing after announcing highly encouraging results from a phase 2 study last year.
Viking is also evaluating an oral version of VK2735 in a separate phase 2 clinical trial, and it expects to report results from that study later in 2025. In addition, the drugmaker plans to initiate a clinical study for a monthly maintenance version of subcutaneous VK2735 in the coming months.
Morgan Stanley Research projects that the global obesity drug market could reach $150 billion by 2035. Viking could be in a great position to claim a nice chunk of that market if VK2735 fulfills its potential.
Obesity isn't the only big market that the company is targeting, though. In 2023, Viking reported positive results from a phase 2 study of VK2809 in treating metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a chronic liver disease also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The company is seeking a partner to advance VK2809 into late-stage testing, so it can dedicate its financial resources exclusively to VK2735 for now. Grand View Research predicts the MASH/NASH market could hit $33.8 billion by 2030, so that's a nice opportunity.
A clinical trial flop for VK2735 and/or a failure to find a partner for VK2809 could prevent Viking from becoming a monster stock. However, I think the company's chances look pretty good. I also wouldn't be surprised if a larger drugmaker swoops in to acquire Viking.
Should you invest $1,000 in CRISPR Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in CRISPR Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and CRISPR Therapeutics wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $652,133!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,056,790!*
Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,048% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 15, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
11 minutes ago
- Toronto Star
Axsome Therapeutics to Ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell Today
NEW YORK, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXSM), a biopharmaceutical company leading a new era in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that Herriot Tabuteau, MD, Axsome's Chief Executive Officer, along with the rest of the management team, and other Axsome team members, will ring the opening bell of the NASDAQ Stock Market today, Monday, July 21, 2025, in connection with its Frontiers in Brain Health R&D Day event being held today. Herriot Tabuteau, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Axsome said, 'We are thrilled to ring NASDAQ's opening bell in connection with our Frontiers in Brain Health R&D Day today, showcasing our pioneering work across our pipeline of innovative, late-stage CNS product candidates, and commemorating the recent availability of SYMBRAVO® by prescription in the U.S. With our growing portfolio of differentiated on-market medicines, and our pipeline of potentially transformative investigational medicines, Axsome is defining the future of clinical practice in brain health to improve the lives of the millions of patients living with serious and difficult-to-treat CNS conditions.'
Toronto Star
11 minutes ago
- Toronto Star
Helius Announces Positive Outcome of the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator PoNS® Stroke Registrational Program and Upcoming Submission to FDA Under Breakthrough Designation
NEWTOWN, Pa., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSDT), a neurotech company focused on delivering a novel therapeutic neuromodulation approach for balance and gait deficits, today announced positive outcome from the PoNS (Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) Stroke Registrational Program (SRP) supporting a planned FDA submission seeking an indication for gait and balance deficit in patients with chronic symptoms of stroke under the current Breakthrough Device Designation.
National Post
11 minutes ago
- National Post
Canagold Announces Positive Feasibility Study Results for the New Polaris Project
Article content Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canagold Resources Ltd. (TSX: CCM, OTC-QB: CRCUF, Frankfurt: CANA) ('Canagold' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce positive results of the Feasibility Study ('FS') for its 100% owned New Polaris gold-antimony project located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. All dollar figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The Company expects to file a technical report relating to the FS, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ('NI 43-101'), within 45 days. Article content Feasibility Study Highlights Article content Robust Project Economics Article content 'The Feasibility Study results demonstrate exceptional economics, low Capex and low AISC for the New Polaris Gold-Antimony Project,' stated Canagold's Chief Executive Officer, Catalin Kilofliski. 'Even at a $2,500 Gold Price, the projected cash flow and economics are outstanding. While we continue to refine and optimize the Project aimed at unlocking additional revenue from antimony metal and reduction of power costs and emissions through potential run-of-river green power generation, our primary focus is now shifting toward completing the permitting process, in order to advance New Polaris toward a construction and production decision. I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation for fostering a respectful and inclusive open dialogue every step of the way. I also want to thank all our shareholders for their patience and confidence.' Article content TRTFN's Spokesperson, Charmaine Thom, says, 'Canagold's land acknowledgement of Taku River Tlingit First Nation's traditional territory and the willingness to work toward a partnership through a Consent Based Agreement, is a true testament of what reconciliation looks like.' Article content However, the Feasibility Study does not include any revenue contribution from antimony or estimate an antimony reserve. This is because the process flowsheet outlined in the Feasibility Study is specifically designed to produce a sulphide concentrate. Article content Antimony has been recognized at New Polaris since the early mining operations of the 1940s and 1950s. However, its economic significance has grown substantially in recent years due to global supply shortages and sharply rising prices. Article content The Company is currently undertaking additional metallurgical testing and economic evaluations required to support the inclusion of antimony in the project's financial model. Article content The prospect of including revenue from antimony in future phases, has the potential to improve overall project economics, particularly as the associated mining costs for antimony are largely covered by the gold mining activities. However, there are no guarantees that the future testing will support this prospect. Article content Plans for Unlocking Antimony Value Article content To capitalize on the full economic potential of antimony, the Company is advancing several key initiatives: Article content New Polaris Feasibility Study Article content The Feasibility Study for New Polaris was completed by Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC ('Ausenco'), supported by Moose Mountain Technical Services and JDS Energy & Mining Inc. The study confirms robust economics for an underground mining and milling operation, with a low initial capital cost and a high rate of return. Article content Key Feasibility Study parameters are shown in Table 2. Article content Table 2: New Polaris FS Project Parameters Base Case Economic Assumptions Gold Price (US$/oz) $2,500 Exchange Rate (C$/US$) 0.725 Discount Rate 5% Contained Metals Mined Contained Gold (koz) 904 Contained Antimony (tonnes) 5173 Mining Mine Life (years) 8.3 Waste (Mt) 1.8 Total Material Mined (Mt) 4.6 Total Mineralized Material Mined (Mt) 2.8 Processing Processing Throughput (ktpa) 340 Average Diluted Gold Grade (g/t) 9.9 Gold Production Gold Recovery (%) 89.1 LOM Recovered Gold in Concentrate (xoz) 806 LOM Payable Gold Production (koz) 709 LOM Avg. Annual Gold Production (koz) 85.7 Operating Costs Per Tonne Mining Cost ($/t Milled) $135 Processing Cost ($/t Milled) $64 G&A Cost (C$/t Milled) $68 Total Operating Costs ($/t Milled) $267 Other Costs Concentrate Transportation to Smelter ($/wmt) $1,089 Cash Costs and All-in Sustaining Costs LOM Cash Cost (US$/oz Au) $997 LOM All-in Sustaining Cost (US$/oz Au) $1,247 Capital Expenditures Pre-production Capital Expenditures ($M) $250 Sustaining Capital Expenditures ($M) $225 Closure Expenditures ($M) $21 Economics After-Tax NPV (5%) ($M) $425 After-Tax IRR % 30.9 After-Tax Payback Period (years) 2.4 After-Tax NPV / Initial Capex 1.7 Pre-Tax NPV (5%) ($M) $667 Pre-Tax IRR % 38.4 Pre-Tax Payback Period (years) 2.3 Pre-Tax NPV / Initial Capex 2.7 LOM After-tax Free Cash Flow ($M) 649 Article content Cash costs are inclusive of mining costs, processing costs, site G&A, off-site charges and royalties AISC includes total cash cost, sustaining CAPEX and closure cost All dollar ($) figures are presented in CAD unless otherwise stated. Base case metal price used in this economic analysis is US$2,500 /oz Au. Article content Gold Production Profile Article content Mineral Resource Estimate Article content The Company's current Mineral Resource Estimate ('MRE'), completed by Moose Mountain Technical Services, has an effective date of April 2, 2025 with the mineralization model as the basis for the FS. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability at this time. Article content The New Polaris Mineral Resources for gold and antimony are shown in Table 3 and Table 4. Article content Table 3. New Polaris April 2, 2025 Gold Resource Estimate at 4 g/t cut-off Resource Class Tonnes (000's) Au (g/t) Au Metal Ozs (000's) Indicated 2,965 11.6 1,107 Inferred 926 8.5 266 Article content Table 4. Antimony Resource Estimate within the Base Case Au Resource Resource Class Tonnes (000's) Sb (%) Sb Metal (Tonnes) Indicated 860 0.65 5,630 Inferred 100 1.2 1,195 Article content Notes on the Resource Tables Article content About the Mineral Resource Estimate Article content Mineral Reserve Estimate Article content The mineral reserves are summarized in Table 5. Article content Notes on the Reserve Table Article content Mining Overview Article content The New Polaris mine is designed as a modern, fully-mechanized underground operation, targeting the safe and cost-effective extraction of mineral reserves over an estimated 8.3 year mine life. The plan anticipates delivering approximately 2.8 million tonnes (Mt) of mill feed at an average grade of 9.9 g/t gold. Article content A total of 1.8 Mt of waste rock will be generated during LOM underground development. Of this, the majority will be used as backfill material within the mine to support mined-out areas, with the remaining volume placed on surface in the integrated tailings and waste rock storage facility. Article content The mineral reserves are located beneath the historic workings of the Polaris-Taku mine, which operated from 1938 to 1951 and produced 740,000 tonnes at an average grade of 10.3 g/t gold. The new underground access will be established via a ramp extending from the existing New Polaris portal, reaching an ultimate depth of approximately 780 meters. The primary ore body, known as the 'C' zone, accounts for nearly 90% of total reserves, extends up to 500 meters along strike, and dips at an average angle of 50 to 60 degrees. Article content Geotechnical assessments indicate favorable rock conditions, with typical ground control measures and associated costs anticipated. Article content To optimize recovery and minimize costs, two main mining methods will be employed: Article content Mine development and early construction activities will be carried out by an experienced underground mining contractor, with operations transitioning to an owner-operated model upon commencement of production. The underground mine is expected to employ approximately 190 personnel, sustaining an average production rate of 950 tpd throughout the mine's operating life. Article content New Polaris Mine Image Article content Processing Overview Article content Processing will occur in a 1000 tpd crushing, grinding and flotation plant to produce a bulk sulphide flotation concentrate which will be shipped off site for final processing at an independent processing facility. Article content Crushed ore is ground to 80% minus 74um and fed into a flotation circuit consisting of one stage of rougher flotation with two cleaning stages to produce concentrate grading > 100 g/t Au. Article content Flotation concentrate is thickened, filtered and dried, to a moisture of approximately 5% and flown to Juneau, Alaska, which is located approximately 60 km from site, then barged to Seattle for loading onto ocean going ships for transportation to third-party smelters worldwide. Article content A portion of the process tailings will be fed to a backfill plant and used for filling underground mining voids, the balance will be filtered and trucked to a dry-stack storage facility located about 1 km from the plant site. Waste rock not used for underground backfilling will also be trucked to this facility for storage with the tailings. Article content Concentrate Marketing Study Article content An independent concentrate marketing study for the New Polaris Project, evaluating marketability and treatment terms for its gold concentrate has been completed as part of the FS. The study confirms that the New Polaris gold concentrate, targeted at a grade exceeding 100 g/t Au, and an average 12% As, is marketable under current global conditions. Article content The report identifies potential outlets for the sale of New Polaris gold concentrate, including: Article content Traditional gold roasters in Asia, which represent an established and high-capacity processing route Blending facilities, where the concentrate can be mixed with other materials prior to shipment to smelters Asian gold roasters, copper smelters, or lead smelters Direct sales to international metal trading firms, which offer flexible and liquid off-take arrangements Pressure oxidation (POX) plants Article content Based on indicative commercial terms provided by several prospective buyers, the marketing study validated the project's financial modeling assumptions related to treatment charges and gold payability. The analysis concluded that an average net smelter return (NSR) of 87.9% for gold is reasonable over the LOM and reflects treatment charges associated with the presence of As in the concentrate. Article content Capital Costs Article content The initial capital cost is estimated at $250M (US$181M) and shown in Table 6. Article content Table 6: Project Capital Cost Estimates ($M): Initial Sustaining LOM Total Mining ($M) $63.3 $196.1 $259.4 Processing ($M) $43.0 – $43.0 Tailings ($M) $7.4 $4.7 $12.1 Onsite Infrastructure ($M) $38.5 – $38.5 Offsite Infrastructure ($M) $9.4 – $9.4 Indirects ($M) $42.3 – $42.3 Project Delivery ($M) $9.8 – $9.8 Owner's Costs ($M) $7.8 – $7.8 Total excluding Contingency ($M) $221.5 $200.8 $422.3 Project Contingency ($M) $28.8 $24.2 $53.0 Closure ($M) – – $20.5 Total ($M) $250.4 $225.0 $495.8 Article content Note: Totals may differ slightly due to rounding Article content The LOM Total Cash Cost is US$997/oz Au payable while the LOM AISC is US$1,247/oz Au payable. Article content Unit Operating costs are shown in Table 7. Article content Financial Analysis Article content At a US$2,500 base case gold price and a C$:US$ exchange of 0.725:1, the Project generates an after-tax NPV (5%) of $425 million and IRR of 30.9%. Payback on initial capital is 2.4 years. Article content The Project Financials are shown in Table 8. Article content Regulatory and Environmental Assessment Process Article content The Project is subject to a range of regulatory approvals, including a consent decision from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) and an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) under British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Act. Once the environmental assessment process is completed, the necessary construction and operating permits may be applied for and issued in accordance with applicable provincial and federal legislation. Article content The project formally entered the BC Environmental Assessment (EA) process in 2023. In September 2024, the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) issued a Readiness Decision, concluding there is sufficient information to proceed with the Environmental Assessment Application. Canagold's consulting team is currently preparing the required technical studies and supporting documentation, with the EA application targeted for submission in the fourth quarter of 2025. Article content The ongoing involvement, input, and support of the TRTFN have been instrumental in ensuring that their interests are recognized and addressed throughout the process. Their collaboration continues to play a critical role in helping advance and streamline the regulatory review. The New Polaris Project is located within the territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN). Article content Canagold has maintained a long-standing and respectful relationship with the TRTFN, having operated within their traditional territory since 1990. Over the years, the Company has built a strong foundation of collaboration and trust with the Nation. A formal engagement framework is in place, guiding communication, consultation, and permitting activities in alignment with TRTFN values and governance structures. Article content In February 2023, Canagold and the TRTFN established a Technical Working Group (TWG) to facilitate focused collaboration on the New Polaris Project. Bi-weekly meetings have been held consistently, allowing for in-depth discussions on all aspects of the project. In addition, several open houses and community engagement sessions have been conducted to ensure transparent and inclusive dialogue with TRTFN citizens. Article content Canagold remains firmly committed to continuing meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, both in Canada and Alaska, as the project progresses. Article content Opportunities to Enhance Project Value and Reduce Carbon Footprint Article content The 2025 FS clearly demonstrates that New Polaris is an economically viable project. Article content Several key opportunities have the potential to significantly increase the economic value of the New Polaris Project while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact: Article content Antimony Recovery Optimization: Ongoing metallurgical test work aims to optimize flotation and refining conditions for antimony. Successful antimony recovery and processing could unlock substantial additional revenue Renewable Energy Integration: An engineering study is underway to assess the feasibility of constructing a run-of-river hydroelectric facility on-site. This project could replace a significant portion of diesel-generated power, leading to a major reduction in CO₂ emissions and a corresponding decrease in energy costs—ultimately contributing to lower operating expenses Resource Expansion Potential: The mesothermal gold deposit remains open at depth and along strike, offering potential for resource expansion beyond the current 8.3-year mine life outlined in the Feasibility Study. In addition, 2024 drilling north of the historic mining area intersected multiple mineralized veins, further supporting the opportunity to increase the defined resource base Article content Qualified Persons Article content In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Garry Biles, P. Eng., President & COO is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting activities on its projects. Article content Sue Bird, Article content M Sc., Article content V.P. of Resources and Engineering at Moose Mountain Technical Services, an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Sue has also reviewed and approved the technical information about the 2025 MRE resource contained in this news release. Article content Tommaso Roberto Raponi, P. Eng., Article content Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC., is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the contents of this news release. Mr. Raponi is responsible for mineral processing and metallurgical testing in the technical report. Article content Kevin Murray, P. Eng., Article content Principal Process Engineer for Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC., is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the contents of this news release. Mr. Murray is responsible for processing, process and infrastructure capital and operating cost estimation, financial analysis and marketing in the technical report. Article content James Millard, P. Geo., Article content Director, Strategic Projects with Ausenco Sustainability ULC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ausenco Engineering Canada ('Ausenco') is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the contents of this news release. Mr. Millard is responsible for the sections and subsections related to environmental, permitting, and social and community aspects in the technical report. Article content Jonathan Cooper, MSc., Article content ., Article content Water Resources Engineer with Ausenco Sustainability ULC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ausenco Engineering Canada ('Ausenco') is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the contents of this news release. Mr. Cooper is responsible for the sections and subsections related to site-wide water management in the technical report. Article content Dino Pilotto, P. Eng., Article content General Manager, Technical Services with JDS Energy & Mining Inc., is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the contents of this news release. Mr. Pilotto is responsible for mining methods in the technical report. Article content Mike Levy, P. Eng., Article content Geotechnical Manager with JDS Energy & Mining Inc., is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the contents of this news release. Mr. Levy is responsible for the underground geotechnical assessment in the technical report. Article content About Canagold Article content Canagold Resources Ltd. is an advanced development company dedicated to advancing the New Polaris Project through feasibility, permitting, and production stages. Additionally, Canagold aims to expand its asset base by acquiring advanced projects, positioning itself as a leading project developer. With a team of technical experts, the Company is poised to unlock substantial value for its shareholders. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Catalin Kilofliski, Article content Article content
