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Raymond James Adds Aveanna, Carriage Services, and Viking Therapeutics to August Top Picks
Raymond James has updated its monthly list of top healthcare stock picks, adding three new companies it believes are positioned for near-term gains. The investment bank's selections for August are driven by upcoming earnings reports, key clinical data readouts, and attractive valuations.
August's Top Picks
The firm made several changes to its list, replacing longer-term holdings with names that have significant events on the horizon. The new additions span the home health, funeral services, and biotechnology sub-sectors.
Aveanna Healthcare (AVAH)
The home healthcare provider was added ahead of its August 13 earnings report, where Raymond James sees potential for upside. The firm also highlighted growing investor sentiment around a legislated California rate increase set for calendar year 2027, which could provide a future tailwind. Aveanna replaces Acadia Healthcare on the monthly list, though Raymond James noted it maintains a Strong Buy rating on Acadia.
Carriage Services (CSV)
Raymond James identified an attractive entry point for the funeral services company, citing its recent stock performance and valuation. The stock has declined approximately 20% since April and now trades at a steep discount to its larger peer, Service Corporation International, at roughly 8x 2027 estimated EBITDA. The firm expects solid results, pointing to stabilizing industry trends consistent with CDC data.
AdViking Therapeutics (VKTX)
The obesity-focused biotech firm was selected based on its outlook heading into two significant catalysts expected later this year. According to Raymond James, investors should watch for:
- An initial readout from a maintenance study for its GLP-1/GIP dual-agonist, VK2735.
- Initial data from its new amylin program, VK3019.
The bank also noted the potential of Viking's oral obesity drug, which it believes could be the first oral dual-agonist on the market, with Phase 3 trials slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
A Focus on Timely Opportunities
The changes to the list underscore a strategic focus on stocks with imminent, well-defined events that could drive performance in the coming weeks. The replacement of longer-term holds like UnitedHealth Group and Acadia Healthcare suggests Raymond James is prioritizing near-term, catalyst-driven opportunities for its August selections.
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