Oncolytics Biotech shares jump 16% as analysts split on rating

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) saw its share price rise 16.1% intraday, reaching $0.97 and closing around $0.92, with trading volume more than double its average. Analyst activity was mixed: Weiss Ratings downgraded the stock to a "sell (e+)", HC Wainwright reaffirmed a "buy" rating with a $10 price target, and Wall Street Zencut moved its stance from "hold" to "sell". Overall, the company holds an average analyst rating of "moderate buy" with a consensus target price of $8.50. The biotech has a market capitalization of about $110 million, a price‑to‑earnings ratio of –2.97, and beta of 1.09. Recent earnings reported a loss of $0.08 per share, missing consensus estimates by $0.03, and analysts project a full‑year EPS of –$0.25. Oncolytics develops oncolytic viral therapies, with its lead candidate pelareorep (Reolysin) undergoing advanced trials in metastatic breast cancer, non‑small cell lung cancer and head‑and‑neck cancers. Several hedge funds disclosed small new positions in the stock during the fourth quarter.