Analyst Update: 3D Systems Corporation, Cara Therapeutics Inc, and Viacom, Inc.

Analysts are weighing in on 3-D printing stock 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD), biotech Cara Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:CARA), and media concern Viacom, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB). Here's a quick roundup of today's brokerage notes on DDD, CARA, and VIAB.

• DDD is down 5.5% at $14.79, after Piper Jaffray reiterated its "underweight" evaluation and $10.50 price target. The brokerage firm cited an "extremely discouraging" survey, which suggested a tough third quarter for the company. Despite its recent pullback, 3D Systems Corporation's long-term trend is to the upside, and with a series of higher highs and lows in place from recent months, the shares boast a 70% year-to-date lead. These gains have done little to deter DDD short sellers, however, who currently control 26% of the stock's float. 

• CARA is moving higher today on the heels of a bullish note from H.C. Wainwright. Specifically, the brokerage firm initiated coverage with a "buy" rating and a $20 price target, waxing optimistic about the drugmaker's treatment for acute pain. The price target represents almost 150% upside to current levels, and territory not seen in over a year for Cara Therapeutics Inc, which is perched 6.3% higher at $8.04. Other analysts already share a bullish outlook, with all four covering brokerage firms handing out "strong buy" recommendations. 

• A pair of upgrades has VIAB up 1.8% at $35.74. On top of an upgrade to "market perform" from "underperform" at Wells Fargo, the stock was raised to "buy" from "underperform" at BofA-Merrill Lynch, which also raised its price target by $7 to $44 -- which perfectly aligns with the stock's average 12-month price target. The latter firm cited Viacom, Inc.'s low valuation and M&A prospects as reasons to be hopeful -- though the analysts admitted a turnaround was not a sure thing. What is for sure is that VIAB has been lackluster on the charts this year, down 13%, with multiple breakout attempts thwarted by the $46 level.