Moderna Shares Rally Above $200 Ahead of Nasdaq-100 Join and Oct. 24 Cancer Vaccine Data
Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) saw its shares jump 14.21% to $225 as the biotechnology firm prepares to present major clinical trial results later this month. The company, along with partner Merck, is scheduled to unveil Phase 3 data for its personalized neoantigen cancer treatment, intismeran autogene, at an oncology conference in Madrid on October 24.
The upcoming data presentation arrives during a busy period of strategic changes and market moves for the drugmaker. Index funds have been acquiring shares in advance of the stock's inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 index. Additionally, the business recently named Juan Andres as Chief Operating Officer to oversee the expansion of its cancer treatments and commercial vaccine pipeline.
Despite the stock's recent strength above $200, Wall Street analysts remain divided on its overall valuation. Citi analyst Geoff Meacham downgraded the stock to Sell with an $80 price target, warning that the company's market capitalization is approaching rival Regeneron even though it projects lower revenue and earnings. Investors will closely watch the full Madrid trial results on October 24 to judge the commercial potential of its oncology division.
Key points
- Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) and Merck will present Phase 3 data for cancer vaccine intismeran autogene on October 24 in Madrid.
- The stock surged 14.21% to $225 amid buying ahead of its scheduled inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 index.
- Juan Andres has been appointed Chief Operating Officer to guide oncology and vaccine expansion.
- Citi downgraded the stock to Sell with an $80 price target, citing valuation concerns relative to earnings.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
When will Moderna present its Phase 3 cancer vaccine data?
Moderna and Merck will present Phase 3 data for intismeran autogene at a Madrid conference on October 24.
Why did Citi downgrade Moderna stock?
Citi downgraded Moderna to Sell with an $80 price target due to valuation concerns, noting its market cap neared Regeneron despite lower expected revenue.
Who is the new Chief Operating Officer at Moderna?
Moderna appointed Juan Andres as Chief Operating Officer to lead the expansion of its oncology programs and commercial vaccine efforts.