Vaccine maker eyes entry into RSV market in 2024

  • Moderna’s stock jumps over 7% after surprise Q4 profit
  • COVID-vaccine sales continue to decline
  • Fourth-quarter net income of $217 million
  • Revenue beats analysts’ expectations at $2.811 billion
  • Full-year cost of sales lower than previous guidance
  • Moderna looks to enter RSV market in 2024
  • U.S. regulatory decision on respiratory syncytial virus vaccine expected by May 12
  • Moderna expects potential efficacy data on experimental cytomegalovirus vaccine later this year
  • Individualized cancer vaccine in development with Merck & Co. Inc.
  • Moderna reiterates 2024 full-year product sales guidance of about $4 billion

Moderna Inc. shares jumped more than 7% premarket after reporting a surprise fourth-quarter profit, despite declining COVID-vaccine sales. The company’s net income for the quarter was $217 million, beating analysts’ expectations. Revenue also exceeded forecasts at $2.811 billion. Moderna’s efforts to resize manufacturing capacity and improve productivity have resulted in lower cost of sales. The company is now looking to enter the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) market in 2024. A U.S. regulatory decision on the RSV vaccine is expected by May 12. Moderna is also developing an experimental vaccine for cytomegalovirus and an individualized cancer vaccine in collaboration with Merck & Co. Inc. The company reiterated its 2024 full-year product sales guidance of about $4 billion.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides detailed information about Moderna Inc.’s financial performance, product sales, market share, and future plans. The information is supported by data and quotes from company executives. There are no obvious signs of bias, misleading information, or sensationalism.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Moderna Inc.’s financial performance, COVID vaccine sales, future product launches, and pipeline advancements. It includes details on revenue, net income, market share, vaccination rates, and upcoming regulatory decisions. The article stays on topic and supports its claims with data and quotes from company executives. However, the article contains some repetitive information and could benefit from more critical analysis or exploration of potential risks or challenges facing the company.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Moderna Inc. shares
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article pertains to the financial performance of Moderna Inc., a COVID-vaccine maker. It reports a surprise fourth-quarter profit and higher-than-expected revenue. The article does not mention any extreme events.
Public Companies: Moderna Inc. (MRNA), GSK PLC (GSK), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK)
Key People: Jamey Mock (Chief Financial Officer), Stephane Bancel (Chief Executive)


Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com