Is moderna a good investment?
6/2/2024 11:10am
**Moderna appears to be a strong investment candidate** based on several factors:
1. **Breakout from a Cup-with-Handle Base**: Moderna's stock (MRNA) broke out of a cup-with-handle base, which is a bullish technical pattern indicating a potential upward trend.
2. **Financial Performance**: The company's COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, generated significant sales, with $167 million in the first quarter of 2024, including $100 million from the U.S. sales. Additionally, Moderna anticipates regulatory approvals for its RSV vaccine, which could be a key catalyst.
3. **Pipeline and Future Product Launches**: Moderna is expanding its efforts in cancer treatment and has promising results in clinical trials. The company also has multiple Phase 3 data readouts expected in 2024, which could lead to additional key milestones.
4. **Investor Sentiment**: Despite a negative net profit margin in the most recent quarter, Moderna has a positive net profit margin over the past twelve months, which suggests a strong overall profitability trend.
5. **Market Position**: Moderna leads the development of mRNA vaccines in infectious diseases and is expected to diversify into other diseases like influenza, RSV, and cytomegalovirus. This positions the company well for future growth.
6. **Analyst Ratings**: The average price target from analysts is $136.15, with a high forecast of $310.00, indicating potential upside from the current price. Additionally, Moderna has an average brokerage recommendation of 2.43, with eight Strong Buy ratings out of 21 recommendations.
7. **Technical Indicators**: The stock is currently trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which are $117.31 and $104.38, respectively. This suggests a bullish trend.
8. **Regulatory Milestones**: The FDA approval of Moderna's RSV vaccine for older adults is a significant regulatory milestone, and the company is also developing mRNA bird flu vaccines, which could further bolster its position in the market.
In conclusion, Moderna's strong financial performance, promising pipeline, and upcoming regulatory approvals make it an attractive investment. However, investors should monitor the progress of the company's RSV vaccine and other late-stage pipeline programs for potential developments that could impact the stock's performance.