Vaxcyte (PCVX) Surges 3.59% on $1B Thermo Fisher Pact, 7.54% 3-Day Rally as Institutional Stake Grows

Vaxcyte (PCVX) surged 3.59% intraday on October 13, 2025, hitting a record high not seen since October 2025. The stock has now climbed 7.54% over three consecutive trading days, with a 0.25% daily gain, signaling renewed institutional and retail investor interest in the biotech firm’s vaccine development pipeline.

Strategic partnerships and clinical progress remain central to the stock’s recent momentum. A landmark $1 billion manufacturing agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, announced earlier in the week, has bolstered confidence in Vaxcyte’s ability to scale production for its pneumococcal vaccines, including VAX-31 and VAX-24. The deal, which includes establishing a fill-finish facility in North Carolina, addresses critical supply chain risks and positions the company to meet regulatory requirements ahead of pivotal Phase 3 trials.

Institutional ownership has also surged, with major investors like RA Capital Management, Vanguard Group, and Wellington Management increasing stakes by over 40% in the first half of 2025. This shift underscores growing conviction in Vaxcyte’s long-term commercial potential, particularly as its broad-spectrum pneumococcal vaccines aim to compete with existing market leaders. Analysts highlight the company’s focus on antibiotic-resistant strains and pediatric applications as differentiators in a crowded sector.

However, financial risks persist. Vaxcyte reported a $1.22 loss per share in Q2 2025, missing expectations, and continues to rely on dilutive financing to fund operations. While the Thermo Fisher partnership and clinical advancements mitigate some concerns, the stock’s beta of 1.12 reflects its volatility, with investors weighing the balance between speculative growth and operational sustainability. Analyst ratings remain mixed, ranging from “Buy” to “Sell,” as diverging views on regulatory timelines and commercialization hurdles shape market sentiment.

Looking ahead, the coming months will test Vaxcyte’s ability to translate pipeline progress into tangible revenue. Successful Phase 3 trial results and regulatory approvals could validate its market positioning, but delays or unmet expectations may pressure shares. For now, the stock’s rally reflects a convergence of strategic clarity, institutional backing, and clinical optimism, even as underlying financial challenges remain unresolved.