BUZZ-Moderna stock surges after inclusion in Nasdaq 100 index; Bank of America raises target price
路透社2026/10/09 18:51On October 9, Moderna (MRNA.O) shares rose by about 12% to $220 on Friday, after reaching their highest point since January 2022, as the company was added to the Nasdaq 100 Index (.NDX). Bank of America raised its price target for the stock from $170 to $200. On Thursday, the stock closed at $197. Bank of America analysts maintained a neutral rating and noted that the price target was raised due to a slight reduction in expectations for U.S. COVID-related revenues, offset by anticipated growth in influenza sales by 2027. This also factored in an increase in the expected price for intismeran, as well as projected sales growth for the drug in the coming years; intismeran is a cancer vaccine co-developed with Merck (MRK.N). However, they pointed out that much of intismeran's value has already been reflected in the share price ahead of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conference and upcoming data releases. Since the third-quarter earnings report will only be announced after the presentation at the ESMO conference on October 24, Bank of America noted that the significance of the Q3 results is relatively low. Nevertheless, BofA still expects the company to achieve its guidance of up to 10% revenue growth for 2026, with year-end cash holdings reaching $4.7 billion to $5.2 billion. The bank also stated its forecast for third-quarter preventive vaccine revenue is $812 million, below market consensus, and its total revenue estimate of $848 million is likewise below consensus. Since August 18, Moderna's stock price has been on a strong uptrend, following encouraging late-stage clinical data on intismeran, which encouraged investors to buy the stock. Moderna was included in the Nasdaq 100 Index (link), replacing Warner Bros. Discovery, which is set to merge with Paramount Global. Year-to-date, Moderna shares are up about 650%, marking the largest annual gain in its history, making it the top performer in the S&P 500 Index (.SPX) year-to-date. In contrast, the S&P 500 Healthcare Index (.SPXHC) is up only 10.3% so far in 2026. (For the convenience of non-English speakers, Reuters provides automated translation of its reports into several other languages. As automated translation may contain errors or lack required context, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of automated translated texts, and these are provided solely for the reader's convenience. Reuters assumes no responsibility for any damage or losses caused by the use of automated translation functionality.)
October 9 - ** Moderna MRNA.O shares rose about 12% on Friday to $220, hitting their highest point since January 2022, after the company was added to the Nasdaq 100 index .NDX; Bank of America raised its price target for the shares from $170 to $200
** The stock closed at $197 on Thursday
** Bank of America analysts maintained a neutral rating, noting that the higher price target was due to a slight reduction in their projection for US COVID business revenue, offset by anticipated growth in flu vaccine sales by 2027. "It also incorporates a higher expected price for intismeran and the expectation of sales growth for the drug over the coming years." Intismeran is a cancer vaccine developed jointly with Merck & Co MRK.N.
** However, they noted that ahead of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conference and forthcoming data, much of intismeran's value is already reflected in the share price.
** Because the third quarter results will not be released until after the ESMO conference presentation ends on October 24, Bank of America said the importance of Q3 results is relatively low. Still, the bank expects the company to achieve its guidance of 10% revenue growth for 2026 and a year-end cash balance of $4.7 billion to $5.2 billion. The bank's estimate for Q3 preventive vaccine revenue is $812 million, below consensus, and its total revenue estimate of $848 million is also below consensus.
** Since August 18, mRNA shares have continued to strengthen after encouraging late-stage clinical results for intismeran (link) prompted investors to buy in.
** Moderna was added to the Nasdaq 100 index (link), replacing Warner Bros. Discovery due to the latter's expected merger with Paramount Global.
** Moderna shares have surged about 650% year-to-date, marking the largest annual gain in its history and making it the top performer in the S&P 500 index .SPX so far this year. By comparison, the S&P 500 Health Care Index .SPXHC is up only 10.3% so far in 2026.
(To accommodate non-English speakers, Reuters provides automated translations of its reports into several other languages. As automated translation may contain errors or lack necessary context, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. This service is provided for readers’ convenience only. Reuters accepts no responsibility for any harm or losses that may result from using the automated translation function.)
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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