Moderna Stock Rises Amid CDC Report on Respiratory Illness Surge

Moderna Inc. (MRNA) shares rose 4.0% to $43.90 on Monday, January 6, 2025, following a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report highlighting a surge in acute respiratory illnesses across the U.S. The CDC attributed the increase to seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), sparking renewed interest in vaccine manufacturers.

The biotechnology company, known for its mRNA vaccine technology, is well-positioned to address the growing demand for vaccines. Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine remains a key player in the market, and its pipeline includes combination vaccines targeting COVID-19, RSV, and flu. The company’s ability to adapt quickly to emerging health threats, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has bolstered investor confidence in its role in public health preparedness.

Moderna’s stock performance comes amid broader market movements. In the latest trading session, Moderna closed at $42.18, marking a 0.43% increase from the previous day. However, this gain lagged behind the S&P 500’s 1.26% rise, the Dow‘s 0.8% uptick, and the Nasdaq‘s 1.77% appreciation. Over the past month, Moderna’s stock has fallen by 2.19%, underperforming the Medical sector’s 6.56% loss and the S&P 500’s 2.82% decline.

Investors are closely watching Moderna’s upcoming financial results. The company is projected to report earnings of -$3 per share, a significant year-over-year decline of 645.45%. Revenue is expected to drop 64.71% to $991.88 million, according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Analysts have revised their estimates downward by 0.45% over the past month, reflecting short-term challenges. Moderna currently holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook.

The Medical – Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes Moderna, ranks 66th out of over 250 industries tracked by Zacks. This places it in the top 27%, with research showing that top-rated industries tend to outperform lower-ranked ones by a factor of 2 to 1.

For investors looking to participate in Moderna’s market activity, options include purchasing shares through a brokerage account or exploring short-selling strategies. Moderna’s stock, trading at $43.80 as of Monday afternoon, allows for fractional share purchases, making it accessible to a broader range of investors.

As the respiratory illness season progresses, Moderna’s role in vaccine development and distribution will remain under scrutiny. The company’s ability to navigate market challenges and capitalize on public health needs will be critical to its future performance.