Moderna(US:MRNA) Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-01 16:34Core Viewpoint - Moderna is facing significant financial pressure due to declining vaccine sales, leading to a decision to cut approximately 10% of its workforce, which has resulted in a sharp decline in its stock price [1][3][6]. Financial Performance - Moderna's stock price has dropped over 90% from its peak, with its market capitalization plummeting from nearly $200 billion (approximately 1.44 trillion RMB) to under $10.5 billion (approximately 75.7 billion RMB) [6]. - The company reported a more than 75% decline in stock price over the past year, indicating a deteriorating financial situation [6]. Workforce Reduction - The layoffs will affect hundreds of employees globally, with the total number of employees expected to fall below 5,000 by the end of the year [5][6]. - CEO Stephane Bancel emphasized the necessity of restructuring operations to align cost structures with actual business needs while maintaining a focus on research investment [3]. Strategic Challenges - Moderna is facing multiple challenges, including criticism from U.S. health officials that has led to changes in vaccine recommendations, impacting the market for its latest vaccine [7]. - The company has also canceled plans for a new mRNA production facility in Japan due to changes in the global business environment [6]. Revenue Projections - Moderna has significantly lowered its revenue expectations for the year, particularly for its RSV vaccine, which has not gained widespread market attention [8]. - The company has postponed its goal of achieving breakeven profitability by two years, now expecting to reach this milestone by 2028 instead of 2026 [8]. Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, CEO Bancel remains optimistic about Moderna's future, citing three approved products and the potential for up to eight additional products to be approved in the next three years [9]. - The company continues to invest in the development of a new generation of COVID-19 vaccines, with recent FDA approval for a third vaccine targeting new variants [9]. Competitive Landscape - Comparatively, BioNTech, another vaccine manufacturer, has successfully adjusted its strategy post-pandemic, resulting in a stock price increase of nearly 25% over the past year, with a market capitalization exceeding $26 billion, more than double that of Moderna [9].