Moderna Q3 Earnings Beat, Stock Up on Revised '25 Spending Plans

Core Insights - Moderna reported a loss of $0.51 per share in Q3 2025, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $2.15, compared to an EPS of $0.03 in the same period last year [1][10] - Total revenues for the quarter were $1.02 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $860 million, but representing a 45% decline year over year due to lower net product sales [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Moderna has three marketed vaccines: Spikevax, mNexspike, and mResvia. Product sales fell nearly 47% year over year to $973 million [2] - Sales from COVID-19 vaccines amounted to $971 million, down 46% year over year, attributed to lower vaccination rates and the transition of COVID-19 to a seasonal market [2] - mResvia sales were only $2 million, significantly below the estimated $30 million, and down 80% year over year due to competition from GSK's Arexvy and Pfizer's Abrysvo [3] Operating Costs and Efficiency - SG&A expenses decreased by 5% year over year to $268 million, primarily due to cuts in consulting and external services [5] - R&D expenses were reduced by 30% to $801 million, reflecting a focus on efficiency and prioritization of clinical development [5] Guidance and Outlook - Moderna revised its total revenue guidance for 2025 to a range of $1.6-$2.0 billion, down from $1.5-$2.2 billion [6] - The company also lowered its R&D expense guidance to $3.3-$3.4 billion, from a previous estimate of $3.6-$3.8 billion, while maintaining SG&A and capital expenditure guidance at approximately $1.1 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively [7] Market Reaction - Shares of Moderna rose by 10% in pre-market trading, likely due to the company's cost-cutting measures and improved liquidity outlook, now projected to be between $6.5-$7.0 billion by year-end 2025 [8] Pipeline Developments - Moderna is developing over 40 mRNA-based candidates across various clinical stages, including a personalized cancer therapy in collaboration with Merck [12][16] - The company discontinued development of mRNA-1647 for CMV prevention after failing to meet primary efficacy endpoints but continues to study it in mid-stage trials for bone marrow transplant patients [13] - Positive results from a phase III study for mRNA-1010, a standalone influenza vaccine, have led to plans for regulatory submissions in early 2026 [14] - The company is also working on mRNA-1083, a combination vaccine for COVID-19 and influenza, and is awaiting further guidance from the FDA [15]