Key Points Moderna's shares have been southbound for the past few years due to unimpressive financial results. However, progress with the pipeline could significantly boost the stock over the next five years. 10 stocks we like better than Moderna › Long gone are the days when Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) would generate over $18 billion in annual sales from its COVID-19 vaccine. Over the past couple of years, the company's revenue and earnings have plummeted along with its stock price. Moderna is eager ...

Core Insights - Pfizer and Moderna were the two leading companies in developing effective coronavirus vaccines, achieving significant financial success during the pandemic [1] - Both companies have experienced a substantial decline in revenue and share prices as the pandemic has receded, raising questions about their future performance [2] Pfizer - Pfizer has made strategic moves, including the approval of new medicines and vaccines, and a significant acquisition of Seagen for $43 billion, enhancing its oncology pipeline [3] - In 2024, Pfizer reported a revenue of $63.6 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year, with adjusted earnings per share of $3.11, reflecting a 69% year-over-year growth [4] - The company continues to generate sales from its COVID-19 products, Comirnaty and Paxlovid, which contributed approximately $11.1 billion in sales in 2024 [4] - Pfizer is expected to navigate upcoming patent cliffs successfully, supported by its ongoing product approvals and a strong dividend yield of 6.8%, with a 53.6% increase in payouts over the past decade [5][6] Moderna - Moderna's total revenue in 2024 fell nearly 53% year-over-year to $3.2 billion, with a net loss per share of $9.28, although this was an improvement from the previous year's loss [7] - The company has received approval for an RSV vaccine and is awaiting further label expansions, indicating potential growth opportunities [8] - Moderna's combination COVID/influenza vaccine showed promising results in a phase 3 study, and the company is pursuing multiple late-stage studies for innovative products, including a personalized cancer vaccine [9][10] - The mRNA platform has demonstrated success, and if Moderna continues to achieve positive clinical results and regulatory approvals, its financial performance may improve [10] Comparative Analysis - Pfizer is characterized as a well-established pharmaceutical giant with consistent revenue from a diverse product portfolio, while Moderna is a smaller biotech company with fewer profitable products [11] - Pfizer outperforms Moderna in key financial metrics such as total sales, profits, and free cash flow, and it also offers dividends, making it attractive for income-seeking investors [12] - While Pfizer is viewed as the better investment option for most investors, Moderna may present higher upside potential for those willing to accept greater risk and volatility [13]