Key Points Moderna's and Merck's partnership could help to advance cancer care. A promising skin cancer trial might have broader implications for other types of tumor treatments. 10 stocks we like better than Moderna › Shares of Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) popped on Wednesday after the biotech leader announced positive clinical trial results for its experimental skin cancer vaccine, developed with healthcare giant Merck. By the close of trading, Moderna's stock price was up more than 15%. Image source ...

Core Viewpoint - Moderna is expected to report first-quarter 2025 earnings on May 1, with a consensus estimate of $127 million in sales and a loss of $2.91 per share, reflecting a significant decline in revenue primarily due to lower demand for its COVID-19 vaccine [1][2]. Revenue Expectations - The majority of Moderna's revenue is anticipated to come from COVID-19 vaccine sales, estimated at $112 million, which indicates a substantial decrease from the previous year [1]. - Minimal sales are expected from the RSV vaccine mResvia, projected at $10 million, significantly lower than competitors' products [2]. Regulatory Filings and Approvals - Moderna submitted three regulatory filings to the FDA in Q4 2024, including requests for approval of mRNA-1283 (next-generation COVID-19 vaccine) and mRNA-1083 (COVID-19 plus influenza combination vaccine), with decisions expected by May 31 and June 12, respectively [3]. - mResvia is currently approved for older adults, and a label expansion for high-risk adults is under review [3]. Clinical Development Pipeline - The company is advancing over 40 mRNA-based investigational candidates across various clinical stages, including late-stage studies for mRNA-4157 (cancer therapy), mRNA-1647 (CMV vaccine), mRNA-1010 (influenza vaccine), and mRNA-1403 (norovirus vaccine) [4]. - mRNA-4157 is being evaluated in collaboration with Merck in pivotal phase III studies for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer [5][6]. Earnings Performance - Moderna has consistently beaten earnings estimates over the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 31.79% [7]. - Year-to-date, Moderna's shares have declined by 34%, contrasting with a 6% decline in the broader industry [7]. Earnings Prediction - Current models do not predict a definitive earnings beat for Moderna, with an Earnings ESP of -8.13% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [10].