Moderna (MRNA) stock jumped more than 6% on Wednesday after the US Food and Drug Administration agreed to review the drugmaker's first flu shot of the season, reversing course on a decision to reject the review last week. Moderna recently developed a new flu vaccine using the same mRNA technique that underpins its COVID-19 vaccine. But after requesting review from the federal government, the FDA initially declined to review the drug — a necessary regulatory step toward bringing the drug to market — saying ...

Public-health advocates and pharmaceutical investors aren’t always on the same page, but the FDA’s treatment of Moderna’s flu vaccine has both groups reeling. @Lisamjarvis explains why (via @opinion) https://t.co/zIFGbQeRlW ...

Economic Indicators - Investors are awaiting the January nonfarm-payrolls report, which is considered crucial for setting expectations regarding interest-rate cuts [2][5] - Economists project a gain of approximately 68,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate expected to remain at 4.4% [3] - The report may include significant revisions to 2025 job numbers, indicating fewer new positions added to the economy than previously estimated [3][4] Corporate Earnings - Earnings reports from major companies like McDonald's and Kraft Heinz are anticipated to provide insights into consumer behavior and corporate performance [6] - Ford reported a Q4 profit miss and a net loss of $8 billion for the year, influenced by a $900 million tariff impact [6] - Humana's stock fell 7% due to a profit forecast below analysts' expectations, while Moderna's stock dropped 10% after the FDA declined to review its flu vaccine application [8] Market Trends - There is a growing sentiment in the market regarding potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, with a 77% probability of lower rates by June [5] - Stocks of companies perceived to be at risk from AI developments are experiencing significant sell-offs, affecting both small software firms and large wealth-management companies [12]

Economic Data Summary - The US economy added 130,000 jobs in January, significantly exceeding expectations of 65,000 jobs added for the month [5][6] - The unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.3% from 4.4% [6] - Revisions to 2025 payrolls showed a decrease in job growth to 181,000 from a previously reported 584,000, marking the weakest annual job growth outside of a recession since 2003 [2][6] Market Reactions - US stock futures rose in premarket trading, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures up approximately 0.5%, S&P 500 contracts rising 0.6%, and Nasdaq 100 gaining about 0.8% [1] - The positive January jobs data has influenced market expectations regarding Federal Reserve rate cuts, with over 40% of traders anticipating the Fed will hold rates steady through June [4] Corporate Earnings Insights - Earnings season is expected to provide further insights into consumer behavior and corporate performance, with companies like McDonald's and Kraft Heinz reporting [5] - Kraft Heinz announced a pause in its plans to split into two companies, with a commitment to invest $600 million in marketing, sales, research and development, and pricing [11][12] - The company reported adjusted earnings of $0.67, beating expectations of $0.61, while revenue was slightly below expectations at $6.35 billion compared to the anticipated $6.37 billion [13]

Economic Data - The US economy added 130,000 jobs in January, significantly exceeding expectations of 65,000 jobs added for the month [1][5] - The unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.3% from 4.4% [1][6] - Revisions to 2025 payrolls showed a decrease in job growth to 181,000 from a previously reported 584,000, marking the weakest annual job growth outside of a recession since 2003 [2][6] Market Reactions - The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose approximately 0.9%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.6% (280 points), and the S&P 500 gained 0.7% [1] - The positive January jobs data has led to increased bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts, with over 40% of market participants expecting the Fed to hold rates steady through June [4] Corporate Earnings - McDonald's is set to report earnings after the market close, while Kraft Heinz announced a pause in its spin-off plans, indicating that its challenges are manageable [5][11] - Kraft Heinz plans to invest $600 million in marketing, sales, research and development, and pricing to accelerate its return to profitable growth [11][12] - Cisco is expected to report quarterly results, competing with Nvidia in the AI networking chip market [5]

Core Viewpoint - Novavax has experienced a significant decline in market value over the past five years, losing more than 90% despite successfully launching a coronavirus vaccine later than expected, which has affected its competitiveness in the market [1] Group 1: Recent Developments - Novavax's shares have increased by 28% in 2026 following a licensing deal with Pfizer for its Matrix-M adjuvant technology [2] - The licensing agreement with Pfizer includes an upfront payment of $30 million, potential milestone payments of up to $500 million, and royalties on future approved products utilizing the adjuvant technology [3] - This is not the first licensing deal for Novavax's Matrix-M platform, as Sanofi also entered a similar agreement two years prior [4] Group 2: Revenue and Market Challenges - Novavax's revenue has been inconsistent, and changes in U.S. regulatory recommendations regarding coronavirus vaccine eligibility may hinder future sales [5] - Sanofi will lead commercialization efforts for Novavax's vaccine in the U.S. and other markets, with Novavax receiving royalties on sales, but the revenue outlook remains uncertain [6] - The market for coronavirus vaccines is unpredictable, and Novavax's financial success may depend on the performance of pipeline products from Pfizer or Sanofi that utilize its adjuvant technology [7] Group 3: Internal Developments - Novavax is also working on developing several vaccines internally, including a flu vaccine and a combination coronavirus/flu vaccine [8] - Phase 3 studies for these candidates were placed on clinical hold in October 2024 due to suspected adverse reactions, which has delayed progress despite the hold being lifted [8]

In a New England Journal of Medicine Oped, 12 former FDA commissioners are sounding the alarm on FDA vaccine coordinator Dr. . Venet Prasad's imposing of sweeping changes to how the US handles vaccinations. Joining us now, a former FDA commissioner and CNBC contributor Dr.. Scott Gotautle. He's on the boards of Aluminina, Fizer, and United Health. He's also one of the co-authors of the OpEd.And doctor, just get get it out of the way. I people are going to say, "Oh, yeah, gee, a Fiser guy is is promoting vac ...

Tonight, the FDA claiming without evidence that CO shots are linked to at least 10 children's deaths and vowing new vaccine rules because of it. In an internal memo obtained by NBC News, the director of the FDA's vaccine division, Dr. . Venet Prasad, alleges no fewer than 10 deaths reported to the agency between 2021 and 2024 were related to the COVID vaccine.>> It appears 10 deaths of children from the COVID shot. We're going to make that information available uh that those cases were reviewed. >> The memo ...

Core Insights - Moderna is transitioning to a new era, aiming to leverage its mRNA technology beyond COVID-19, with new vaccine approvals and a focus on cancer and artificial intelligence [2][4] - The company has faced significant challenges post-pandemic, with a notable decline in revenue and increased competition, raising questions about the sustainability of its recovery [2][3] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Moderna reported total revenue of $142 million, a significant drop from pandemic highs, and a net loss of $825 million, although this was an improvement from a $1.3 billion loss a year prior [4] - The company has maintained strong cash and investment reserves of $7.5 billion, which provides a buffer as it navigates the post-COVID-19 landscape [5] - Operational expenses have been reduced by 40% year-over-year on a cash-cost basis, saving $581 million compared to the same period in 2024 [5] Product Development and Approvals - Moderna received three key FDA approvals this year, including mNEXSPIKE, mRESVIA for RSV, and full approval of Spikevax for children aged six months to 11 years, indicating progress in stabilizing its vaccine portfolio [6] - The company revealed promising Phase 3 data for its flu vaccine, which could lead to a flu-COVID-19 combination shot, enhancing its market position [7] - Moderna is expanding its non-respiratory vaccination and rare disease portfolios, and strengthening its oncology collaboration with Merck, focusing on customized neoantigen therapy [7]

Summary of Cardinal Health 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) - **Industry**: Healthcare Supply Chain - Cardinal Health operates across the entire U.S. healthcare supply chain, connecting innovators, manufacturers, and patients, with a significant focus on pharmaceutical and specialty solutions, which account for over $200 billion of the total $220 billion in revenue [4][6]. Core Business Segments - **Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions**: The cornerstone of Cardinal Health's operations, contributing significantly to revenue and profitability [4][5]. - **Growth Businesses**: Includes Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions, At-Home Solutions, and OptiFreight® Logistics, which are positioned for growth due to unique market trends [5][6]. - **Global Medical Products and Distribution (GMPD)**: A turnaround business that has improved profitability after previous losses due to inflation and tariffs [6][10]. Financial Performance and Guidance - Cardinal Health achieved an 18% growth in earnings per share (EPS), exceeding the previously projected 12% to 14% growth [9][14]. - Long-term growth plans include generating adjusted free cash flow of at least $10 billion and maintaining a solid balance sheet with a BBB rating [18][19]. - The company plans to return $750 million to shareholders and maintain a growing dividend, emphasizing its status as a dividend aristocrat [18][19]. Strategic Initiatives - **Investor Day Takeaways**: Focus on accountability, performance measurement, and strategic evolution across five operating segments [8][10]. - **Investment in Technology**: Cardinal Health is investing in automation and technology to enhance operational efficiency, including refreshing distribution centers [12][46]. - **Acquisitions**: Recent acquisitions, such as Solaris in the urology space, are aimed at expanding capabilities and driving growth in specialty services [15][30]. Market Trends and Demand - Strong demand in the pharmaceutical and specialty solutions business is driven by procedures and scripts, with expectations of continued growth despite potential normalization in industry growth trends [21][20]. - The company anticipates a slight headwind from COVID vaccine contributions compared to previous years, but overall demand remains strong [27][29]. Management Services Organization (MSO) Strategy - Cardinal Health is focusing on acquiring practices in fragmented markets like autoimmune and urology, with a goal to create scale and provide comprehensive services to physicians [30][35]. - The MSO strategy aims to consolidate independent practices, providing them with back-office support and technology to enhance operational efficiency [31][40]. Challenges and Risks - Potential impacts from drug pricing policies and tariffs are acknowledged, but Cardinal Health believes it is well-positioned to manage these risks due to its diverse revenue streams and operational model [43][49]. - The company is cautious about the evolving landscape of generics, with expectations of increased contributions from generics over the next few years due to higher loss of exclusivity (LOE) [51][54]. Conclusion - Cardinal Health is strategically positioned for growth with a focus on its core pharmaceutical and specialty solutions business, while also expanding its presence in high-growth areas through acquisitions and investments in technology. The company remains committed to delivering value to shareholders while navigating industry challenges and market dynamics.