Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) Trading 8.8% Higher - What's Next?

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) saw a notable increase in its stock price, trading up by 8.8% on Tuesday. The stock peaked at $35.00 and ultimately closed at $35.90. Approximately 3,115,410 shares were exchanged during the trading session, reflecting a drop of 75% from the average volume of 12,516,600 shares. The previous closing price stood at $32.99.

Analyst Ratings

Several financial analysts have recently provided their insights on Moderna. Argus downgraded the company's rating from "buy" to "hold" in a report dated December 18. On the other hand, Berenberg Bank increased its target price for Moderna from $33.00 to $42.00, maintaining a "hold" rating, as noted in their January 16 report. Needham & Company LLC has also reiterated a "hold" rating as of November 8. Conversely, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target from $59.00 to $45.00, assigning an "underweight" rating in a report released on November 26. In a more optimistic turn, HSBC upgraded Moderna from a "hold" to a "buy" rating with a new price target of $58.00 on November 18. Currently, four analysts rate the stock as a sell, fifteen have a hold position, three suggest buying, and one indicates a strong buy. According to MarketBeat.com, the overall consensus rating remains at "Hold" with a target price averaging $60.63.

Market Performance

Moderna's market capitalization is approximately $12.98 billion, and it has a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.63 with a beta of 1.59. The 50-day moving average for the stock price is $38.17, while the 200-day moving average stands at $53.20.

Insider Activity

In related developments, Shannon Thyme Klinger, an insider, sold 1,418 shares of Moderna on November 29 at an average price of $42.79, leading to a total transaction value of $60,676.22. Following this transaction, Klinger retains ownership of 19,717 shares valued at approximately $843,690.43. This sale represented a 6.71% reduction in their stake. The transaction was disclosed through a filing made with the SEC. Over the past three months, insiders have sold a total of 2,664 shares worth $115,210. Insiders currently hold about 15.70% of the stock.

Institutional Investor Interest

Recently, several institutional investors have altered their positions in Moderna. Forum Financial Management LP took a new stake valued at around $225,000 in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Blue Sky Capital Consultants Group Inc. acquired a new position valued at approximately $606,000 during the same period. Other investors include GF Fund Management CO. LTD. and Vega Investment Solutions, who also made new purchases in the fourth quarter. Overall, institutional investors hold about 75.33% of the company's shares.

About Moderna

Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology firm focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies and vaccines. Its portfolio aims to address various health concerns, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular issues within the United States and globally. The company's respiratory vaccines encompass COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, among others, while its vaccine research also targets latent infections such as cytomegalovirus and HIV.

Moderna, Stock, Investment