According to Bloomberg, a World Health Organization initiative to create mRNA shots to increase production and access for developing countries will use Moderna Inc.’s (MRNA) COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine wasn’t provided by Moderna directly. In response to a request from the United Nations-backed Medicines Patent Pool, it permitted the French government to provide the vaccine.
A similar request was turned down by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) because the company did not see the need as urgent.
Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines, a South African business, tested the efficacy of its shots in comparison studies on mice using the Moderna vaccine. The company claimed that the early mouse trials of Afrigen’s shot resulted in “a strong immune response.” The use of Moderna’s vaccine in the studies was subject to some restrictions. Despite a slowing in demand, there are still many low- and middle-income nations that have not yet adopted the COVID-19 vaccine.
Afrigen wants to create a shot that can be produced by at least 15 different production facilities, with the aid of Moderna. Afrigen may require additional support from Moderna or Pfizer, such as granting access to the vaccine for the anticipated May start date of comparative human trials. The request is anticipated within a few weeks.
As Moderna gets closer to releasing its next earnings report, investors will be hoping for strength from the company. EPS of $5.20 are anticipated, a decrease of 32.47% from the same quarter last year. According to the most recent consensus estimate, revenue will total $4.92 billion, a decrease of 1.04% from the same quarter last year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimates for MRNA’s full year predict $26.41 in earnings per share and $22.29 billion in revenue. These outcomes would signify -6.65% and +20.7% changes from the previous year, respectively.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst forecasts for Moderna. Recent changes frequently reflect the newest short-term commercial trends. As a result, optimistic estimate revisions show analyst confidence in the company’s operations and profitability.
These estimate changes have a positive correlation with short-term stock prices, according to Zack research. This presents an opportunity for investors who employ the Zacks Rank. This model offers a straightforward, usable rating system by taking these estimate changes into account.
