William Blair downgrades Moderna to Market Perform amid valuation concerns and modest Phase 3 results

William Blair lowered its rating on Moderna Inc. to Market Perform from Outperform, saying the stock’s 545% year‑to‑date gain has left it overvalued. The downgrade came as Phase 3 data for the intismeran‑pembrolizumab melanoma vaccine showed a 42% reduction in recurrence, below the 49% reduction seen in Phase 2b. The news sent the shares down about 3% in pre‑market trading.

The downgrade and weaker trial readout triggered a 3% pre‑market price drop, reducing the market value of Moderna’s $79.4 billion market cap. Analysts now see a narrower margin of safety for investors, which could limit upside until further data or commercial progress materializes.

  • 1William Blair cut Moderna’s rating to Market Perform from Outperform.
  • 2The downgrade was attributed to valuation concerns after a 545% year‑to‑date stock rise.
  • 3Moderna’s market capitalization is $79.4 billion.
  • 4Moderna shares fell about 3.0% in pre‑market trading following the downgrade.
  • 5Phase 3 trial of intismeran with pembrolizumab showed a 42% reduction in melanoma recurrence or death.
  • 6The Phase 3 reduction of 42% is lower than the 49% reduction reported in the prior Phase 2b study.

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