Moderna Stock Is Soaring. Is It Too Late to Buy?

Moderna's (NASDAQ: MRNA) share price has more than doubled this year as the market has grown increasingly optimistic about the company's pipeline and encouraging regulatory progress for its flu vaccine. But after such a sharp rally, it's fair to ask whether there's still an opportunity here to make some money.

What comes next for Moderna?

The investment case for Moderna isn't just about COVID-19 vaccines anymore. It's about what comes next.

Today, the company has three commercial products, multiple late-stage vaccine programs, and an expanding pipeline that stretches well beyond infectious diseases. Moderna is developing personalized cancer vaccines in partnership with Merck and pursuing therapies for rare genetic disorders.

Image source: Getty Images.

The company is now preparing for multiple product launches in 2027 and 2028, including seasonal flu, a flu/COVID-19 combination vaccine, and a norovirus vaccine. That's a dramatically different company than the one investors knew during the pandemic, when nearly all of its revenue came from a single COVID-19 vaccine. If even a handful of these late-stage programs reach the market, Moderna could become a much more diversified biotechnology company with multiple sources of recurring revenue. And the financial picture is improving, too.

Possible breakeven by 2028

During the first quarter of 2026, Moderna generated $389 million in revenue, up from $108 million a year earlier. Although the company still posted a net loss, it finished the quarter with approximately $7.5 billion in cash and investments, providing it with ample resources to continue funding its research pipeline. Management also continues targeting up to 10% revenue growth in 2026 while working toward cash breakeven by 2028.

The biggest near-term catalyst may be the company's flu vaccine. An FDA advisory committee recently voted 9-0 to recommend approval for Moderna's seasonal influenza vaccine for adults 50 and older. While the FDA isn't required to follow the panel's recommendation, it often does, with a final decision expected in early August. Of course, that doesn't mean the stock is without risk.

High expectations for Moderna

Much of Moderna's recent rally reflects higher expectations, and several important clinical readouts (including late-stage melanoma data) are still ahead. Any disappointing results could quickly change investor sentiment. But it's still hard to justify passing on the stock, even after its latest run.

You see, Moderna is no longer just a play on COVID-19. It's actually becoming a highly successful, diversified biotechnology company with multiple opportunities to create value over the next several years. After such a strong run, don't expect the shares to move in a straight line. But if you're thinking long-term, Moderna still offers considerable upside.

Jeff Siegel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Merck and Moderna. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.