Before the start of trading at the US stock exchanges, the US biotech company Moderna revealed a sobering balance for the past quarter. The figures show that the company recorded a loss per share of -9.53 US dollars in the third quarter of 2023. Analysts had previously only expected a negative EPS of -1,932 US dollars, after Moderna had achieved a profit of 2.53 US dollars per share in the same period last year. The company also had to take losses in sales. This amounted to $1.83 billion in the third quarter, which represents a 45% decline compared to the same period last year (previous year: $3.36 billion). Experts had expectations of revenue at $1.38 billion.

The disappointing figures are closely related to the company's high expenses, particularly in terms of production capacity. Due to decreased demand, Moderna was forced to adjust its production, leading to a loss of $3.6 billion in the third quarter (previous year: profit of $1 billion). These adjustments are at best short-term. Chief Financial Officer Jamey Mock expressed confidence, stating that Moderna expects to generate revenue of $4 billion from the sale of its COVID-19 vaccine and its new RSV vaccine next year. The approval for the latter is expected in 2024. "We believe that we will hit rock bottom in 2024," said Mock.

Considering the current situation, Moderna has already implemented countermeasures and adapted its production infrastructure to profitably conduct business with Covid-19 vaccines until 2024 and beyond. Mock explains: "We will be launching two or three new products on the market in 2025, the RSV vaccine in 2024, and will continue to grow thereafter." The objective is to break even by the year 2026.

Moderna's stock reacts to pre-market trading numbers on the NASDAQ with a significant drop of 7.20 percent to $70.71. Investors are obviously disappointed with the weak numbers and the negative outlook for the coming year. However, the company hopes to reach the profit zone with its future products and continue to grow.