$Moderna, Inc.(MRNA)$ Is A Stock To Buy?

1. Attention: vaccine sales potential ahead

$Moderna, Inc.(MRNA)$ already has signed contracts worth $19.2 billion in product sales this year. Along with rival Pfizer, it's a leader in the U.S. coronavirus vaccine market. Each company is supplying the U.S. with 300 million doses. But product sales probably haven't peaked this year. CEO Stephane Bancel recently predicted need would be greater next year. A variety of elements will contribute to that.

2. Another product on the horizon

The one that catches my eye right now is its vaccine candidate for cytomegalovirus (CMV). That's because it's farthest along in the pipeline -- so it could represent a revenue source in the not-too-distant future. Moderna expects to begin a pivotal phase 3 trial this year. CMV is a common virus that's most dangerous for people who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. There isn't yet a vaccine for CMV -- so if Moderna's candidate makes it through to commercialization, this could be a game-changing product.

Key Points

• There's a conflict between coronavirus vaccine makers and regulators about whether booster shots will be necessary to maintain immunity.
• Moderna stands to gain massive revenue from selling booster doses, if they end up being needed.
• Moderna's pipeline projects are likely to eventually deliver new revenue growth even if the company can't sell boosters.