Trending Tickers: $MRNA Phase 3 Win, $TTMI Acquisition, $LHX CEO Exit
This week, several stocks caught investors’ attention, driven by significant developments and market momentum. Here’s the breakdown of this week’s trending stocks:
Moderna ($MRNA) Reports Positive Phase 3 Results for Individualized Cancer Therapy
Moderna ($MRNA), a biotechnology company that develops mRNA-based medicines and vaccines, announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial of intismeran autogene, an experimental cancer therapy developed together with Merck ($MRK).
The trial tested intismeran in combination with Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in 1,137 patients whose melanoma had been fully removed by surgery. According to the companies, the combination met its main goal of keeping patients cancer-free for longer and also improved a secondary measure tracking how long patients went without the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body, compared with Keytruda on its own.
Intismeran is what the company calls an individualized neoantigen therapy. A sample of the patient’s tumor is genetically sequenced, and that information is used to build a custom mRNA treatment intended to teach the immune system to recognize and attack that specific cancer. Keytruda is already the standard treatment after surgery for these patients.
Moderna said this is the first Phase 3 study in which an mRNA-based cancer therapy has shown a benefit over an existing standard of care. The companies did not release detailed figures such as how much recurrence risk was reduced, and said full results will be presented at a medical meeting.
The company stated that safety was in line with earlier studies of the combination, with no new safety issues identified. Moderna and Merck said they will now discuss the data with regulators regarding potential approval filings, while continuing to follow patients to measure overall survival.
Moderna added that intismeran is also being studied across other cancers, including lung, bladder and kidney tumors.
Stock Price Reaction
$MRNA shares surged about 176% following the announcement, while $MRK rose around 12%.
TTM Technologies ($TTMI) to Acquire Epiq Solutions for $1.1 Billion
TTM Technologies ($TTMI), a manufacturer of printed circuit boards, radio frequency components and electronic systems for defense and commercial customers, announced that it has agreed to acquire EPIQ Design Solutions LLC for about $1.1 billion in an all-cash deal.
Epiq Solutions makes software-defined radios, high-performance radio frequency products and radiation-tolerant computing systems for space. Software-defined radios are devices whose functions are controlled largely by software rather than fixed hardware, which allows them to be reprogrammed for different missions. Epiq’s products are used in signals intelligence and electronic warfare, areas focused on detecting, analyzing and disrupting enemy communications and radar.
According to the company, the deal moves TTM further “up the chain” from making components toward supplying more complete systems. TTM said it expects the addition to expand its opportunities in defense priorities such as missile defense, space communications, electronic warfare and surveillance.
On the financial side, TTM said the purchase price represents roughly 17.4 times Epiq’s expected 2027 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, after accounting for expected cost savings. The company stated the acquisition should immediately improve its adjusted EBITDA margin and add to non-GAAP earnings per share during 2028.
The transaction is being funded with committed financing from JPMorgan, Bank of America and Barclays. TTM said its net debt would rise to about 2.3 times earnings at closing, and that it aims to bring that down to a range of 1.5 to 1.7 times within 12 to 18 months.
The company said the purchase follows other recent expansion steps, including planned acquisitions of Swiss Technology Group and ILFA in Europe, which are expected to close late in the third quarter, and more than $1.7 billion in planned U.S. capacity and facility investments through 2029.
Stock Price Reaction
$TTMI shares fell about 11% following the announcement.
L3Harris ($LHX) CEO Exits Over Conduct Review
L3Harris Technologies ($LHX), a defense technology company that builds communications, space and mission systems for military customers, announced that its board has appointed Sam Mehta as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Mehta joined L3Harris in 2023 and most recently led the company’s Space & Mission Systems and Communications & Spectrum Dominance segments, which together account for more than 80% of total revenue. Before joining L3Harris, he held senior roles at Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, and spent more than 17 years at Sikorsky Aircraft.
Christopher Kubasik has stepped down as Chairman and CEO and has also left the board. According to the company, it became aware of conduct by Kubasik that was not consistent with its code of conduct. The company said the matter was unrelated to its financial reporting, internal controls, customer relationships or operational performance, and that the board agreed to a separation agreement after an investigation with outside counsel.
Lewis Hay III, previously the company’s Lead Independent Director, has been named Independent Chairman of the Board. L3Harris also appointed Lauren Barnes as President of Space & Mission Systems and Christopher Aebli as President of Communications & Spectrum Dominance.
Alongside the leadership changes, L3Harris reaffirmed its 2026 outlook for revenue, organic growth, segment operating margin, earnings per share and free cash flow. The company said it remains committed to its previously announced $3 billion investment to expand solid rocket motor production.
Stock Price Reaction
$LHX shares fell about 4.6% following the announcement.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The content is based on publicly available information and reflects the author’s opinions as of the publication date, which may change without notice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Forward-looking statements, including references to projected revenues, market trends, or business developments, are based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual results may differ due to various factors, including regulatory changes, economic conditions, competitive pressures, and unforeseen market fluctuations. Readers should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. BBAE holds no position in the securities mentioned, nor are they compensated by the companies mentioned.
