**Stocks That Could Mirror Moderna’s 177% Surge: Intel, Target, and Macy’s**
Moderna’s meteoric 177% rally after its groundbreaking Phase 3 melanoma trial success with Merck has captured the attention of investors and analysts alike. The volatility was fueled not just by the scientific breakthrough, but also by aggressive short covering, which amplified the move and added roughly $30 billion in market value in a single session. However, the rally was followed by significant whiplash, with shares plunging 23.6% the next day before recovering. Despite the turbulence, Moderna’s stock remained up over 140% for the week. Analysts are now pointing to three other American stocks that could follow a similar trajectory, driven by strong fundamentals, analyst optimism, and unique market dynamics.
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### Intel (INTC): A Tech Giant with Hidden Potential
Intel has shown remarkable momentum, recovering from a low of $21.81 to surge as high as $92.80 within a year, even as other chipmakers struggled. The company’s Q2 revenue grew by an impressive 25.4%, marking its best performance in 15 years. Additionally, Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, recently made a $10 million personal investment in the stock at $95 per share, signaling strong confidence in the company’s future.
Despite these positive indicators, Intel currently carries a “Hold” rating from analysts, with only 5 out of 29 recommending a buy. The average price target of $116.84 suggests a potential upside of 26%. The stock has formed an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern, which could trigger a rally if it breaks above $106.91. A close above this level may propel the stock toward $139.60. However, with low short interest and neutral options activity, a squeeze similar to Moderna’s is unlikely.
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### Target (TGT): A Retail Giant on the Verge of a Breakout
Target’s journey mirrors Moderna’s in several ways. The retail giant saw its stock decline by 67% from above $250 in 2021 to a low of $83. However, a recent Q2 earnings beat nudged shares up by just 4.28%, leaving many analysts cautious. Target’s current average price target of $152.71 is 3.95% below the current price, and 11 out of 22 analysts have a “Hold” rating.
Despite the skepticism, Target has been climbing in a steady ascending channel since May. A daily close above $161.96 could unlock further gains, with projections suggesting a 30% breakout potential. Key support levels lie at $151.41 and $144.89, while a drop below $134.35 could weaken the bullish case. With relatively low short interest and fading volume, Target remains a compelling candidate for a post-earnings surprise rally.
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### Macy’s (M): Defense Against Analyst Skepticism
Macy’s checks most of Moderna’s boxes, with two conditions only partially met. While it hasn’t experienced the same dramatic collapse as Moderna or Target, Macy’s carries the clearest signs of analyst disbelief and bearish positioning. The stock’s average price target of $22.43 sits 4.15% below the current price, and only one analyst recommends a buy among eight coverage reports.
Macy’s put-to-call ratio is the highest among the three stocks, indicating significant bearish bets. However, recent price action shows promise, as the stock has held a rising channel since May. A defended floor at $23.06 could set the stage for a move toward $25.33, while resistance at $23.93 may limit near-term gains. The upcoming earnings report on September 10 could provide the catalyst for a breakout.
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**1. Why did Moderna’s stock surge 177% in a single session?**
The surge was driven by a successful Phase 3 trial of its personalized mRNA cancer vaccine with Merck, combined with aggressive short covering. The news added approximately $30 billion to Moderna’s market value in one session.
**2. What caused Moderna’s stock to fall 23.6% the next day?**
The sharp sell-off was part of a profit-taking correction after the initial euphoria, a common occurrence in heavily shorted stocks experiencing a sudden rally.
**3. What conditions make a stock similar to Moderna?**
According to analysts, stocks like Intel, Target, and Macy’s share key traits, including strong fundamentals, recent analyst upgrades or beats, bearish positioning, and the potential for post-earnings surprises.
**4. Is Intel a good investment right now?**
Intel shows strong fundamentals, including 25.4% revenue growth and significant CEO investment. However, analysts remain cautious, with a “Hold” rating and only 5 buys out of 29 recommendations.
**5. What catalyst could drive Target’s stock higher?**
A daily close above $161.96 could signal a breakout, with a target price implying 30% upside. Upcoming events like earnings reports could also drive momentum.
**6. What makes Macy’s stock unique compared to the others?**
Macy’s has the heaviest put-to-call ratio among the three stocks, indicating significant bearish sentiment. However, its defended price floor and upcoming earnings report could present opportunities for a rally.
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### Conclusion
Moderna’s dramatic rally showcased how a combination of innovation, short covering, and market sentiment can propel a stock to extraordinary heights. While replicating such a move is rare, analysts have identified stocks with similar setups. Intel, Target, and Macy’s all exhibit key characteristics, including strong fundamentals, analyst skepticism, and the potential for post-earnings surprises. For investors, these stocks may offer opportunities to capture gains similar to Moderna’s meteoric rise—if the catalysts align.
*This article was originally published by BeInCrypto.*
