Key Takeaways
- Pfizer (PFE) and BioNTech (BNTX) have lost a UK court appeal regarding a BioNTech patent on mRNA technology, meaning Moderna (MRNA) is entitled to damages related to sales of their COVID-19 vaccine after March 2022.
- Linde (LIN) reported strong Q2 2025 earnings, with adjusted EPS of $4.09 beating estimates of $4.03 and revenue of $8.50 billion surpassing the $8.352 billion estimate.
- South Korea announced plans for a $350 billion investment in the US, with $150 billion specifically allocated for shipbuilding cooperation, in exchange for the US lowering reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods to 15%.
- Germany will deliver additional Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine in the coming days, with other system components to follow within 2-3 months, as part of an agreement with the US.
In a significant development for the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer (PFE) and its German partner BioNTech (BNTX) lost their UK Court of Appeal bid to overturn a ruling that their COVID-19 vaccine infringed one of Moderna's (MRNA) patents. This means Moderna is entitled to damages from sales of the Comirnaty vaccine after March 2022. The appeal sought to reverse a High Court ruling from last year which found one of Moderna's messenger RNA (mRNA) technology patents to be valid and infringed upon.
Industrial gas giant Linde (LIN) delivered a robust second quarter for 2025, exceeding analyst expectations. The company reported an adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $4.09, outperforming the estimated $4.03. Revenue for the quarter also came in strong at $8.50 billion, surpassing the $8.352 billion estimate. Linde's EBIT reached $2.40 billion, with adjusted EBIT at $2.60 billion, higher than the $2.488 billion estimate. Looking ahead, Linde provided an optimistic outlook, projecting full-year adjusted EPS between $16.30 and $16.50, and Q3 adjusted EPS between $4.10 and $4.20. The company also anticipates full-year capital expenditures (Capex) to be between $5.00 billion and $5.50 billion.
Meanwhile, international trade relations saw notable movement as South Korea announced a substantial $350 billion investment plan in the United States. This investment, which includes $150 billion earmarked for shipbuilding cooperation, comes as part of a trade agreement where the US will lower reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%. The deal also includes South Korea's agreement to purchase $100 billion worth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other energy products from the US. This agreement follows a successful petition that forced a review of South Korea's proposed tax hike plan, which had caused a slump in the stock market. The proposed tax reform for 2026 included raising the corporate tax rate to 25% and increasing the securities transaction tax, aimed at addressing a shortfall in tax revenue.
In geopolitical news, Germany confirmed it will deliver additional Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine in the coming days. This initial delivery will be followed by other system components within the next two to three months. This move is part of an agreement with the United States, where Germany will receive new Patriot systems at an accelerated pace in return. Ukraine's need for air defense has become more urgent amid intensified aerial attacks.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.