HEPA
Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$662K
5Y Perf.-100.0%
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Stock Comparison
HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
TERN
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$4.63B
5Y Perf.+133.7%
MDGL
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$11.76B
5Y Perf.+320.9%
AKRO
Akero Therapeutics, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$4.50B
5Y Perf.+78.8%
HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | HEPA | TERN | MDGL | AKRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology | Biotechnology | Biotechnology | Biotechnology |
| Market Cap | $662K | $4.63B | $11.76B | $4.50B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $1.13B | $0.00 |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-8M | $-94M | $-309M | $-293M |
| Gross Margin | — | — | 93.1% | — |
| Operating Margin | — | — | -27.7% | — |
| Total Debt | $54K | $1M | $354M | $36M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $2M | $161M | $199M | $340M |
HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
HEPA
TERN
MDGL
AKRO
| Stock | Feb 21 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepion Pharmaceutic… (HEPA) | 100 | 0.0 | -100.0% |
| Terns Pharmaceutica… (TERN) | 100 | 233.7 | +133.7% |
| Madrigal Pharmaceut… (MDGL) | 100 | 420.9 | +320.9% |
| Akero Therapeutics,… (AKRO) | 100 | 178.8 | +78.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MDGL and AKRO are tied at the top with 2 categories each — the right choice depends on your priorities. Akero Therapeutics, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. TERN also leads in specific categories worth noting. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
HEPA
Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The Growth Play
HEPA is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure.
- EPS growth 99.2%
Best for: growth exposure
TERN
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The Defensive Pick
TERN is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 0.34, Low D/E 0.4%, current ratio 23.14x
- +16.6% vs HEPA's -85.5%
Best for: sleep-well-at-night
MDGL
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
MDGL carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for long-term compounding.
- 37.3% 10Y total return vs AKRO's 198.3%
- 432.1% revenue growth vs AKRO's -24.6%
- -25.4% ROA vs HEPA's -187.8%, ROIC -29.4% vs -409.9%
Best for: long-term compounding
AKRO
Akero Therapeutics, Inc.
The Income Pick
AKRO is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and defensive is your priority.
- beta 0.31
- Beta 0.31, current ratio 19.38x
- 4.0% margin vs MDGL's -27.3%
- Beta 0.31 vs MDGL's 0.59, lower leverage
Best for: income & stability and defensive
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MDGL | 432.1% revenue growth vs AKRO's -24.6% |
| Quality / Margins | AKRO | 4.0% margin vs MDGL's -27.3% |
| Stability / Safety | AKRO | Beta 0.31 vs MDGL's 0.59, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | None of these 4 stocks pay a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | TERN | +16.6% vs HEPA's -85.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MDGL | -25.4% ROA vs HEPA's -187.8%, ROIC -29.4% vs -409.9% |
HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
Segment breakdown not available.
HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLHEPALAGGINGAKRO
Who Leads Where
HEPA leads in 1 of 6 categories
MDGL leads 1 • TERN leads 1 • AKRO leads 0 • 2 tied
Explore the data ↓AKROAkero Therapeutics, I…
0leads
MDGLMadrigal Pharmaceutic…
1leads
TERNTerns Pharmaceuticals…
1leads
HEPAHepion Pharmaceutical…
1leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs TERNvs MDGLMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
HEPA1/1
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MDGL5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
TERN4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
HEPA leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MDGL and AKRO operate at a comparable scale, with $1.1B and $0 in trailing revenue.
| Metric | HEPAHepion Pharmaceut… | TERNTerns Pharmaceuti… | MDGLMadrigal Pharmace… | AKROAkero Therapeutic… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $0 | $0 | $1.1B | $0 |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$9M | -$108M | -$312M | -$318M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$8M | -$94M | -$309M | -$293M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$3M | -$78M | -$272M | -$250M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | — | — | +93.1% | — |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | — | — | -27.7% | — |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | — | — | -27.3% | — |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | — | — | -24.1% | — |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | — | +126.8% | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +112.6% | +3.6% | +2.1% | +5.7% |
HEPA leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — HEPA and TERN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | HEPAHepion Pharmaceut… | TERNTerns Pharmaceuti… | MDGLMadrigal Pharmace… | AKROAkero Therapeutic… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $662,358 | $4.6B | $11.8B | $4.5B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | -$1M | $4.5B | $11.9B | $4.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -0.06x | -47.28x | -39.69x | -14.57x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | — | — | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | — | — | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | — | — | 12.27x | — |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.20x | 12.17x | 18.99x | 4.89x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — | — | — |
Evenly matched — HEPA and TERN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MDGL leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
TERN delivers a -30.0% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $-30 in annual profit, vs $-2 for HEPA. TERN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MDGL's 0.59x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), HEPA scores 3/9 vs AKRO's 2/9, reflecting mixed financial health.
| Metric | HEPAHepion Pharmaceut… | TERNTerns Pharmaceuti… | MDGLMadrigal Pharmace… | AKROAkero Therapeutic… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -2.4% | -30.0% | -50.2% | -30.6% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -187.8% | -28.5% | -25.4% | -29.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -4.1% | -42.2% | -29.4% | -55.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -6.7% | -33.7% | -32.9% | -42.4% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.02x | 0.00x | 0.59x | 0.05x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$2M | -$160M | $156M | -$304M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $2M | $161M | $199M | $340M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $54,066 | $1M | $354M | $36M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | — | -25.80x | -62.41x |
MDGL leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
TERN leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MDGL five years ago would be worth $38,678 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $0 for HEPA. Over the past 12 months, TERN leads with a +1665.0% total return vs HEPA's -85.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors TERN at 59.1% vs HEPA's -95.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | HEPAHepion Pharmaceut… | TERNTerns Pharmaceuti… | MDGLMadrigal Pharmace… | AKROAkero Therapeutic… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -5.0% | +32.0% | -14.1% | — |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -85.5% | +1665.0% | +70.3% | +28.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -100.0% | +302.7% | +65.1% | +20.1% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -100.0% | +252.8% | +286.8% | +104.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -100.0% | +187.9% | +3734.9% | +198.3% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -95.6% | +59.1% | +18.2% | +6.3% |
TERN leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — HEPA and TERN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
HEPA is the less volatile stock with a -0.91 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MDGL's 0.59 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. TERN currently trades 99.6% from its 52-week high vs HEPA's 13.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | HEPAHepion Pharmaceut… | TERNTerns Pharmaceuti… | MDGLMadrigal Pharmace… | AKROAkero Therapeutic… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | -0.91x | 0.34x | 0.59x | 0.31x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $0.43 | $53.18 | $615.00 | $57.35 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $0.03 | $2.66 | $265.00 | $37.28 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +13.4% | +99.6% | +82.9% | +95.3% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 55.9 | 73.7 | 58.8 | 70.4 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 12K | 6.6M | 310K | 0 |
Evenly matched — HEPA and TERN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: TERN as "Buy", MDGL as "Buy", AKRO as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 38.2% upside for MDGL (target: $705) vs -11.4% for AKRO (target: $48).
| Metric | HEPAHepion Pharmaceut… | TERNTerns Pharmaceuti… | MDGLMadrigal Pharmace… | AKROAkero Therapeutic… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $55.56 | $705.10 | $48.40 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 16 | 23 | 14 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — | 1 | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
HEPA leads in 1 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow). MDGL leads in 1 (Profitability & Efficiency). 2 tied.
Best OverallHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (HEPA)Leads 1 of 6 categories
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HEPA vs TERN vs MDGL vs AKRO: Key Questions Answered
8 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO a better buy right now?
Analysts rate Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(TERN) a "Buy" — based on 16 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which is the better long-term investment — HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO?
Over the past 5 years, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(MDGL) delivered a total return of +286. 8%, compared to -100. 0% for Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (HEPA). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MDGL returned +37. 3% versus HEPA's -100. 0%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(HEPA) is the lower-risk stock at -0. 91β versus Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 's 0. 59β — meaning MDGL is approximately -165% more volatile than HEPA relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TERN) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 59% for Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO?
On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
grew EPS 99. 2% year-over-year, compared to -29. 8% for Akero Therapeutics, Inc.. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
05Which has better profit margins — HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO?
Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(HEPA) is the more profitable company, earning 0. 0% net margin versus -30. 1% for Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — meaning it keeps 0. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: HEPA leads at 0. 0% versus -31. 3% for MDGL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MDGL leads at 94. 1%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
06Which pays a better dividend — HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
07Is HEPA or TERN or MDGL or AKRO better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(HEPA) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0. 91)). Both have compounded well over 10 years (HEPA: -100. 0%, MDGL: +37. 3%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
08What are the main differences between HEPA and TERN and MDGL and AKRO?
Both stocks operate in the Healthcare sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: HEPA is a small-cap quality compounder stock; TERN is a small-cap quality compounder stock; MDGL is a mid-cap high-growth stock; AKRO is a small-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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