MIST
Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$201M
5Y Perf.-67.2%
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Stock Comparison
MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
XENE
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$4.42B
5Y Perf.+476.1%
PRAX
Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$9.63B
5Y Perf.-36.5%
ACAD
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$3.86B
5Y Perf.-51.4%
MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MIST | XENE | PRAX | ACAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology | Biotechnology | Biotechnology | Biotechnology |
| Market Cap | $201M | $4.42B | $9.63B | $3.86B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1M | $0.00 | $-92K | $1.10B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-79M | $-383M | $-327M | $376M |
| Gross Margin | -5.6% | 66.1% | — | 91.5% |
| Operating Margin | -43.4% | -49.7% | — | 7.4% |
| Forward P/E | — | — | — | 50.9x |
| Total Debt | $58M | $8M | $110K | $52M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $73M | $199M | $357M | $178M |
MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MIST
XENE
PRAX
ACAD
| Stock | Oct 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milestone Pharmaceu… (MIST) | 100 | 32.8 | -67.2% |
| Xenon Pharmaceutica… (XENE) | 100 | 576.1 | +476.1% |
| Praxis Precision Me… (PRAX) | 100 | 63.5 | -36.5% |
| ACADIA Pharmaceutic… (ACAD) | 100 | 48.6 | -51.4% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: ACAD leads in 3 of 6 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for capital preservation and lower volatility. PRAX also leads in specific categories worth noting. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MIST
Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc.
The Secondary Option
MIST lags the leaders in this set but could rank higher in a more targeted comparison.
Best for: healthcare exposure
XENE
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
The Income Pick
XENE is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and long-term compounding is your priority.
- beta 1.05
- 7.4% 10Y total return vs PRAX's -20.1%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.05, Low D/E 1.4%, current ratio 13.42x
- Beta 1.05, current ratio 13.42x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
PRAX
Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.
The Momentum Pick
PRAX is the clearest fit if your priority is momentum.
- +7.7% vs MIST's +46.5%
Best for: momentum
ACAD
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
The Growth Play
ACAD carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure.
- Rev growth 11.9%, EPS growth 68.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 27.5%
- 11.9% revenue growth vs PRAX's -100.0%
- 34.3% margin vs MIST's -55.3%
- 26.2% ROA vs MIST's -102.2%, ROIC 10.0% vs -133.7%
Best for: growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | ACAD | 11.9% revenue growth vs PRAX's -100.0% |
| Quality / Margins | ACAD | 34.3% margin vs MIST's -55.3% |
| Stability / Safety | XENE | Beta 1.05 vs MIST's 2.11, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | None of these 4 stocks pay a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | PRAX | +7.7% vs MIST's +46.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | ACAD | 26.2% ROA vs MIST's -102.2%, ROIC 10.0% vs -133.7% |
MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2022
FY 2024
FY 2018
MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLACADLAGGINGPRAX
Who Leads Where
ACAD leads in 3 of 6 categories
MIST leads 0 • XENE leads 0 • PRAX leads 0 • 2 tied
Explore the data ↓PRAXPraxis Precision Medi…
0leads
XENEXenon Pharmaceuticals…
0leads
MISTMilestone Pharmaceuti…
0leads
ACADACADIA Pharmaceutical…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MISTvs XENEMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
ACAD5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
ACAD2/3
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
ACAD5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
Tied
—
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ACAD leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ACAD and PRAX operate at a comparable scale, with $1.1B and -$92,000 in trailing revenue. ACAD is the more profitable business, keeping 34.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MIST's -55.3%. On growth, ACAD holds the edge at +9.7% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MISTMilestone Pharmac… | XENEXenon Pharmaceuti… | PRAXPraxis Precision … | ACADACADIA Pharmaceut… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1M | $0 | -$92,000 | $1.1B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$62M | -$411M | -$357M | $96M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$79M | -$383M | -$327M | $376M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$49M | -$307M | -$283M | $212M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | -5.6% | +66.1% | — | +91.5% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -43.4% | -49.7% | — | +7.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -55.3% | -46.1% | — | +34.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -34.2% | -37.3% | — | +19.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | -100.0% | — | +9.7% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +25.0% | -41.0% | +2.7% | -81.8% |
ACAD leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
ACAD leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | MISTMilestone Pharmac… | XENEXenon Pharmaceuti… | PRAXPraxis Precision … | ACADACADIA Pharmaceut… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $201M | $4.4B | $9.6B | $3.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $186M | $4.2B | $9.3B | $3.7B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -2.52x | -12.84x | -24.72x | 9.85x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | — | — | 50.91x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | — | — | 26.91x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 129.88x | 589.47x | — | 3.61x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.80x | 7.63x | 8.54x | 3.15x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — | — | 36.74x |
ACAD leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ACAD leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ACAD delivers a 35.6% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $36 in annual profit, vs $-8 for MIST. PRAX carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MIST's 1.40x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), ACAD scores 6/9 vs MIST's 2/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | MISTMilestone Pharmac… | XENEXenon Pharmaceuti… | PRAXPraxis Precision … | ACADACADIA Pharmaceut… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -8.3% | -49.2% | -43.0% | +35.6% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -102.2% | -42.0% | -40.2% | +26.2% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -133.7% | -55.3% | -65.0% | +10.0% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -74.4% | -43.8% | -49.3% | +10.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.40x | 0.01x | 0.00x | 0.04x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$15M | -$191M | -$357M | -$126M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $73M | $199M | $357M | $178M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $58M | $8M | $110,000 | $52M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -5.71x | — | — | — |
ACAD leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
Evenly matched — XENE and PRAX each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in XENE five years ago would be worth $30,254 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $3,298 for MIST. Over the past 12 months, PRAX leads with a +775.0% total return vs MIST's +46.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors PRAX at 174.9% vs MIST's -21.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MISTMilestone Pharmac… | XENEXenon Pharmaceuti… | PRAXPraxis Precision … | ACADACADIA Pharmaceut… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -7.8% | +25.9% | +16.4% | -13.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +46.5% | +58.5% | +775.0% | +52.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -51.8% | +31.8% | +1976.5% | +4.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -67.0% | +202.5% | -20.8% | +7.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -87.7% | +737.1% | -20.1% | -22.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -21.6% | +9.6% | +174.9% | +1.5% |
Evenly matched — XENE and PRAX each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — XENE and PRAX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
XENE is the less volatile stock with a 1.05 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MIST's 2.11 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. PRAX currently trades 93.6% from its 52-week high vs MIST's 61.8% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MISTMilestone Pharmac… | XENEXenon Pharmaceuti… | PRAXPraxis Precision … | ACADACADIA Pharmaceut… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 2.11x | 1.05x | 1.55x | 1.26x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $3.06 | $63.95 | $356.00 | $27.81 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $1.00 | $28.19 | $35.18 | $14.45 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +61.8% | +87.6% | +93.6% | +81.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 58.2 | 61.3 | 55.6 | 44.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 2.1M | 1.5M | 378K | 1.8M |
Evenly matched — XENE and PRAX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: MIST as "Buy", XENE as "Buy", PRAX as "Buy", ACAD as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 287.8% upside for MIST (target: $7) vs 43.2% for XENE (target: $80).
| Metric | MISTMilestone Pharmac… | XENEXenon Pharmaceuti… | PRAXPraxis Precision … | ACADACADIA Pharmaceut… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $7.33 | $80.20 | $544.40 | $34.78 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 7 | 22 | 16 | 37 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — | — | — |
| 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
ACAD leads in 3 of 6 categories — strongest in Income & Cash Flow and Valuation Metrics. 2 categories are tied.
Best OverallACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
MIST vs XENE vs PRAX vs ACAD: Key Questions Answered
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD a better buy right now?
For growth investors, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(ACAD) is the stronger pick with 11. 9% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -100. 0% for Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (PRAX). ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) offers the better valuation at 9. 9x trailing P/E (50. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MIST) a "Buy" — based on 7 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 — MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD?
Over the past 5 years, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(XENE) delivered a total return of +202. 5%, compared to -67. 0% for Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MIST). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: XENE returned +737. 1% versus MIST's -87. 7%. 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 — MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(XENE) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 05β versus Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. 's 2. 11β — meaning MIST is approximately 101% more volatile than XENE relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (PRAX) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 140% for Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(ACAD) is pulling ahead at 11. 9% versus -100. 0% for Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (PRAX). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. grew EPS 68. 4% year-over-year, compared to -44. 9% for Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, ACAD leads at 27. 5% annualised revenue growth. 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 — MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD?
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(ACAD) is the more profitable company, earning 36. 5% net margin versus -55. 3% for Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. — meaning it keeps 36. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: ACAD leads at 9. 8% versus -49. 7% for XENE. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ACAD leads at 91. 7%, 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.
06Is MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD more undervalued right now?
Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MIST: 287.
8% to $7. 33.
07Which pays a better dividend — MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD?
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.
08Is MIST or XENE or PRAX or ACAD better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(XENE) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 05), +737. 1% 10Y return). Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MIST) carries a higher beta of 2. 11 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (XENE: +737. 1%, MIST: -87. 7%), 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.
09What are the main differences between MIST and XENE and PRAX and ACAD?
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: MIST is a small-cap quality compounder stock; XENE is a small-cap quality compounder stock; PRAX is a small-cap quality compounder stock; ACAD is a small-cap deep-value 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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