MPLT
MapLight Therapeutics, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$1.30B
5Y Perf.+9.8%
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Stock Comparison
MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
ACLX
Arcellx, Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$6.73B
5Y Perf.+501.2%
CRL
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
Medical - Diagnostics & Research
Market Cap$7.27B
5Y Perf.-40.8%
LEGN
Legend Biotech Corporation
Biotechnology
Market Cap$5.10B
5Y Perf.-54.3%
MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MPLT | ACLX | CRL | LEGN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology | Biotechnology | Medical - Diagnostics & Research | Biotechnology |
| Market Cap | $1.30B | $6.73B | $7.27B | $5.10B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $0.00 | $22M | $4.03B | $1.14B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-103M | $-229M | $-185M | $-251M |
| Gross Margin | — | -64.8% | 31.9% | 53.6% |
| Operating Margin | — | -11.4% | 11.8% | -11.6% |
| Forward P/E | — | — | 13.6x | 279.4x |
| Total Debt | $7M | $96M | $3.07B | $414M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $38M | $80M | $214M | $902M |
MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MPLT
ACLX
CRL
LEGN
| Stock | Feb 22 | Apr 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcellx, Inc. (ACLX) | 100 | 601.2 | +501.2% |
| Charles River Labor… (CRL) | 100 | 59.2 | -40.8% |
| Legend Biotech Corp… (LEGN) | 100 | 45.7 | -54.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CRL and LEGN are tied at the top with 2 categories each — the right choice depends on your priorities. Legend Biotech Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and capital preservation and lower volatility. MPLT and ACLX also each lead in at least one category. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MPLT
MapLight Therapeutics, Inc.
The Quality Compounder
MPLT is the clearest fit if your priority is quality.
- 3.3% margin vs ACLX's -10.3%
Best for: quality
ACLX
Arcellx, Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
ACLX is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 5.8% 10Y total return vs MPLT's 59.5%
- +96.9% vs LEGN's -0.5%
Best for: long-term compounding
CRL
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
The Value Play
CRL has the current edge in this matchup, primarily because of its strength in value and efficiency.
- Lower P/E (13.6x vs 279.4x)
- -2.5% ROA vs MPLT's -69.7%, ROIC 6.3% vs -153.7%
Best for: value and efficiency
LEGN
Legend Biotech Corporation
The Income Pick
LEGN is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and growth exposure is your priority.
- beta 0.79
- Rev growth 64.5%, EPS growth -64.9%, 3Y rev CAGR 106.6%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.79, Low D/E 41.3%, current ratio 1.96x
- Beta 0.79, current ratio 1.96x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | LEGN | 64.5% revenue growth vs ACLX's -79.4% |
| Value | CRL | Lower P/E (13.6x vs 279.4x) |
| Quality / Margins | MPLT | 3.3% margin vs ACLX's -10.3% |
| Stability / Safety | LEGN | Beta 0.79 vs CRL's 1.47, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | None of these 4 stocks pay a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | ACLX | +96.9% vs LEGN's -0.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CRL | -2.5% ROA vs MPLT's -69.7%, ROIC 6.3% vs -153.7% |
MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN — 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
FY 2021
MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLACLXLAGGINGLEGN
Who Leads Where
CRL leads in 2 of 6 categories
ACLX leads 2 • MPLT leads 0 • LEGN leads 0 • 1 tied
Explore the data ↓LEGNLegend Biotech Corpor…
0leads
MPLTMapLight Therapeutics…
0leads
CRLCharles River Laborat…
2leads
ACLXArcellx, Inc.
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CRLvs MPLTMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CRL4/4
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CRL6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
ACLX6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
ACLX2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — CRL and LEGN each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CRL and MPLT operate at a comparable scale, with $4.0B and $0 in trailing revenue. CRL is the more profitable business, keeping -4.6% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to ACLX's -10.3%. On growth, LEGN holds the edge at +56.9% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MPLTMapLight Therapeu… | ACLXArcellx, Inc. | CRLCharles River Lab… | LEGNLegend Biotech Co… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $0 | $22M | $4.0B | $1.1B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$108M | -$246M | $824M | -$93M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$103M | -$229M | -$185M | -$251M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$113M | -$213M | $391M | -$236M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | — | -64.8% | +31.9% | +53.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | — | -11.4% | +11.8% | -11.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | — | -10.3% | -4.6% | -22.0% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | — | -9.5% | +9.7% | -20.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | -89.2% | +1.2% | +56.9% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | -13.6% | -160.0% | -5.5% |
Evenly matched — CRL and LEGN each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CRL leads this category, winning 4 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | MPLTMapLight Therapeu… | ACLXArcellx, Inc. | CRLCharles River Lab… | LEGNLegend Biotech Co… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.3B | $6.7B | $7.3B | $5.1B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $1.3B | $6.7B | $10.1B | $4.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -15.36x | -28.27x | -51.84x | -17.22x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | — | 13.60x | 279.41x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | — | 11.10x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | — | 302.09x | 1.81x | 4.94x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 10.33x | 16.10x | 2.33x | 5.07x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — | 14.01x | — |
CRL leads this category, winning 4 of 4 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CRL leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CRL delivers a -5.7% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $-6 in annual profit, vs $-2 for MPLT. MPLT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.06x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CRL's 0.95x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MPLT scores 4/9 vs ACLX's 1/9, reflecting mixed financial health.
| Metric | MPLTMapLight Therapeu… | ACLXArcellx, Inc. | CRLCharles River Lab… | LEGNLegend Biotech Co… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -2.1% | -55.4% | -5.7% | -25.0% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -69.7% | -36.2% | -2.5% | -14.9% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -153.7% | -46.2% | +6.3% | -12.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -83.9% | -46.6% | +8.1% | -11.0% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.06x | 0.24x | 0.95x | 0.41x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$32M | $16M | $2.9B | -$488M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $38M | $80M | $214M | $902M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $7M | $96M | $3.1B | $414M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | -8.45x | 4.29x | -10.28x |
CRL leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
ACLX leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in ACLX five years ago would be worth $68,494 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $4,674 for CRL. Over the past 12 months, ACLX leads with a +96.9% total return vs LEGN's -0.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors ACLX at 38.4% vs LEGN's -27.8% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MPLTMapLight Therapeu… | ACLXArcellx, Inc. | CRLCharles River Lab… | LEGNLegend Biotech Co… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +59.5% | +81.7% | -25.5% | +28.1% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +59.5% | +96.9% | +8.6% | -0.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +59.5% | +164.8% | -21.6% | -62.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +59.5% | +584.9% | -53.3% | -10.8% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +59.5% | +584.9% | +79.7% | -25.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +16.8% | +38.4% | -7.8% | -27.8% |
ACLX leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
ACLX leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
ACLX is the less volatile stock with a -0.58 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CRL's 1.47 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. ACLX currently trades 99.9% from its 52-week high vs LEGN's 60.8% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MPLTMapLight Therapeu… | ACLXArcellx, Inc. | CRLCharles River Lab… | LEGNLegend Biotech Co… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | — | -0.58x | 1.47x | 0.79x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $33.28 | $115.13 | $228.88 | $45.30 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $16.34 | $56.58 | $132.58 | $16.24 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +86.3% | +99.9% | +65.9% | +60.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 54.2 | 79.9 | 38.5 | 66.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 265K | 1.3M | 781K | 2.1M |
ACLX leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: ACLX as "Hold", CRL as "Buy", LEGN as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 110.5% upside for LEGN (target: $58) vs -2.3% for ACLX (target: $112).
| Metric | MPLTMapLight Therapeu… | ACLXArcellx, Inc. | CRLCharles River Lab… | LEGNLegend Biotech Co… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Hold | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $33.80 | $112.45 | $206.43 | $58.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 18 | 36 | 19 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — | 1 | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | +5.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
CRL leads in 2 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency). ACLX leads in 2 (Total Returns, Risk & Volatility). 1 tied.
Best OverallArcellx, Inc. (ACLX)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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MPLT vs ACLX vs CRL vs LEGN: Key Questions Answered
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Legend Biotech Corporation (LEGN) is the stronger pick with 64.
5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -79. 4% for Arcellx, Inc. (ACLX). Analysts rate Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL) a "Buy" — based on 36 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 — MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN?
Over the past 5 years, Arcellx, Inc.
(ACLX) delivered a total return of +584. 9%, compared to -53. 3% for Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: ACLX returned +584. 9% versus LEGN's -25. 5%. 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 — MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Arcellx, Inc.
(ACLX) is the lower-risk stock at -0. 58β versus Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. 's 1. 47β — meaning CRL is approximately -354% more volatile than ACLX relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, MapLight Therapeutics, Inc. (MPLT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 6% versus 95% for Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Legend Biotech Corporation (LEGN) is pulling ahead at 64.
5% versus -79. 4% for Arcellx, Inc. (ACLX). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: MapLight Therapeutics, Inc. grew EPS -39. 6% year-over-year, compared to -1555. 0% for Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, LEGN leads at 106. 6% 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 — MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN?
MapLight Therapeutics, Inc.
(MPLT) is the more profitable company, earning 0. 0% net margin versus -1027. 3% for Arcellx, Inc. — meaning it keeps 0. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CRL leads at 12. 6% versus -1135. 6% for ACLX. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ACLX leads at 70. 0%, 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 MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
(CRL) trades at 13. 6x forward P/E versus 279. 4x for Legend Biotech Corporation — 265. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for LEGN: 110. 5% to $58. 00.
07Which pays a better dividend — MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN?
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 MPLT or ACLX or CRL or LEGN better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Arcellx, Inc.
(ACLX) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0. 58), +584. 9% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (ACLX: +584. 9%, MPLT: +59. 5%), 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 MPLT and ACLX and CRL and LEGN?
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: MPLT is a small-cap quality compounder stock; ACLX is a small-cap quality compounder stock; CRL is a small-cap quality compounder stock; LEGN is a small-cap high-growth 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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