Why Is Xenon Pharmaceuticals (XENE) Up 9.7% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Xenon Pharmaceuticals reported a narrower loss than expected for Q3 2025, with shares increasing by approximately 9.7% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500 [1][3]. Financial Performance - The company reported a loss of $1.15 per share for Q3 2025, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.16, compared to a loss of $0.81 per share in the same quarter last year [3]. - Xenon did not generate any revenues in the reported quarter, similar to the year-ago quarter, as it lacks a marketed product and only recognizes collaboration revenues from its partnership with Neurocrine Biosciences [4]. - Research and development (R&D) expenses rose by 35% year-over-year to $77.1 million, driven by costs related to late-stage studies in epilepsy and major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as increased personnel expenses [5]. - General and administrative expenses increased by 16% year-over-year to $19.3 million, primarily due to higher professional and consulting fees [6]. - As of September 30, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $555.3 million, down from $624.8 million as of June 30, 2025, which is expected to fund operations through 2027 [7]. Market Sentiment and Estimates - Estimates for Xenon Pharmaceuticals have trended upward over the past month, indicating a positive outlook despite the current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8][10]. - The company has a poor Growth Score of F and a Momentum Score of C, with an overall VGM Score of F, placing it in the bottom 20% for value investors [9]. Industry Comparison - Xenon Pharmaceuticals is part of the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, where BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) has seen a 2.6% gain over the past month, reporting revenues of $776.13 million for the last quarter, a year-over-year increase of 4.1% [11][12].