Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp (TKMR): QVT Financial’s New Holding and Two Other Healthcare Picks

In its last 13F filing, QVT Financial also disclosed ownership of 1.15 million shares of Tenet Healthcare Corp (NYSE:THC), a position valued at $58.54 million. Although the stock gained 23.92% throughout 2014, the fund trimmed its stake in the company by 22% during the fourth quarter. Tenet Healthcare Corp (NYSE:THC) was also one of billionaire Larry Robbins’ top picks last quarter. Mr. Robbins’ Glenview Capital still ranks as the company’s largest shareholder among institutional investors, with a stake of 13.81 million shares. Although Tenet Healthcare Corp (NYSE:THC) missed analysts’ consensus earnings estimate of $1.18 per share last quarter, reporting EPS of $1.03, the management has put forward several strategies in order to expand its market share and its health coverage. In addition to boosting its top line by growing its outpatient business, Tenet Healthcare Corp (NYSE:THC) recently expanded its Board of Directors from nine to ten members, electing Tammy Remo to fill the newly created position.

QVT Financial was also bullish on Acceleron Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:XLRN), revealing a position of 962,200 shares as of the end of 2014, which was valued at $37.49 million. The fund initiated a position with 556,600 of the company at the end of 2013. Although the fund reduced its exposure to Acceleron Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:XLRN) by 19% last quarter, it remains one of the company’s largest shareholders among institutional investors. Another fund betting on the stock is Phillip Gross and Robert Atchinson’s Adage Capital Management, which owns 1.77 million shares. Billionaire Ken Griffin’s Citadel Investment Group also holds a considerable stake in the company, which amounts to 392,600 shares. Acceleron Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:XLRN) failed to meet Wall Street expectations, reporting a fourth quarter loss of $0.55 per share, compared to the expected loss of $0.23 per share. Nevertheless, analysts are optimistic about the prospects of the biotech company. Earlier this month, Citigroup raised its price target on the stock to $52.00 from $50.00 with a ‘Buy’ rating.

Correction: This article previously stated that QVT Financial has purchased the shares, which was misleading. We appologize for the mistake. 

Disclosure: none