Oracle hedge fund chief sees healthcare sector boom

Date: Monday, November 2, 2009
Author: Steve James, Reuters.com

U.S. healthcare reform is likely to benefit hospital, drug and biopharmaceutical companies if it becomes reality this year or next, Barron's business weekly said on Sunday.

It quoted leading hedge fund manager Larry Feinberg as saying the infusion of dollars into the healthcare system should accelerate growth and boost stock prices for many providers.

Feinberg, who runs Oracle Partners of Greenwich, Connecticut, forecast that hospital operator Tenet Healthcare (THC.N) could see its stock rise to $9.50 from the current $5.12 in the next 12 months.

Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR.O) could benefit from approval for its multiple sclerosis drug Fampridine and be acquired for $50 per share, Feinberg told Barron's. Acorda's stock is currently at $21.73.

Feinberg also picked specialty drug company Cephalon Inc's (CEPH.O) stock to rise to $80 in 12 months from $54.58, the publication said.

(Reporting by Steve James, editing by Martin Golan)