NASH Hype Has These 2 Stocks Soaring, Plus the Latest On MGT Capital, PTC Therapeutics, and Cloud Peak Energy

There is little fear on the Street today, as all three major indexes are moderately higher. Although the calm mood might change if the Fed announces an interest rate hike during the next two days, the price action on Tuesday indicates that many on the market expect the status quo to continue.

Among the stocks that are showing sharp movement today are MGT Capital Investments Inc. (NYSEMKT:MGT), PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTCT), Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD), Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:CNAT), and Galectin Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:GALT). Let’s find out why traders are buying and selling these equities with gusto and see what the smart money thinks of them.

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After falling sharply yesterday due to the news of an SEC subpoena, MGT Capital Investments Inc. (NYSEMKT:MGT) is down again on Tuesday, this time by around 23%. Investors are selling today due to the news that the New York Stock Exchange has informed MGT that it will not approve the listing of 43.8 million shares of MGT on its exchange, which MGT needs to issue to close on its D-Vassive merger. Currently, MGT and John McAfee are exploring other alternatives to complete the transaction. Not many funds owned MGT at the end of the second quarter. Of the 749 hedge funds that we track which filed 13Fs for the June quarter, only four of them reported holding long stakes in the stock as of the end of June.

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTCT) shares are almost 8% in the red as optimism over yesterday’s news that the FDA granted accelerated approval to Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:SRPT)’s eteplirsen has scaled back. Tempering investor enthusiasm is analyst commentary from Jefferies’ Gena Wang, who said that the FDA’s approval of eteplirsen will have a “limited” impact on PTC’s prospects. Although the FDA might be more likely to review PTC’s Translarna again, the outcome won’t likely change. Jefferies has a $7 price target on the stock, well below its current $10 price tag. 13 funds that we track were long PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTCT) at the end of the second quarter.

On the next page, we’ll find out why Cloud Peak Energy, Conatus Pharmaceuticals, and Galectin Therapeutics are surging this afternoon.

Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is 9% in the green today as sentiment around the coal miner improves. Although the coal industry is unquestionably in secular decline, there could be some relief for the sector if Donald Trump becomes President. Given that many polls in crucial swing states like Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and others have tightened in recent weeks, the probability of more favorable government action is higher. If the government rolls back regulations, demand for coal will be stronger than expected and Cloud Peak’s EPS could surprise. Andreas Halvorsen‘s Viking Global established a new stake of over 2.9 million shares in Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) during the second quarter.

Last but not least, NASH-related names Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:CNAT) and Galectin Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:GALT) are up by 21% and 12%, respectively today after Allergan plc Ordinary Shares (NYSE:AGN) agreed to buy Tobira Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:TBRA) for an upfront cash payment of $28.35 per share, and up to $49.84 per share in Contingent Value Rights that could be unlocked based on the successful completion of certain regulatory, development, and commercial milestones. The total potential consideration of the purchase values Tobira at up to $1.695 billion.

One reason Allergan is buying Tobira is due to the belief that demand for treatments for NASH, an incurable fatty liver disease, will be huge over the coming years. If that is the case, demand for Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:CNAT) and Galectin Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:GALT) own NASH products should also be strong, assuming the FDA approves them. According to our records, three funds followed by Insider Monkey were long Galectin at the end of June, while four owned shares of Conatus.

Disclosure: None