Morgans AM: Monday, 16 October 2023

US equity markets weaker on Friday (13 October) as investors digested consumer sentiment data and kept a wary eye on the unfolding conflict in the Middle East – Dow added +39-points or +0.12% despite Boeing Co (down -3.34%) and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (-3.89%) dropping over >3%. UnitedHealth Group Inc gained +2.64% after the healthcare-services and insurance giant posted better-than-expected third quarter adjusted EPS (US$6.56 versus consensus US$6.33) and revenue (US$92.361B, up from US$80.894B a year earlier and versus consensus US$91.414B), and again raised its full year adjusted EPS guidance (to US$24.85-to-US$25.00 versus current consensus US$24.83). On a call with analysts, UnitedHealth faced several questions about coverage of popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. “We’re struggling, and frankly our clients are struggling, with the list prices which have been demanded on these products in the U.S.,” CEO Andrew Witty said on the call. Regarding whether customers are seeking increased coverage of the drugs, CEO of the company’s UnitedHealthcare unit Brian Thompson said “it’s a mixed bag”, noting that “Some are seeking coverage, albeit dissatisfied with the price point. Some are backing off, given the cost.” Clients see the cost of the drugs as an “open-ended financial risk,” Mr Witty added on the call. “We’re trying to put forward to manufacturers a variety of options, but we need the manufacturers to move. It’s as simple as that.”