HSBC cuts rating of UnitedHealth, citing earnings risks amid CEO shake-up
Shares in UnitedHealth, which have fallen sharply since the company announced an executive-level change and pulled its 2025 guidance earlier this month, were lower by more than 1% in premarket U.S. trading on Wednesday.
The company said it had suspended its full-year financial forecast due to a bigger-than-anticipated spike in medical costs, while CEO Andrew Witty has decided to step down from the role.
In a statement, UnitedHealth said Witty's departure was due to personal reasons. Stephen Hemsley was appointed as Witty's successor.
Hemsley, who previously served as CEO from 2006 to 2017, will also remain Chairman. Witty will be a senior adviser to Hemsley, UnitedHealth added.
Witty had overseen a tumultuous time for the firm, particularly after the shooting death late last year of Brian Thompson, who led its insurance arm. Earlier this month, UnitedHealth was sued by shareholders for allegedly covering up how the killing had impacted its operations.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealth said it had halted its 2025 outlook, citing higher-than-estimated medical expenses related to many new beneficiaries from government-backed Medicare Advantage plans for older adults. Care activity has continued to accelerate and broaden out to "more types of benefit offerings than seen in the first quarter", the firm noted.
Like other health insurance providers, UnitedHealth has been grappling with an uptick in medical costs as more people with Medicare plans choose to go ahead with elective surgeries previously delayed during the pandemic. Its Optum Health division, which houses the prescription drug plans it runs for Medicare, has also faced pressure from patients needing more care.
"The downside risk on 2025 estimated adjusted earnings per share has increased post guidance cancellation, giving the new CEO a kitchen sinking opportunity," the HSBC analysts led by Sidharth Sahoo said. "We also see potential recovery getting delayed [...]"
The brokerage subsequently slashed its rating of UnitedHealth to "reduce" from "hold" and lowered its price target by around 45% to $270. On Tuesday, the stock ended trading at $312.58.
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