Managed Care
Q3 Preview: Living in
Interesting Times
Q3/09 earnings season kicks off with UNH on 10/20/09.
Q3/09 reporting coincides with reform debate. Q3
results look poised to coincide with the progression of
health reform activity, as the Senate moves to reconcile
draft bills from the SFC & HELP and send a final bill to
the floor for debate. Given the uncertainty surrounding
the sector, we expect management teams to maintain a
conservative stance.
A number of near-term issues. Near term, there are a
number of issues that could weigh on investor sentiment,
including cost trends (reflecting uncertainty regarding
H1N1, COBRA and hospital unit costs), sluggish
enrollment and Medicare margins. By early-mid 2010,
sentiment may start to turn as these issues dissipate.
An improving employment picture and rising investment
yields would be two positive catalysts for the group,
potentially heading into 2011. Entering 3Q, WLP
remains our sole Overweight-rated name given its
cheaper relative valuation and cash profile through
YE10.
This report includes several sections:
1. Near-term areas to watch
2. Hospital survey: Commercial trends relatively
steady
3. Broker survey suggests pricing by MCOs
remains rational
4. Initial cut: Reform-impacted “Run-rate”
earnings analysis
5. Addressing the (at present) $6.7 billion question
6. Company specific quarterly previews & models