UnitedHealth star ratings data should ease concerns, says Barclays

Group 1 - Barclays maintains an Overweight rating on UnitedHealth (UNH) with a price target of $352 [1] - A preliminary review of 2026 star ratings data indicates that 78% of UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage membership will be in a 4-star or higher plan, consistent with 76% bonus membership in 2025 star ratings [1] - The stock price increased by 4% in premarket trading, reaching $320.25, following the announcement [1] Group 2 - The new star ratings will impact the 2027 payment year and are expected to alleviate investor concerns [1] - The news is seen as reinforcing UnitedHealth's investment thesis regarding multi-year margin improvement [1]