Barclays Maintains an 'Overweight' on UnitedHealth Group (UNH); 2Q Results Show Continued Strength and Continued Conservatism

Barclays maintains an 'Overweight' on UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), raises PT from $57 to $59.

Barclays analyst says, "UnitedHealth led off the second quarter 2011 earnings season with very impressive results. While the immediate stock reaction was not positive, we would expect the results to lead to continued strength through the remainder of 2011...With the results of the quarter, we are increasing our estimates for 2011 and 2012 as well as our target. Our new full-year 2011 EPS forecast going to $4.20 per share, up from $4.00 per share. This estimate includes $0.15 per share in costs for the Penn Treaty charge, with the adjusted growth rate in 2011 closer to 6%. Next, we increase our estimate for 2012 EPS to $4.75, 15 cents above our previous estimate. We view this as a conservative starting point for the coming year."

For more ratings news on UnitedHealth Group click here and for the rating history of UnitedHealth Group click here.

Shares of UnitedHealth Group closed at $51.45 yesterday.

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