10:53 AM EDT, 09/09/2025 (MT Newswires) -- UnitedHealth Group ( UNH ) provided an "encouraging" update on a preliminary estimate of its 2026 Medicare Star rating for payment year 2027, Truist Securities said in a Tuesday note.

The company estimated that about 78% of its membership will be in plans rated four stars or higher, consistent with expectations and historical trends, and slightly above 2025, when Truist estimates about 70% of members were in four-star or higher plans.

The brokerage said the update is positive, given the volatility in star ratings in recent years. Official ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are expected in October.

UnitedHealth ( UNH ) also reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings guidance of at least $16 per share, including the recently closed Amedisys acquisition. Truist noted that the acquisition is expected to be modestly dilutive to earnings due to financing costs and integration-related investments. The firm added that the deal brings attractive benefits.

Truist reiterated the company's stock rating at buy and raised the price target to $365 from $310.

Shares of UnitedHealth Group ( UNH ) were up 4% in recent trading.

Price: 333.20, Change: +12.95, Percent Change: +4.04