A.M. Best has assigned indicative ratings of “bbb+” to senior
unsecured debt, “bbb” to subordinated debt and “bbb-” to preferred
shares of the recently filed universal shelf registration of UnitedHealth
Group Incorporated (UnitedHealth) (Minnetonka, MN) [NYSE: UNH]. The
outlook assigned is stable. The new shelf registration replaces
UnitedHealth’s previous shelf, which has expired. Consequently, the
ratings for the previous shelf registration have been withdrawn. All
remaining ratings of UnitedHealth and its subsidiaries are unchanged.
(For further information, please see A.M. Best’s press release dated
December 11, 2013.)
As of December 31, 2013, UnitedHealth’s debt-to-capital ratio and
interest coverage were well within A.M. Best’s guidelines for its
current rating level. UnitedHealth’s debt ratings reflect the
organization’s financial flexibility, which is enhanced through robust
non-regulated earnings that contribute to its already strong interest
coverage as well as the reduced reliance on dividends from its regulated
subsidiaries.
The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit
Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M.
Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria
employed in the rating process. Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be
found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.
A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative
insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
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