** UnitedHealth Group UNH.N reported fourth-quarter profit on Thursday that beat analysts' estimates
** However, UNH posted annual medical care ratio - percentage of premiums spent on medical care - of 85.5%, compared to expectation of 84.96%
MEDICAL COSTS A CONCERN
** BofA Global Research ("buy," PT: $675) says UNH has strong position vs Medicare Advantage peers; sees more potential for MLR recovery in 2026
** Oppenheimer ("outperform," PT: $640) says UNH's stock performance should improve, but rising medical costs could be a hurdle
** Leerink Partners ("outperform," PT: $675) says, "our thesis remains anchored to diminishing controversies with accelerating growth and margin expansion into 2026 against a less bad Medical Advantage backdrop"
** RBC ("outperform," PT: $655) says cost trend increase is largely one-time, while outlook for healthcare service utilization is stabilizing
(Reporting by Rashika Singh in Bengaluru)
((rashika.singh@thomsonreuters.com))
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