UnitedHealth downgraded to "hold"

11.08.06 - A.G. Edwards & Sons

NEW YORK, August 11 (newratings.com) - Analysts at AG Edwards downgrade UnitedHealth Group (UNH) from "buy" to "hold."

In a research note published yesterday, the analysts mention that the company has delayed the filing of its 10-Q due to a possible change in accounting for certain stock options. The accounting change is expected to reduce UnitedHealth's historic earnings by a maximum of 10%, the analysts add. The delay in the 10-Q indicates the possibility of problems in the company?s stock option accounting, AG Edwards says.