NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 4, 2008--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'A-' senior unsecured debt rating to UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s (NYSE:UNH) notes of up to $3 billion. "The rating is based on consolidated UNH's very strong, stable earnings profile and competitive position," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Shellie Stoddard. "It is also based on UNH's favorable scale and diversification, effective management strategy and organizational depth, and excellent cash flow." Offsetting these strengths, UNH maintains aggressive financial policies, high levels of goodwill, and statutory capitalization that are below the level that Standard&Poor's considers appropriate for the rating. UNH nevertheless maintains strong access to the external capital markets. The consolidated cash flow
