tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Advertisement
Advertisement

Why Warren Buffett and Hedge Funds Are Betting on UnitedHealth Stock (UNH)

Story Highlights

UnitedHealth stock jumps 11% after Buffett and Burry make big Q2 bets, signaling confidence in a rebound.

Why Warren Buffett and Hedge Funds Are Betting on UnitedHealth Stock (UNH)

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has recently drawn strong interest from top investors and hedge fund managers, including Warren Buffett and Michael Burry. Each made sizable new investments in the health insurer during Q2, signaling confidence in its potential for a rebound. The stock jumped nearly 11% in after-hours trading yesterday.

Elevate Your Investing Strategy:

  • Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.

Berkshire and Burry Are Betting on UnitedHealth’s Rebound

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) disclosed a $1.57 billion investment in UnitedHealth, acquiring roughly 5 million shares, as revealed in its Q2 2025 13F filing. This marks Berkshire’s first stake in the company since selling out in 2010, when Buffett exited amid a broader pullback from health insurers.

Meanwhile, Burry’s Scion Asset Management revealed a combination of call options tied to 350,000 UnitedHealth shares and a direct holding of about 20,000 shares, valued at $6 million.

Burry’s position is notable because he is betting on a rebound in a stock that has fallen nearly 46% so far this year. The move follows better-than-expected Medicare Advantage rates for 2026, and UnitedHealth’s competitive positioning remains solid despite recent turbulence.

Analysts See Growth Potential Despite Challenges

These investments come despite a challenging year for UnitedHealth, marked by surging medical costs, a Justice Department probe into Medicare billing, and a cyberattack.

Q2 earnings also disappointed, with profits falling sharply due to higher-than-expected medical costs across both Medicare Advantage and commercial plans. The company now anticipates an additional $6.5 billion in medical costs this year, with effects likely extending into 2026.

On the positive side, UnitedHealth maintains that its long-term growth plan is on track, focusing on AI tools and improving patient care. Analysts see roughly 15% upside from current levels, supported by the company’s steps to address operational challenges and an updated financial outlook.

Is UNH a Good Buy Right Now? 

Turning to Wall Street, UNH stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 18 Buys, four Holds, and two Sells assigned in the last three months. At $312.65, the average UnitedHealth stock price target implies a 15.03% upside potential.

Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue

1