Time to Buy UnitedHealth-Heavy ETFs?

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway acquired over 5 million shares of UnitedHealth (UNH) valued at $1.57 billion, boosting investor confidence and leading to a 12% increase in UNH shares on August 15, 2025 [1] Financial Performance - UnitedHealth's second-quarter earnings fell short of estimates, with operating expenses rising 13.2% year over year in the first half of 2025, negatively impacting margins [2] - Revenue projections for 2025 are between $445.5 billion and $448 billion, an increase from $400.3 billion in 2024, while net earnings are expected to be at least $14.6 billion, up from $14.4 billion in 2024 [3] - Adjusted net EPS for 2025 is projected to be at least $16, down from a previous range of $26-$26.50, compared to $27.66 in 2024 [3] - Operating cash flows are now expected to be $16 billion, a decrease from $24.2 billion in 2024 [3] Valuation Analysis - UNH shares have underperformed the industry, falling 47.5% over the past year as of August 15, 2025, and the current valuation of 10.83X forward P/E is below its five-year median [4][5] - The stock has traded between 9.94X and 26.63X over the past five years, with a median of 19.2X [4] Strengths - Revenues from UnitedHealth's health benefits business increased 17% year over year to $86.1 billion in the second quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $84.8 billion [6] - Revenues in the Optum business line rose 6.8% year over year to $67.2 billion, driven by strong contributions from Optum Rx [6] - The acquisition of Amedisys enhances UnitedHealth's market presence in healthcare services [6] Price Targets - Analysts have mixed views on UNH, with a buy rating and a price target of $400 from one analyst, while BofA Securities raised its target to $325 from $290 [8] - The average price target from 21 analysts is $306.62, reflecting a slight decline of 0.61% from the closing price of $308.49 on August 18, 2025 [8] Investment Options - Investors may consider UNH-heavy ETFs such as iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF), T. Rowe Price Health Care ETF (TMED), Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI), and Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) to mitigate company-specific risks [9][10]