Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group's stock has experienced a rally in the third quarter, influenced by Warren Buffett's investment, with upcoming earnings reports potentially impacting share performance [1][6]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts predict UnitedHealth will report third-quarter revenue of $113.06 billion, an increase from $100.82 billion in the same quarter last year [2]. - The company has missed revenue estimates for five consecutive quarters, following a streak of 15 consecutive beats [2]. - Expected earnings per share for the third quarter are $2.79, down from $7.15 in the previous year [2][3]. Analyst Insights - Analysts have been raising price targets for UnitedHealth stock ahead of earnings, with notable increases from firms like Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Mizuho, and Barclays [4][6]. - Baird analyst Michael Ha expressed caution regarding the Optum Health division, citing potential headwinds from government changes to Medicare Advantage, estimating an $11 billion impact over three years [5]. Market Reactions - Following Berkshire Hathaway's stake announcement, UnitedHealth shares have rallied over 30%, although they remain 44% below their November 2024 highs [6]. - The stock has historically declined by an average of about 10% after the last four quarterly earnings reports [7]. Key Items to Watch - Buffett's stake in UnitedHealth, valued at $1.84 billion, could serve as a validation point during the earnings call [8][9]. - Investors will be attentive to any commentary regarding pricing pressures from the White House, particularly concerning the proposed TrumpRx platform, which could affect UnitedHealth's Optum Rx division [11][12]. - Analysts will also look for guidance updates, as the company had previously suspended its 2025 performance outlook [13].

CNBC contributor Jonathan Kanter joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss reactions to the Department of Justice investigation into UnitedHealth's Medicare billing practices. ...

We also uh got some breaking news right now from United Health. Want to get straight over to Bertha Kums who's got that news. Good morning, >> Andrew.United Health falling at this hour as a company reveals in an 8K that it is under investigation by the DOJ on both civil and criminal charges with regard to its Medicaid practice. the company telling CNBC that it proactively went to speak to the DOJ given all of the reports, many of them coming from the Wall Street Journal about uh the investigation going on. ...

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group, Inc. is facing increased legal challenges as shareholders file multiple lawsuits related to a federal investigation into the company's Medicare billing practices, which were highlighted in a Wall Street Journal report [1][3]. Summary by Sections Legal Actions - Steve Silverman, a long-time shareholder, has filed a derivative lawsuit in federal court, claiming that UnitedHealth's leadership has harmed the company through questionable billing practices [2]. - The lawsuit accuses CEO Stephen Hemsley, former CEO Andrew Witty, and board members of engaging in practices that led to inflated reimbursements, significantly impacting the company's financial results and stock price [3][4]. - Other shareholders have also filed lawsuits, with one alleging that Hemsley and Witty profited from stock sales before the DOJ investigation became public [5][6]. Financial Impact - The lawsuits focus on the profitability of UnitedHealth's Medicare business, which has drawn negative attention and affected its stock price [6]. - Allegations include that the company repurchased $7.3 billion in stock at inflated prices while executives profited from share sales during the undisclosed DOJ investigation [9]. Company Challenges - UnitedHealth is currently navigating a series of challenges, including ongoing lawsuits, a DOJ investigation, regulatory changes, and leadership changes following the resignation of CEO Andrew Witty [7][10]. - The company's stock has seen a significant decline, falling over 40% year-to-date, with shares trading at $302.10 at the time of the report [11].