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Warren Buffett Just Invested $3.9 Billion in 12 Stocks. Here's the Best of the Bunch.
The Motley Fool· 2025-08-19 08:47
Core Insights - Warren Buffett was a net seller of stocks for the 11th consecutive quarter in Q2 2025, but he also invested $3.9 billion in 12 stocks, including three new positions [1][3] - Half of the purchases involved increasing existing positions, notably in Chevron and Lennar Class B [3][4] - New positions were initiated in Allegion, Lamar Advertising, and UnitedHealth Group [5] Investment Highlights - Heico is the biggest winner among Buffett's Q2 purchases, closely followed by Allegion and Nucor [6] - Lennar and D.R. Horton have the lowest valuations based on forward price-to-earnings ratios [6] - UnitedHealth Group has the most attractive price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio at 1.24 among the 12 stocks [7] Growth Projections - Nucor is projected to have nearly 32.5% earnings growth next year, with Chevron at around 24.4% [8] - Constellation Brands is favored by analysts, with a 12-month price target reflecting an upside potential of around 22% [9] Dividend Yields - Lamar Advertising has the highest forward dividend yield at 5.09%, followed by Chevron at 4.39% [10] Best Investment Choice - UnitedHealth Group is highlighted as the best investment among the 12 stocks, with a significant investment of approximately $1.57 billion from Buffett [11] - Despite challenges such as higher medical costs and investigations into Medicare billing practices, these issues are believed to be reflected in the current share price [12]
UnitedHealth to pay dividends on September 23; Here's how much 100 UNH shares will earn
Finbold· 2025-08-19 08:32
Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth continues to provide steady dividend payments despite facing challenges in the market, with a recent quarterly cash dividend of $2.21 per share announced [1][2]. Dividend Information - The quarterly dividend of $2.21 per share will be payable on September 23 to shareholders of record as of September 15, translating to $221 for an individual holding 100 shares [2]. - On an annualized basis, the dividend amounts to $8.84 per share, offering a yield of just over 3% at current prices [2]. - UnitedHealth has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years, with a payout ratio of 48.63%, indicating that nearly half of earnings are directed toward dividends [3]. Stock Performance - UnitedHealth shares are attempting to recover from recent losses, closing at $308.49, which is down 38% year-to-date despite a 1.4% increase on the day [4]. - The stock received a boost after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $1.6 billion stake in August, which helped restore some investor confidence [6]. Analyst Insights - Bank of America Securities raised its price target on UnitedHealth to $325 from $290 while maintaining a 'Neutral' rating, citing potential for earnings recovery by 2027 but warning of limited near-term visibility due to regulatory and cost pressures [7]. - Investor sentiment has been affected by leadership changes, uncertainty around financial guidance amid rising costs, and ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice [9].
Buy, Hold, or Fade the Recent Rally in UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-08-19 00:31
Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group (UNH) stock has experienced a significant decline of 40% year-to-date but has rebounded over 20% this month due to investments from notable hedge fund managers, including Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway [1]. Group 1: Investment Activity - Warren Buffett's investment in UnitedHealth Group reflects a classic value investing strategy, indicating his belief in the long-term value of the company, similar to past investments during market crises [2]. - Other billionaire hedge fund managers, such as David Tepper's Appaloosa Management, have also taken stakes in UnitedHealth, suggesting a broader institutional interest [1]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Valuation - UnitedHealth Group's stock has recently approached a decade low in terms of price to forward earnings, aligning with its 10-year forward P/E median of 18X [4]. - The company trades at less than 1X sales and possesses significant cash reserves of over $32 billion, with total assets exceeding $308 billion against total liabilities of $208.1 billion, which may attract large investors [5]. Group 3: Earnings Estimates - UnitedHealth Group has reinstated its guidance, but the expected full-year fiscal 2025 EPS has been revised down to at least $16 per share, with the Zacks Consensus currently at $16.58, reflecting a 25% decline from earlier expectations of $22.28 [8]. - EPS estimates for fiscal year 2026 have also dropped nearly 30% in the last two months, from projections of $25.58 to $18.08, raising concerns among investors [8]. Group 4: Market Sentiment - The influx of institutional investment may have created a psychological floor for UNH stock, but the trend of declining EPS revisions could indicate that better buying opportunities may arise in the future [9]. - Currently, UNH holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting caution for potential investors [9].
The Gross Law Firm Reminds Centene Corporation Investors of the Pending Class Action Lawsuit with a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of September 8, 2025 – CNC
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-08-18 20:03
Core Viewpoint - Centene Corporation is facing a class action lawsuit due to allegations of providing misleading statements regarding its enrollment and morbidity rates, which led to a significant decline in its stock price after the company withdrew its 2025 guidance [3][4]. Summary by Relevant Sections Allegations - The complaint claims that Centene's management made overly positive statements while concealing adverse facts about the company's true enrollment and morbidity rates [3]. - On July 1, 2025, Centene announced a withdrawal of its 2025 guidance, revealing that its market growth across 22 states was lower than expected, affecting 72% of its marketplace membership [3]. - The revised guidance indicated a reduction to approximately $1.8 billion in revenue and an adjusted diluted EPS of $2.75 [3]. Stock Performance - Following the announcement on July 1, 2025, Centene's stock price plummeted from $56.65 per share to $33.78 per share on July 2, 2025, marking a decline of 40.4% [3]. Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is defined as December 12, 2024, to June 30, 2025 [3]. - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by September 8, 2025, to potentially be appointed as lead plaintiffs [4]. - Participants will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring system to receive updates on the case [4]. Law Firm Information - The Gross Law Firm is leading the class action and is recognized for protecting investors' rights against deceit and fraud [5].
Berkshire's UnitedHealth Bet Highlights Long-Term Confidence Despite Depressed Earnings
Benzinga· 2025-08-18 17:35
Core Insights - High-profile investors Michael Burry and Warren Buffett have taken positions in UnitedHealth Group Inc., indicating a potential sector turnaround, particularly with Medicare Advantage rates exceeding expectations for 2026 [1] - Berkshire Hathaway's investment reflects confidence in UnitedHealth, although earnings are currently seen as depressed, with expectations for steady annual returns over a five-year horizon [2] - Bank of America Securities projects earnings recovery by 2027, which could enhance profits and valuation multiples, raising the price forecast for UnitedHealth from $290 to $325 [3] Group 1 - UnitedHealth's competitive positioning remains strong despite recent setbacks, and guidance is crucial for the stock's performance, particularly regarding its medical loss ratio [3][4] - The upcoming 2027 Star Ratings from CMS will significantly impact UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage business, with margins currently thin at 3-5% [4][5] - If UnitedHealth fails to achieve favorable scores, margin recovery could be delayed until 2028, aligning it with peers [5] Group 2 - The risk of coding changes in 2027 could offset gains from a stronger rate update, as the final year of the V28 phase-in has improved sentiment without additional cuts [6] - UnitedHealth's stock has seen a price increase of 3.58%, trading at $314.88 [6]
Centene Corporation (CNC) Shares Fall ~10% Pre-Market After Reporting Q2 2025 Diluted Loss Per Share, Class Action Lawsuit Over “Inflated Guidance” Pending – Hagens Berman CNC Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact Hagens Berman
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-08-18 16:15
Core Viewpoint - Centene Corporation experienced a significant decline in stock price following the release of disappointing Q2 2025 financial results, leading to a class action lawsuit from investors alleging misleading statements about the company's financial health and market conditions [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Centene reported a GAAP diluted loss per share of -$0.51 for Q2 2025, primarily due to a reduction in the company's net 2025 Marketplace risk adjustment revenue transfer estimate [4]. - The company withdrew its 2025 financial guidance on July 1, 2025, after a review revealed lower-than-expected market growth and higher morbidity levels than previously assumed, resulting in a stock price drop of over 40% [6]. Legal Issues - A class action lawsuit, Lunstrum v. Centene Corporation, has been filed, representing investors who acquired Centene securities between December 12, 2024, and June 30, 2025, alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [2][4]. - The lawsuit claims that Centene's leadership misled investors by presenting an overly optimistic view of the company's financial health, despite internal data indicating lower enrollment and higher morbidity rates [5][7]. Market Conditions - Centene's public statements had previously suggested expanding market share and robust business performance, particularly in serving underinsured and uninsured populations, which the lawsuit argues were not aligned with actual operational metrics [5][7]. - A preliminary analysis indicated that more than two-thirds of Centene's Marketplace share showed lower-than-expected enrollment, contradicting the company's optimistic reports [5].
Here's Why Humana (HUM) is a Strong Momentum Stock
ZACKS· 2025-08-18 14:50
Company Overview - Humana Inc. is one of the largest health care plan providers in the United States, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Louisville, KY [11] - The company offers health insurance benefits through various plans including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, along with specialty products like dental and vision benefits [11] Investment Analysis - Humana has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, indicating a moderate investment outlook [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of B, with shares increasing by 29.9% over the past four weeks, suggesting positive price momentum [12] - For fiscal 2025, 11 analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.62 to $16.99 per share [12] - Humana has an average earnings surprise of +9.6%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12] Conclusion - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Momentum and VGM Style Scores, Humana is positioned as a noteworthy option for investors [13]
Buffett's Shot in the Arm Sends UnitedHealth Soaring Against the Odds
ZACKS· 2025-08-18 14:25
Core Insights - Shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) surged nearly 12% following Berkshire Hathaway's announcement of acquiring over 5 million shares, valued at approximately $1.57 billion as of June 30, 2025 [1][4][9] Company Performance - UnitedHealth has faced multiple challenges, including a major cyberattack, the death of a senior executive, rising medical costs, two consecutive quarters of disappointing earnings, a leadership change, and ongoing regulatory investigations [4] - Despite these issues, Buffett's investment suggests a belief in the company's long-term potential, which may help stabilize its stock price [2][4] Sector Movement - Berkshire Hathaway's investment comes amid a broader trend of selling in other sectors, as the company has reduced its holdings in Apple, banks, and telecom stocks, reallocating capital towards healthcare and infrastructure [3][9] - The positive market reaction extended to peers Centene Corporation (CNC) and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV), which saw their shares rise by 5.8% and 4.8% respectively, indicating a potential sector-wide re-rating [5][9] Financial Estimates - UnitedHealth's shares have declined by 39.9% year-to-date, compared to a 32.1% decline in the industry [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth's 2025 earnings is $16.58 per share, reflecting a 40.1% decrease from the previous year [11]
Wall Street analyst updates UnitedHealth stock after Buffett's $1.6 billion stake
Finbold· 2025-08-18 13:00
Group 1 - Bank of America Securities has updated its outlook on UnitedHealth Group, maintaining a 'Neutral' rating while raising its price target to $325 from $290, reflecting a potential upside of nearly 7% from the current price of $304 [1] - The upward revision follows Berkshire Hathaway's recent $1.6 billion investment in UnitedHealth, which reaffirms market confidence in the healthcare giant [3] - Analysts see a potential earnings recovery in 2027, which could unlock additional upside for UnitedHealth [3] Group 2 - Despite the higher target, Bank of America remains cautious due to limited near-term earnings visibility and unresolved key uncertainties, which could lead to another 12 months of underperformance [4] - The company has faced leadership changes, suspended financial guidance, and federal probes into its Medicare Advantage billing practices, contributing to significant stock sell-offs [5] - UnitedHealth remains the largest Medicare Advantage provider with over 8 million members, while its Optum unit continues to expand in care and technology services [6]
Centene Corporation Sued for Securities Law Violations - Investors Should Contact The Gross Law Firm Before September 8, 2025 to Discuss Your Rights - CNC
Prnewswire· 2025-08-18 12:45
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of CNC during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is September 8, 2025. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case. https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/centene-corporation-loss-submission-form/?id=161640&from=4 CLASS PERIOD: December ...