In this article, we will look at the 12 Most Widely Held Stocks by Hedge Funds in 2025.On December 17, Lori Calvasina, RBC Capital Markets head of U.S. equity strategy research, appeared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to talk about expectations from markets and earnings in the coming year.She expects 2026 to be a good year, and added that she wishes the 5% drawdown we experienced a month or so ago had been a little more substantial to remove more froth, as there is still “a lot of angst” out there. Despite the need ...

Group 1 - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is considered one of the best medical stocks to buy currently, with varying ratings from analysts [1][2] - TD Cowen maintains a Hold rating with a price target of $275.00, while UBS and Bernstein have a Buy rating with price targets of $378 and $379 respectively [1][2] - The company provides healthcare coverage, data consultancy, and software services through its segments: OptumRx, OptumInsight, OptumHealth, and UnitedHealthCare [3] Group 2 - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential compared to UnitedHealth Group, indicating a competitive investment landscape [4]

Core Viewpoint - Derrick Duke has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of eHealth, Inc., succeeding Fran Soistman, who will retire but remain on the Board of Directors and assist during the transition period [1][4][5]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Derrick Duke will officially assume the CEO role on September 18, 2025, after starting the transition on August 4, 2025 [1]. - Fran Soistman will continue to serve as an executive advisor until December 31, 2025, to support the transition [1]. Group 2: Derrick Duke's Background - Derrick Duke has over 30 years of strategic leadership and financial expertise in the health insurance and managed care sectors [6]. - He previously served as CEO of Magellan Health, where he led significant operational and financial initiatives [2][6]. - Duke has held various senior roles at HealthMarkets, including Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and played a key role in its acquisition by UnitedHealth Group in 2019 [7]. Group 3: Board and Company Statements - Beth Brooke, Chair of eHealth's Board, expressed confidence in Duke's ability to lead eHealth into a new phase of profitable growth, highlighting his operational expertise and financial acumen [3]. - Fran Soistman acknowledged the accomplishments during his tenure and expressed confidence in Duke's leadership for eHealth's future [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group's stock has experienced a significant decline of over 40% in 2025, yet it remains one of the largest healthcare companies with a market cap exceeding $270 billion [1] Financial Performance - The stock's dividend yield has risen to 2.8%, surpassing the S&P 500 average of 1.3%, which raises concerns about the potential risk to the dividend [2] - UnitedHealth's current payout ratio is approximately 35%, indicating a healthy buffer for dividend payments [5] - Over the last 12 months, UnitedHealth generated a free cash flow of $24.9 billion while paying out $7.7 billion in dividends, suggesting the dividend is secure as long as cash flow remains strong [6] Future Concerns - There are significant risks related to a criminal investigation into the company's billing practices and potential Medicare fraud, which could impact future financial stability [9] - The U.S. government's potential cuts to healthcare spending may pose additional challenges to the company's growth prospects [9] - Recent news of CEO Andrew Witty's resignation has further contributed to investor uncertainty [10] Investment Outlook - Despite current risks, the dividend appears safe, and the company plays a crucial role in providing healthcare coverage to millions [11] - The stock is trading at less than 13 times its trailing earnings, which is significantly lower than the S&P 500 average of just under 24, indicating potential long-term value for investors willing to endure short-term volatility [12][13]