UnitedHealth recent stock price movements
By Allen Yang
About this collection
A collection of news from Oct 2024 to Aug 2025 about UnitedHealth's stock price movements. This features analysis on why the stock price was declining, up until Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway announced a major investment in UnitedHealth in August 2025.
Curated Sources
Buffett revives UnitedHealth, giving stock best week since 2009 | Fox Business
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has invested $1.6 billion in UnitedHealthcare Group, causing the company's stock to surge 21% for the week, its best performance since May 2009. UnitedHealth has been facing challenges, including a Department of Justice probe and the murder of executive Brian Thompson. Despite being down over 50% in the past 12 months, the stock saw its largest one-day percent increase since March 2020 following Buffett's investment. Investors followed Buffett's lead, investing in healthcare-related ETFs such as Vanguard Health Care Index Fund ETF Shares and The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund.
Key Takeaways
- Buffett's investment signals confidence in UnitedHealth's long-term potential despite current challenges.
- The healthcare sector saw a boost with investors turning to healthcare ETFs following Buffett's move.
- UnitedHealth's stock surge contributed to the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching a new record close in 2025.
UnitedHealth Group shares climb as Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway discloses stake in the insurer - Los Angeles Times
UnitedHealth Group shares surged after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $1.57 billion stake in the insurer. Berkshire bought about 5 million shares last quarter. UnitedHealth has faced difficulties, including federal investigations into its Medicare Advantage business and rising healthcare costs. The company's stock has lost roughly half its value in the past year due to various challenges, including the fatal shooting of its former CEO and forecast cuts. UnitedHealth operates one of the nation's largest health insurance and pharmacy benefits management businesses, as well as a growing Optum business providing care and technology support.
Key Takeaways
- The investment by Berkshire Hathaway could signal confidence in UnitedHealth's long-term prospects despite current challenges.
- UnitedHealth's difficulties with federal investigations and rising healthcare costs may continue to impact its stock performance.
- The company's diverse business operations, including Optum, may help mitigate some of the pressures on its health insurance segment.
UnitedHealth stock pops on Buffett's Berkshire share purchase
UnitedHealth Group's stock jumped 12% after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway revealed it purchased 5 million shares in the company. UnitedHealth has faced significant challenges, including a major cyberattack and earnings misses, causing its stock to decline over 45% year-to-date. The company's struggles have been attributed to various factors, including pricing and operational mistakes, as well as industry-wide issues. Berkshire Hathaway's investment comes as the company is led by Stephen Hemsley, who returned as CEO in May after former CEO Andrew Witty stepped down.
Key Takeaways
- Berkshire Hathaway's investment in UnitedHealth Group indicates confidence in the company's potential despite recent struggles.
- UnitedHealth's challenges highlight the vulnerabilities of major health insurance companies to cyberattacks and market pressures.
- The investment could signal a turning point for UnitedHealth, potentially stabilizing its stock and influencing the broader healthcare sector.
Stock Market News, Aug. 15, 2025: Dow Hits Intraday Record, Boosted by UnitedHealth
The Dow industrials reached a new intraday high on August 15, 2025, driven by a surge in UnitedHealth shares after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $1.6 billion stake in the company. Intel's stock also rose 23% following news that the U.S. is considering taking a stake in the chip maker, aligning with President Trump's America-first manufacturing agenda. Retail sales data for July showed a 0.5% increase, meeting economists' expectations, while consumer sentiment unexpectedly weakened in August. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined, and the WSJ Dollar Index fell against major currencies. European stocks mostly rose ahead of the Trump-Putin talks, and Japan's Nikkei 225 hit another record. Bitcoin prices remained around $117,500 after hitting an all-time high above $124,000 on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. considering a stake in Intel could mark another significant intervention by the government in the private sector, potentially advancing Trump's manufacturing agenda.
- The unexpected weakening of consumer sentiment in August, coupled with rising inflation expectations, may signal concerns about future economic growth.
- The surge in UnitedHealth shares following Berkshire Hathaway's investment highlights the influence of major investors on market movements and investor confidence.
UNH stock: UnitedHealth Group shares climb as Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway discloses stake in the insurer - ABC13 Houston
UnitedHealth Group's shares surged over 12% after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $1.57 billion stake in the company. Berkshire bought around 5 million shares last quarter. UnitedHealth has faced challenges, including federal investigations into its Medicare Advantage business and rising healthcare costs. The company's stock has lost roughly half its value in the past year due to various difficulties, including a spike in healthcare use and rate cuts. UnitedHealth operates one of the nation's largest health insurance and pharmacy benefits management businesses, as well as a growing Optum business providing care and technology support.
Key Takeaways
- The investment by Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, signals confidence in UnitedHealth Group despite its recent challenges.
- UnitedHealth's difficulties, including federal investigations and rising healthcare costs, have significantly impacted its stock value.
- The company's Medicare Advantage business, a key component of its operations, is under scrutiny for billing practices and diagnosis recording.
Investor Warren Buffett's company reveals stakes in Nucor, Lennar, DR Horton and UnitedHealth | AP News
Berkshire Hathaway disclosed four new investments worth $857 million in Nucor, $1.57 billion in UnitedHealth, nearly $800 million in Lennar, and $191.5 million in DR Horton. The investments were revealed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Warren Buffett, who is set to retire as CEO at the end of the year, handles large investments worth $1 billion or more. While it is unclear if Buffett handled the new investments, the UnitedHealth stake was worth $1.57 billion, suggesting it could be his handiwork. Berkshire's portfolio is valued at $258 billion, and the company has $344 billion in cash. The new investments were made in the second quarter, and the stocks of the companies involved saw gains in aftermarket trading.
Key Takeaways
- The UnitedHealth investment of $1.57 billion may have been handled by Warren Buffett due to its size.
- Berkshire Hathaway's new investments span various industries, including steel, insurance, and homebuilding.
- The company's cash reserves stand at $344 billion, indicating potential for further investments.
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reveals new stake UnitedHealth
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth, a beleaguered health insurer, worth approximately $1.6 billion. The stake comprises over 5 million shares, making it the 18th-largest position in Berkshire's portfolio. UnitedHealth's stock surged 6% in extended trading following the disclosure. The investment comes despite UnitedHealth facing challenges, including a Justice Department investigation into its Medicare billing practices and a significant decline in its stock price. Berkshire also added stakes in D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Nucor, while reducing its positions in Apple and Bank of America.
Key Takeaways
- Berkshire Hathaway's investment in UnitedHealth suggests a value play, as the insurer's stock has been under pressure due to various challenges.
- The move may indicate that Buffett or his investment managers see potential for recovery in the healthcare sector.
- The investment comes as Buffett is set to step down as Berkshire CEO, raising questions about who will oversee the conglomerate's equity portfolio in the future.
UnitedHealth Stock Is Cracking Despite Strong Earnings—Here’s What Wall Street Sees
UnitedHealth's stock is underperforming despite strong earnings due to growing regulatory scrutiny and concerns over its vertically integrated business model, particularly around Optum's role in care delivery and billing practices. The company's complex structure, once seen as efficient, is now viewed as opaque and potentially vulnerable to regulatory challenges. Investigations by the DOJ and CMS into Medicare Advantage billing practices and risk adjustment have raised concerns about potential fines, operational reforms, and changes to the company's margin expansion. The market is pricing in these risks, leading to a decline in the stock's value despite the company's continued strong earnings reports.
Key Takeaways
- The market is increasingly scrutinizing UnitedHealth's complex, vertically integrated business model, particularly the role of Optum in care delivery and billing, raising concerns about regulatory risks and potential operational reforms.
- Regulatory investigations, including those by the DOJ and CMS, are challenging UnitedHealth's practices in Medicare Advantage, potentially impacting the company's margin expansion and valuation multiples.
- The erosion of trust in UnitedHealth's earnings quality and business model is driving the stock's underperformance, despite continued strong earnings reports, as investors question the sustainability of the company's growth and profitability.
UnitedHealth Declines 40.4% YTD: Here's Why it's Still Not a Bargain
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has faced significant challenges, including a 40.4% year-to-date loss, regulatory probes, leadership change, and rising medical costs. The company's Medicare Advantage segment has been particularly affected, with higher-than-expected patient volumes and costs compressing margins. Despite a strong market position and solid cash flow, investor sentiment is deteriorating, with 12 downward revisions to the 2025 EPS estimate in the past month. The stock's forward P/E of 12.31X is below its five-year median but above the industry average. UnitedHealth's vertically integrated model and investments in AI and digital health position it for long-term success, but near-term uncertainty remains.
Key Takeaways
- UnitedHealth's challenges, including regulatory risk and rising medical costs, have led to a significant decline in its stock price.
- Despite a strong market position and solid cash flow, investor sentiment is deteriorating due to ongoing legal scrutiny and earnings downgrades.
- The company's vertically integrated model and investments in AI and digital health position it for long-term success, but near-term uncertainty remains.
UnitedHealthcare faces backlash and stock price decline
UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the U.S., has become a symbol of the nation's healthcare frustrations due to its size, visibility, and business practices. The company has faced criticism for denying claims, charging higher premiums, and using prior authorization to control costs. Patients and providers have expressed frustration with the company's practices, and lawmakers have called for reform. UnitedHealthcare has responded by simplifying its prior authorization process and eliminating prior authorizations on certain drugs. However, experts say that structural changes to the insurance industry will require legislation. The company's reputation has been further damaged by a cyberattack on its subsidiary Change Healthcare, which affected millions of Americans. Startups are emerging to address pain points in the insurance industry, using AI to help patients challenge denials and automate prior authorization.
Key Takeaways
- UnitedHealthcare's size and business practices have made it a target for criticism, with patients and providers expressing frustration over claim denials and prior authorization.
- The company's use of AI to review claims has raised concerns about inaccurate denials and the potential for an 'AI arms race' in the healthcare sector.
- Startups are emerging to address pain points in the insurance industry, using AI to help patients challenge denials and automate prior authorization, potentially disrupting the status quo.
- UnitedHealthcare's response to criticism, including simplifying its prior authorization process, may not be enough to improve care for patients without broader structural changes to the insurance industry.
- The company's reputation has been further damaged by a cyberattack on its subsidiary Change Healthcare, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.
UnitedHealth stock sinks, touches 5-year low after new report reveals possible Medicare fraud probe
UnitedHealth Group's stock price fell over 11% after a report emerged that the company is facing a criminal investigation related to possible Medicare fraud. The news follows a surprise CEO change and the withdrawal of the company's 2025 forecast. The company's challenges include increased costs, political pressure, and scrutiny from regulatory bodies. UnitedHealth has faced questions about its use of artificial intelligence in claims processing and a large cybersecurity attack on its Change Healthcare subsidiary.
Key Takeaways
- The investigation into possible Medicare fraud has significant implications for UnitedHealth's stock price and investor confidence.
- The company's multiple challenges, including regulatory scrutiny and cybersecurity issues, are likely to continue impacting its stock performance.
- The surprise CEO change and withdrawal of the 2025 forecast have raised concerns about the company's stability and future prospects.
Why the UnitedHealth leadership shake-up is giving Wall Street the chills
UnitedHealth Group's stock plummeted 18% after the company suddenly replaced CEO Andrew Witty with Stephen Hemsley and pulled its 2025 financial guidance. The move was triggered by increased costs in Medicare Advantage plans and Optum health services, with elevated costs expected to continue into 2026. Analysts from Bank of America Securities, Mizuho Securities, and UBS provided insights into the company's situation, with some viewing the selloff as an attractive entry point for long-term investors. The company's stock has fallen over 38% this year. UnitedHealth faces headwinds including a cyberattack and public backlash. The new leadership is expected to reassess costs and guide the company back to profitability in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The sudden change in UnitedHealth's CEO and withdrawal of 2025 guidance led to an 18% stock drop, reflecting investor concerns about the company's near-term prospects.
- Analysts have mixed views, with some seeing the current situation as a buying opportunity for long-term investors, while others remain cautious due to uncertainty around the company's future performance.
- UnitedHealth's financial challenges are attributed to increased costs in Medicare Advantage plans and its Optum health services business, with expectations of continued elevated costs into 2026 before returning to profitability.
Eli Lilly raising GLP-1 prices abroad raises more questions about US pricing: BofA analyst
UnitedHealth Group's stock continued to face pressure after a disastrous earnings report, dropping 5% as Wall Street revised down its price targets. The company revised its 5-2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance to $26-$26.50, down from $29.50-$30. Several analysts downgraded the stock, with Raymond James cutting its price target to $540 from $635. Despite this, 27 out of 29 analysts still recommend a buy on the stock.
Key Takeaways
- UnitedHealth Group's stock plummeted after a disappointing earnings report, reflecting concerns over higher-than-expected service utilization and revised guidance.
- Analysts downgraded the stock, citing potential management changes and historical volatility, yet most still maintain a 'Buy' recommendation.
- The company's struggles include a major cyberattack and internal missteps, contributing to its current financial challenges.
Dow Falls 750 Points: Worst Day Of 2025 As UnitedHealth Stock Leads Losses
The Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered its worst day in 2025, dropping 1.7% or about 750 points, largely due to a significant decline in UnitedHealth Group's stock following a report on a fresh federal probe into the company's billing practices for Medicare. UnitedHealth stock plummeted as much as 12.7%, wiping off roughly $35 billion in market capitalization. The decline was exacerbated by the expiration of $2.7 trillion in options contracts, leading to increased volatility. Other major stocks, including Nvidia, Tesla, and Walmart, also experienced notable pullbacks. Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen warned of a potential broader stock market correction, citing concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Justice's civil fraud probe into UnitedHealth's Medicare billing practices is a significant regulatory risk that could impact the company's financials and stock performance.
- The market reaction to the probe suggests that investors are sensitive to potential regulatory actions against large healthcare companies, particularly those with significant Medicare involvement.
- The expiration of $2.7 trillion in options contracts contributed to the increased market volatility, highlighting the complex interplay between derivatives and underlying stock prices.
Why UnitedHealth Group Stock Lost 17% in December | The Motley Fool
UnitedHealth Group's stock lost 17% in December due to backlash following the murder of its executive Brian Thompson and reports of potential crackdown on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The company faced criticism on social media for denying 32% of claims and using an AI model with a 90% error rate to deny claims. A bipartisan Senate bill aimed to break up PBMs, and President-elect Trump expressed desire to 'knock out the middle man' in drug sales. The Wall Street Journal reported that UnitedHealth's software led doctors to make irrelevant or wrong diagnoses. Despite reaffirming its adjusted earnings per share guidance, the stock's reputational and regulatory risk could weigh on it in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The mounting demand for oversight of the healthcare industry and potential regulatory changes pose significant risks to UnitedHealth Group's business.
- The company's use of AI models and software is under scrutiny, with reports highlighting potential flaws and biases in their decision-making processes.
- UnitedHealth Group's stock performance is likely to be impacted by reputational risks and potential regulatory changes in the healthcare industry.
UnitedHealth Stock Dives Again, CVS Health Hits 5-Year Low As Congress Targets Drug Profits | Investor's Business Daily
UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health stocks fell sharply as bipartisan legislation was introduced to break apart health insurers and prescription benefit management firms. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley, would force companies to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna own major PBMs Optum Rx, Caremark, and Express Scripts, respectively. The legislation aims to address conflicts of interest and cut off a major revenue source for these companies. UnitedHealth stock slid 5.6% to 533.40, while CVS sank 6.15% to its lowest level since May 2019. Analyst David Windley maintained a buy rating on UnitedHealth, citing the company's ability to reprice for regulatory changes.
Key Takeaways
- The proposed legislation could significantly impact the business model of major health insurers and PBMs, potentially leading to divestitures and restructuring.
- The regulatory crackdown on PBMs and health insurers may lead to increased costs for government programs and consumers, as companies reprice and adjust to new regulations.
- UnitedHealth's ability to reprice for regulatory changes and adjust its cost-control strategies may help mitigate the impact of the legislation on its earnings.
UnitedHealth forecasts 2025 profit below Street estimates, shares fall | Reuters
UnitedHealth Group provided a 2025 profit forecast below Wall Street estimates due to expected pressure on its government-supported health insurance businesses. The company's shares fell 8% as it forecast a profit of up to $30 per share, below analysts' estimates of $31.18 per share. UnitedHealth cited payment cuts from the government for Medicare plans and low state payment rates for Medicaid plans as reasons for the conservative forecast. The company's third-quarter medical costs exceeded Wall Street estimates due to high demand for healthcare services and lower reimbursements on government-backed plans. UnitedHealth also trimmed its 2024 adjusted profit forecast due to a cyberattack on its technology unit, Change Healthcare, which is expected to have a $705 million business disruption impact this year.
Key Takeaways
- UnitedHealth's conservative 2025 forecast reflects uncertainty in the healthcare industry and potential cost pressures.
- The company's medical costs are rising due to increased demand for healthcare services, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries who delayed procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- UnitedHealth is actively addressing hospital demands for higher reimbursements and managing the impact of government payment cuts on its business.