Looking for stocks to buy? Here are 3 shares the pros have been snapping up

There are many different ways to identify stocks to buy. One strategy that Edward Sheldon finds very effective is to follow the trading activity of the pros.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Google office headquarters

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Monitoring the trading activity of professional fund managers can be a good way to identify stocks to buy. After all, these investors tend to do a lot of research before investing in a company (and have to answer to their clients if they get it wrong).

Here, I’m going to highlight three shares that were snapped up by pros in the second quarter of 2025. Are they worth considering today?

UnitedHealth

First up, we have UnitedHealth (NYSE: UNH), the largest health insurer in the world. This stock was bought by a range of top investors in Q2 including Warren Buffett (for his firm Berkshire Hathaway), David Tepper of hedge fund Appaloosa, Michael Burry (of ‘The Big Short’ fame), and the UK’s Stephen Yiu, who runs the Blue Whale Growth fund.

Now, this company’s share price has shot up since it came to light that Buffett bought stock. Currently, it’s trading at $308 – up 31% from its 2025 lows of $235.

I still believe there’s value on offer, however. At current levels, it’s still almost 50% below its highs and trading on a very reasonable price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.

It’s worth pointing out that this insurer has had some significant performance issues recently. Ultimately, it underestimated the demand for, and cost of, health insurance in the US and got its pricing all wrong.

It could take a while to turn things around. But I reckon it will get there eventually so I believe it’s worth considering today.

Taiwan Semi

Next, we have Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM). It’s the largest semiconductor manufacturing company in the world.

This stock was snapped up by a range of top investors including billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller, tech expert Brad Gerstner of Altimeter Capital, and Stephen Yiu again.

The share price here has had an explosive move higher since its April lows. So, the pros may have paid much lower prices for their shares.

I still believe the stock is worth a look at today’s levels though. With the forward-looking P/E ratio sitting at 23, the valuation doesn’t appear to be stretched.

That said, semiconductor stocks can be volatile at times. And I reckon there might be better buying opportunities here in the months ahead.

If there’s talk of an economic slowdown, or increased geopolitical tension, the share price is likely to pull back. That could be a good buying opportunity to think about.

Alphabet

Finally, we have Google and YouTube owner Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG). It was bought by billionaires Bill Ackman, who runs FTSE 100 investment trust Pershing Square Holdings and Seth Klarman, CEO of Baupost Group.

It’s great to see big-name buying here. Because I’ve been arguing for a while that this Magnificent 7 stock is undervalued.

There are obviously risks around AI. Today, the way we’re searching for information is changing rapidly.

However, Alphabet isn’t sitting still. It’s rolling out some incredible AI search features.

Meanwhile, the company has the lowest valuation in the Mag 7. At present, it’s trading on a forward-looking P/E ratio of 19.3 (using next year’s earnings forecast).

Add in the fact that this company has exposure to lots of high-growth industries including cloud computing and self-driving cars, and I think the set-up is attractive. To my mind, it’s worth further research.

Edward Sheldon has positions in Alphabet and the Blue Whale Growth fund. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Alphabet and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

ISA coins
Investing Articles

How much would you need in a Stocks & Shares ISA to target a £2,000 monthly passive income?

How big would a Stocks and Shares ISA have to be to throw off thousands of pounds in passive income…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man wearing glasses, staring into space over the top of his laptop in a coffee shop
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Diageo shares 4 years ago is now worth…

Harvey Jones has taken an absolute beating from his investment in Diageo shares but is still wrestling with the temptation…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Dividend-paying FTSE shares had a bumper 2025! What should we expect in 2026?

Mark Hartley identifies some of 2025's best dividend-focused FTSE shares and highlights where he thinks income investors should focus in…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Dividend Shares

How long could it take to double the value of an ISA using dividend shares?

Jon Smith explains that increasing the value of an ISA over time doesn't depend on the amount invested, but rather…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in Tesco shares 5 years ago is now worth this much…

Tesco share price growth has been just part of the total profit picture, but can our biggest supermarket handle the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s why I’m bullish on the FTSE 100 for 2026

There's every chance the FTSE 100 will set new record highs next year. In this article, our Foolish author takes…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Growth Shares

UK interest rates fall again! Here’s why the Barclays share price could struggle

Jon Smith explains why the Bank of England's latest move today could spell trouble for the Barclays share price over…

Read more »

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

2 out-of-favour FTSE 250 stocks set for a potential turnaround in 2026

These famous retail stocks from the FTSE 250 index have crashed in 2025. Here's why 2026 might turn out to…

Read more »