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.

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.

Google office headquarters

Image source: Getty Images

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

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

A SIPP opened at birth could be worth £10m in 55 years

The SIPP is an incredible vehicle for building wealth and saving for retirement. Many Britons just don't realise how early…

Read more »

Young Caucasian woman at the street withdrawing money at the ATM
Investing Articles

2 passive income ideas for a Stocks and Shares ISA

Looking for passive income stocks in April? Here are two high-quality FTSE 250 dividend shares to consider buying for an…

Read more »

Front view of aircraft in flight.
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in Wizz Air shares 2 days ago is now worth…

This week has been a rather good one for beaten-down Wizz Air shares. What would have happened to a £5,000…

Read more »

Road trip. Father and son travelling together by car
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA for £1,000 a week in passive income?

Ben McPoland highlights a FTSE 250 stock down by more than 25% that offers good value and an attractive 5.5%…

Read more »

A row of satellite radars at night
Investing Articles

Is Elon Musk about to send this FTSE 100 stock into orbit?

This year is shaping up to be a big one for this FTSE 100 stock and part of the reason…

Read more »

Petrochemical engineer working at night with digital tablet inside oil and gas refinery plant
Investing Articles

Up 50% in a month! Meet Quadrise, the soaring UK penny stock that offers an alternative to oil

Mark Hartley takes a closer look at a British penny stock that envisions a future less dependent on crude oil.…

Read more »

Senior couple crossing the road on a city street. They are walking with shopping bags while Christmas shopping.
Investing Articles

How much do I need in a SIPP for a £500 monthly passive income?

Looking to earn a reliable passive income from your SIPP? Royston Wild explains how this could be possible with some…

Read more »

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

A P/E ratio of less than 7. Is this a red-hot value share to consider now?

James Beard uses a popular tool to identify a UK share that’s potentially undervalued. But he reckons judgement is also…

Read more »