Although UnitedHealth’s (NYSE: UNH) stock has plummeted 40% in 2025, insider confidence in the company has surged to new highs, with executive purchases of shares spiking by nearly 3,000%.
Insider buying jumped from $1.04 million in 2022 to $32.12 million this year, a staggering 2,980% increase over three years.
By comparison, insider purchases were much more modest in previous years, with figures at $492,796 in 2021, $6.59 million in 2019, and just $180,478 in 2013, according to data by Bourbon Insider Research shared on June 24.
This spike in 2025 purchases can largely be attributed to executives seeking to inspire confidence after a disastrous run in 2025. The healthcare giant faced a steep stock decline following disappointing earnings in the first quarter and the resignation of former CEO Andrew Witty.
In addition, UnitedHealth pulled its full-year guidance and is under scrutiny due to a DOJ probe into its Medicare Advantage billing practices. Shares have also been pressured by rising medical costs and leadership turnover.
UnitedHealth CEO leads in insider buys
As reported by Finbold, returning CEO Stephen Hemsley led the buying spree, purchasing $25 million worth of UNH stock in May after stepping back into the leadership role.
Elsewhere, on May 15, Director Kristen Gil bought 3,700 shares at $271.17 each, a roughly $1 million investment. The day before, Director Timothy Patrick Flynn picked up 1,533 shares at $320.80 (around $491,786), and Director John Noseworthy acquired 300 shares at $312.16.
Together, these transactions reflect a coordinated show of confidence in UnitedHealth’s long-term outlook despite its recent troubles.
Meanwhile, Congress is also showing interest in UnitedHealth. So far in 2025, there have been 19 congressional trades in UNH stock across both sides of the aisle, even though most of these positions are underwater.
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