We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

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.

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:
Google office headquarters

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Twelfth Magpie’s Premium Investing Services. Become a member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn more, and get a free 'Best Buy Now' stock!.

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?

Should you buy Alphabet shares today?

Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first. Despite ongoing uncertainties from US tariffs to global conflicts, Mark Rogers and his team believe many UK shares still trade at substantial discounts, offering savvy investors plenty of potential opportunities to learn about.

That’s why this could be an ideal time to secure this valuable research – Mark’s analysts have scoured the markets to reveal 5 of his favourite long-term ‘Buys’. Please, don’t make any big decisions before seeing them.

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

Young black female footballer training on stadium pitch
Investing Articles

How has this FTSE 250 share surged ANOTHER 7% today?

Applied Nutrition shares have soared on Monday after another brilliant trading update. So what's the FTSE 250 company's secret?

Read more »

Black woman using smartphone at home, watching stock charts.
Investing Articles

The stock market game you’re actually playing (and why you might be losing)

Our writer recounts a painful experience of making a rash stock market decision based on emotions, not logic – and…

Read more »

Aerial shot showing an aircraft shadow flying over an idyllic beach
Investing Articles

Why is EasyJet stock suddenly a takeover target for US investors?

Andrew Mackie looks at easyjet shares jumping on US takeover talk — but is this a genuine re-rating or just…

Read more »

Young Black woman looking concerned while in front of her laptop
Investing Articles

Have investors got BT shares all wrong?

BT shares spiked during the 1990s telecom boom, then struggled for two decades. Harvey Jones says it's the future that…

Read more »

BUY AND HOLD spelled in letters on top of a pile of books. Alongside is a piggy bank in glasses. Buy and hold is a popular long term stock and shares strategy.
Investing Articles

Looking for buying opportunities in June? Here’s 1 to consider from my Stocks and Shares ISA

The conflict in Iran is making one of the investments in Stephen Wright’s Stocks and Shares ISA volatile. But could…

Read more »

Row of blue European Union flags in Brussels.
Investing Articles

After crashing 13.7% today, is Wise now a stock market bargain at 805p?

Wise was one of the biggest fallers on the UK stock market today. What on earth is going on with…

Read more »

Road 2025 to 2032 new year direction concept
Investing Articles

At 8% is this eye-popping FTSE 100 dividend yield simply too good to be true?

The dividend yield is to die for, but the share price is lacking in life. Harvey Jones examines whether this…

Read more »

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

UK investors are piling into this legendary S&P 500 growth stock while it’s down 50%

This US growth stock fell from $240 to $80 amid AI disruption fears. And investors are now aggressively buying it…

Read more »