---
title: "This Was the Top-Performing Stock in the S&P 500 in August 2025"
description: "In August 2025, the S&P 500 index rose by 1.9%, with UnitedHealth Group (UNH) emerging as the top performer, gaining 24.2%. This followed a challenging July, where UnitedHealth's stock fell 20% due to"
type: "news"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/257142376.md"
published_at: "2025-09-12T15:34:47.000Z"
---

# This Was the Top-Performing Stock in the S&P 500 in August 2025

> In August 2025, the S&P 500 index rose by 1.9%, with UnitedHealth Group (UNH) emerging as the top performer, gaining 24.2%. This followed a challenging July, where UnitedHealth's stock fell 20% due to disappointing earnings. The August surge was fueled by two significant events: Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of 5 million shares of UnitedHealth and the completion of UnitedHealth's $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys. These developments contributed to a notable recovery in UnitedHealth's stock price.

The **S&P 500** (^GSPC 0.01%) market index gained 1.9% in August 2025. That may not sound like much, but it's actually a pretty robust gain. Keep that up for 12 straight months and you'd have a total return of 25.3%.

Not every component of the index carried its weight last month. For example, **Super Micro Computer** (SMCI 3.30%) shares dropped 29.6% lower and **Gartner** (IT 1.15%) took a 25.8% haircut.

But I'm not here to dwell on the S&P 500's weakest performers. Instead, let's celebrate **UnitedHealth Group** (UNH 0.94%), which delivered the index's strongest August showing with a 24.2% price gain.

## UnitedHealth nursed some serious wounds when July ended

It should be noted that UnitedHealth entered August on a low note. The health insurance colossus posted a 20% price drop in July because of a disappointing bottom-line result and modest guidance in the second quarter of 2025.

The report was published on July 29, giving bearish investors just enough time to react with a brutal stock price cut before the end of that month. Taken together, the plunge-and-jump combination resulted in a 0.7% price drop over two months.

That said, UnitedHealth's recovery was based on two separate events on the same day.

Image source: Getty Images.

## Two big announcements powered the August surge

On Aug. 15, Warren Buffett's **Berkshire Hathaway** (BRK.A -0.39%) (BRK.B -0.45%) filed its latest trade reports, including a new position of 5 million UnitedHealth shares. Berkshire isn't known for explaining its stock picks in great detail, and Buffett himself probably didn't hit the proverbial buy button in this case. Warren Buffett's retirement is coming up soon, and his trusted lieutenants should carry a heavier load now.

Still, investors saw the trade as a top-of-the-line approval of UnitedHealth's investment value. Berkshire buys tend to have that effect, with or without Buffett's direct involvement.

And on the same day, UnitedHealth closed the $3.3 billion acquisition of home health expert Amedisys. The Berkshire position probably made a bigger difference, because the Amedisys deal had been pending since the summer of 2023.

### Related Stocks

- [UNH.US - Unitedhealth](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/UNH.US.md)

## Related News & Research

| Title | Description | URL |
|-------|-------------|-----|
| UnitedHealth Faces Medicare Scrutiny As Margin Focus Meets Revenue Headwinds | UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) is facing increased regulatory scrutiny regarding its Medicare Advantage payment practices | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/275721151.md) |
| UnitedHealth expected to announce $1 bln deal on Monday - sources | UnitedHealth expected to announce $1 bln deal on Monday - sources | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/267979486.md) |
| UnitedHealth Group Incorporated $UNH Shares Purchased by Acadian Asset Management LLC | Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) by 116.2% in Q2, owning 322,026 shares | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/265004227.md) |
| UnitedHealth Group Incorporated $UNH Shares Sold by Ingalls & Snyder LLC | Ingalls & Snyder LLC reduced its stake in UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) by 70.3% in Q2, holding 3,057 shares valued at  | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/262851304.md) |
| UnitedHealth Delivers The Quarter Tepper, Burry Have Been Waiting For | UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) reported a third-quarter EPS of $2.92, exceeding Wall Street's estimate of $2.79, with | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/263114139.md) |

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> **Disclaimer**: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.