DaVita's Strong Earnings Drive Stock Surge
DaVita Inc's stock surged nearly 30% this week, reaching a 20-day high after the company reported quarterly earnings that exceeded expectations.
The strong earnings performance, with projected earnings per share between $13.60 and $15 for 2026, has restored market confidence in DaVita, attracting significant investor interest. The stock's price rebound reflects recognition of its performance and potential for future growth, as it previously traded at higher forward earnings multiples.
This surge indicates a positive outlook for DaVita, suggesting that the company is well-positioned for growth in the healthcare sector despite broader market challenges.
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- Buffett's Departure: On December 31, 2025, Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after 60 years of leadership, yet the company remains stable as successors continue his investment strategies without major changes to the portfolio initiated during his tenure.
- Chubb Investment Outlook: Berkshire currently holds an 8.8% stake in Chubb valued at approximately $11.2 billion, and while an acquisition remains uncertain, Chubb anticipates double-digit growth in earnings per share and tangible book value for 2026, indicating strong financial performance and ongoing dividend growth potential.
- Chevron Growth Drivers: Chevron's stock has surged 20% since the beginning of the year, and despite a current P/E ratio of 24, akin to tech stocks, the company has made significant progress in exploration contracts in Libya, Syria, and Turkey, which are expected to drive future earnings growth and stock price appreciation.
- DaVita Recovery Signs: Berkshire has held shares in DaVita since 2011, and despite the stock trading sideways for much of the decade, it has rallied 32% since early 2026, with management projecting a 25% to 39% increase in adjusted earnings per share for 2026, reflecting growth potential from international expansion, although Berkshire recently reduced its stake to maintain ownership below 45%.
Berkshire Hathaway Stock Sale: Berkshire Hathaway sold approximately $27 million worth of Liberty Live Group stock in January.
Investment Manager's Holdings: Berkshire investment manager Ted Weschler and his family own around $22 million in Liberty Live Group stock.
- New Investment Disclosure: Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a new position of 5,065,744 shares in The New York Times Co (NYSE:NYT) for Q4 2025, indicating a sustained interest in the media sector.
- Liberty Media Ecosystem Adjustment: In its 13F filing, Berkshire clarified its holdings within the restructured Liberty Media ecosystem, including 3,018,555 shares of Liberty Formula One (NASDAQ:FWONK), reflecting confidence in the racing business.
- Portfolio Changes Overview: The Q4 13F report revealed changes in Berkshire's existing stock holdings, particularly notable reductions in certain stocks, indicating a dynamic adjustment in its investment strategy.
- Apple Holdings Dynamics: Although Berkshire reduced its stake in Apple once again, it remains the largest position in its investment portfolio, demonstrating a long-term bullish outlook on the technology sector.

- Berkshire Hathaway's Investment Changes: The company reduced its holdings in Bank of America and Apple during the fourth quarter.
- New Investment in New York Times: Berkshire Hathaway initiated a new position by purchasing five million shares of the New York Times.
- Regulatory Filing: These changes were disclosed in a 13-F filing after the close of trading on Tuesday.
- Market Impact: The adjustments in investment strategy reflect Berkshire Hathaway's ongoing portfolio management and market positioning.
- Buffett's Leadership Achievements: Buffett served as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway from 1965, achieving an average annual stock price increase of about 20%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 10.3%, highlighting the success and sustainability of his investment strategies.
- Signs of DaVita's Recovery: DaVita exceeded expectations in its latest quarterly results and provided 2026 earnings guidance between $13.60 and $15, with shares surging over 30% since the earnings release, indicating restored market confidence and future growth potential.
- Investment Opportunity in Kraft Heinz: Despite Berkshire's losses in Kraft Heinz, the current market cap of around $7.5 billion and a forward P/E of 9 attract new investors, especially as the company plans to split to unlock value, reminiscent of Kellogg's successful separation strategy.
- Cautious Stance on UnitedHealth Group: Although Berkshire purchased 5 million shares last year, the stock has fallen from $350 to around $280 due to lower-than-expected Medicare payment increases, prompting investors to think twice before buying the dip given the potential for further multiple compression.
- Strong Earnings Performance: DaVita's latest quarterly results exceeded expectations, with projected earnings per share between $13.60 and $15 for 2026, resulting in a current price-to-earnings ratio of only 9 times, indicating potential for future growth and attracting investor interest.
- Stock Price Rebound: Since the earnings release, DaVita's stock has surged over 30%, reflecting market recognition of its performance and potentially providing room for multiple expansion, as it previously traded at 13 to 14 times forward earnings.
- Buffett's Investment Strategy: Despite Berkshire Hathaway's losses on its Kraft Heinz investment, currently valued at around $7.5 billion, the planned split into two entities may present opportunities for new investors, especially as Kraft Heinz trades at a mere 9 times forward earnings, below peers.
- Healthcare Sector Challenges: UnitedHealth Group's stock has fallen from $350 to around $280, primarily due to the U.S. government's lower-than-expected Medicare payment increases; although Buffett had previously purchased shares, the current 16 times forward earnings ratio indicates market concerns about its growth trajectory, warranting caution for investors.









