Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) is included among the 15 Dividend Stocks that Outperform the S&P 500. Morgan Stanley Notes Strong Supply-Demand Fundamentals in Senior Housing for Welltower (WELL) On November 20, Mor‍ga‌n Stanley raised its price targe‌t on Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) to $200 from $‍170 while maintaining an Overweight rat‌ing. The analyst cited strong third-quarter results and favorable supply-demand⁠ dynamics in senior housing, noting increased confidence‌ in the company’s ability to drive mar ...

Summary of BILL Holdings (NYSE:BILL) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: BILL Holdings (NYSE:BILL) - **Event**: 2025 Conference Call - **Date**: December 03, 2025 Key Points Strategic Priorities - **Durable Growth**: The CFO emphasized the importance of driving durable growth through three main initiatives: 1. **AI Integration**: Utilizing AI to enhance customer experiences and modernize services [11][12] 2. **Supplier Payment Plus (SPP)**: Aiming to monetize a large Total Payment Volume (TPV) on the platform, with a focus on revenue growth [12] 3. **Embed Work**: Targeting specific customer segments and expanding channels like accountants to capture market opportunities [13] Cost Structure and Profitability - **Cost Refinement**: There are opportunities to optimize the cost structure to enhance profitability and shareholder value [14] - **Balancing Growth and Profitability**: The CFO highlighted the importance of revenue growth as a pathway to profitability, with a goal to achieve the Rule of 40 [19][20] Mid-Market Focus - **Reallocation of Resources**: The company is reallocating resources to focus on mid-market initiatives rather than smaller customers, which may lead to fluctuations in Net New Adds (NNA) in the short term [24][25] - **Customer Segmentation**: BILL is refining its target customer profile to focus on higher-end mid-market customers who require comprehensive services [31][36] Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - **NNA and ARPU**: The company will monitor NNA and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) as key metrics to gauge success in the mid-market transition [29][30] - **TPV and Revenue Growth**: The CFO expects to see increases in TPV and revenue per customer as the mid-market strategy unfolds [30][49] Pricing Strategy - **Modular Pricing**: BILL is introducing modular pricing to align the value provided with the price charged, allowing customers to pay for specific features as needed [51][53] - **Long-term Pricing Framework**: A comprehensive pricing strategy is being developed to ensure clarity and structure in pricing across the business [52][53] Take Rate and Emerging Portfolio - **Take Rate Growth**: The company reported a 0.3 basis point expansion in take rate, with expectations for continued growth driven by the emerging portfolio [55] - **Supplier Payment Plus (SPP)**: SPP is anticipated to contribute significantly to take rate growth in the following year [59] Embed Partnerships - **Partnerships with Major Players**: BILL has formed partnerships with companies like NetSuite and Paychex, which are expected to enhance market reach and customer acquisition [60][62] - **Revenue Sharing**: These partnerships include revenue-sharing models that simplify sales processes and reduce costs for BILL [62][63] Future Outlook - **Optimism for Growth**: The CFO expressed confidence in achieving growth targets and improving profitability through strategic initiatives and market focus [20][49] Additional Insights - **Customer Experience Improvements**: Efforts are underway to modernize the platform and reduce onboarding friction, which is expected to decrease churn rates [26] - **Market Conditions**: The company is not anticipating significant macroeconomic changes that could impact performance, focusing instead on internal execution and customer needs [43][44] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the conference call, highlighting BILL Holdings' focus on growth, profitability, and market positioning.

Summary of Reliance (NYSE:RS) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Reliance, Inc. - **Industry**: Metal Service Center - **Sales**: Approximately $15 billion - **Locations**: About 320, primarily in the U.S. with some international presence - **Business Model**: Purchases metal in bulk, warehouses it, and sells in smaller quantities, focusing on value-added processing for about 50% of orders - **Average Order Size**: $3,000 per order - **Delivery Capability**: 40% of orders delivered the next day [3][4] Market Sentiment and Outlook - **End Markets**: Non-residential construction and general manufacturing are experiencing healthy demand - **Data Centers**: Significant growth expected over the next 5 to 10 years, with strong sales into construction and internal mechanisms [5][6] - **General Manufacturing**: Steady demand, particularly in consumer products, rail, shipbuilding, and defense-related sectors [6][7] - **Aerospace**: Strong demand expected to continue, with multi-year backlogs [8][9] - **Semiconductors**: Current struggles due to overstocking but anticipated growth as new chip plants are built [9] - **Defense Spending**: Increased U.S. government spending on military and defense projects expected to drive growth [9][10] Competitive Advantages - **Decentralized Structure**: Decision-making close to customers enhances service and relationship management [4][18] - **Fleet Management**: Owns a fleet of approximately 1,800 trucks, allowing for efficient delivery and logistics [19] - **Customer Service Focus**: Emphasis on maintaining strong relationships with customers, particularly smaller family-owned businesses [15][16] Growth Strategy - **Acquisitions**: Completed 76 acquisitions since IPO in 1994, focusing on companies that are accretive to earnings and have strong management [21][22] - **Organic Growth**: Increased capital expenditures on value-added processing equipment to meet customer demands [22][23] - **Market Segments**: Targeting growth in flat rolled products and exploring new end markets [12][21] Capital Allocation - **Priorities**: Focus on profitable long-term growth through organic and acquisition strategies, alongside consistent shareholder returns [40][41] - **Dividend Policy**: Paid quarterly dividends for over 65 years, with a practice of annual increases [41] - **Share Repurchases**: Active in repurchasing shares opportunistically based on market conditions [41][42] Industry Dynamics - **Consolidation**: The industry is ripe for continued consolidation, with Reliance holding only 17% of the market share [27][28] - **Emerging Technologies**: Investment in automation and AI expected to enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitive edge [29][30][31] - **Mills and Distribution**: Reliance does not foresee a significant shift of mills re-entering the distribution business, as both sectors serve distinct market needs [34][35][38] Conclusion - **Outlook**: Reliance is well-positioned for future growth due to its diversified market presence, strong customer relationships, and strategic investments in technology and capacity [43][44]

(https://twitter.com/business/status/1995554699597029530?ref_src=twsrc^tfw)[https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js](https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js)## 2026 Housing OutlookThe housing outlook will also weigh in on demand for MBS products in 2026. Much of that, of course, hinges upon the interest rate landscape as more cuts are expected to happen in the new year. Incoming economic data will ultimately determine the pace and aggressiveness of the Fed with regard to their cuts.The hope is that 2026 wil ...

Core Insights - Synopsys, Inc. is a leading player in the electronic design automation (EDA) industry, known for its innovative AI-driven EDA solutions and silicon-to-systems capabilities [1] Company Performance - KeyBanc adjusted its rating for Synopsys to "Overweight" while lowering the price target from $590 to $575, reflecting current market conditions and the company's strategic moves [2] - Synopsys' stock is currently priced at $449.35, showing an increase of 2.52% or $11.06, with a market capitalization of approximately $83.46 billion [5] Trading Insights - The stock is trading within a support range of $416.38 to $460.20, a level from which it has historically rebounded, achieving an average peak return of 28.5% over the past decade [3] Strategic Developments - The company announced a $2 billion investment and partnership with Nvidia to enhance its AI-driven EDA capabilities, positioning it for growth despite recent challenges [4][6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a cash position of $980 million, providing a runway into the second half of 2028, which will fund both phase 2B studies and the initiation of at least the first phase 3 study for STAT6 [29][30]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on two wholly owned programs: the STAT6 program, which is nearing data readout, and the IRF5 program, set to enter the clinic next year [3][4]. - The STAT6 program has progressed through phase 1A and is currently in phase 1B, with objectives to confirm dosing for phase 2B based on prior data [6][8]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The atopic dermatitis (AD) market has over 40 million diagnosed patients, but only about 1 million are treated with Dupixent (Dupy), indicating a significant unmet need for effective treatments [21][22]. - The company aims to target a broader patient population with its oral drug, which could potentially reach a larger market compared to injectable biologics like Dupy [22][35]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on AD and asthma for its phase 2B studies, which represent a significant portion of Dupy's revenue [24][25]. - The strategy includes maintaining control over development to accelerate timelines and potentially expand into multiple indications based on initial phase 2B data [45][46]. - The company is not currently interested in partnering for the STAT6 program, believing it can execute the studies more effectively on its own [25][27]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the competitive landscape in the immunology space but believes their unique oral drug could provide a compelling alternative to existing biologics [3][22]. - The company is optimistic about the potential of its IRF5 program, which targets multiple pathways relevant to autoimmune diseases, and plans to move into phase 1 early next year [60][61]. Other Important Information - The company is exploring the use of AI to enhance clinical operations and improve efficiency in patient recruitment and data analysis [53][54]. - The IRF5 program has shown promising preclinical data, indicating potential for transformative treatment in diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis [60][66]. Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company plan to maximize the commercial opportunity for 621? - The company is focusing on the largest markets for phase 2B studies and is considering a range of potential indications based on the success of the drug [23][24]. Question: What is the company's strategy regarding partnerships for the STAT6 program? - The company has decided against partnerships for the STAT6 program, believing it can manage the development effectively on its own [25][27]. Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape for targeted protein degradation? - The company believes its focused approach and expertise in the field give it a competitive advantage over larger firms with less specialization [70][71].

Welcome to The Protocol, CoinDesk's weekly wrap of the most important stories in cryptocurrency tech development. I’m Margaux Nijkerk, a reporter at CoinDesk. In this issue: Ethereum Developers Prep for Fusaka, Second Upgrade of 2025 Anthropic Research Shows AI Agents Are Closing In on Real DeFi Attack Capability Ethereum Devs Push ZK ‘Secret Santa’ System Toward Deployment Bitnomial Prepares to Debut First CFTC-Regulated Spot Crypto Market Unknown block type "divider", specify a component for ...

We recently published 10 Stocks Deep in the Red. Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) is one of the worst performers on Tuesday. Block Inc. saw its share prices decline by 6.59 percent on Tuesday to close at $60.11 apiece as investor sentiment was dented by the launch of a probe into six “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) companies. Afterpay—a subsidiary of Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) which engages in BNPL—was one of the six firms that received letters from the offices of the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, ...

Core Viewpoint - November was challenging for large- and megacap growth stocks, with the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500 Growth indexes ending the month in negative territory, primarily due to an AI-related sell-off, which some are referring to as an "AI freak-out" or "shake-out" [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500 Growth indexes finished in the red in November [1] - The recent pullback in AI-heavy stocks is viewed as a healthy correction rather than a long-term trend [1] Group 2: Investment Sentiment - Despite the recent downturn, the sentiment around AI investments remains positive, with expectations for growth in 2026 [1] - The AI investment thesis is still considered intact, with potential catalysts for ETFs like QQQ and QQQM [1] Group 3: Future Outlook - Federal Reserve rate cuts are anticipated to benefit growth stocks, which are expected to thrive in 2026 [1] - AI adoption is projected to be a significant theme in the upcoming year, supported by evidence from corporate activities [1] - Historical parallels are drawn to the 1990s internet boom, suggesting that current AI investments may lay the groundwork for substantial future businesses [1]

Core Insights - The Carillon Scout Mid Cap Fund's third-quarter 2025 investor letter indicates positive returns for the Russell Midcap Index, driven by strong corporate earnings, AI infrastructure momentum, and U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate expectations [1] Company Summary: EQT Corporation - EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT), a natural gas production company, reported a one-month return of 4.66% and a 52-week gain of 31.13%, with a closing stock price of $58.60 and a market capitalization of $36.57 billion as of December 2, 2025 [2] - Despite its strong performance metrics, EQT Corporation underperformed due to weakened sentiment around natural gas as supply increased ahead of demand. The company anticipates rising demand as new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities come online and AI-related power demand grows in the coming years [3] - EQT Corporation is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 82 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of Q3 2025, down from 96 in the previous quarter. The company is viewed as a potential investment, but certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]