10x Genomics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TXG) is one of the best digital health stocks to buy now. On October 29, 2025, 10x Genomics announced the launch of its next-generation Chromium Flex assay, designed to help researchers dramatically scale up single-cell experiments. The upgraded system introduces a 96-well plate format that supports up to 384 samples and processes as many as 100 million cells per week. It integrates with automated workflows, allowing scientists to multiplex large numbers of samples while minimiz ...

Core Viewpoint - Baron Health Care Fund's performance in Q3 2025 was a 5.39% increase, slightly outperforming the Russell 3000 Health Care Index's 5.05% gain, but lagging behind the broader Russell 3000 Index's 8.18% increase, primarily due to stock selection offset by negative impacts from sub-industry allocations and cash holdings during a rising market [1] Group 1: Fund Performance - The Baron Health Care Fund rose 5.39% in Q3 2025 compared to a 5.05% gain for its benchmark [1] - The fund's performance was similar to the benchmark, with solid stock selection being offset by negative effects from active sub-industry allocations and cash holdings [1] Group 2: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is highlighted as a key stock in the fund's portfolio, with a one-month return of 4.31% and a 52-week gain of 2.15% [2] - As of October 31, 2025, Thermo Fisher's stock closed at $567.39, with a market capitalization of $214.253 billion [2] - The fund added to its position in Thermo Fisher, which is expected to achieve 3% to 6% organic revenue growth in 2026 and 2027, with potential for mid-to-high single-digit adjusted operating income growth [3] - Management anticipates that beyond 2027, Thermo Fisher could deliver over 7% organic revenue growth due to positive long-term drivers in the life sciences tools industry [3] - Thermo Fisher Scientific's revenue grew 3% to $10.85 billion in Q2 2025, and it ranks 26th among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 117 hedge fund portfolios holding its shares [4]

Market Overview - U.S. stocks maintained momentum in Q3, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching new records due to improved confidence from tariffs, legislative actions, and a Federal Reserve rate cut [3] - Strong earnings from major companies in communication services, information technology, and consumer discretionary sectors contributed to the market rally [3] Sector Performance - Information Technology sector outperformed, particularly semiconductor companies like Broadcom, Intel, and Taiwan Semiconductor, driven by increased spending on artificial intelligence [4] - Health care stocks faced regulatory pressures, but companies like UnitedHealth and Thermo Fisher Scientific showed resilience, offsetting weaknesses in others like Novo Nordisk [5] - Utilities sector, led by Sempra, saw double-digit gains as it regained investor confidence and strengthened its financial position [6] - Communication services faced challenges, with Alphabet performing well but Comcast struggling with market share losses [7] - Financials experienced slight underperformance, with a shift from U.S. Bancorp to PNC due to better execution confidence [8] - Materials sector faced demand softness, particularly in China and Europe, impacting companies like Air Products and Deere [9] Portfolio Positioning - The strategy has been adjusted to address underperformance, focusing on high-quality companies and reducing exposure to high-volatility stocks [10][11] - A tighter risk framework has been implemented, monitoring key performance indicators to enhance decision-making [11] Outlook - The market outlook remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing high-quality companies with durable business models amid rising inflation and interest rates [13] - The investment landscape is shifting, with opportunities in overlooked, high-quality businesses as capital flows away from high-growth stocks [13] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Large Cap Value Strategy outperformed its benchmark, with positive contributions from IT, health care, and utilities sectors [14] - Stock selection and sector allocation were key drivers of outperformance, particularly in IT and health care [15] - Top contributors included Sempra, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor, while detractors included Deere and Novo Nordisk [16]

Market Overview - Mid-cap stocks advanced in Q3, with the Russell Midcap Index returning 5.3%, driven by monetary policy shifts and stabilizing earnings [2] - Value stocks outperformed growth stocks, with the Russell Midcap Value Index returning 6.2% compared to 2.8% for the Russell Midcap Growth Index [2] Policy and Sentiment - Investor sentiment improved due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and progress on trade agreements, reducing policy uncertainty [3] - Earnings estimates stabilized, particularly in technology and AI sectors, despite some economic segments remaining weak [3] Portfolio Performance - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy outperformed its benchmark, with strong stock selection in consumer staples and health care [4] - Performance Food Group and Casey's General Stores were key contributors, benefiting from strategic initiatives and strong execution [4] Sector Contributions - Health care was a significant driver of outperformance, with companies like argenx and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals showing strong results [5] - AppLovin's stock rallied due to excitement around its new e-commerce business, indicating potential for cash flow growth [6] Challenges - Stock selection in consumer discretionary and materials sectors posed challenges, with Chewy and Crown Holdings underperforming [7][8] New Positions - A new position was initiated in QXO, a building materials distribution platform, expected to consolidate the industry and improve efficiency [9] - Bio-Techne was also added to the portfolio, capitalizing on recent weakness and offering durable revenue streams [10] Exits - The position in ATS Corporation was exited due to leadership changes raising concerns about future performance [11] Outlook - The outlook for mid-cap equities remains constructive, with expectations for selective stock picking amid potential volatility [13] - The focus will be on businesses with competitive advantages and resilient cash flows [14] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy saw contributions from 10 of 11 sectors, with IT and industrials being the largest contributors [16] - Stock selection in consumer staples, IT, and health care sectors positively impacted performance, while consumer discretionary and materials sectors detracted [17]

Core Viewpoint - Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ:RGEN) is highlighted as a top stock recommendation amid concerns over the AI bubble, with a 10% increase in stock price over the past 12 months [1] Company Overview - Repligen is a life sciences company that develops and produces materials for biological drug manufacturing, serving as a critical component in the drug production ecosystem [2][3] - Approximately 80% of Repligen's products are consumables, positioning the company as a "picks & shovels" provider in the life sciences industry [3] Market Dynamics - The bioprocessing industry has historically grown at a rate of 8-12% per year, and Repligen is recognized as an innovator in both upstream and downstream drug development processes [3] - Recent trends indicate a recovery in the life science tools industry, with Repligen experiencing mid-to-high teens growth in pharma and consumable orders [3] Financial Performance and Projections - The company is expected to see sales growth accelerate to over 15% in 2025, alongside at least 100 basis points of margin expansion and strong free cash flow [3] - Repligen's pricing power is strong, as consumables represent less than 5% of the total cost to manufacture biologics [3] Industry Context - The recent clarity in drug pricing has alleviated uncertainties that previously affected Repligen's stock performance, aligning it with broader industry trends [2] - The desire to increase domestic drug manufacturing capacity is anticipated to be a medium to long-term growth catalyst for Repligen [3][4] Valuation - The stock is projected to have meaningful upside potential, with a target price of approximately $180 based on a 10x EV/S multiple [4]

Core Viewpoint - Enzo Biochem, Inc. reported a decline in revenue and gross margin for the fiscal third quarter ended April 30, 2025, while also announcing strategic reviews and a class-wide settlement related to a cyber incident [1][6][3]. Financial Highlights - The company's third-quarter revenue was $6.4 million, a decrease of $1.6 million or 20% compared to the same period last year [6]. - Gross margin percentage for the third quarter was 39%, down from 47% in the previous year, primarily due to reduced revenues not covering fixed manufacturing costs [6]. - The net loss per basic and fully diluted share was ($0.05) for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to ($0.06) for the same period in 2024 [6]. Recent Events - A class-wide settlement agreement related to an April 2023 cyber incident was approved, with $0.8 million paid in March 2025 and a remaining balance of $6.7 million due by July 10, 2025 [3]. - The Board of Directors initiated a review of strategic alternatives, forming a special committee to explore options including potential transactions or returning excess capital to shareholders [4]. - The company voluntarily delisted its common stock from NYSE, with trading on OTCQX commencing on April 21, 2025 [5]. Company Overview - Enzo Biochem has been operating for over 45 years, focusing on life sciences through its Enzo Life Sciences division, which offers a wide range of products for research and drug development [5]. - The company launched approximately 100 new products in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, aiming to drive new revenues [6]. Balance Sheet Data - As of April 30, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $36.7 million and working capital of $31.3 million [12]. - Stockholders' equity decreased to $43.4 million from $56.1 million as of July 31, 2024 [12].

Company Overview - Qiagen NV is a Netherlands-based holding company that provides "Sample to Insight" solutions, transforming biological samples into molecular insights through integrated sample and assay technologies, bioinformatics, and automation systems [1] - The company specializes in isolating and preparing DNA, RNA, and proteins from various biological materials, and its assay technologies enable the analysis of these biomolecules [1] - Qiagen operates primarily in two end markets: Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences, generating approximately 90% of its sales from recurring consumables revenue [4] Investment Context - Fivespan Partners has established a position in Qiagen and is engaging with its management to explore potential improvements [3][7] - Qiagen has struggled to create shareholder value post-Covid, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year returns of 1%, -6%, and 1%, respectively, while trading at around 13 times EV/EBITDA compared to peers at approximately 15 times [5] - The company has a strong market position and brand reputation but has lost focus on its core business, leading to missed opportunities for growth [6] Strategic Opportunities - Management is encouraged to invest more in its core business, improve communication with the market, and optimize its balance sheet to enhance shareholder value [6] - Qiagen's operating margin is currently at 25%, with potential for expansion to over 30% through a more disciplined approach [6] - The company holds $1.15 billion in cash and short-term investments against $1.39 billion in debt, suggesting room for leveraging to fund growth initiatives and share buybacks [6] Market Dynamics - Qiagen's dual-listing and geographical revenue distribution show that 52% of its FY24 sales are from North America, 32% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 16% from Asia [4] - The company has previously engaged in discussions for potential transactions, including a failed offer from Thermo Fisher Scientific at 43 euros per share, indicating its attractiveness as an acquisition target [8] - Fivespan's investment philosophy includes evaluating strategic transactions, and while it does not prioritize sales, it remains open to advocating for shareholder value in the event of acquisition offers [8]

Group 1 - The outlook for Avantor (NYSE: AVTR) is described as uninspiring, despite some emerging positive indicators [1] - Avantor is facing challenges such as demanding earnings multiples, elevated debt levels, and underwhelming growth [1] - The company operates in the life sciences tools sector and serves as a partner to the industry [1] Group 2 - The investing group "Value In Corporate Events" focuses on identifying opportunities in major corporate events like IPOs, mergers & acquisitions, and earnings reports [1] - The group provides coverage of approximately 10 significant events each month to find the best investment opportunities [1]