Osaic Holdings Increases Stake in Welltower, Highlights Investor Confidence

Osaic Holdings Inc. has raised its stake in Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL) by 18.8% during the second quarter of 2023. According to a recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Osaic now holds 76,869 shares of the real estate investment trust (REIT) after acquiring an additional 12,146 shares during this period. As of the latest filing, Osaic’s investment in Welltower is valued at approximately $11.8 million.

Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Welltower recently. Norges Bank made a substantial move by acquiring a new stake valued at around $4.9 billion in the same quarter. Additionally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. increased its holdings by 41.6%, amassing 8,923,852 shares worth approximately $1.37 billion after purchasing an extra 2,622,384 shares.

Investments from State Street Corp and Ameriprise Financial Inc. also saw significant increases, with both firms boosting their stakes by 4.6% and 65.2%, respectively, during the first quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 94.8% of Welltower’s stock, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s performance.

Analysts Provide Mixed Ratings

Market analysts have voiced their opinions on Welltower’s stock, resulting in diverse ratings. Notably, KeyCorp raised its price target from $150.00 to $200.00, maintaining an “overweight” rating, while JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a “neutral” rating with a price target of $205.00.

The stock has garnered various ratings, with one analyst giving it a Strong Buy, eleven recommending a Buy, two suggesting a Hold, and one issuing a Sell. Overall, Welltower holds a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” with an average target price of $204.80, according to data from MarketBeat.com.

Welltower’s Financial Performance

Welltower’s stock opened at $186.23 on the trading day following the filing. The company boasts a market capitalization of $127.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 128.44, and a beta of 0.84. In its latest quarterly earnings report, released on October 27, 2023, Welltower reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.34, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $1.30 by $0.04.

The company’s revenue for the quarter reached $2.69 billion, showing a year-over-year increase of 30.7%. Looking ahead, Welltower has set its fiscal year 2025 guidance at $5.240–$5.300 EPS, with analysts forecasting an EPS of $4.88 for the current fiscal year.

Welltower has also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.74, paid on November 20, 2023, to stockholders of record as of November 11, 2023. This represents an annualized dividend of $2.96 and a yield of 1.6%. The firm has a dividend payout ratio of 204.14%, indicating a commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

About Welltower Inc.

Welltower Inc. is a prominent real estate investment trust focused on the healthcare sector. The company specializes in managing and acquiring properties that support healthcare services, including senior housing, post-acute and long-term care facilities, and outpatient medical properties.

With a diverse portfolio encompassing various property types such as assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, Welltower plays a critical role in the healthcare infrastructure landscape. As it continues to strengthen its position, the company’s recent financial maneuvers and analyst ratings suggest a robust outlook for its future.

For those interested in tracking Welltower and its recent developments, further insights can be accessed through platforms like MarketBeat.com, where daily summaries and ratings are available.