Welltower Inc. (WELL), headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in health care infrastructure. Valued at $99.4 billion by market cap, the company invests in top senior housing operators, post-acute providers, and health systems and delivers the health care infrastructure necessary to facilitate better treatment. 

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as “large-cap stocks,” and WELL definitely fits that description, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, reflecting its substantial size, influence, and dominance in the REIT - healthcare facilities industry. Welltower's global presence leverages healthcare trends for growth, supported by an experienced management team driving strategic decisions. Its diversified portfolio reduces the risk by investing in various healthcare markets, strengthening its competitive edge.

Despite its notable strength, WELL slipped 4.1% from its 52-week high of $158.55, achieved on Mar. 4. Over the past three months, WELL stock fell 1.2%, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 6.4% gains during the same time frame.

In the longer term, shares of WELL rose 20.7% on a YTD basis and climbed 45.5% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming NASX’s marginal gains and 15.4% returns over the last year.

To confirm the bullish trend, WELL is trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages over the past year, experiencing some fluctuations. 

WELL has outperformed due to the rising senior population and increased healthcare spending. The company's senior housing operating and outpatient medical segments are poised for growth. The company is also focusing on strategic acquisitions, including the Amica Senior Lifestyles portfolio, to drive long-term growth. Additionally, WELL is actively disposing of assets to streamline its portfolio.

On Apr. 28, WELL shares closed up more than 1% after reporting its Q1 results. Its FFO of $1.20 per share surpassed Wall Street expectations of $1.15 per share. The company’s revenue was $2.42 billion, beating Wall Street forecasts of $2.37 billion. WELL expects full-year FFO in the range of $4.90 to $5.04 per share.

WELL’s rival, Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (OHI) shares lagged behind the stock, with a 1.2% downtick on a YTD basis and 14% returns over the past 52 weeks.

Wall Street analysts are bullish on WELL’s prospects. The stock has a consensus “Strong Buy” rating from the 19 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $169.17 suggests a potential upside of 11.3% from current price levels.