Latest news with #Indianapolis-based
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
3 American Growth Giants to Invest in for the Long Haul
These three businesses are based in the U.S. and have experienced significant growth. What's more, they all still possess strong growth prospects in the years ahead. All generate strong profit margins, which can help them weather a challenging economy. 10 stocks we like better than Nvidia › Many of the best growth stocks in the world are based out of the U.S. This is the land of both opportunity and innovation. Warren Buffett has always been bullish on betting on the U.S. because he's a big believer in American business. If you want to follow suit and invest in some of the country's best growth stocks, there are three excellent names that I don't think you can go wrong with in the long term: Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW). These three stocks are growth beasts, and they still have plenty more room to run over the long haul. Chipmaking giant Nvidia, one of the most valuable companies in the world, is based out of Santa Clara, California. Its history goes back more than 30 years to 1993. One of the remarkable features of this business is that it has had only one CEO, Jensen Huang, who co-founded the company. That's a good sign of continuity and underscores just how stable the business has been over the years. In its most recent fiscal year, which ended on Jan. 26, the company reported $130 billion in revenue, which was more than double the $61 billion it posted a year earlier, as demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips remains robust. But what impresses me most is just how incredible its profit margins are: typically well north of 50%. Nvidia is based in the U.S. but it isn't immune to the effects of tariffs or trade wars, especially with China being a key market for its operations. But with such high profit margins, it's in much better shape than other companies to be able to absorb higher costs and headwinds related to economic uncertainty. That's why this can be a no-brainer growth stock to buy right now. Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly is another great American growth stock to buy and hold. Founded in 1876, its history goes back nearly 150 years. And for decades, the business has been developing vital medicines for people to help improve their lives. One of the more exciting ones of late has been related to weight loss and obesity. Its GLP-1 drug Tirzepatide resulted in two highly successful products for Eli Lilly: Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for diabetes. Together, those drugs generated more than $6 billion in sales through the first three months of 2025, representing nearly half of the top line, which rose by 45%. What's exciting here is that there is still so much potential for these drugs to generate more growth since they are still in their early stages. Plus, there are studies suggesting that GLP-1 drugs could even help with substance abuse by curbing addictions, which means there may be even more indications that tirzepatide is approved for in the future. And yet, Eli Lilly's business goes beyond just GLP-1, which is why this can be a fantastic growth stock to buy and hold. Tariffs could increase its costs, and a global trade war would affect its bottom line. But it, too, has some solid profit margins at around 22%. Rounding out this list of impressive American growth stocks is Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity company founded 20 years ago. Like Nvidia, its headquarters is also in Santa Clara. And as all things related to AI grow, businesses and consumers alike will need to ramp up their cybersecurity. Since the need for cybersecurity is ongoing, the company benefits from a large chunk of its top line being from recurring revenue. Its subscription and support segment generated $1.8 billion in sales for the quarter ended April 30, which accounted for 80% of its top line (product revenue made up the rest). And while overall revenue rose by 15%, the annualized recurring revenue for the company's next-generation security rose by 34%. Palo Alto's profit margin of 15% is light when compared to the other stocks on this list, but that's still a solid percentage of revenue flowing through to its bottom line. And it's a big improvement from just a few years ago when the business was still in the red. Results for the company's fiscal 2025 third quarter (ended April 30) included revenue of $2.3 billion, up from $2 billion a year ago. GAAP net income was unchanged at $300 million for the quarter. Palo Alto has come a long way in recent years, and while it may look like an expensive stock, trading at more than 100 times its trailing earnings, that valuation should improve as it continues to scale up and its margins get even better. While Palo Alto may experience a slowdown in business if a trade war affects spending, its top line relies heavily on software and support services, making it less vulnerable to tariffs than other stocks. For long-term investors, this can be another solid stock to own given the huge opportunities in cybersecurity in the years ahead. Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Nvidia wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $651,761!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $826,263!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 978% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 170% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 19, 2025 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 American Growth Giants to Invest in for the Long Haul was originally published by The Motley Fool
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
How 'Operation Bigfoot' brought Hoosier the bison back to life. Why IU finds value in mascot
BLOOMINGTON — For Christmas last winter, Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson's children gifted him something nearly no one else would understand. A clapperboard — the black-and-white apparatus snapped together to signify the start of filming on a movie set — with the words 'Operation Bigfoot' written on the production line. The clapperboard sits on Dolson's desk. Sharp-eyed viewers will have spotted it in the background of a video posted to IU's social media channels Tuesday. Because that was the day Operation Bigfoot went off, and Indiana brought back the bison as its official mascot. The idea of a mascot has steadily gained traction with Indiana fans in recent years. For a little more than a century, Indiana's athletic teams have gone by 'Hoosiers,' a term meant to refer to a native of the state whose origins have long been debated and almost certainly cannot be historically proven. While 'Hoosiers' embodies a certain cultural resonance for IU fans, it's hard to assign a physical manifestation to a word with no universally agreed-upon meaning. Decades ago, for just a few years, drawing on the animal figuring prominently on the state seal, IU tried a bison mascot. It was introduced in 1965 and abandoned by the end of that decade. But it never really went away. Nick's English Hut pound jars still feature a bison image. Fans produced AI-generated graphics depicting an IU bison on social media. 'Bring back the bison' became a rallying cry stretching from podcasts like the popular CrimsonCast, to independent retail, including popular Indianapolis-based company Homefield Apparel. Bring back the bison: A look back at the history of IU's mascot Athletics officials felt that groundswell, which came to a head in December when IU Student Government passed a bill reinstating the bison as the university's official mascot. From that point forward, the department was in. 'The students really pushing it was a big determining factor,' Jeremy Gray, IU senior associate athletic director for strategic communications, told IndyStar. 'It was clear the fan base had really rallied behind the idea.' Department officials settled on the code name 'Operation Bigfoot' as a way to talk about the mascot introduction process in official correspondence while sidestepping premature attention. Dolson firmly supported the idea. His predecessor, Fred Glass, had in a variety of ways softened the ground for bringing a mascot back, and Dolson was excited to see the idea through to reality. Last year's football success, which included Indiana's first Saturday visit from ESPN "College GameDay," brought into relief the value of an identifiable mascot. When legendary "GameDay" analyst (and former IU coach) Lee Corso picked the Hoosiers to beat Washington, Indiana had no mascot headgear for him to pull on as is his custom. Corso opted instead for a hat commemorating his team's 1979 Holiday Bowl victory over BYU. 'Finding something to represent the school in those large, public ways,' Gray said, 'I think it became obvious a mascot could help with that.' No more headgear? Former Indiana football coach Lee Corso will retire as ESPN 'College GameDay' analyst The department met with student groups, including Student Government and IU's Board of Aeons — a student advisory group that works closely with the university president — to discuss ways to introduce the bison to the student body. IU began subtly implanting bison imagery across its branding, with small logos in the corners of video scoreboard graphics and horns crashing through schedule posters for the 2025-26 athletic year. Beginning in 2024, winners of the men's and women's Little 500 bicycle races received plush stuffed bison on the winners' podium. 'We decided to lean into it,' Gray said. A variety of considerations went into the selection and design of 'Hoosier the Bison.' Concerns over staffing, upkeep and animal welfare steered the department away from a live mascot toward the more common option of a person in a suit. IU knew from the outset it wanted a mascot muscular and imposing enough to project a robust image of the department. Able, as Gray put it, 'to win a play fight against a turtle.' But also one that was approachable and endearing to children. Enter graduating senior Adam Day, who last spring built one of his final projects as a student around studying mascots over time. Working alongside department officials, he found the key to giving mascots personal appeal lay in their eyes. Specifically, they needed to be soft and sympathetic, rather than hard, or empty. The department engaged Alinco Costumes in Utah, a company with a history of designing mascots or characters for professional baseball, football and basketball franchises, as well as corporations like Nestle and Disney. Its website claims credit for more than half of the NBA's team mascots. Mark Skirvin, senior assistant athletic director for marketing, worked with Alinco through several rough sketches before settling on a design. And thus, Hoosier was born. He still needed an announcement. Operation Bigfoot went to studio. Gray, a self-professed cinephile, drew inspiration from several movies for a series of videos released across the last several days on IU's official social media channels. 'Something magical happening here': Indiana announces return of bison mascot Gray's own character, Ray, opening a glowing box in the first video nodded to "Pulp Fiction" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Recently graduated IU women's basketball player Sydney Parrish assumed a role akin to Sigourney Weaver's Ripley, from the Alien series, in discovering evidence of a large, unidentifiable creature. In total, the department also included nods to films including "ET," "Pulp Fiction," "Silence of the Lambs," "Scream," "Jurassic Park," "Return of the Jedi," the Marvel series and "The Usual Suspects." The final shot of the mascot standing, back to camera, atop the Memorial Stadium press box drew from the final scene in "The Last of the Mohicans." When IU approached football coach Curt Cignetti about a Roy Schneider's-"Jaws"-inspired scene, he replied, 'Nah, I've got what I want to say.' In his cameo, Cignetti is seen watching film when the silhouette of a bison head appears behind him. Cignetti turns and says simply, 'Where you been?' 'What's in the box?' Indiana trailer has fans wishing for return of the bison mascot Bison-branded products should become available soon, according to Gray. The department's research suggested reintroduction of a mascot would both open meaningful revenue streams (at a time when departments are pursuing more of them) and also capture fans from a young age with a face to assign to IU sports. 'An identifiable mascot is one of a few visual tools a university possesses that can cut through noise and create positive brand association, particularly for youth,' Homefield Apparel founder and CEO (and IU alumnus) Connor Hitchcock said. 'Indiana is capitalizing on a unique opportunity to simultaneously honor its past while creating opportunities for kids to begin their lifelong fandom.' As for the full reveal, fans will have to wait. The mascot will be filled by current students via a tryout, common practice across college athletics. Gray said it's custom not to reveal said students' identities until their tenure concludes. While bison paraphernalia should be available moving into the summer, Tuesday's profile shot from behind of Hoosier surveying the athletics campus in Bloomington might be fans' best look at the real thing for a while. When asked when he would make his first public appearance, Gray responded simply: 'Stay tuned.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Heights Crematory hit with more than 30 lawsuits alleging mishandling of human remains
In the wake of the Illinois comptroller's office's decision to shut down a Chicago Heights crematory, at least 30 lawsuits have been filed by people who believe their loved ones remains were mishandled. Gabriel Hawkins, Scott Yonover and Karen Enright are representing those whose experiences with Heights Crematory include long periods of alleged improper storage of bodies and believing they received the wrong remains. Also named in many of the lawsuits are Castle Hill Funeral Home in Crown Point and Crown Cremation Services, with locations in Calumet City and Dyer, which worked with Heights. 'When loved ones contract with these kind of companies, they seek closure, and obviously that closure is not provided when their loved ones are violated,' Hawkins said during a news conference Thursday by the Indianapolis-based CohenMalad law firm. Hawkins said while about 30 lawsuits have been filed in Indiana, many more are to come, including in Illinois. Darla Smith, who said her husband, Darryl, died in August 2024, sued Heights Crematory and Crown Cremation Services April 29. Smith, who lives in Munster, said Wednesday she chose Crown Cremation to process her husband's remains after working with them after her brother died in 2017. She said Darryl, at age 60, died unexpectedly, though he had been frequently in and out of the hospital for chronic conditions over the past several years. She said Crown Cremation told her they would need between five and seven days to cremate her husband through Heights and return his remains to her. Smith said after that period passed, she was regularly calling Crown and receiving excuses as to why the remains were not ready. 'I thought it was funny, but I believed what I was being told. I had no reason not to believe that,' she said. It ultimately took 19 days before Smith was able to bring Darryl home. But since hearing about the Heights Crematory shutdown, she worries about how he was treated there and whether she has her husband's remains at all. 'I was immediately infuriated,' Smith said. 'I fear he was mistreated and just thrown in a trailer and left there. And I feel like if I hadn't kept calling, he could have been there several more weeks … It bothers me every day that I don't know whose cremains I have, because I obviously can't trust them anymore.' Smith is asking for a jury trial for her lawsuit, in hopes that Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory will be shut down for good once outrage builds about their handling of remains. But most of all, Smith said she is hoping for answers. The attorneys representing her and other plaintiffs said they are working with the comptroller's office to provide through sorting of documentation and identification tags. 'Obviously what the lawsuit provides is financial remedies, but really what's most important is the closure,' Hawkins said. Messages left Thursday with Heights Crematory and Crown Cremations were not immediately returned. Hawkins and Enright said they hope the lawsuits trigger tighter, better enforced regulations on funeral homes and crematories across Illinois. 'We want to make sure that there won't be any future victims or families that have to go through this,' Enright said. Before the state comptroller's office shut down Heights and filed a complaint to revoke the owner's license in March, officials said they performed surprise inspections in July, October and December of 2024. Each time, they found problems that the owner agreed to correct, the comptroller's office said in a news release. It took complaints of bodies stacking up on the property for state regulators to shut the crematory down and provide on-site support to process remaining bodies. The office's news release disclosed inspectors found an undisclosed refrigerated trailer that contained 19 bodies from Indiana as well as hundreds of boxes of unclaimed remains, for which the office is working to find paperwork. 'I am appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased, and we are working swiftly to strip the facility of its license,' Comptroller Susan Mendoza said in the release. 'No family should have to wonder what happened to their loved one when they pass or learn a deceased family or friend wasn't treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.' ostevens@
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Heights Crematory hit with more than 30 lawsuits alleging mishandling of human remains
In the wake of the Illinois comptroller's office's decision to shut down a Chicago Heights crematory, at least 30 lawsuits have been filed by people who believe their loved ones remains were mishandled. Gabriel Hawkins, Scott Yonover and Karen Enright are representing those whose experiences with Heights Crematory include long periods of alleged improper storage of bodies and believing they received the wrong remains. Also named in many of the lawsuits are Castle Hill Funeral Home in Crown Point and Crown Cremation Services, with locations in Calumet City and Dyer, which worked with Heights. 'When loved ones contract with these kind of companies, they seek closure, and obviously that closure is not provided when their loved ones are violated,' Hawkins said during a news conference Thursday by the Indianapolis-based CohenMalad law firm. Hawkins said while about 30 lawsuits have been filed in Indiana, many more are to come, including in Illinois. Darla Smith, who said her husband, Darryl, died in August 2024, sued Heights Crematory and Crown Cremation Services April 29. Smith, who lives in Munster, said Wednesday she chose Crown Cremation to process her husband's remains after working with them after her brother died in 2017. She said Darryl, at age 60, died unexpectedly, though he had been frequently in and out of the hospital for chronic conditions over the past several years. She said Crown Cremation told her they would need between five and seven days to cremate her husband through Heights and return his remains to her. Smith said after that period passed, she was regularly calling Crown and receiving excuses as to why the remains were not ready. 'I thought it was funny, but I believed what I was being told. I had no reason not to believe that,' she said. It ultimately took 19 days before Smith was able to bring Darryl home. But since hearing about the Heights Crematory shutdown, she worries about how he was treated there and whether she has her husband's remains at all. 'I was immediately infuriated,' Smith said. 'I fear he was mistreated and just thrown in a trailer and left there. And I feel like if I hadn't kept calling, he could have been there several more weeks … It bothers me every day that I don't know whose cremains I have, because I obviously can't trust them anymore.' Smith is asking for a jury trial for her lawsuit, in hopes that Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory will be shut down for good once outrage builds about their handling of remains. But most of all, Smith said she is hoping for answers. The attorneys representing her and other plaintiffs said they are working with the comptroller's office to provide through sorting of documentation and identification tags. 'Obviously what the lawsuit provides is financial remedies, but really what's most important is the closure,' Hawkins said. Messages left Thursday with Heights Crematory and Crown Cremations were not immediately returned. Hawkins and Enright said they hope the lawsuits trigger tighter, better enforced regulations on funeral homes and crematories across Illinois. 'We want to make sure that there won't be any future victims or families that have to go through this,' Enright said. Before the state comptroller's office shut down Heights and filed a complaint to revoke the owner's license in March, officials said they performed surprise inspections in July, October and December of 2024. Each time, they found problems that the owner agreed to correct, the comptroller's office said in a news release. It took complaints of bodies stacking up on the property for state regulators to shut the crematory down and provide on-site support to process remaining bodies. The office's news release disclosed inspectors found an undisclosed refrigerated trailer that contained 19 bodies from Indiana as well as hundreds of boxes of unclaimed remains, for which the office is working to find paperwork. 'I am appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased, and we are working swiftly to strip the facility of its license,' Comptroller Susan Mendoza said in the release. 'No family should have to wonder what happened to their loved one when they pass or learn a deceased family or friend wasn't treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Forbes 400: How many billionaires live in Indiana?
Forbes has released its annual list of the 400 richest people in America, collectively about $5.4 trillion — yes, with a t, as in 5,400 billions — richer than they were a year ago. How many Hoosiers made the list? The Bloomington 62-year-old is the richest person in Indiana. His estimated $10.7 billion wealth was made in the medical device business. Cook took over as CEO of Cook Group in 2011 when his father died. Forbes ranks him as the 89th-richest American. The Indianapolis-based real estate mogul is Indiana's second-wealthiest resident and tied for 256th-richest American. Forbes lists the 89-year-old Simon's net worth at $5.1 billion. He and his late brother Melvin founded the Simon Property Group in 1960, giving him a local connection: University Park Mall in Mishawaka is a Simon Property Group property. Simon also owns 80% of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. The third Hoosier billionaire is Jim Irsay, who inherited the Indianapolis Colts from his father, Robert, in 1997. Irsay died Wednesday, May 21, after he was included in the Forbes rankings. A 65-year-old Carmel resident, Forbes lists his net worth as $4.8 billion, which places him 278th in the ranking of richest Americans. He was named the Colts general manager in 1984 at the age of 24. Upon his father's death, he became 100% owner of the team. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Ranking the richest Hoosiers Sign in to access your portfolio
