National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Reaches New 12-Month High – Here’s Why

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) shares reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $205.90 and last traded at $201.53, with a volume of 667141 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $191.10.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Robert W. Baird upgraded National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, May 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Buy”.

National HealthCare Trading Up 5.5%

The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $182.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $161.16. The company has a market cap of $3.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.61 and a beta of 0.64.

National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 7th. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter. National HealthCare had a net margin of 8.10% and a return on equity of 9.98%. The business had revenue of $381.82 million during the quarter.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 30th will be given a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 30th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. This is an increase from National HealthCare’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.64. National HealthCare’s dividend payout ratio is 59.12%.

Insider Activity at National HealthCare

In related news, Director Lisa Piercey acquired 949 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 1st. The stock was acquired at an average price of $184.26 per share, for a total transaction of $174,862.74. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 949 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $174,862.74. This trade represents a ∞ increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 13.92% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On National HealthCare

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Militia Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the 1st quarter valued at about $2,827,000. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in National HealthCare by 65.9% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 27,513 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,394,000 after acquiring an additional 10,930 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in National HealthCare by 28.5% during the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 311 shares of the company’s stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. Regal Partners Ltd bought a new stake in National HealthCare in the first quarter valued at approximately $304,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its stake in National HealthCare by 1.2% in the first quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 6,048 shares of the company’s stock valued at $966,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

National HealthCare Company Profile

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC) is a healthcare services company specializing in long-term care and post-acute rehabilitation. The company operates skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities and outpatient therapy clinics. Through its subsidiary, National HealthCare Partners, NHC provides contract rehabilitation services, pharmacy management and clinical consulting to a broad network of senior living and healthcare providers.

Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, National HealthCare Corporation has built a regional footprint across the southeastern and south-central United States.