National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Hits New 12-Month High – What’s Next?

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $206.12 and last traded at $202.7050, with a volume of 15037 shares. The stock had previously closed at $201.53.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Robert W. Baird raised National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. BMO Capital Markets upgraded National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, May 18th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a research report 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Buy”.

National HealthCare Price Performance

The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $186.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $163.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.13 billion, a PE ratio of 25.55 and a beta of 0.64.

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

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

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

Insider Activity at National HealthCare

In other news, Director Lisa Piercey purchased 949 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 1st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $184.26 per share, with a total value of $174,862.74. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 949 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $174,862.74. This represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 13.92% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On National HealthCare

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NHC. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new stake in National HealthCare during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Quarry LP increased its stake in shares of National HealthCare by 171.9% in the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 261 shares of the company’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of National HealthCare in the fourth quarter worth about $42,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of National HealthCare by 28.5% in 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. Finally, Simplex Trading LLC raised its position in shares of National HealthCare by 140.0% in the fourth quarter. Simplex Trading LLC now owns 348 shares of the company’s stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares during the period. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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.