National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Sees Unusually-High Trading Volume – Time to Buy?

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) shares saw an uptick in trading volume on Friday . 91,904 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 17% from the previous session’s volume of 111,191 shares.The stock last traded at $223.14 and had previously closed at $222.26.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

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

National HealthCare Stock Down 0.2%

The stock has a market capitalization of $3.48 billion, a PE ratio of 24.96 and a beta of 0.61. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $218.93 and its 200-day moving average is $189.65.

National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 6th. The company reported $1.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $408.03 million during the quarter. National HealthCare had a return on equity of 10.03% and a net margin of 9.00%.

National HealthCare Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 30th will be given a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 30th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. National HealthCare’s dividend payout ratio is presently 61.89%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other National HealthCare news, CEO Stephen Fowler Flatt sold 1,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $237.08, for a total value of $355,620.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 65,487 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $15,525,657.96. This trade represents a 2.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Lisa Piercey bought 949 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Monday, June 1st. The shares were bought at an average price of $184.26 per share, for a total transaction of $174,862.74. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 949 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,862.74. This represents a ∞ increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. 13.92% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of National HealthCare

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in National HealthCare during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Quarry LP lifted its position in shares of National HealthCare by 171.9% during the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 261 shares of the company’s stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 165 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Kestra Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the 4th quarter worth approximately $42,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 56.44% of the company’s stock.

About National HealthCare

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.