National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Sets New 12-Month High – Time to Buy?

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $215.76 and last traded at $212.71, with a volume of 99034 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $211.36.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

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

National HealthCare Stock Up 0.6%

The company has a 50-day moving average of $189.78 and a 200 day moving average of $165.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 27.03 and a beta of 0.63.

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

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 30th will be paid a $0.67 dividend. This is an increase from National HealthCare’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.64. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 30th. National HealthCare’s payout ratio is 61.89%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other National HealthCare news, Director Lisa Piercey acquired 949 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 1st. The stock was bought at an average price of $184.26 per share, with a total value of $174,862.74. Following the purchase, the director owned 949 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,862.74. The trade was a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 13.92% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in shares of National HealthCare during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Quarry LP increased its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 171.9% in the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 261 shares of the company’s stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares during the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Simplex Trading LLC lifted its position in National HealthCare by 140.0% during the fourth quarter. Simplex Trading LLC now owns 348 shares of the company’s stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in National HealthCare by 28.5% during the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 311 shares of the company’s stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other 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.