Louisiana State Employees Retirement System Makes New $878,000 Investment in National HealthCare Corporation $NHC

Louisiana State Employees Retirement System acquired a new position in National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 5,500 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $878,000.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. M Holdings Securities Inc. bought a new stake in National HealthCare during the third quarter worth $56,283,000. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in National HealthCare by 38.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,038,787 shares of the company’s stock valued at $142,407,000 after acquiring an additional 289,566 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in National HealthCare by 556.4% during the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 207,483 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,211,000 after acquiring an additional 175,873 shares during the last quarter. Eversept Partners LP bought a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the 4th quarter worth $3,918,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of National HealthCare by 43.5% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 85,781 shares of the company’s stock worth $11,760,000 after acquiring an additional 26,020 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 56.44% of the company’s stock.

Insider Activity

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

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently commented on NHC shares. Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, May 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. BMO Capital Markets raised shares of National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, May 18th. Two research 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 presently has a consensus rating of “Buy”.

National HealthCare Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN:NHC opened at $218.44 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.76 and a beta of 0.63. The company’s 50-day moving average is $191.83 and its 200 day moving average is $167.11. National HealthCare Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $93.54 and a fifty-two week high of $219.03.

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

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 30th. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. This is an increase from National HealthCare’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.64. National HealthCare’s payout ratio is currently 61.89%.

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.